India’s Agriculture and Rural Development Flourish Under Modi’s Leadership
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed optimism regarding the findings of the Economic Survey, highlighting significant advancements in both agriculture and rural development under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He underscored that the survey’s data reflects an extraordinary trajectory of growth in these sectors, indicating a sustainable and resilient agricultural framework.
Over the last five years, agriculture and allied sectors have demonstrated a robust average annual growth rate of 4.4 percent at constant prices, surpassing the global average. Between 2016 and 2025, the agricultural sector has achieved a decadal growth rate of 4.45 percent, marking the highest growth compared to previous decades. Furthermore, in the second quarter of the financial year 2025–26, the agriculture sector reported a growth rate of 3.5 percent, showcasing its continued strength.
Record Foodgrain Production
During the financial year 2024–25, India’s foodgrain production reached an all-time high of 357.73 million tonnes, primarily propelled by enhanced yields in key crops like rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals, including millets. This remarkable increase not only underscores India’s self-sufficiency in food production but also establishes its pivotal role in the global agricultural landscape.
Horticulture’s Bright Future
The horticulture sector has emerged as a beacon of growth in Indian agriculture, contributing nearly 33 percent to agricultural gross value added (GVA). Production figures surged from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25. Notably, India has become the world’s leading producer of onions, generating nearly 25 percent of global production, while also ranking as the second-largest producer of vegetables, fruits, and potatoes.
Advancements in Rural Infrastructure
Shri Chouhan pointed out the remarkable strides made in rural development, especially in infrastructure, covering roads, housing, and digital connectivity. Thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), over 99.6 percent of eligible habitations now have access to all-weather roads. Under the latest phase of this initiative, projects spanning over 10,000 kilometres have been green-lit, aimed at enhancing access to essential services for numerous unconnected locations across various states such as Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan.
Housing and Digital Initiatives Transform Lives
The commitment to ‘Housing for All’ has resulted in the construction of 3.70 crore pucca houses in rural areas over the past eleven years. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, efforts are underway to complete a target of 4.14 crore houses. Additionally, the SVAMITVA scheme, which leverages drone technology for mapping, has already surveyed 3.28 lakh villages and issued property cards to over 2.76 crore landowners. Furthermore, the National Rural Livelihoods Mission has empowered over 10 crore rural women through Self-Help Groups, leading to a notable increase in economic independence.
Minister Chouhan emphasized that the Economic Survey illustrates how consistent policy focus, strategic investments, and institutional reforms have bolstered agriculture. He reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth, ensuring that rural India remains instrumental to the nation’s pursuit of progress and development.
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