For decades, Indian agriculture has remained the backbone of the country’s economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods while ensuring national food security. Yet the sector has historically faced multiple challenges, fragmented landholdings, dependence on monsoon rains, limited access to institutional credit, inadequate storage infrastructure, volatile market prices, and vulnerability to climate-related shocks.
Over the past twelve years, however, the policy discourse surrounding agriculture has undergone a significant transformation. The focus has expanded beyond providing relief and subsidies to creating a more resilient agricultural ecosystem capable of generating sustainable incomes, improving productivity, strengthening market linkages, and reducing farmers’ exposure to risk.
The result is visible in the numbers. Agricultural output has reached record levels, procurement operations have expanded substantially, institutional credit has increased, insurance coverage has widened, and direct benefit transfer mechanisms have brought unprecedented financial support to millions of farmer households. At the same time, investments in infrastructure, irrigation, technology, and value addition have begun reshaping India’s rural economy.
Agriculture’s growing contribution to economy
The importance of agriculture in India’s economic framework remains substantial. Despite rapid industrialisation and expansion of the services sector, agriculture and allied activities continue to provide livelihoods to a large segment of the population while contributing significantly to national output.
Official figures show that agriculture and allied sectors currently account for nearly 18 percent of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA). The sector’s GVA increased from approximately Rs 20.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 48.7 lakh crore in 2023-24, registering a compound annual growth rate of 8.83 percent at current prices.
This growth reflects not merely an increase in output but also structural improvements across various components of the agricultural economy. The crop sector itself recorded substantial expansion, with its GVA increasing from Rs 12.92 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 26.53 lakh crore in 2023-24.
Such growth has been driven by improvements in productivity, expansion of irrigation facilities, increased mechanisation, improved seed availability, better access to markets, and greater financial support from both the government and institutional lenders.
Rising public investment in agriculture
A critical factor behind this transformation has been the significant increase in public investment directed towards agriculture.
Government spending on agriculture has expanded dramatically over the past decade, reflecting a policy decision to strengthen the sector through targeted interventions and infrastructure development. Budgetary allocation for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare increased from Rs 27,663 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,40,528.78 crore for 2026-27.
The nearly five-fold increase in allocation demonstrates the growing importance accorded to agriculture in national development planning. These investments have supported multiple programmes ranging from irrigation and crop insurance to digital agriculture and infrastructure development.
The increase in budgetary support has also enabled the government to launch new schemes while expanding the reach of existing programmes aimed at improving farmers’ incomes and productivity.
Record foodgrain production reflects expanding capacity
One of the most visible indicators of agricultural progress has been the sustained increase in foodgrain production.
India’s total foodgrain production rose from 265.05 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 357.73 million tonnes in 2024-25, reflecting a substantial increase over the decade. The growth has been driven by higher output across major crops including rice, wheat, maize, pulses, and coarse cereals.
Rice production reached a historic high of 150.18 million tonnes in 2024-25, representing a 42 percent increase compared to 2014-15. This achievement has helped India emerge as the world’s largest rice producer.
Wheat production also touched a record 117.94 million tonnes, recording growth of over 36 percent during the same period.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories has been maize production, which increased by nearly 79 percent, from 24.17 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 43.40 million tonnes in 2024-25. The crop’s growing importance is linked to rising demand from the poultry, feed, starch, and ethanol sectors.
The growth has been supported by the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission, which focuses on promoting improved seeds, advanced cultivation practices, and modern agricultural technologies.
Oilseeds and the push towards Self-Reliance
Reducing dependence on imported edible oils has emerged as a major policy objective in recent years.
India’s oilseed production reached an all-time high of 42.99 million tonnes in 2024-25, compared to 27.51 million tonnes in 2014-15, representing growth of approximately 56 percent. During this period, the area under oilseed cultivation expanded by over 18 percent while productivity improved by nearly 31 percent.
These gains have contributed to a reduction in edible oil import dependence, which declined from 63.2 percent in 2015-16 to 56.25 percent in 2023-24.
