India’s Agriculture Sector Thrives with Resilient Growth
India’s agriculture sector is on a trajectory of robust growth, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025-26, presented in Parliament by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. The survey emphasizes that while food grain production has seen steady increases, the allied sectors, which include livestock, fisheries, and horticulture, have become vital in enhancing income opportunities and bolstering rural livelihoods.
Strong Growth in Agriculture and Allied Sectors
The Economic Survey reveals that over the past five years, the agriculture and allied sectors have registered an average annual growth rate of approximately 4.4% at constant prices. Specifically, for the second quarter of FY 2025-26, the agriculture sector exhibited a growth rate of 3.5%. This period marked the highest decadal growth rate of 4.45% (FY16-FY25), largely driven by impressive performances in the livestock sector, which grew by 7.1%, and fishing and aquaculture, which surged by 8.8%. The crop sector contributed a growth rate of 3.5% during the same period.
Livestock and Fisheries: Key Contributors
Between FY 2015 and FY 2024, the livestock sector experienced significant growth, with its gross value added (GVA) increasing by nearly 195%. This surge corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.77% at current prices. The fisheries sector also flourished, with fish production escalating by over 140% (an increase of 88.14 lakh tons) from 2014 to 2025, in stark contrast to growth seen from 2004 to 2014. As such, allied sectors are not only emerging as pivotal growth engines but are also crucial for enhancing farm incomes.
Food Grains and Horticulture Production Increases
India’s food grains production has reached an estimated 3,577.3 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in the agricultural year 2024-25, marking a rise of 254.3 LMT compared to the prior year. This increase is largely fueled by higher outputs of rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals, also known as Shree Anna. Notably, the horticulture sector has become a beacon of success, constituting around 33% of the agricultural GVA. In 2024-25, horticulture production soared to 362.08 million tonnes, outpacing food grain production which was estimated at 329.68 million tonnes.
Global Leader in Horticulture
In terms of global contributions, India stands as the largest producer of dry onions, accounting for nearly 25% of the world’s output. Additionally, India ranks second globally in the production of vegetables, fruits, and potatoes, contributing approximately 12-13% of the global output for each of these categories. This notable performance underscores India’s strong presence in horticulture and its significant role in fulfilling global food demands while creating opportunities in high-value crop production.
A Path Towards Viksit Bharat
The survey ultimately underscores that agriculture plays a central role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, promoting inclusive growth and improving millions of livelihoods. India’s progress in agricultural production, especially in sectors such as dairy, poultry, fisheries, and horticulture, is critical, as these sectors collectively contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.
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