세계 농업용 미량영양소 시장 규모는 2024년 62억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 2033년까지 시장 규모가 115억 달러에 달하고, 2025-2033년 6.80%의 연평균 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측했습니다. 식물의 미량영양소 결핍에 대한 인식 증가, 농업 기술의 발전, 엽록소 합성을 촉진하는 미량영양소의 유익한 측면에 대한 인식 증가는 시장을 주도하는 주요 요인 중 일부입니다.
농업용 미량영양소는 식물이 성장과 발달에 비교적 적은 양을 필요로 하는 필수 미네랄입니다. 아연(Zn), 구리(Cu), 망간(Mn), 몰리브덴(Mo), 철(Fe), 붕소(B) 등입니다. 이들은 결핍을 보충하고 더 건강한 식물과 더 나은 수확을 가져와 작물의 수확량과 품질을 크게 향상시킬 수 있습니다. 또한, 식물이 다량 영양소를 보다 효과적으로 흡수하고 이용할 수 있도록 도와 비료의 낭비를 줄입니다. 또한 가뭄, 질병, 극한의 기온 등 환경 스트레스에 견디는 식물의 능력을 향상시켜 전반적인 회복력을 높입니다.
현재 미량영양소가 풍부한 작물은 인간과 동물의 영양 개선에 기여하고 건강 문제로 이어지는 결핍증에 대처하기 위해 농업용 미량영양소에 대한 수요 증가가 시장 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 이와 더불어, 광합성 과정에서 햇빛을 흡수하여 에너지로 전환하는 데 필요한 색소인 엽록소의 합성을 촉진하는 미량영양소의 유익한 측면에 대한 인식이 높아지면서 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 또한 건강을 유지하고 많은 만성 질환의 발생을 예방하기 위해 신선한 과일과 녹색 잎채소의 소비가 증가하고 있는 것도 시장 전망을 밝게 하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 지식 교환, 기술 이전, 종합적인 미량영양소 솔루션 개발을 촉진하기 위해 주요 산업 기업, 농업 연구 기관 및 각국 정부 기관 간의 협력이 증가하면서 시장 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
농작물의 미량영양소 결핍에 대한 인식 제고
농작물의 미량영양소 결핍에 대한 인식이 높아지면서 현재 농업용 미량영양소 시장의 성장에 긍정적인 영향을 미치고 있습니다. 이와 더불어 아연, 철, 구리, 망간, 붕소 등 필수 미량영양소 결핍이 작물의 건강과 수확량 잠재력을 심각하게 손상시킨다는 사실을 농부들이 인식하게 되면서, 미량영양소가 풍부한 비료와 토양 개량제에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 또한, 진행 중인 연구 및 교육 캠페인은 시장 모멘텀에 적극적으로 기여하고 있습니다. 현재 농업 보급 서비스, 학술 기관 및 산업 단체는 미량영양소 결핍, 작물 성장에 미치는 악영향, 미량영양소 보충제를 농법에 도입할 경우의 이점에 대한 정보를 전파하고 있습니다. 이러한 지속적인 지식의 보급은 미량영양소가 강화된 농업 투입물을 농가에 도입하도록 유도하고 있습니다.
지속 가능한 농업으로의 전환이 진행 중
현재 지속 가능한 농업으로의 전환이 가속화되면서 농업용 미량영양소에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 이와 더불어, 농부들과 농업 이해관계자들은 자원의 효율적 이용, 환경 영향 감소, 작물 수확량 증가를 우선시하는 지속 가능한 농법을 도입하고 있습니다. 이러한 지속가능성으로의 패러다임 전환에 따라 아연, 철, 구리, 망간, 붕소 등 다양한 형태의 농업용 미량영양소를 활용해야 합니다. 또한, 지속 가능한 방식으로 생산된 식품에 대한 소비자의 선호도가 높아지면서 농부들은 토양을 건강하게 만들고 화학비료와 농약의 필요성을 최소화하는 방법을 채택하고 있습니다. 미량영양소는 식물의 영양소 흡수를 촉진하고 토양 구조를 개선하며 농작업의 전반적인 환경 발자국을 줄이기 때문에 이러한 전환에 필수적입니다.
