MEA Biofertilizers Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 289.10 Million |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 453.40 Million |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 9.40 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
MEA Biofertilizers Market Analysis
The Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market size is estimated at USD 289.10 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 453.40 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 9.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- The Africa biofertilizers market is on the rise, propelled by multiple factors. Favorable government policies are institutionalizing biofertilizers, setting guidelines for their registration and distribution, and addressing the surging food demand through sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, numerous countries in the Middle East and Africa are championing organic farming and sustainable practices. Their goals include bolstering food security, curbing import dependencies, and safeguarding the environment. Both governments and NGOs are backing biofertilizers, offering subsidies, running awareness campaigns, and providing technical assistance. A notable example is the ACE4ES project, launched in May 2024 by the Honorable Minister at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in Kumasi. This initiative, titled “Adopt Agroecology and Circular Economy,” focuses on reducing emissions in maize and rice production through biological methods and fertilizers.
- Additionally, there's a pronounced shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural methods. In the Middle East and Africa, biofertilizers have emerged as a pivotal solution to mitigate the environmental repercussions of traditional chemical fertilizers. These conventional fertilizers often lead to pollution and enduring soil degradation. Both regions grapple with challenges like soil degradation, desertification, rising greenhouse gas emissions, and diminished soil fertility. These issues stem from the overuse of chemical fertilizers, water scarcity, and subpar agricultural practices, all of which adversely affect agriculture and crop yields. Supporting this trend, data from FAO indicates a rise in insecticide usage in Africa, jumping from 59,231 metric tons in 2021 to 59,485 metric tons in 2022. Such dynamics underscore the escalating demand for biofertilizers in the region. Thus, with increasing supportive initiatives and a concerted effort to curtail chemical fertilizer use, the market is poised for growth in the coming years.
MEA Biofertilizers Market Trends
Rising Organic Areas Under Fruits and Vegetables
In the Middle East and Africa, the adoption of biofertilizers in fruit and vegetable cultivation is on the rise. This surge can be attributed to several pivotal factors such as cost-effectiveness, sustainability, a heightened demand for organic produce, and pressing environmental concerns. Farmers are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives due to the adverse effects of synthetic chemical fertilizers, which include groundwater contamination, soil acidification, and heightened greenhouse gas emissions. Biofertilizers present an eco-friendly alternative, championing natural nutrient cycles, curbing pollution, and posing reduced harm to ecosystems. Furthermore, as global preferences shift towards organic and healthier food choices, there's been a marked uptick in demand for fruits and vegetables cultivated with minimal chemical intervention. By aligning with organic farming principles, biofertilizers bolster the production of premium, pesticide-free crops, fueling their regional growth. Highlighting this trend, data from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FIBL) reveals a rise in African organic cultivation. For instance, grape cultivation expanded from 5,129 hectares in 2021 to 6,151 hectares in 2022, and vegetable cultivation grew from 38,881 hectares to 41,278 hectares in the same period.
Biofertilizers not only rejuvenate soil health and restore microbial balance but also play a pivotal role in curbing carbon emissions while ensuring robust crop yields. This dual benefit has galvanized local governments, farmers, and manufacturers to champion biofertilizers. A testament to this commitment is the UAE government's 2024 launch of the 'Plant the Emirates' initiative, part of the Year of Sustainability. The program aims to boost productive farms by 20%, expand organic farming by 25%, and introduce climate-smart solutions to 30% of farms over the next five years (2025-2030). Such initiatives, bolstered by local players introducing innovative biofertilizer variants with enhanced functionalities, are set to propel the segment's growth in the region. Consequently, the expanding organic farming areas for fruits and vegetables, combined with supportive initiatives, are driving market growth during the forecast period.
Biofertilizer Usage is Dominated by South Africa
Environmental, economic, and agricultural sustainability factors are driving the increasing demand for biofertilizers in South Africa. Efforts to educate farmers about the benefits of biofertilizers are intensifying. As South African farmers become more aware of the advantages, such as improved soil health, higher crop yields, and long-term sustainability, adoption rates are rising. Biofertilizers are often more cost-effective than synthetic fertilizers, particularly for smallholder farmers. They are generally cheaper to produce and, when used correctly, can reduce dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers. This cost-saving aspect is especially appealing in regions where agricultural input costs are escalating, making biofertilizers an attractive option.
Additionally, the growing demand for biofertilizers is attracting new market entrants in South Africa, offering cost-effective and technologically advanced solutions that are boosting market growth. For example, in August 2024, British agri-biotech company Legume Technology introduced a cost-effective alternative to expensive artificial nitrogen fertilizers in the South African market. The company claims that this project will make biofertilizer technology an affordable and accessible agricultural input for small-scale producers in South Africa.
South Africa also faces soil degradation issues, such as nutrient depletion and erosion, exacerbated by conventional farming practices and over-reliance on chemical fertilizers. According to the International Fertilizer Association (IFASTAT), nitrogen fertilizer usage in South Africa increased from 451 thousand metric tons in 2019 to nearly 717 thousand metric tons in 2022. In contrast, biofertilizers, which contain beneficial microorganisms, help restore soil health by improving nutrient cycling, enhancing soil structure, and boosting microbial activity, thus addressing fertility issues. These factors are driving farmers and local governments toward biofertilizer usage, further boosting market growth in South Africa.
