New Delhi: Indian agriculture has emerged as a key pillar of inclusive growth and will play a central role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26 tabled in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Survey highlights the resilience of the agriculture and allied sectors, which have recorded an average annual growth rate of 4.4 per cent over the past five years at constant prices. This sustained performance is among the strongest seen in recent decades and reflects the sector’s growing contribution to livelihoods and the national economy.
Between FY16 and FY25, agriculture and allied activities registered a decadal growth rate of 4.45 per cent — the highest compared to previous decades. This growth has been largely driven by allied sectors, particularly livestock, which grew at 7.1 per cent, and fisheries and aquaculture at 8.8 per cent, while the crop sector expanded at 3.5 per cent. In the second quarter of FY 2025–26 alone, agriculture recorded a growth of 3.5 per cent.
The Survey notes that the livestock sector has seen remarkable expansion, with its gross value added (GVA) increasing by nearly 195 per cent between FY15 and FY24, registering a compound annual growth rate of 12.77 per cent at current prices. Fisheries have also shown strong momentum, with fish production rising by over 140 per cent between 2014 and 2025, underscoring the role of allied sectors as key engines of farm income growth.
Foodgrain production in the country has continued its upward trajectory, reaching a record 3,577.3 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in the agriculture year 2024–25. This marks an increase of 254.3 LMT over the previous year, driven by higher output of rice, wheat, maize and coarse cereals, including Shree Anna.
The horticulture sector has emerged as a major bright spot, now accounting for nearly 33 per cent of agricultural GVA. Horticulture production increased from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25. In 2024–25, horticulture output stood at 362.08 million tonnes, surpassing foodgrain production of 329.68 million tonnes. This growth spans fruits, vegetables and other horticultural crops, reflecting a broad-based expansion.
India has also strengthened its global position in high-value crops. The country is the world’s largest producer of dry onions, contributing about 25 per cent of global output, and ranks second in the production of fruits, vegetables and potatoes, accounting for nearly 12–13 per cent of global production in each category.
Concluding its assessment, the Economic Survey states that agriculture will remain central to India’s development journey by driving inclusive growth, enhancing rural incomes and improving the livelihoods of millions, with allied sectors and horticulture playing an increasingly decisive role in the years ahead.
