- Share.Market
- 10 min read
- 05 Sep 2025
Agriculture has always been a big part of India’s story. It puts food on our plates, keeps rural economies going, and still employs more people than any other sector. But what was once seen as a slow-moving, policy-driven sector is now changing rapidly.
Today, you’ve got satellite data guiding irrigation, drones spraying crops, and mobile apps giving farmers real-time advice. This shift hasn’t just made farming more efficient, but it’s also made agriculture more investable. Top agriculture stocks in India are now catching the attention of long-term investors, thanks to a combination of tech, policy tailwinds, and rising food demand.
Agriculture still faces its share of challenges, like unpredictable weather, price swings, and shifting policies. But behind all that is a steady, growing demand. More people to feed and less land to farm means greater pressure to produce more with less.
That’s the bigger picture. In this blog, we’ll look at five of the largest agriculture-focused companies listed in India. What they do, how they’re evolving, and why they deserve a place on your radar.
Understanding the Sector
India’s agriculture sector, valued between $580 billion and $650 billion, is at a crucial turning point. A mix of supportive government policies, rising demand, and rapid technology adoption is helping it evolve from a traditional, weather-dependent system into a more structured and future-ready industry.
As global agri-supply chains grow more integrated, India’s role as a producer and exporter is becoming increasingly important. The country holds several structural advantages over other agricultural economies. If current trends continue, the sector could double in size, reaching around $1.4 trillion by 2035 and $3.1 trillion by 2047.
Over the past six years, the agriculture sector growth in India has averaged around 5% annually. This growth has been supported by reforms, public investment, and easier access to credit. But there’s potential to do even more. With the right push, India could raise its growth rate further by improving crop yields, expanding food processing, and boosting exports.
Several factors give India a unique edge in agriculture:
1. A Growing Domestic Market: As incomes rise, so does demand for better quality food, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and packaged goods.
2. Cost Advantage: India’s large workforce and low input costs make it a competitive producer compared to many global peers.
3. Strong Production Base: India is among the top producers of rice, wheat, sugarcane, and maize, often at some of the world’s lowest costs.
4. Digital Reach: With a thriving digital payments ecosystem, many agri-fintech startups are now offering better credit and support to farmers.
5. Innovation at the Grassroots: The country is home to nearly 2,800 agri-tech startups, developing everything from farm analytics to supply chain tools.
Together, these factors are reshaping Indian agriculture. The sector still faces challenges, but the direction is clear, more structured, more digital, and more export-ready than ever before.
Top Agricultural Stocks by Market Capitalisation
| S.No. | Company | Market Cap (₹ Cr) |
| 1 | Coromandel International | 70,000+ |
| 2 | Fertilisers & Chemicals Travancore (FACT) | 68,000+ |
| 3 | PI Industries | 60,000+ |
| 4 | UPL Ltd | 57,000 |
| 5 | Sumitomo Chemical India | 25,000+ |
Now, let’s delve into the top agriculture stocks in India, ranked by their market capitalisation as of 2025:
1. Coromandel International
Coromandel International is India’s largest manufacturer and marketer of complex fertilisers. The company operates across the entire agri-input value chain, producing fertilisers, crop protection chemicals, bio-pesticides, and water-soluble nutrients. With 18 manufacturing plants across the country, it serves millions of farmers through a wide distribution network and a retail network of over 900+ stores. The company offers over 1000+ products tailored to different crop and soil needs, and its footprint extends well beyond India, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide.
Recently, Coromandel announced it will acquire a 53% stake in NACL Industries for ₹820 crore. This move will help Coromandel grow its crop protection business by adding more products, boosting its manufacturing capacity, and expanding its reach across India. It also gives the company a head start in contract manufacturing and helps bring new products to market faster. By combining its strong distribution network with NACL’s production strengths, Coromandel is aiming to become a bigger player in India’s agrochemical space.
The company also reported strong growth in its FY25 results. Its net profit for the January-March 2025 quarter more than doubled to ₹578 crore, compared to ₹164 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter rose by 28%, reaching ₹5,114 crore, up from ₹3,996 crore in Q4 of FY24.
