Salinity Tolerance Crop Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Crop Type (Cereals (Rice, Wheat, Maize), Pulses (Chickpea, Bean, Lentil), Oilseeds (Canola, Soybean, Sunflower), Horticulture (Tomato, Onion, Potato), Forage & Fodder (Alfalfa, Sorghum)

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Salinity Tolerance Crop Market is accounted for $884.0 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $1,495.4 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. Salinity-tolerant crops are plant species or cultivar capable of sustaining growth, productivity, and physiological function in soils or irrigation water with elevated salt concentrations. These crops possess adaptive traits such as osmotic regulation, ion compartmentalization, and antioxidant defense mechanisms that mitigate salt-induced stress. Widely cultivated in arid, semi-arid, and coastal regions, salinity-tolerant crops contribute to agricultural resilience, enabling food production on marginal lands affected by salinization due to poor drainage, seawater intrusion, or excessive fertilizer use.

According to Frontiers in Plant Science Drought-tolerant rice varieties developed by ICAR have shown yield improvements of up to 32% under water-stressed conditions compared to conventional cultivars, according to a 2025 editorial in Frontiers in Plant Science.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising soil salinization & climate change impact

Climate-induced degradation of arable land, especially in coastal and semi-arid zones, has intensified the need for resilient crop genetics. Advances in molecular breeding and CRISPR-based gene editing are enabling the development of cultivars that can thrive in saline environments. Governments and research institutions are investing in agronomic trials and soil remediation programs to support this transition. The growing urgency to safeguard food security under climate stress is expected to accelerate market adoption.

Restraint:

Adoption is slow in developing regions

Farmers often lack access to certified seeds, agronomic training, and localized data on soil salinity thresholds. Infrastructure gaps, such as poor irrigation systems and limited extension services, further hinder deployment. Additionally, the absence of robust policy frameworks and financial incentives discourages smallholder participation. Cultural preferences for traditional crop varieties and skepticism toward genetically modified inputs also contribute to slow adoption. Bridging these gaps will require coordinated efforts across public, private, and academic sectors.

Opportunity:

Expansion in coastal and arid zones

Coastal belts, deltas, and desert margins offer untapped potential for deploying halophyte-compatible crops and salt-resilient horticultural varieties. Innovations in hydroponics, drip irrigation, and soil amendments are making cultivation feasible in previously non-arable zones. Pilot programs in countries like India, Egypt, and Australia are demonstrating scalable models for saline agriculture. As climate adaptation becomes a strategic priority, these geographies are expected to attract investment in seed development, agritech platforms, and precision farming tools.

Threat:

Lack of standardized definitions and benchmarks

Discrepancies in testing protocols, soil classification systems, and genetic markers lead to inconsistent performance outcomes. This lack of harmonization complicates product validation, regulatory approvals, and cross-border seed trade. Moreover, without clear benchmarks, farmers and agronomists struggle to compare varietal efficacy under different saline conditions. Industry stakeholders are calling for collaborative frameworks involving academia, regulatory bodies, and seed companies to establish standardized metrics and certification pathways.

Covid-19 Impact:

The pandemic disrupted agricultural supply chains, delaying seed distribution and field trials for salinity-tolerant crops. However, it also underscored the importance of resilient food systems, prompting renewed interest in climate-adaptive agriculture. Lockdowns and labor shortages led to increased mechanization and digital monitoring of crop health, indirectly benefiting the adoption of precision tools in saline farming. Research funding temporarily shifted toward pandemic-related priorities, but post-COVID recovery plans have reinstated focus on sustainable agriculture.

The horticulture (tomato,onion,potato) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The horticulture (tomato,onion,potato) segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its economic significance and high sensitivity to soil conditions. These crops are widely cultivated across saline-prone regions and have shown promising results with salt-resilient hybrids. Breeding programs are focusing on enhancing yield stability, flavor retention, and shelf life under saline stress. The segment benefits from strong demand in both domestic consumption and export markets, making it a priority for genetic improvement.