The progress reflects the impact of focused interventions aimed at encouraging domestic oilseed cultivation and reducing India’s vulnerability to fluctuations in global edible oil markets.
Diversification through horticulture
While cereals continue to dominate agricultural production, horticulture has emerged as one of the most dynamic segments of Indian agriculture.
The sector currently contributes nearly 37 percent of the Gross Value Output within the crop sector and has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade. Horticultural production increased from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 369.05 million tonnes in 2024-25.
The expansion of horticulture reflects a gradual diversification of Indian agriculture towards high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and plantation crops.
This diversification is particularly important because horticultural crops often provide higher returns per hectare compared to traditional cereal cultivation, thereby enhancing farmers’ income opportunities.
A decade of agricultural reforms
The increase in agricultural production has been accompanied by a series of policy reforms aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges.
Early reforms focused on improving resource efficiency and productivity. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) sought to expand irrigation coverage and promote efficient water use. The Soil Health Card Scheme introduced scientific nutrient management by providing farmers with information about soil composition and fertiliser requirements.
Similarly, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched to improve indigenous cattle breeds and strengthen dairy productivity.
Subsequent reforms focused on risk management and market access. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) expanded crop insurance coverage while the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) facilitated digital agricultural trading and wider market integration.
A major policy milestone came in 2018 when the government announced that Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for mandated crops would be fixed at least 50 percent above the cost of production, providing stronger income assurance to farmers.
PM-KISAN: Direct income support at an unprecedented scale
Among the most significant agricultural interventions of the past decade has been the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN).
The scheme introduced direct income support for farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism, ensuring that financial assistance reaches beneficiaries without intermediaries.
Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments. The objective is to help farmers meet agricultural expenses while reducing their dependence on informal credit sources.
The scale of the programme is unprecedented.
According to official data, more than Rs 4.28 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers under the scheme through 22 instalments, benefiting over 9.44 crore farmer families across the country. More than one-fourth of the beneficiaries are women, highlighting the scheme’s contribution to strengthening the economic role of women within rural households.
The programme has become one of the world’s largest direct income support initiatives for farmers and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of India’s farmer welfare architecture.
Protecting farmers against uncertainty
While higher productivity and income support are essential, farming remains vulnerable to weather events, pest attacks, floods, droughts, cyclones, and other uncertainties.
To address these risks, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was launched as a comprehensive crop insurance programme aimed at protecting farmers from financial losses.
The scheme covers the entire crop cycle, including pre-sowing and post-harvest losses, and follows the principle of uniform premium rates across the country. It is designed to ensure that farmers can continue agricultural activities even after suffering losses due to unforeseen events.
The scale of implementation has been substantial.
More than four crore farmers are insured under PMFBY annually. Since 2016-17, over 92.46 crore farmer applications have been insured under the scheme.
Claims amounting to approximately Rs 1.96 lakh crore had been disbursed by December 2025, benefiting around 24.31 crore farmers. These figures underline the scheme’s importance in providing a financial safety net for cultivators facing agricultural risks.
To further strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, the government has introduced the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline (KRPH) through the dedicated helpline number 14447, supported by hundreds of executives across the country.
MSP and procurement
Perhaps no issue occupies a more central place in agricultural policy than remunerative pricing.
The Minimum Support Price system serves as a safeguard by guaranteeing pre-announced prices for agricultural produce. MSPs are currently declared for 22 mandated crops and have witnessed significant increases over the past decade.
However, MSP announcements alone are not sufficient. Effective procurement operations are equally important to ensure farmers can actually sell their produce at the declared prices.
Between 2014 and 2026, total public procurement reached 1,229.2 million tonnes, representing an increase of nearly 76 percent compared to the previous decade. The total MSP value of procurement touched Rs 26.32 lakh crore, approximately 3.5 times higher than the Rs 7.41 lakh crore recorded during 2004-2014.
The sharp increase in procurement reflects the government’s expanding role in providing market assurance to farmers while simultaneously supporting national food security objectives.