For the full year, Coromandel’s profit after tax grew by 25% to ₹2,055 crore, compared to ₹1,641 crore in the previous year. Annual revenue also increased, rising to ₹24,444 crore from ₹22,290 crore in FY24.
2. Fertilisers & Chemicals Travancore
The Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) was India’s first large-scale fertiliser plant, set up in 1943 at Udyogamandal, Kochi. It began production in 1947 and moved into the public sector in 1960, with the Government of India becoming the majority stakeholder two years later. Today, FACT operates under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers and has grown into a multi-division enterprise engaged in fertiliser and petrochemical manufacturing, as well as engineering, consultancy, and industrial fabrication.
FACT is now expanding its production capacity through 2 major projects set to be completed in 2025-26. The first is a new fertiliser plant in Kochi that will produce different grades of NPK fertilisers (nutrients containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), including popular variants like 20:20:0:13 and DAP 18:46:0. The second is the construction of two large phosphoric acid storage tanks at Willingdon Island. The completion of the first project will increase FACT’s total fertiliser capacity from 1 million tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes per year.
As the main fertiliser supplier in Kerala, FACT plays a key role in supporting the region’s farmers. The added capacity will improve the availability of crop nutrients, helping farmers enhance productivity and contributing to stronger agricultural growth across the state.
The company also recently posted its Q4 FY25 results. Net profit for the January-March 2025 quarter jumped to ₹70.72 crore, a sharp rise from ₹8 crore in the previous quarter and a major turnaround from a loss of ₹79.10 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter stood at ₹1,053 crore, up 11% compared to ₹949 crore in Q3 FY25. However, it remained largely flat year-on-year, compared to ₹1,058 crore in Q4 FY24.
3. PI Industries
PI Industries is one of India’s leading agrochemical companies, with a legacy dating back to 1946. Headquartered in Gurgaon, the company is known for its portfolio in crop protection products and is among the top players in the sector. PI operates primarily in the agrochemicals segment. Its core offerings include a wide range of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators. The company also produces several generic molecules such as Profenofos, Ethion, and Phorate, which are widely used by farmers across the country.
The company’s scale is reflected in its infrastructure and reach: 8 advanced manufacturing sites, 15,000 distributors, over 100,000 retail touchpoints, and more than 10 overseas offices. These enable PI to not only serve Indian farmers but also expand its global footprint.
In June 2024, PI Industries announced its acquisition of UK-based Plant Health Care Plc for £32.8 million. This move strengthens PI’s focus on sustainable agriculture by adding advanced biological and peptide technologies to its portfolio.
The deal gives PI access to PHC’s expertise in plant immunity inducers, an area that complements its existing pipeline of crop protection products. With this, PI aims to build a more balanced portfolio, combining its traditional portfolio with next-gen biologicals. The goal is to bring more integrated solutions to farmers in India and key international markets.
PI Industries reported a slight dip in its Q4 FY25 earnings. Net profit for the January-March 2025 quarter fell by 10.5% to ₹330.5 crore, compared to ₹369.5 crore in the same period last year. However, revenue for the quarter saw a modest rise of 2.7%, reaching ₹1,787 crore, up from ₹1,741 crore in Q4 FY24. For the full year, the company’s net profit stood at ₹1,660 crore, down 1.3% from ₹1,681 crore in FY24.
4. UPL Ltd
UPL is one of the world’s largest agri-solutions providers, with a strong presence across 140+ countries and a product portfolio that spans the entire agricultural value chain. From seeds and crop protection products to natural solutions, on-farm equipment, and post-harvest services, UPL supports farmers at every stage. The company has 44 manufacturing sites, 25 R&D facilities, and holds over 14,000 product registrations, with access to 90% of the world’s food basket.
In 2024, UPL took a significant step in strengthening its global crop protection business by announcing the acquisition of Corteva Agriscience’s solo mancozeb fungicide business (excluding China, Japan, South Korea, and EU countries). This move reinforced UPL’s leadership in the multisite fungicide space and expands its global offerings.
