Agricultural Inoculants Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Microbe Type:

Based on microbe type, the market is categorized into bacteria, fungi, and others.

Trends in Microbe Type:

• Growing focuses on the development of mycorrhizal inoculants with improved shelf life and stability.
• Development of genetically modified microorganisms with enhanced plant growth-promoting traits.

The bacteria segment accounted for the largest market share of 61.23% in 2024.

• Bacteria dominate the agricultural inoculants market trends. These inoculants have been used for many years.
• They are used to improve crop nutrition and improve plant development. They also suppress plant diseases.
• They have a successful track of application in the agriculture industry. Also, they are cost-effective for producing and applying.
• An example is azotobacter. They promote plant development by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and producing plant growth hormones.
• Research efforts have led to the development of inoculants with new strains with improved properties.

For instance, in 2024, Asfertglobal launched an inoculant with a unique strain of Bacillus Velezensis. These new innovations have increased their reach and application in the agriculture industry, driving segment.

• Overall, as per the market analysis, the new product innovations are driving a segment in agricultural inoculants market growth.

The fungi segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Fungal inoculants are an emerging segment of the market. They offer sustainable solutions to improve crop productivity.
• They also stimulate root development. This leads to increased plant vigor.
• Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with roots. It forms this with most plant species. This enhances nutrient and water uptake.
• Trichoderma and other beneficial fungi exhibit strong biocontrol properties. They suppress a wide range of plant diseases caused by fungi, and some nematodes.
• According to market analysis, there is ongoing research that is leading to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of beneficial fungi.
• This has led to the development of more effective and efficient inoculants, driving segments.
• Also, the government banned synthetic fertilizers with further support for the market.

By Form:

Based on form, the market is categorized into solid and liquid.

Trends in the Form:

• There is a growing exploration of novel carrier materials for solid formulations to improve efficacy.
• Increased usage of nanotechnology in both forms for targeted delivery of microorganisms

The solid segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024.

• Solid dominates the agricultural inoculants market trends. These formulations incorporate carrier materials such as pets, vermiculite, or charcoal. They offer significantly improved stability during storage and transportation.
• They are compatible with traditional farming methods. They are easily applied by coating seeds or mixing directly into the soil.
• Governments are granting incentives to organizations to adopt sustainable approaches to farming.
• For instance, in 2023, the UK government launched the Sustainable Farming Incentive. This is designed to pay farmers to adopt sustainable farming. This has increased the need for solid inoculants to improve plant productivity in a natural way.
• Overall, as per the market analysis, government granting is driving segmental growth in the agricultural inoculants industry.

The liquid segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Liquid inoculants are quickly gaining popularity. This is because of their unique benefits and flexibility. This form is ready to use.
• They have active microbes that start working as soon as they’re applied. This makes them a faster-acting option for improving plant development. This is an advantage for time-sensitive farming operations.
• Moreover, liquid inoculants are applied through irrigation systems. This ensures even distribution across fields.
• This precision is valuable for farmers using advanced techniques such as precision agriculture.
• As per the market analysis, farming practices are evolving. The movement towards efficient and sustainable methods will drive the segment for the upcoming years.

By Crop Type:

Based on crop type, the market is categorized into fruits & vegetables, cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, and others.

Trends in the Crop Type:

• Increased focus on developing inoculants for specific oilseeds such as soybeans and canola.
• Growing research activities on inoculants for high-value fruit and vegetable crops.

The cereals & grains segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024.

• Cereals and grains, such as wheat, rice, and corn, are staples in many regions and countries worldwide.
• These staple crops have sheer cultivation scales requiring high yields. Farmers turn to inoculants to address nutrient deficiencies in the soil, especially nitrogen.
• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are found in many inoculants. They help these crops access the nutrients they need to develop. This reduces the dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
• Agriculture organizations and communication platforms are increasingly making farmers aware of the inoculant’s benefits.
• For instance, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board published an article in 2024, providing information on different types of beneficial microorganisms for cereal growers and how to select specific strains. This awareness has led to an increase in sales of it for cereals, driving segment.
• Overall, as per the market analysis, the growing awareness amongst farmers is driving the segment.

The fruit & vegetables segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Fruits and vegetables are an emerging segment of the market. It is becoming an important area for agricultural inoculants.
• Consumers are requiring fresh produce that is free from chemical-based fertilizers.
• Unlike staple crops, fruits and vegetables require high levels of nutrients and consistent care. Inoculants enhance nutrient availability.
• An example includes phosphate-solubilizing microbes. This helps plants access important nutrients naturally.
• This leads to better development of plants with higher yields and improved resistance to pests and diseases.
• The shift toward organic farming will drive the adoption of inoculants in fruit and vegetable farming driving segment for the forecasted period.