The Kisan Credit Card revolution
Access to affordable institutional credit has long been regarded as one of the most critical requirements for agricultural growth. Historically, many farmers, particularly small and marginal cultivators, relied heavily on informal lenders, often at exorbitant interest rates. Expanding formal credit access has therefore remained a key priority in agricultural policy.
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has emerged as one of the primary instruments for achieving this objective. Designed to provide farmers with a single-window credit facility, the scheme enables cultivators to meet crop cultivation expenses, post-harvest requirements, and investments in allied activities without facing procedural complexities.
The expansion of KCC coverage over the past decade reflects the growing penetration of institutional finance into rural India. The number of operative Kisan Credit Card accounts increased from 6.46 crore in 2013-14 to 7.81 crore in 2024-25. More importantly, the amount outstanding under these accounts rose sharply from Rs 4.26 lakh crore in March 2014 to Rs 10.20 lakh crore in March 2025.
The figures indicate not only wider access to credit but also increased utilisation of institutional financial services by farmers. By providing timely and affordable loans, the KCC system has helped reduce dependence on informal borrowing and strengthened farmers’ ability to invest in productivity-enhancing inputs.
Complementing the KCC framework has been the growth of Ground Level Credit (GLC) flow to agriculture. Credit disbursed by banks and financial institutions to the agricultural sector increased from Rs 7.30 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 28.67 lakh crore in 2024-25. This nearly fourfold increase reflects the broader expansion of formal agricultural finance and the growing confidence of financial institutions in the farm sector.
Building a social security net for farmers
Agricultural policy over the past decade has increasingly focused not only on farm productivity but also on social security for cultivators.
A significant step in this direction has been the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), a pension scheme designed for small and marginal farmers. Recognising that most farmers lack formal retirement security, the scheme offers a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after the age of 60 years to eligible beneficiaries.
The programme is voluntary and contributory in nature, targeting farmers between the ages of 18 and 40. As of February 2026, approximately 24.95 lakh farmers had enrolled under the scheme. While the numbers remain modest compared to broader welfare programmes, the initiative represents an important attempt to institutionalise social security within the agricultural sector.
The inclusion of pension-based support reflects a growing recognition that farmer welfare extends beyond crop production and income generation to encompass long-term financial stability.
Water security and irrigation expansion
For a country where agriculture remains significantly dependent on monsoon rainfall, improving irrigation infrastructure has been central to enhancing productivity and reducing vulnerability.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched with the objective of expanding irrigation coverage while promoting efficient water utilisation. Over the years, the scheme has contributed to measurable improvements in irrigation access.
Between FY16 and FY21, irrigation coverage increased from 49.3 percent to 55 percent of the gross cropped area. This expansion has reduced farmers’ dependence on erratic rainfall and enabled greater cultivation intensity across several regions.
Improved irrigation not only boosts yields but also facilitates diversification into high-value crops, thereby enhancing farm incomes. In many regions, irrigation infrastructure has become a critical component of climate resilience strategies.
Soil health and scientific farming
Recognising that long-term agricultural sustainability depends on maintaining soil fertility, the government introduced the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme to promote scientific nutrient management.
The programme provides farmers with detailed information regarding soil nutrient status and recommendations on fertiliser application. Since its launch, nearly 26 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued as of March 2026. Supporting this effort is a nationwide network of 8,313 soil testing laboratories.
The initiative seeks to address the problem of indiscriminate fertiliser use, which can adversely affect soil quality, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability.
In addition, more than 70,000 Krishi Sakhis have been trained to provide field-level support and advisory services to farmers regarding soil management practices.
The emphasis on soil health reflects a broader shift from input-intensive farming towards more scientific and sustainable agricultural practices.
Strengthening seed quality and productivity
Access to quality seeds remains one of the most important determinants of agricultural productivity.
Through the Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP), efforts have been made to improve the availability of certified and high-quality seeds. Approximately 6.85 lakh seed villages have been established under the initiative, producing nearly 1,649 lakh quintals of quality seeds.