Financially, UPL delivered a strong performance in Q4 FY25. Total income rose to ₹15,573 crore, up 10.6% year-on-year from ₹14,078 crore. Net profit surged to ₹896 crore, a sharp jump from ₹40 crore in the same quarter last year. The company also reduced its net debt by ₹8,320 crore, bringing it down to ₹13,860 crore, supported by healthy cash flows and proceeds from capital transactions.
5. Sumitomo Chemical India
Sumitomo Chemical India Ltd. (SCIL) is a key player in the agrochemicals sector, offering products across crop protection, grain fumigation, pest control, bio-pesticides, and feed additives. The company serves not only the Indian market but also has a growing presence in Africa and other international regions.
Its product lineup includes both conventional agrochemicals from its parent company, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Japan, and biological solutions from its U.S.-based subsidiary, Valent Biosciences, a global leader in naturally derived crop protection products. SCIL also manufactures several technical-grade pesticides at its advanced facilities in India. It operates through a strong distribution network of 16,000 distributors and 60 depots, with five manufacturing plants and over 200 brands.
In a push to strengthen its European presence, Sumitomo Chemical has acquired full ownership of its subsidiaries Philagro (France) and Kenogard (Spain and Portugal). These will now be integrated into Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe S.A.S., which oversees its operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is aiming to double its crop protection revenue in Europe by 2030, combining strong chemical innovation (including new fungicides in the pipeline) with biological solutions for sustainable agriculture.
In Q4FY25, Sumitomo Chemical India reported a net profit of ₹100 crore, down 9.3% from ₹110 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations saw a slight uptick, rising 0.8% year-on-year to ₹679.4 crore, compared to ₹674.2 crore in Q4 of FY24.
Key Factors & Risks Involved
India’s agriculture sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by structural reforms, increased rural digitisation, and growing private investment. As farmers increasingly adopt modern techniques and tech-based crop protection methods, the demand for agri-inputs, from fertilisers and pesticides to speciality nutrients, is expected to grow steadily. Agri-tech collaborations, government subsidies, and export opportunities also point toward robust long-term growth.
However, this growth doesn’t come without risks. The sector remains heavily dependent on monsoons, especially in regions with limited irrigation. Fertiliser pricing and raw material costs can also be volatile and can impact margins. Policy changes in subsidies or import-export restrictions can further affect demand patterns and profitability. Globally, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions may create uncertainties for export-focused firms. For crop protection players, environmental regulations and rising scrutiny of chemical usage also remain key concerns.
Conclusion
India’s agriculture is no longer just about rainfall and soil, but it’s becoming data-driven, chemical-optimised, and tech-integrated. The five companies covered here, Coromandel, FACT, PI Industries, UPL, and Sumitomo Chemical, reflect this shift. Some are expanding globally. Others are doubling down on local innovation. All of them are adapting to a future where farming is more data-led and solution-driven. This isn’t just a sector tied to monsoons anymore. It’s a space undergoing deep change, and these companies are at the heart of it.
FAQs
Yes, with rising food demand, increased focus on farm productivity, and support from government policies, the sector has strong long-term potential. However, it’s cyclical and weather-dependent, so timing and diversification matter.
Key risks include raw material price volatility, regulatory changes, dependency on monsoons, and fluctuating subsidy policies.
Watch quarterly results, volume growth, margins, raw material cost trends, and monsoon forecasts. Also, keep an eye on new product launches and regulatory approvals.
It’s a double-edged sword. Subsidies and infrastructure support help demand. But policy changes like sudden export bans or changes in fertiliser pricing can disrupt business overnight.
A growing one. Agri-tech companies in India investing in bio-pesticides, sustainable agri-solutions, or digital advisory platforms are better positioned for the next phase of growth. Investors should watch who’s innovating, not just who’s selling.
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment as a Research Analyst with the Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation.
This is for informational purposes and should not be considered as recommendations. Kindly refer to https://share.market/ for more details. PhonePe Wealth Broking Private Limited, Research Analyst with SEBI Regn No: INH000013387, BSE RA Enlistment Number: 5887.