MEA Biofertilizers Industry Overview
The market studied is highly fragmented with the presence of many domestic and international players in the market. Rizobacter Argentina, Biomax, IPL Biologicals Limited, FMC Corporation and Symborg are some of the prominent players who have a presence in this region. These players are coming up with custom-tailored products that cater to the needs of farmers in this region. Some of the players have been expanding their geographical presence by acquiring or merging with manufacturers in foreign markets in the market studied over the forecast period.
MEA Biofertilizers Market Leaders
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Symborg
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FMC Corporation
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IPL Biologicals Limited
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Biomax
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Rizobacter Argentina
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
MEA Biofertilizers Market News
- August 2024: Biogrand, an Egyptian biofertilizer manufacturer, has allocated SAR 25 million (USD 6.6 million) for a new venture in Saudi Arabia. In collaboration with Saudi investors, they plan to establish a factory by the end of February 2025. This project aims to fulfill the demand in the Saudi market and export 50% of its production to four Arab countries.
- August 2024: Legume Technology, an agri-biotech firm, has received approval to manufacture biofertilizers tailored for African markets. This initiative aims to make biofertilizer technology a cost-effective and readily available agricultural resource for small-scale producers across Africa.
- May 2024: Del Monte Kenya Ltd., a leading producer, marketer, and distributor of high-quality fresh fruits and prepared foods in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, has partnered with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas, a top-tier producer of biotechnological solutions, to launch an innovative biofertilizer plant in Kenya. The plant will operate under the brand name De lOra Bio.
MEA Biofertilizer Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Increasing Area Under Organic Agriculture
4.2.2 Favourable Regulatory Landscape
4.2.3 Investments from Leading Market Players
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 High Demand for Synthetic Fertilizers
4.3.2 Lack of Awareness and Research Activites
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Microorganism Type
5.1.1 Rhizobium
5.1.2 Aztobacter
5.1.3 Azospirillum
5.1.4 Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria
5.1.5 Mycorrhiza
5.1.6 Other Microorganisms
5.2 Technology Type
5.2.1 Carrier-Enriched Biofertilizers
5.2.2 Liquid Biofertilizers
5.2.3 Other Technologies
5.3 Application
5.3.1 Soil Treatment
5.3.2 Seed Treatment
5.3.3 Other Applications
5.4 Crop type
5.4.1 Grains and Cereals
5.4.2 Pulses and Oilseeds
5.4.3 Commercial Crops
5.4.4 Fruits and Vegetables
5.4.5 Other Crop Types
5.5 Geography
5.5.1 Africa
5.5.1.1 South Africa
5.5.1.2 Kenya
5.5.1.3 Uganda
5.5.1.4 Tanzania
5.5.1.5 Nigeria
5.5.1.6 Rest of Africa
5.5.2 Middle East
5.5.2.1 United Arab Emirates
5.5.2.2 Saudi Arabia
5.5.2.3 Turkey
5.5.2.4 Egypt
5.5.2.5 Qatar
5.5.2.6 Rest of Middle East
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Most Adopted Strategies
6.2 Market Share Analysis
6.3 Company Profiles
6.3.1 Lallemand Inc
6.3.2 FMC Corporation
6.3.3 UPL Ltd
6.3.4 Novozymes A/S
6.3.5 Rizobacter
6.3.6 IPL Biologicals Limited
6.3.7 Microbial Biological Fertilizers International (MBFI)
6.3.8 Biomax
6.3.9 Mapelton Agri Biotec PTY ltd
6.3.10 Symborg
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & FUTURE TRENDS
MEA Biofertilizers Industry Segmentation
A biofertilizer is a substance that contains living microorganisms that promote plant growth by increasing the availability of nutrients to the plant. Middle East and Africa (MEA) Biofertilizers Market Report is Segmented by Microorganism (Rhizobium, Aztobacter, Azospirillum, Blue-Green Algae, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, Mycorrhiza and Other Microorganisms), by Technology (Carrier-Enriched Biofertilizers, Liquid Biofertilizers, Other Technologies), by Application (Soil Treatment, Seed Treatment and Other Applications), by Crop Type (Grains and Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds, Commercial Crops, Fruits and Vegetables and Other Crop Types) and by Geography (Africa and Middle East). The report offers market size and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.
| Microorganism Type | |
| Rhizobium | |
| Aztobacter | |
| Azospirillum | |
| Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria | |
| Mycorrhiza | |
| Other Microorganisms |
| Technology Type | |
| Carrier-Enriched Biofertilizers | |
| Liquid Biofertilizers | |
| Other Technologies |
| Application | |
| Soil Treatment | |
| Seed Treatment | |
| Other Applications |
| Crop type | |
| Grains and Cereals | |
| Pulses and Oilseeds | |
| Commercial Crops | |
| Fruits and Vegetables | |
| Other Crop Types |
| Geography | ||||||||
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MEA Biofertilizer Market Research FAQs
How big is the Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market?
The Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market size is expected to reach USD 289.10 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 9.40% to reach USD 453.40 million by 2029.
What is the current Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market size?
In 2024, the Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market size is expected to reach USD 289.10 million.
Who are the key players in Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market?
Symborg, FMC Corporation, IPL Biologicals Limited, Biomax and Rizobacter Argentina are the major companies operating in the Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market.
What years does this Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market size was estimated at USD 261.92 million. The report covers the Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Middle East & Africa Biofertilizers Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
MEA Biofertilizers Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 MEA Biofertilizers market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. MEA Biofertilizers analysis includes a market forecast outlook 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
MEA Biofertilizers Market Report Snapshots
