Agriculture in contemporary times is a tough job indeed. As part of a multi-billion dollar industry, the chains of demand and supply must be strategically managed to turn in a profit. All the while, being keenly aware of the variables – unpredictable weather, availability of water, human resources and importantly, the quality of the final outcome. A good harvest is the culmination of an intricate and painstaking dance. And, a good harvest boils down to how well the standing crop has been insulated against pests, bugs, weeds and other such ailments.
The changing face of the global agrochemicals market
Until recently, a string of toxic chemicals was an effective counter against such nuisance as pests, insects, weed and fungal maladies. Insecticides, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides are easily available, cost effective and highly effective. However, their wide and indiscriminate usage has put forth some pressing concerns.
- Large scale damage to the local flora and fauna, prompting the governments to clamp up with a series of regulatory and limiting protocols.
- Long term usage of chemical deterrents has rendered them ineffective against a more resistant progeny of pests and insects. Naturally, agriculturists have gradually abandoned the usage of such agrochemicals.
- A popular wave of health consciousness that has consumers looking for healthier food options. In the wake of this, organic farming and the concept of ‘farm to fork’ have gained rapid popularity.
- The counterfeit market for the aforementioned agrochemicals is working overtime as there isn’t an authoritative monitoring of these criminal activities. This severely impacts profitability from the farm.
While the problems are clearly defined, an effective strategy to challenge these concerns could be highly individualized and demand an expert understanding of the local market, the competition and the local climatic and ground conditions. Information is the key here, alongside the need for a quick realignment of core business strategies in line with the emerging market conditions.
Agrochemicals manufacturing: Horses for courses?
In light of the various acute challenges listed above, agrochemicals manufacturers must adapt or watch the competition overtake them. The solutions are mostly of a pacifist nature- bowing down to the massive demand and finding solutions that are in line with the popular expectations.
- Introducing bio-agrochemicals that are derived from plants, bacteria, fungi, and certain minerals and aren’t prodigiously toxic to the local flora and fauna.
- Educate and implement the tenets of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) wherein the agrochemical manufacturer and the agriculturist work together to enforce a comprehensive pest repellent system.
- Invest in R&D to find newer and safer chemical options that might see an immediate demand right out of the gate. Companies could also merge to offer the agriculture market a wider choice and variety of products.
Predicting future moves today, with spot-on market insights
With a competent understanding of current trends in the agrochemicals market and what that might entail in the near future, Infiniti Research can help your business understand the advantages of innovation and quick action. With actionable insights, your agrochemicals business will be primed for the future, and beyond.
