세계의 수수 종자 시장 규모는 2023년 18억 1,000만 달러에서 2031년에 27억 7,000만 달러에 달할 것으로 예측되며, 2024-2031년의 예측 기간에 CAGR로 5.45%의 성장이 전망됩니다. 시장은 다양한 용도에 대한 수요 증가와 작물 고유의 특성으로 인해 향후 수년간 안정적인 성장을 보일 것으로 예상됩니다. 수수는 가뭄에 강한 작물이기 때문에 곡물 부족에 취약한 선진국은 특히 수수를 채택하는 데 적극적입니다. 사람들은 수수의 농업적 특성과 생태학적 이점을 평가하기 시작했습니다. 건강 지향 증가와 무글루텐 동향은 영양가 및 적응성으로 인해 수수의 식품 용도에 대한 채택을 확대하고 있습니다.
수수는 단순한 식용 작물로서 뿐만 아니라 동물 영양 성분과 바이오연료 생산에 있어서도 높은 평가를 받고 있습니다. 그 구성은 가축 사료에 적합하며, 화석연료에서 다른 에너지원으로 전환하고 있는 세계에서 수수의 바이오매스 잠재력은 적절하게 활용되고 있습니다. 이는 특히 바이오에너지가 추진되고 있는 많은 국가에서 바이오연료 산업과 수수 재배의 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 기업은 농가가 수수 재배를 장려하기 위해 수수 전용 농약을 생산하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 예를 들어 2024년 10월 Sipcam Oxon S.p.A.는 수수 재배용 제초제인 Click을 출시했습니다. 이 솔루션은 옥수수 수확에 도입된 이후 최신 세대 분자 테르부틸아진(terbutylazine)의 작용으로 곡물 생산 능력을 유지하고 있습니다. Click은 발아 전과 발아 후 활성 측면에서 난방제 식물의 침입에 대한 수수 잡초 관리에 변화를 가져올 것으로 예상됩니다.
이 신흥 시장에서는 환경적 스트레스를 견디고 수확량을 극대화할 수 있는 더 나은 수수 품종을 개발하기 위해 많은 기업이 연구개발 활동에 시간과 자금을 투자하고 있습니다. 이러한 개발은 지속가능한 농업 관행, 기후 적응 및 완화 전략을 장려하는 광범위한 움직임의 일환입니다. 그 결과, 많은 지역에서 식량, 에너지, 시장의 지속가능성 측면에서 수수의 다면적인 중요성을 인식하게 되었고, 상황은 계속 변화하고 있습니다.
세계의 수수 종자 시장에 대해 조사분석했으며, 시장 규모와 예측, 시장 역학, 주요 기업의 상황 등을 제공하고 있습니다.
Global sorghum seeds market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.45% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 1.81 billion in 2023 to USD 2.77 billion in 2031. The market is poised to exhibit consistent growth over the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for various applications and the crop's inherent characteristics. Advanced regions that are susceptible to shortages of grains are particularly open to the adoption of sorghum, since it is a drought-resistant crop. People are beginning to appreciate its agronomic attributes and ecological benefits. The rise in health awareness and the gluten-free trend are leading to greater incorporation of sorghum in food applications due to its nutritional profile and adaptability.
More than just a food crop, sorghum is highly appreciated as a component of animal nutrition and in the production of biofuels. Its composition is suited for feeding livestock, and sorghum biomass potential makes it appropriate in a world that is turning away from fossil fuels to other energy sources. This has encouraged the growth of the biofuel industry and sorghum farming, particularly in many nations, where bioenergy is being promoted. Companies are engaging themselves in producing sorghum-specific pesticides to encourage farmers to grow more sorghum. For instance, in October 2024, Click herbicide was introduced by Sipcam Oxon S.p.A. for use in sorghum farming. Since its introduction for corn harvests, the solution has maintained the cereal's capacity for production due to the action of terbuthylazine, a molecule of the most recent generation. In terms of pre and post-emergence activity, Click is expected to transform sorghum weed management for infestations of difficult-to-control plants.
In this emerging market, companies are investing time and money in research and development activities to produce better sorghum hybrids, which can tolerate environmental stresses and give maximum output. This development is part of a wider movement that encourages sustainable agricultural practices, climate adaptation, and mitigation strategies. Consequently, the situation continues to shift as more areas appreciate the multifaceted importance of sorghum with respect to food, energy, and market sustainability.
Eco-friendly Food Preferences to Catalyze Market Expansion
There has been a significant increase in the demand for sorghum seeds due to the rising trends in eco-friendly foods. Sorghum has a low environmental footprint since it requires less water and fewer chemical inputs than most grains. This complements the current consumer demand for sustainable sources of food. Due to its gluten-free and healthy properties, sorghum is being incorporated into plant-based foods which resonate with healthy and environmentally friendly eating habits.
Moreover, sorghum is gaining prominence as an important component in new industries, such as cultured meat production, where it can be used as a low-cost and green feedstock. For instance, in November 2024, researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Research Institute grew prototypes of cultured pork using kafirin, a protein present in sorghum grain, as a water-insoluble, gluten-free scaffold. According to the research, cultured pork has lower mono and polyunsaturated fats and higher levels of protein and saturated fat. Additionally, it was observed that the red pigments from sorghum provided some antioxidant qualities and a pork-like appearance to the cultured meat.
