The global antibacterial market in agriculture is projected to reach USD 11.89 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. The market growth is driven by multiple factors such as the rise in the need for food security for the growing population, advancement in farming practices and technologies, and ease of application of antibacterial in agriculture. The antibacterial market is further driven by factors such as the increase in demand for fruits & vegetables, increase in acceptance for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by farmers, and high opportunities in developing countries.
The antibacterial market has been segmented on the basis of type, crop type, form, method of application, and region. Based on type, antibacterial market has been segmented into copper-based, dithiocarbamate, amide, and antibiotics. The dithiocarbamate segment is poised to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. In 2015, copper-based antibacterials were dominant in the global market, owing to the high level of bactericidal activity associated with copper. However, the emergence of dithiocarbamate and its effect on a broad spectrum of pathogens have encouraged manufacturers to adopt this class of chemicals for bactericide development.
Based on form, water-dispersible granules accounted for a higher share in the antibacterial market for 2015. Properties such as greater stability, ease in handling during supply chain activities, and convenience in usage in a wide range of crops are the major factors contributing to the dominance of this segment. However, the markets for water-dispersible granules and wettable powder are gradually growing due to ease in transportation and shipping in the form of solid packets.
Based on mode of application, soil treatment has been projected to grow at a higher rate during the forecast period, although foliar spray is the most-preferred method adopted by end-use farmers, owing to the ease in handling and application. The market for soil treatment is rapidly growing, mainly, due to the increasing application of bactericides and other nutrition enhancers as well as due to the emergence of plant growth regulators for protection against pest attacks in the initial stage of crop production.
Based on crop type, the application of antibacterial was the highest in fruits & vegetables, especially in citrus fruits, due to high bacterial infestations, which result in production losses. Since fruits and vegetables are categorized high-value crops, the profit margins for these crops are high; and hence, end-use farmers are willing to invest in crop inputs. Also, the increasing industrial importance of cereals and oilseeds has encouraged the consumption of bactericides for major field crops such as corn and soybean.
Food&farming 