Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market Trends

International demand for onion and favorable market prices are driving onion cultivation in the region

• Asia-Pacific is one of the major regions in the world concerning the production of onions with the presence of major onion-producing countries. In 2022, the area under onion cultivation in Asia-Pacific accounted for 4.1 million hectares. The onion acreage in the region increased by 24.2% between 2017 and 2022, which is attributed to the demand for onion from the fresh food market and the increase in market prices from international markets. The area under cultivation of onion in the region declined by 2.9% in 2019 compared to 2018 due to the abnormally heavy monsoon rains declining the area harvested and reduction in market prices in a few countries.
• In Asia-Pacific, India was the major country concerning the area under onion cultivation which accounted for 43.3% of the acreage in 2022. The area under cultivation of onion in the country increased by 26.8% between 2017 and 2022. It is associated with favorable market prices either from private players or government procurement and the increase in export markets. For instance, the export of onion from India to the rest of the world increased by 48% in 2022 compared to 2021. China was the major country after India which occupied 29.8% of the area under onion cultivation in the region in 2022. Even though China and India are major countries in onion production, the genetic base, soil conditions, and flavor of onions are different and have higher demand for their own characteristics.
• Indonesia and Bangladesh are a few major countries in terms of the area under cultivation of onion in the region, which increased during the historic period. However, the adoption of commercial hybrids and increased exposure to the export market is estimated to drive India faster in the region.

Disease resistant and quality attributes are the most popular onion traits in the region, alongside growing consumption

• In Asia-Pacific, onion seed is one of the largest and most consumed vegetable seeds. The increasing demand for onions from consumers has boosted the market. Therefore, the need for consistent quality and increased productivity is increasing, and several traits are being incorporated for efficient performance in the field. Quality attributes such as long-day storage, attractive color, either red or white, and early or late maturity are the key traits adopted to fetch higher prices.
• The major traits preferred by growers in the region are disease resistance to pink root and downy mildew. In India and China, varieties with disease resistance to purple blotch are widely cultivated. Major companies are developing onion seed varieties through research stations, agricultural universities, and coordinated projects in the country. For instance, in 2021, Bejo and De Groot en Slot launched the first downy mildew-resistant shallot from seed, which was named Innovator.
• The major seed companies, such as Bayer AG, BASF SE, Groupe Limagrain, East-West Seeds, Sakata Seeds Corporation, and Bejo Zaden BV, are developing varieties with a focus on high-yielding, attractive color, and winter adaptability traits. The combination of multiple disease-resistant traits with quality attributes such as size and color has been gaining popularity in the region to earn higher profits.
• Therefore, high-quality onions with high disease resistance and increased shelf life and product innovations with quality attribute traits are anticipated to increase the demand for these seeds during the forecast period.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Breeding Technology

Hybrids Segment in Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market

The hybrid onion seed segment dominates the Asia-Pacific onion seed market, accounting for approximately 77% of the market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the segment's superior attributes, including high yield potential, disease resistance, and uniform bulb size characteristics. Bangladesh and India are the major adopters of hybrid onion seed in the region, together accounting for over 50% of the hybrid seed usage. The popularity of hybrid varieties is particularly strong due to their resistance to diseases like purple blotch and downy mildew, along with enhanced traits such as long shelf life and storage capacity. Major seed companies are actively developing new hybrid varieties with improved disease resistance and quality attributes to maintain their market position and meet the growing demand from commercial farmers.

Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives Segment in Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market

The open pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives segment is projected to exhibit the fastest growth in the Asia-Pacific onion seed market during 2024-2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 6%. This growth is primarily attributed to the segment's cost-effectiveness and high adaptability to local conditions. The segment's expansion is particularly strong in countries like India and China, where farmers value these varieties for their ability to produce seeds for subsequent seasons. The growth is further supported by the development of improved open-pollinated varieties that offer better resistance to regional pests and diseases. The segment's lower input requirements and reduced reliance on hybrid seed imports make it an attractive option for small-scale farmers, contributing to its accelerated growth trajectory.

Segment Analysis: Cultivation Mechanism

Open Field Segment in Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market

The open field cultivation segment dominates the Asia-Pacific onion seed market, accounting for approximately 100% of the total market share in 2024. This complete dominance is attributed to onion being a temperate crop that requires larger cultivation areas, making open field cultivation the most practical and economically viable option. The segment's stronghold is further reinforced by the lack of technological innovations in protected cultivation methods for onions and farmers' preference to cultivate crops according to seasonal patterns. In the open field segment, hybrid seeds have gained significant traction due to their high-yielding characteristics, uniform bulb size, disease resistance traits, and early maturity features. The segment's growth is particularly driven by increasing demand from major producing countries like India and China, where varieties with disease resistance to purple blotch are widely cultivated. However, the segment faces challenges from climate change impacts, including prolonged drought, excessive rainfall, rising average temperatures, and the emergence of new pests and diseases, which affect onion production in open field conditions. Additionally, the growing interest in organic onion seed and sustainable farming practices is influencing the market dynamics, as farmers explore onion propagation techniques that align with environmental goals.

Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market Geography Segment Analysis

Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market in India

India maintains its dominant position in the Asia-Pacific onion seed market, commanding approximately 31% of the total market value in 2024. The country's leadership in the market is attributed to its extensive onion cultivation infrastructure and favorable agricultural conditions. The major onion-producing states include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, with Maharashtra alone contributing to one-third of the country's onion production. Popular varieties like Agrifound Dark Red, Agrifound Light Red, NHRDF Red, Agrifound White, Pusa Ratnar, and Pusa Red continue to dominate the cultivation landscape. The hybrid segment maintains strong momentum in the market, driven by farmers' increasing preference for disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties. The country's robust export potential and growing domestic demand continue to drive market expansion, while research institutions actively develop improved varieties to enhance productivity and disease resistance.

Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market in Indonesia

Indonesia emerges as the most dynamic market in the Asia-Pacific region, with projections indicating a robust growth rate of approximately 7% from 2024 to 2029. The country's onion seed market is primarily driven by the cultivation of red onion seed (Red Creole) and white onion seed (Yellow Granex) varieties. Central Java province leads the country's onion production, contributing about half of the national output, benefiting from soil conditions rich in organic matter. The market faces several challenges, including weed control issues, thrips, maggots, and diseases such as blight and mildew, which can cause significant production losses ranging from 40-100%. These challenges have actually accelerated market growth by increasing demand for disease-resistant hybrid varieties. The processing and food industries' expanding requirements, coupled with rising market prices for onions, continue to drive market expansion. The country's focus on developing resilient seed varieties and improving agricultural practices positions it for sustained growth in the coming years.

Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has established itself as a crucial player in the Asia-Pacific onion seed market, with onion consumption rates exceeding global averages. The country's major onion-producing regions include Pabna, Faridpur, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Kushtia, Manikgonj, Jhenaidah, Magura, and Madaripur, which collectively account for nearly four-fifths of national production. The government actively participates in market stabilization through various initiatives and support mechanisms for farmers. The hybrid seed segment shows particular promise, driven by increasing adoption rates among growers seeking higher yields and better disease resistance. The country's focus on developing domestic production capabilities and reducing import dependence has led to increased investment in seed quality improvement programs. The market benefits from strong domestic demand and the essential role of onions in Bangladeshi cuisine, while efforts to improve seed quality and availability continue to shape market dynamics.

Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market in Australia

Australia has developed a sophisticated onion seed market, characterized by high adoption rates of hybrid varieties and advanced farming practices. The traditional brown variety remains the predominant onion type grown in the country, enjoying sustained market demand. South Australia and Tasmania lead the country's onion production, benefiting from favorable growing conditions and well-established agricultural infrastructure. The market demonstrates a strong preference for hybrid seeds, reflecting the industry's focus on productivity and quality. Australian onion producers maintain high standards in seed selection and cultivation practices, catering to both domestic and international markets. The country's research institutions actively work on developing varieties suited to local conditions, while the industry maintains strict quality control measures throughout the production chain. The export-oriented nature of Australian onion production continues to influence seed selection and variety development.

Asia-Pacific Onion Seed Market in Other Countries

The onion seed market in other Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and other smaller markets, exhibits diverse characteristics shaped by local agricultural practices and market demands. These markets demonstrate varying levels of hybrid seed adoption and different preferences for onion varieties based on local cultivation conditions and consumer preferences. Japan's market shows a strong inclination toward high-technology farming practices, while Thailand focuses on developing export-oriented varieties. Vietnam's market emphasizes improving domestic production capabilities, and Myanmar's market shows increasing adoption of modern farming techniques. Pakistan's market benefits from traditional farming expertise combined with modern agricultural practices, with a keen eye on onion seed price in Pakistan. The Philippines continues to develop its seed market infrastructure, while other countries in the region show growing interest in improved varieties and cultivation techniques. Each of these markets contributes to the region's diverse onion seed landscape, with varying degrees of technological adoption and market sophistication.

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We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country-level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 90+ free charts, the section covers difficult-to-find data from various regions regarding the area under cultivation for different crops within the scope