As a result of the incorporation of plant-based and lab-designed protein substitutes, sorghum has been seen as a potential crop for the changing perspectives of food systems toward the production of more sustainable and ethical sources of food. This contributes to a rise in demand for sorghum seeds.
Climate Resilience to Influence the Market Growth
Due to the benefits of climate-resilient and drought-tolerant sorghum, it becomes necessary in developing regions prone to water availability and high temperatures. In contrast to most grains, sub-tropical drought-resistant sorghum can be produced in areas of low and marginal rainfall, allowing farmers to harvest a consistent crop in adverse situations. This trait is becoming more critical as agriculture is affected by climate change, with long-term droughts and erratic rainfall patterns becoming the norm.
Sorghum's deep root system and ability to conserve water, extend its viability and output in low moisture conditions, offering an efficient crop solution where other crops tend to fail. These attributes are essential for food security in such areas and present sorghum as a suitable crop for environmentally friendly agriculturalists opting for climate smart agriculture practices. Therefore, demand for drought-tolerant varieties of sorghum globally continues to increase, making it a strategic crop in sustainable agriculture.
In March 2024, Zimbabwe's seed company, Seed Co Zimbabwe, introduced two climate-resilient grain varieties to reduce the effects of climate change, including a sorghum variety, SCXH102, and SC665, a medium maize hybrid. Farmers may better adjust to changing conditions with the help of climate-smart seed varieties, specially designed to be more resilient to heat stress, drought, and other climate extremes.
Forage Sorghum to Hold a Significant Market Share
The forage sorghum seeds segment occupies a healthy portion of the overall market owing to its high yield, higher nutritional value, and sturdiness, which makes it suitable for use as livestock feed. In places with high temperatures and little water, forage sorghum is fast growing and produces biomass, quickly making it an inexpensive and a better-quality alternative to other forage crops such as maize.
Its ability to grow in dry environmental conditions, and low input costs associated with it, have been the reason for its widespread utilization by livestock ranchers across all geographical regions, especially in the dry regions. The relentless search for a more sustainable feed supply for an expansive livestock sector has almost invariably fueled the demand for forage sorghum hybrids.
In May 2024, S&W Seed Company announced the commercial introduction of Double Team Forage Sorghum, expanding its portfolio of unique and exclusive sorghum trait technologies. Growers of forage sorghum got an extravagant, non-GMO, grassy weed management option with Double Team Forage Sorghum. Double Team Grain Sorghum was first offered by S&W in 2021, and since then, it has rapidly risen to the top of the market for grain sorghum grass control traits. According to the company, it will be planted on over 10% of all grain sorghum acres in 2024, almost twice as many acres as were planted the year before.
North America to Dominate the Market Share
North America is the world's largest market for sorghum seeds, with the United States being one of the largest producers and exporters of sorghum. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, the United States was ranked as the top country in sorghum production, producing 8.07 million metric tons of sorghum. The production represented around 14% of the global sorghum production.
Moreover, the region has a well-developed agricultural system, vast agricultural land and a favorable climate for growing sorghum, which further adds to the leadership of the market. Farmers in the region are assisted by the government research programs and advanced seed technologies that develop high yield, drought resistant strains of sorghum, that help maintain production, especially when the weather is unpredictable.
Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources has led to growing uses of sorghum in producing biofuels. The energy market in North America has experienced growth in the recent past as the use of bioethanol and biomass sorghum types has been on the rise due to government policies supporting green fuels.
The rising awareness about the health benefits of gluten-free diets has created a constant supply of gluten-free sorghum foods, which has enhanced its utility. All these trends confirm North America as one of the major markets in the global sorghum seeds market, with enhanced internal regional development and external sales development.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
The expected impact of climate change, coupled with the existing water scarcity will likely increase the demand for sorghum where its extreme weather tolerance makes it a more reliable crop choice.
The health benefits, nutrition, and absence of gluten in sorghum will help find applications in health and specialty food markets in response to the need of the consumers for alternative green and sustainable grains.
Given the progress towards the commercialization of cultured meat, areas of focus for improvements in the cultivation of sorghum will emphasize on its increased use as a feedstock for more sustainable lab-grown protein production.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The market for sorghum seeds is dynamic as competition between the players is related to innovation to meet the increasing need for food, animal feed, and biofuel sectors. Companies devote significant amounts of money to research and development activities to produce high-yield, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant sorghum hybrids that will grow in varied environments. The increasing variety of crops is associated with climate change concerns, which makes sorghum an ideal crop in areas with water deficiency and poor soil.
Several players in the sector are increasing collaborations with academic centers and other companies to develop genetic characteristics and investigate the various prospects of the crop. Acquisitions are common in the industry, leading to better market coverage and portfolio development. In March 2024, a global plant genetics company, Grupo Don Mario (GDM), strategically acquired the South American corn and sorghum business of KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA. All of KWS's corn breeding and sales operations in South America are included in the deal, along with its 700-person workforce and corn and sorghum production facilities in Brazil and Argentina.
Moreover, players are venturing into the growing health-focused segment of the market by marketing sorghum as a gluten-free healthy ingredient for certain food products. The sorghum seeds market is envisaged to be on the rise due to technological developments, strategic partnerships, and the multifunctional nature of this crop which will be key to sustainable agriculture and food security in the forecast period.
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.