Food Connect India
Image default
Food Processing

Rise in awareness about health risks Associated with chemical pesticides

The rising demand for organic fruits, vegetables, and other food products has given way to the growing adoption of biopesticides in farming. Increase in the number of health-oriented people, surge in the preference for healthier food products, and rising awareness about the health risks caused by synthetic pesticides have led to the growing usage of bio-pesticides in the agriculture industry.

Biopesticides that are used to control pests are made of toxins found in living things. The rising environmental concerns and several health risks associated with chemical pesticides are driving the growth of the market globally.

According to a recent report published by Allied Market Research, the global bio pesticides market is expected to showcase a noteworthy CAGR from 2022 to 2031. The growing demand for biopesticides is impelling the market players to broaden their product range and distribution network so as to expand their market reach and consumer base.

For example, AgBioChem, Inc., AgBiTech Pty Ltd., Ajay Bio-Tech Ltd., Amit Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Kemin industries, and Novozymes A/S are among the major players that have adopted various competitive strategies such as mergers & acquisitions and joint ventures to build on their stand in the market.  For example, BASF closed the procurement of a number of businesses from Bayer in August 2018, to supplement its own efforts in crop protection, biotechnology, and digital farming.

At the same time, the deal represented BASF’s debut in the seed treatment industry, which includes seeds, non-selective herbicides, and nematicides.

In February 2019, Nuform Ltd., announced the acquisition of Trunemco, a segment of BASF. BASF designed and created the nematode management and seed treatment technology known as Trunemco. It makes use of both microorganisms and biochemicals. The seed treatment solution stops the spread of organisms that infect the seeds of various crops. Extensive research undertaken by key market players in the biopesticides industry would help in pest resistance and increased yield & quality.

In 2020, Seipasa- the Spanish company expert in developing and formulating biostimulants, fertilizers, and biopesticides, collaborated with the Technical University of Valencia (UPV) on developing new biopesticides through the Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (IAM). In February 2020, Stockton Bio Ag teamed up with ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd., to sell bio fungicides in the Equadorian marketplace.

New and effective product launch is another strategy used by the key market players. For example, in March 2020, ‘Modex,’ a top product of Andermatt Biocontrol AG, has been authorized for use in Sweden and Israel to prevent codling Moths in pome fruit orchards. At the same time, Marrone Bio Innovations and Anasac (Chile) signed a contract in March 2020, to jointly develop and market Grandevo and Venerate bioinsecticides in Chile.

However, Syngenta AG and Novozymes announced the launch of TAEGRO, their customized bio fungicide, in the markets across Latin America and Europe in April 2020. In February 2020, Simbiose Agrotechnology Biologica, in partnership with Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), designed the first biopesticide to control the soybean looper in Brazil. Bayer AG launched the latest biological and pheromone-based crop protection product to manage pests on citrus fruits.

In Jan 2022, Syngenta Crop Protection AG declared the acquisition of two latest bioinsecticides, NemaTrident and Unispore, manufactured by leading biocontrol technology developer Bionema Limited.

Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. and Bioceres crop solutions announced a definitive agreement to merge the two businesses in an all-stock transaction. This deal will bring together, MBI’s pioneering work in creating biological plant health and crop protection solutions with Bioceres’ expertise in bio nutrition and seed care products to create a global leader in sustainable agricultural solutions.

UPL Limited and AISTech, a leading agricultural biological innovator from the US, announced the strategic partnership in May 2022. With this partnership on board, UPL would share out AISTech’s Biosolutions, starting with two bioinsecticides, ‘Halogen’ and ‘Fuligin.’ This partnership would be beneficial for UPL to develop its bioinsecticides portfolio.

Recently developed technologies in the biopesticide market:
• Microbial species, like beneficial fungi, viruses, or bacteria, which act as pesticides.
• Natural materials with pesticidal characteristics, such as diatomaceous earth.
• Plant extracts such as neem, pyrethrum, and others.
• Biological seed treatment that involves a cross-section of technologies and is used as protectants and stimulants.

Covid-19 impact on the global biopesticides market:
The outbreak of the pandemic led to several restrictions on travel, which in turn gave way to the closure of production facilities across the world. Due to frequent lockdowns that disrupted production and trade movements, the industry also experienced severe labor shortages.

However, as the situation across the world started returning to normalcy, adoption of bio-based crop protection chemicals also got reinstated. Various Governmental organisations are now constantly introducing subsidiaries and programs, which has heightened the demand for these products yet again, thus helping the market recover fast.

Related posts

Food processing sector can boost farmers’ income, create thousands of jobs: CII report

foodconnectindia

Automation & robotics in food & beverage industry

foodconnectindia

Food Safety Works gears to organise India Food Safety Conclave 2023 on June 23

foodconnectindia

Leave a Comment