농업 기술의 발전
현재 농업 기술의 끊임없는 발전은 농업용 미량영양소 시장의 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 농부들은 작물을 정확하게 모니터링하고 관리하기 위해 위성항법장치(GPS) 가이드 기계, 드론, 위성사진 등 최첨단 기술을 도입하고 있습니다. 이러한 실시간 데이터 기반 접근 방식은 토양과 작물의 특정 영양소 결핍에 대응하기 위해 미량영양소를 표적화하여 최적의 미량영양소 적용을 가능하게 합니다. 또한, 그 결과 작물 수확량이 증가하고 제품 품질이 향상되어 미량영양소 제품에 대한 수요가 촉진됩니다. 또한, 농업 기술 분야의 연구개발(R&D) 활동은 혁신적인 미량영양소 제제 및 전달 시스템 개발을 촉진하고 있습니다. 이러한 최첨단 솔루션은 작물의 영양소 섭취를 촉진하고, 낭비를 최소화하며, 영양소 이용 효율을 극대화하도록 설계되었습니다.
The global agricultural micronutrients market size reached USD 6.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 11.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.80% during 2025-2033. The growing awareness about micronutrient deficiencies in plants, rising advancements in agricultural technology, and increasing awareness about the beneficial aspects of micronutrients for facilitating chlorophyll synthesis are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Agricultural micronutrients are essential minerals that plants need in relatively small quantities for their growth and development. They are typically categorized into several groups, including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), and boron (B). They can significantly increase crop yield and quality by correcting deficiencies and leading to more robust plants and better harvests. They also help plants take up and utilize macronutrients more effectively, reducing fertilizer wastage. They improve the ability of a plant to withstand environmental stresses, such as drought, disease, and extreme temperatures, thereby increasing overall resilience.
At present, the increasing demand for agricultural micronutrients as micronutrient-rich crops contribute to better human and animal nutrition, addressing deficiencies that can lead to health issues is impelling the growth of the market. Besides this, the rising awareness about the beneficial aspects of micronutrients for facilitating chlorophyll synthesis, which is the pigment needed for capturing sunlight and converting it into energy during photosynthesis, is contributing to the growth of the market. In addition, the growing consumption of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables to stay fit and prevent the occurrence of numerous chronic diseases is offering a favorable market outlook. Apart from this, increasing collaborations between key industry players, agricultural research institutions, and governing agencies of various countries to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the development of comprehensive micronutrient solutions are supporting the growth of the market.
Growing awareness about micronutrient deficiencies in crops
The growing awareness about micronutrient deficiencies in crops is currently exerting a positive influence on the growth of the agricultural micronutrient market. Besides this, as farmers are increasingly realizing that deficiencies in essential micronutrients, such as zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and boron can significantly impair the health and yield potential of their crops, the demand for micronutrient-rich fertilizers and soil amendments that can address these deficiencies are rising. Furthermore, ongoing research and education campaigns are actively contributing to the momentum of the market. Agricultural extension services, academic institutions, and industry associations are currently disseminating information on micronutrient deficiencies, their adverse effects on crop growth, and the benefits of incorporating micronutrient supplements into farming practices. This continuous dissemination of knowledge is driving farmers to adopt micronutrient-enriched agricultural inputs.
Increasing shift towards sustainable agriculture
At present, the increasing shift towards sustainable agriculture is propelling the demand for agricultural micronutrients. Besides this, farmers and agricultural stakeholders are embracing sustainable agriculture methods, which prioritize the efficient use of resources, reduction of environmental impacts, and enhancement of crop yields. This paradigm shift towards sustainability necessitates the utilization of agricultural micronutrients in various forms, such as zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and boron, among others. Moreover, the growing consumer preference for sustainably produced food products is spurring farmers to employ practices that enhance soil health and minimize the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Micronutrients are integral to this transition, as they facilitate nutrient uptake by plants, improve soil structure, and reduce the overall environmental footprint of farming operations.
Rising advancements in agricultural technology
Presently, the continuous advancements in agricultural technology are contributing to the growth of the agricultural micronutrient market. Besides this, farmers are employing cutting-edge technologies, such as global positioning system (GPS)-guided machinery, drones, and satellite imagery to precisely monitor and manage their crops. This real-time data-driven approach allows for targeted and optimized application of micronutrients to address specific nutrient deficiencies in soil and crops. Moreover, it results in increased crop yields and improved product quality, stimulating the demand for micronutrient products. Furthermore, the research and development (R&D) activities in the field of agricultural technology are fostering the development of innovative micronutrient formulations and delivery systems. These state-of-the-art solutions are designed to enhance nutrient uptake by crops, minimize wastage, and maximize the efficiency of nutrient utilization.
