Market Trends of Asia-Pacific Agricultural Sprayer Industry
Field Sprayers Dominates the Market
Field sprayers have become essential tools in the Asia-Pacific agricultural equipment market, driven by their efficiency and cost-effectiveness in crop protection and fertilization. These machines are widely used in cultivating crops such as paddy, cotton, and sugarcane, addressing the need for higher productivity amidst declining agricultural labor. In June 2022, Kubota, a Japanese company, introduced a new line of high-value crop sprayers. The XTA21, XTA22, XTA24, XTA31, XTA33, and XTA63 models cover pest and disease protection needs in fruit and nut orchards, citrus, vine, and olive plantations. The adoption of mechanized solutions has accelerated due to industrialization and a gradual shift away from labor-intensive practices, especially on small farms with divided plots and complex terrains.
Technological advancements in sprayer design, including GPS-enabled systems and drone-based solutions, are transforming the market landscape. In May 2023, Kubota Corporation expanded its product line of self-propelled agricultural sprayers with enhanced GPS and sensor capabilities to increase efficiency and reduce chemical usage in rice and crop farming across Southeast Asia. These innovations offer increased precision, reduced chemical wastage, and improved efficiency. The International Labor Organization (ILO) reported a significant decline in agricultural employment in countries like China, with the workforce shrinking from 24.1% in 2022 to 22.8% in 2023. This ongoing labor shortage has compelled many farmers to transition to mechanized field sprayers to ensure productivity and efficiency.
In 2022, the University of Agriculture in Pakistan conducted a study that highlighted the rising demand for tractor-mounted field sprayers. These sprayers were particularly effective for smallholders, reducing spraying costs to USD 95–140 per hectare. Their affordability and adaptability made them a preferred choice, especially for crops requiring frequent pesticide and fertilizer applications. This period also saw growing government support for mechanization through subsidies, further boosting adoption rates among farmers in the region.
Farmers have begun favoring eco-friendly and autonomous spraying technologies, particularly for large-scale operations. Government policies promoting sustainable agriculture and precision farming have provided additional impetus for growth in the field sprayers market. While small farms will continue to rely on affordable and versatile options, large-scale farms are set to adopt advanced technologies, including AI-enabled sprayers, to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability. This evolving market dynamic highlights the critical role of field sprayers in shaping the future of agriculture in the region during the forecast period.
China Dominates The Market
China leads the agricultural sprayer market, driven by its increasing focus on mechanization and the growing need for efficient pest and disease management. This trend has accelerated the adoption of sprayers, enabling farmers to apply pesticides precisely, thus improving efficiency and reducing residue on crops. The country’s primary agricultural machinery manufacturing hubs are located in Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Liaoning, and Zhejiang provinces.
The growing demand for enhanced agricultural productivity to meet the needs of China's large population further supports this trend. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China's total grain output increased by 1.3 percent, reaching 695.41 million metric tons in 2023, up from 686.53 million metric tons in 2022. To sustain this growing productivity, China needs to boost farm mechanization, including the use of agricultural sprayers, during the forecast period.
China is also a significant exporter of agricultural sprayers globally. ITC Trade map data shows that China exported portable sprayers worth USD 467.7 million in 2023, an increase from USD 457.6 million in 2022. The rising awareness of pest and disease management, combined with ongoing innovation, highlights the growing importance of sprayers in ensuring efficient and environmentally responsible farming practices.
The combined efforts of agricultural institutions, government initiatives, and market players are gradually enhancing sprayer adoption across China. A study by Wuhan University demonstrated the effectiveness of sprayers in managing weeds, pests, and diseases in Wuhan province farmlands. This advancement is particularly notable in grain production, where mechanization has become widespread.
Moreover, in 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MOA) of China issued more than USD 1.64 billion as the central government's subsidies for agricultural machinery purchases. China aims to achieve a comprehensive mechanization rate of 75% by 2025. Hence, the increasing focus on farm mechanization and the government’s urge to make the high productivity the country’s agricultural sprayers market is anticipated to boost sales and lead to innovations, such as driverless machinery, during the forecast period.
