The Role of Agrochemicals in Enhancing Crop Yields and Food Security

agrochemicals market

What Are Agrochemicals and Why Are They Important in Agriculture?

Agrochemicals, also known as agrichemicals, are chemical substances used in agriculture to increase crop yield and enhance crop quality. The two main types of agrochemicals used globally are pesticides and fertilizers. Pesticides are chemicals designed to repel, kill, or manage harmful insects, plants, or animals. They are divided into three categories: herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Herbicides stop invasive weeds from growing near crops; insecticides kill harmful insects, and fungicides prevent the growth of fungi on farmland. Fertilizers, on the other hand, enrich soil nutrients, which directly support plant growth. These are classified based on their primary elements—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Benefits of Agrochemicals for Crop Yield and Soil Health

Agrochemicals play a vital role in helping farmers improve crop productivity and protect against pests, diseases, and weeds. They eliminate harmful bacteria and organisms in the soil, enhancing soil health. These chemicals also help regulate the pH balance and nitrate levels in the soil, contributing to healthier crop development. By boosting crop yield per acre, agrochemicals help farmers grow more food on less land, improving farming efficiency. They also reduce overall farm costs by cutting down on the need for additional soil and water treatments, as well as manual labor. However, overuse of agrochemicals may negatively affect crop quality and pose health risks when consumed.

Environmental and Health Concerns Linked to Agrochemicals

Despite their advantages, agrochemicals have notable drawbacks. One of the most significant concerns is environmental pollution. Overuse of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to contamination of groundwater and other nearby water sources. Additionally, these chemicals may degrade soil quality over time and disturb the natural nutrient balance in the ecosystem.

Agrochemical Demand and Crop Production Trends Worldwide

In the global agricultural market, agrochemicals are crucial to meeting rising food demands. Several factors are driving their increased usage:

1. Rising Global Crop Production

With growing food demand due to population growth, crop production has surged worldwide. The need for staple food crops such as rice, wheat, and cereals continues to grow, especially as the food and beverage industry expands.

2. Country-Wise Crop Production Statistics (2023–24)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, crop production reached record levels in key agricultural countries in 2023–24. In India, rice production hit 137,000 thousand tons, wheat reached 110,554 thousand tons, and corn totaled 37,500 thousand tons. In the U.S., corn production was around 389,694 thousand tons, with 49,314 thousand tons of wheat and 6,931 thousand tons of rice. China recorded 272,009 thousand tons of corn, 144,620 thousand tons of rice, and 136,590 thousand tons of wheat during the same period.

Figure 1: Crop Production in the USA, India, and China, Thousand Tons, 2023-24

crops production in usa

Source: US Department of Agriculture

Key Developments

  • In May 2024, BASF introduced its new insecticide in the Australian agricultural market. The Cimegra offers flexible and long-lasting protection to the crops, and it delivers quick and powerful control of insects like the diamondback moth in the farmland.
  • In February 2024, Nichino America, Inc., launched its new herbicide, which is aimed for use in rice cultivation in California, USA. The Zembu Herbicide was approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) for use in rice for weed control. This herbicide consists of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), which offers a high efficiency in controlling weeds.

In conclusion, agrochemicals offer key applications in enhancing crop yield and food security, as these chemicals help in improving the quality of the soil and also enhance agricultural efficiency. Agrochemicals also reduce the use of additional treatments for the soil, water, or crops, and they also protect the plants from any diseases.