Indian Agriculture Active Ingredients Market Export Analysis: By Product (Insecticides, Fungicides, and Herbicides) and Country Forecast

The Indian Agriculture Active Ingredients Export Analysis provides a holistic view of India's position as a global exporter of key crop protection chemicals. The report evaluates export performance, trends, import countries, regulatory challenges, market dynamics, and competitive benchmarking for major molecules. It covers more than 120 active ingredients, including 2,4-D, Glufosinate Ammonium, Lambda Cyhalothrin, Chlorantraniliprole, Bifenthrin, Prothioconazole, Picoxystrobin, and Cymoxanil, among others.

Active ingredients (AIs) are the core biologically active compounds in agrochemical formulations designed to target specific agricultural threats such as pests, weeds, and fungal pathogens. These substances play a vital role in safeguarding crops and improving yields, thereby ensuring food security and economic sustainability. AIs are broadly categorized into three main groups: insecticides, which control insect pests (e.g., Bifenthrin, Chlorantraniliprole, Lambda Cyhalothrin); herbicides, used to eliminate unwanted vegetation (e.g., 2,4-D, Glufosinate, MCPA); and fungicides, which combat fungal infections in crops (e.g., Prothioconazole, Cymoxanil, Picoxystrobin). Each category of active ingredient functions differently based on its mode of action, crop specificity, and regional application needs, making them essential tools in modern agriculture.

Key Takeaways

• India is a leading global exporter of post-patent agrochemical active ingredients, supported by cost-effective manufacturing, backward integration, and export-friendly regulations (like CIBRC’s export-only route).
• Herbicides and insecticides dominate exports, with molecules like 2,4-D, Glufosinate, Lambda Cyhalothrin, and Bifenthrin seeing strong demand from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
• Rising regulatory pressures in the EU, US, and other advanced markets (e.g., MRL compliance, toxicology data requirements) are prompting Indian companies to invest in R&D, data generation, and sustainable molecule development.
• Opportunities lie in expanding bio-based actives, custom manufacturing (CDMO), and value-added formulations, as global buyers diversify sourcing away from China and seek compliant, reliable partners.

Key Developments

• In June 2025, Bayer launched BICOTA, a granular insecticide targeting stem borers in paddy. Offering fast action and long-lasting protection, BICOTA enhances root and tiller growth, supports IPM practices, and is safe for beneficial insects. It will be available across major rice-growing states starting June 2025.
• In June 2025, Sumitomo Chemical India Ltd launched RUMPUS, a next-generation copper-based fungicide powered by Tribasic Copper Sulfate 34.5% W/V SC. With ultra-fine particles (<1 micron), controlled ion release, and neutral pH, RUMPUS offers superior disease control in crops like cucumber and chilli, enhancing photosynthesis and spray efficiency.
• In May 2025, Best Agrolife Ltd. received CIBRC registration for Warden Extra, an innovative agrochemical combining Trifloxystrobin, Thiamethoxam, and Thiophanate Methyl, set for launch in April 2024. The product targets diseases and pests, enhancing crop productivity. BAL also secured a 20-year patent for Orisulam and acquired a 99% stake in Kashmir Chemicals to strengthen manufacturing.
• In March, 2025, Coromandel International announced its acquisition of a 53% stake in NACL Industries for ?820 crore. This strategic move enhances Coromandel’s crop protection portfolio, expands its domestic and global presence, strengthens CDMO capabilities, and accelerates new product commercialization across technicals, formulations, and contract manufacturing operations.
• In January 2025, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. launched Proclaim XTRA, an advanced insecticide targeting lepidopteran pests like Spodoptera in maize and soybean. Offering long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection, it boosts crop yield and sustainability. Available in multiple pack sizes (30ml, 150ml, 300ml and 1L.), it aims to benefit 20 lakh farmers with better productivity and enhanced farm profitability.
• In January 2025, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd.'s acquisition of Ethoxysulfuron from Bayer AG marks its 13th strategic deal, enhancing its rice herbicide leadership and regional presence across South and Southeast Asia. This move strengthens its portfolio under the Sunrice brand, promoting cost-effective, locally manufactured solutions for sustainable, high-yield farming from seed to harvest.

Facts and Figures

• India exported over US$ 5.5 billion worth of agrochemicals in FY2024, with active ingredients (technical grade) contributing nearly 60% of this value. Major exported AIs include 2,4-D, Bifenthrin, Lambda Cyhalothrin, and Glufosinate Ammonium.
• Top export destinations for Indian AIs include Brazil, the USA, Vietnam, Argentina, and Australia, accounting for more than 65% of total AI exports.
• India is among the top 3 global exporters of post-patent agrochemical AIs, with over 125+ technical-grade molecules exported to 90+ countries, led by companies like UPL, Meghmani, PI Industries, and Heranba Industries.

Products Covered in the Report

The Indian Agriculture Active Ingredients Market covers Insecticides, Fungicides, and Herbicides.

Export Analysis

Company wise Analysis exporting Technicals (AIs) (Tons)

Molecule Level Analysis (Tons)

Geographic Analysis (Tons)

Regulatory Analysis

Indian agrochemical exporters face evolving regulatory challenges. The EU's REACH framework continues to tighten Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), affecting molecules like Bifenthrin and Lambda Cyhalothrin. The EU ban on Chlorpyrifos since 2020 significantly reduced Indian exports of this molecule. Meanwhile, Brazil’s ANVISA and Argentina’s SENASA now demand enhanced toxicology dossiers for herbicides like Glufosinate and 2,4-D, delaying approvals. In Australia, APVMA has slowed 2,4-D and Glufosinate registrations due to environmental safety reviews. India’s CIBRC permits export-only registrations faster, but global compliance remains costly and time-consuming. Additionally, new MRL alignment pressures from Japan and Korea are impacting fungicides like Prothioconazole. These real-time regulatory shifts necessitate better data generation, stronger compliance strategies, and diversification into low-residue or bio-based actives to maintain India's global export momentum.