Zinc dominates the market
Zinc is employed as an essential micronutrient for plants and plays a crucial role in agriculture. It is involved in the uptake and transport of other essential nutrients in plants, such as phosphorus and iron. It aids in the synthesis of certain enzymes and proteins necessary for nutrient absorption, making it vital for overall plant health. It is a component of several enzymes involved in photosynthesis. Adequate zinc levels in plants can enhance photosynthetic efficiency, leading to increased crop yields. It is essential for respiration and various metabolic processes within plants. It plays a role in the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, which are fundamental for growth and development. Zinc plays a role in fruit development and maturation. It can impact the size, quality, and nutritional content of fruits, which is important for both commercial and subsistence farming.
Cereals hold the largest share in the market
Cereals, like other crops, require agricultural micronutrients to grow and develop properly. Besides this, micronutrients serve as cofactors for enzymes involved in numerous metabolic pathways within the plant. Micronutrients can influence the uptake and transport of other nutrients, including macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Micronutrients like manganese (Mn) and magnesium (Mg) are involved in the photosynthesis process, helping to convert sunlight into energy and produce carbohydrates. When cereal crops do not receive an adequate supply of these micronutrients, they can exhibit various deficiency symptoms, such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, reduced yield, and increased susceptibility to diseases and environmental stressors. To address these issues and optimize crop production, farmers often use fertilizers containing micronutrients or amend soils with micronutrient-rich materials.
Chelated hold the biggest share in the market
Chelated agricultural micronutrients are an important component of modern farming practices. Chelation enhances the solubility and availability of micronutrients, ensuring that plants can absorb them more easily. Apart from this, chelated micronutrients are less likely to react with other elements in the soil, reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies. They can be applied effortlessly to plant leaves, which is an effective way to address micronutrient deficiencies quickly. Chelated micronutrients are available in various forms, including chelated iron, chelated zinc, chelated manganese, and chelated copper, which can be applied to the soil (as soil amendments) or directly to plants (foliar sprays). The choice of application method relies on the specific nutrient deficiency, the crop, and the stage of growth.
Soil holds the maximum share in the market
Soils require agricultural micronutrients, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo) to promote healthier and more productive crops. In some cases, soil may contain excessive levels of certain micronutrients, which can be harmful to plants. Proper micronutrient management helps maintain optimal levels, preventing toxic conditions. Moreover, ensuring that micronutrients are available in the soil in the right quantities helps plants make more efficient use of macronutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This can reduce the overall fertilizer requirements and minimize nutrient runoff, which can be environmentally harmful. Micronutrients are often referred to as "nutrient catalysts" because they facilitate the uptake and utilization of other nutrients. Their presence in the soil can help balance nutrient uptake, ensuring that plants have access to all the essential elements they need for growth.
Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest agricultural micronutrients market share
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.
Asia Pacific held the biggest market share due to the increasing demand for sustainably grown crops among the masses. Besides this, the rising focus on the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural practices to reduce wastage and carbon footprint is contributing to the market growth. Apart from this, increasing concerns of soil depletion due to the over-cultivation of crops over a certain area of land are supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the rising intensification of crops to produce more in limited arable land is strengthening the growth of the market.
North America is estimated to expand further in this domain due to the rising consumption of plant-based diets among the masses. Moreover, the increasing focus on crop quality improvement by incorporating higher nutritional content and better resistance to diseases and pests in various crop varieties is bolstering the growth of the market.
Key market players are investing in research operations to develop new micronutrient products that are more effective and environmentally friendly. They are also developing micronutrient formulations with improved nutrient availability and efficiency. Top companies are expanding their product portfolios to offer a wider range of micronutrient solutions to cater to different crops, soil types, and regions, thereby increasing their market share. They are also focusing on expanding their presence in new geographic regions or strengthening their existing distribution networks to reach more farmers. Leading companies are working on developing micronutrient products that have a limited environmental impact, such as those with lower application rates or products that minimize nutrient runoff. They are also organizing training programs and workshops to increase awareness among farmers about the importance of micronutrients for crop health and yield.