The open-pollinated varieties (OPV) segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the open-pollinated varieties (OPV) segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, driven by their affordability, adaptability, and seed-saving potential. OPVs are particularly suitable for smallholder farmers in saline regions who prefer low-input cultivation. Recent advancements in OPV breeding have improved their tolerance to abiotic stress without compromising yield. These varieties also support biodiversity and agroecological resilience, aligning with sustainable farming goals.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, fuelled by, vast agricultural landscapes, high population density, and increasing soil degradation. Countries like India, China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are investing heavily in saline agriculture through public-private partnerships and research grants. The region’s diverse agro-climatic zones offer opportunities for tailored varietal development. Strong government backing, including subsidies for salt-tolerant seeds and soil health cards, is accelerating adoption.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, propelled by rapid urbanization, climate vulnerability, and evolving agricultural policies. The region is embracing digital agriculture, remote sensing, and AI-driven soil diagnostics to optimize saline land usage. Startups and incubators are fostering innovation in seed genetics and saline water management. Educational campaigns and farmer cooperatives are playing a pivotal role in disseminating best practices. As climate resilience becomes central to national food strategies, Asia Pacific is expected to set benchmarks in salinity-tolerant crop deployment.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Salinity Tolerance Crop Market include Bayer, Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta, BASF, KWS SAAT, Limagrain, Rijk Zwaan, Sakata Seed, Takii & Co, East-West Seed, Bioceres, Arcadia Biosciences, Pairwise, Benson Hill, Evogene, Cibus, and Salt Farm.

Key Developments:

In October 2025, Takii launched heat-resistant lettuce ‘Heat Guy’ for summer-autumn harvests. Takii Seed is working daily to develop new vegetable varieties to deal with the impact of rising temperatures on various agricultural crops. This time, we will introduce lettuce.

In September 2025, KWS adopted a new dividend policy and proposed €1.25/share for FY2024/25. Vegetable segment sales rose 12%, led by spinach, while cereals and corn declined. The company emphasized resilience and operational cash flow improvements.

In August 2025, Arcadia’s Zola® coconut water grew 24%, driving 11% revenue increase. The company received 2.7M ABVE shares and eliminated $1M liabilities. Gross margins exceeded 30% for ten consecutive quarters.

Crop Types Covered:
• Cereals (Rice,Wheat,Maize)
• Pulses (Chickpea,Bean,Lentil)
• Oilseeds (Canola,Soybean,Sunflower)
• Horticulture (Tomato,Onion,Potato)
• Forage & Fodder (Alfalfa,Sorghum)
• Other Crop Types

Trait Types Covered:
• Ion Exclusion Traits
• Osmotic Tolerance Traits
• Tissue Tolerance & Compartmentalization
• Root Architecture & Water Use Efficiency
• Multi-Trait Stacked Varieties
• Other Trait Types

Seed Types Covered:
• Hybrid Seeds
• Open-Pollinated Varieties (OPV)
• Genetically Modified (GM) Seeds
• Non-GM Improved Varieties
• Certified vs Farmer-saved Seeds
• Other Seed Types

Technologies Covered:
• Conventional Breeding
• Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS)
• Genomic Selection
• Transgenic Approaches
• Gene Editing (CRISPR/Cas, TALEN)
• Seed Treatments & Priming
• Microbial/Bioinoculant Solutions
• Phenotyping & Digital Breeding Tools
• Other Technologies

Applications Covered:
• Food Crops
• Fodder & Livestock Feed
• Biofuel Crops
• Industrial Crops
• Reclamation & Soil Restoration Programs
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:
• North AmericaUSCanadaMexico
• EuropeGermanyUKItalyFranceSpainRest of Europe
• Asia PacificJapan China India Australia New ZealandSouth KoreaRest of Asia Pacific
• South AmericaArgentinaBrazilChileRest of South America
• Middle East & Africa Saudi ArabiaUAEQatarSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements Show more