The availability of certified seeds contributes to higher yields, improved resistance to pests and diseases, and greater adaptability to changing climatic conditions.
Combined with advancements in breeding technologies and research, the expansion of quality seed production has played a significant role in supporting agricultural growth.
Towards sustainable and natural farming
As concerns about environmental degradation, soil depletion, and rising input costs have grown, sustainable agriculture has assumed greater importance in policy discussions.
The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) promotes organic farming through cluster-based approaches that encourage collective adoption of organic practices.
As of December 2025, nearly 18.84 lakh hectares had been brought under the programme, benefiting approximately 33.93 lakh farmers.
Similarly, the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) seeks to strengthen organic agriculture and market linkages across the Northeast. Since its inception, the programme has covered 2.36 lakh hectares and supported around 2.70 lakh farmers.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) has further promoted chemical-free cultivation methods aimed at improving soil health and reducing dependence on external inputs. The mission has covered nearly nine lakh hectares and registered around 19 lakh farmers.
These initiatives collectively represent a growing policy emphasis on balancing productivity with ecological sustainability.
Climate resilience in Agriculture
Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant challenges confronting agriculture worldwide.
To address this, efforts have been made to develop and disseminate climate-resilient technologies and farming practices.
Between 2014 and 2025, approximately 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties were released. These varieties are designed to withstand droughts, floods, temperature stress, and pest pressures.
In addition, climate-resilient village models were implemented in 448 villages, benefiting around 8.5 lakh farmers across agriculture and allied sectors.
Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), which combine crop cultivation with livestock, fisheries, horticulture, and other activities, have been adopted by approximately 1.04 lakh farm households across 79 districts.
According to official data, these interventions have generated annual incomes ranging between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 3.6 lakh per hectare, highlighting their potential to enhance both resilience and profitability.
Solarising Indian agriculture through PM-KUSUM
Renewable energy has increasingly become a part of India’s agricultural development strategy.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), launched in 2019, aims to promote solar energy adoption among farmers through solar pumps and decentralised energy generation systems.
The programme has witnessed significant expansion. As of December 2025, more than 21.77 lakh farmers had benefited from the scheme. Over 10 lakh standalone solar agricultural pumps had been installed, while more than 13 lakh grid-connected pumps had been solarised.
The initiative enables farmers not only to reduce their dependence on conventional energy sources but also, in some cases, to earn additional income by supplying surplus electricity to the grid.
The programme is increasingly being viewed as an important intersection between agricultural development and India’s clean energy transition.
Strengthening cooperatives and rural institutions
Recognising the importance of collective action in agriculture, recent years have witnessed renewed emphasis on strengthening cooperative institutions.
The establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 marked a significant institutional development aimed at revitalising cooperative structures across the country.
One major focus has been the strengthening of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), which serve as grassroots-level financial institutions in rural areas.
A National Cooperative Database covering more than 8.4 lakh cooperatives has been developed to facilitate evidence-based planning and improve governance. Model bye-laws have also been introduced, enabling PACS to diversify into over 25 business activities, including petrol pumps, LPG distributorships, Jan Aushadhi centres, and various rural services.
Digitisation has further accelerated these reforms.
As of March 2026, 79,630 PACS had been sanctioned for computerisation, while 61,866 societies had been onboarded onto ERP-based national software platforms. These measures are expected to improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery.
Farmer producer organisations reach a milestone
Alongside cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have emerged as important institutions for collective marketing, aggregation, and bargaining.
The programme for the formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs, launched in 2020, has now achieved its target.
As of February 2026, all 10,000 FPOs had been registered. These organisations help farmers aggregate produce, access markets, negotiate better prices, and obtain inputs at lower costs.
For small and marginal farmers, collective institutions such as FPOs are increasingly being viewed as critical tools for improving market participation and enhancing profitability.
Agriculture infrastructure fund
Recognising that productivity gains alone are insufficient without adequate infrastructure, the government launched the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) in 2020-21.
