Rice Seeds Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis By Product (Hybrid, Open-Pollinated Varieties), By Grain Size (Short Grain, Medium Grain, Long Grain), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Rice Seeds Market Size & Trends

The global rice seeds market size was valued at USD 7.31 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2030. This growth can be credited to the rising global population, leading to an alarming demand for staple foods, including rice. Furthermore, consumers have grown more health-conscious, progressively seeking the nutritional benefits of rice. This has led to an inclination toward organic and specialty rice. Healthily yielded and better-flavored rice seeds have aligned with this trend, further contributing to market growth.

Furthermore, the demand for improved rice crop quality has driven the adoption of better seed varieties. This has resulted in innovative rice breeding techniques such as the utilization of genomics and microbiology for developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-tolerant rice varieties. These advancements enhanced productivity and contributed to the overall growth of the rice seed market. For instance, hybrid rice seeds offer improved yield potential and better resistance to pests and diseases. The availability of hybrid rice seeds and easy access to agricultural resources have improved the overall ecosystem for rice cultivation. Farmers across regions have increasingly adopted hybrid rice seeds, further driving market growth.

Moreover, government initiatives and private institutions that support farmers played a crucial role in the market expansion. These efforts including providing agricultural credits, contract services, and access to essential inputs such as seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, and machinery, have further contributed to the market expansion.

Product Insights

Open-pollinated varieties (OPV) of rice seeds have accounted for the dominant market share of 60.0% in 2023 owing to the global demand for naturally grown rice. These rice varieties result from the natural pollination of parent plants. These seeds can be self-pollinated or pollinated by insects, birds, and other natural means to preserve genetic diversity. Unlike hybrid seeds, OPVs yield plants that are identical to their parent plants and are considered standard varieties.

Hybrid rice seeds are anticipated to grow substantially during the forecast period owing to the rising global population that requires consistent food security. Hybrid rice, obtained by breeding two different parental lines, significantly outperforms conventional rice variants in bridging yield gaps. Farmers find it more productive as these seeds require smaller agricultural lands for yielding. In addition, high-quality hybrid seeds, coupled with innovative breeding technologies, contribute to market growth. These seeds exhibit improved heterosis, resulting in 20-25% yield increases compared to traditional rice varieties.

Grain Size Insights

Long grain size seeds held the largest revenue share in 2023 due to the rising consumer demand for quality. Consumers increasingly sought high-quality rice and favored long-grain varieties for their distinct texture, aroma, and taste. These seeds offer better yield, disease resistance, adaptability to diverse climates, along with culinary versatility which ensures steady demand. Furthermore, long-grain rice seeds are often associated with healthier eating habits due to their lower glycemic index and potential health benefits. This awareness has significantly driven consumer preferences and contributed to market growth.

Medium grain rice seeds are expected to emerge at the fastest CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. These seeds strike an excellent balance between long-grain and short-grain varieties. Their versatility makes them suitable for various dishes, catering to diverse culinary preferences. Its popularity in international cuisine ensures consistent demand and export potential. Moreover, ongoing research activities have focused on enhancing medium-grain varieties and improving yield, disease resistance, and cooking quality.

Regional Insights

The rising population in North America has significantly propelled the demand for staple foods including rice as nutritious and sustainable options. Health-conscious consumers have increasingly preferred organic and specialty rice varieties such as long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain rice. Moreover, government initiatives and agricultural institutions have initiated subsidies, research programs, and extension services to encourage farmers to adopt improved rice seed varieties.

U.S. Rice Seeds Market Trends

The U.S. rice seed market was driven by the growing demand of hybrid rice seeds. Farmers have increasingly chosen hybrid rice seeds for affordability, better pest resistance, and high-yield varieties. Moreover, long-grain rice seeds have been widely cultivated in the U.S. due to their application in various cuisines. Basmati and jasmine varieties, exported in large quantities, have held notable industrial significance.

Asia Pacific Rice Seeds Market Trends

The Asia Pacific rice seed market dominated the global rice seed market with a 76.7% share in 2023. This can be attributed to the increasing population in countries, including India, China, and Indonesia, where rice is considered as a staple food. Additionally, the market has witnessed farmers increasingly seeking rice seeds that are resistant to diseases such as seedling blight and grain rot. Brands including Bayer AG’s Arize Tej Gold and Vina Seed’s Thein Uu8 offer such traits.

Europe Rice Seeds Market Trends

The rice seed market in Europe has witnessed European farmers becoming more aware of the benefits of using certified and improved rice seeds. Government policies that promote sustainable agriculture and support seed research and development have encouraged hybrid crop production. Furthermore, research and development activities have led to technological advancements in seed breeding technologies to enhance yield, disease resistance, and overall crop quality.

Key Rice Seeds Company Insights

The global market for rice seeds is fragmented. Key players such as Bayer AG, RiceTec Inc., NUZIVEEDU SEEDS LTD, and others have employed diverse growth strategies to remain competitive. These strategies include product launches, innovations, mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and a focus on research and development efforts.

• Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that offers a wide range of agricultural solutions, including seeds, crop protection products, and innovative technologies. In addition, the company draws on scientific achievements from DuPont and Dow AgroSciences to address the challenges faced by farmers.

• RiceTec Inc. is a provider of hybrid rice seeds. The company develops and produces high-yielding hybrid rice seeds for farmers worldwide. Additionally, the company markets the popular Texmati brand rice in grocery stores across North America. 

Recent Development

• In June 2024, RiceTec, Inc. launched FullPage Rice Cropping Solution with its Indian affiliate Savannah Seeds, also in collaboration with a global crop protection company, ADAMA. FullPage integrates SmartRice genetics as its specifically tailored for direct seeded rice, SQUAD seed treatment, the unique IMI herbicide tolerance trait, and ADAMA’s Vezir herbicide.

Rice Seeds Market Report Scope

Global Rice Seed Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global rice seeds market report based on product, grain size, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Open-Pollinated Varieties

  • Hybrid

• Grain Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Short Grain

  • Medium Grain

  • Long Grain

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Indonesia

    • Vietnam

    • Philippines

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • Nigeria

    • Egypt