The fund supports investment in post-harvest infrastructure including warehouses, cold storage facilities, grading units, processing centres, and logistics systems.
As of March 2026, loans worth Rs 84,202 crore had been sanctioned for approximately 1.68 lakh projects under the scheme. The initiative has mobilised investments worth Rs 1.33 lakh crore across rural India.
The expansion of post-harvest infrastructure is expected to reduce wastage, improve value realisation, and strengthen farm-to-market linkages.
e-NAM and the Digital transformation
Agricultural marketing has also undergone significant digitisation through the National Agriculture Market, popularly known as e-NAM.
The platform seeks to create a unified electronic marketplace where farmers can access transparent price discovery and wider market opportunities.
As of March 2026, 1,656 mandis had been integrated into the platform. More than 1.80 crore farmers and 4,724 FPOs had registered on e-NAM.
The platform facilitates online trading, electronic payments, and improved market transparency, helping farmers access a broader pool of buyers beyond their local mandis.
PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras
To strengthen grassroots agricultural services, the government launched Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) in 2022.
These centres function as one-stop service hubs providing agricultural inputs, advisory services, and information on government schemes.
By August 2025, approximately 1.8 lakh such centres had been established across the country, significantly expanding farmers’ access to services and technical guidance.
The initiative aims to improve last-mile delivery and bridge information gaps that often limit the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
Linking Agriculture and Industry Through Food Processing
While increasing agricultural production remains important, policymakers have increasingly focused on ensuring that farmers derive greater value from what they produce. This has brought food processing to the centre of India’s agricultural transformation strategy.
Food processing serves as a crucial bridge between agriculture and industry. By enabling value addition, reducing post-harvest losses, improving storage, and creating market opportunities, the sector has become an important driver of rural economic growth.
The sector’s contribution to the economy has grown steadily over the past decade. Gross Value Added generated by food processing increased from Rs 1.34 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 2.24 lakh crore in 2023-24. Simultaneously, budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Food Processing Industries increased from Rs 785.86 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 4,064 crore in 2026-27.
The sector has also emerged as a significant source of employment, accounting for nearly 12.83 percent of organised manufacturing employment according to the Annual Survey of Industries 2023-24.
A major initiative driving growth has been the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industries (PLISFPI), launched with a financial outlay of Rs 10,900 crore. The scheme seeks to enhance processing capacity, encourage investment, and improve competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
As of February 2026, 165 applications had been approved under the scheme across 274 project locations. Participating companies reported investments worth Rs 9,207 crore, while incentives amounting to Rs 2,162.55 crore had already been disbursed.
Parallel efforts have also focused on supporting micro-level enterprises through the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. Since its launch in 2020-21, the programme has supported more than 4.04 lakh applications, facilitated 1.72 lakh loans, enabled term lending of Rs 14,190 crore, and provided seed capital assistance worth Rs 1,277.45 crore to women Self Help Groups.
Another important intervention has been the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, launched in 2017 with an outlay of Rs 6,520 crore. By mid-2025, the scheme had approved 1,607 projects, generated employment opportunities for approximately 7.25 lakh individuals, and benefited more than 50.27 lakh farmers.
These initiatives collectively indicate a policy shift towards integrating farmers into larger value chains rather than limiting support to production alone.
The Rise of Allied Sectors
Agriculture’s transformation over the past decade has not been limited to crop cultivation. Allied sectors such as dairy, livestock, fisheries, and beekeeping have increasingly become critical components of rural livelihoods.
Diversification into allied activities is widely regarded as essential because it reduces dependence on seasonal crop income while creating year-round revenue streams for farming households.
The economic contribution of allied sectors has increased significantly. The livestock sector’s Gross Value Added increased from Rs 5.10 lakh crore to Rs 15.06 lakh crore over the decade, while fisheries and aquaculture expanded from Rs 1.17 lakh crore to Rs 3.68 lakh crore. Fisheries now account for approximately 7.55 percent of agriculture and allied GVA.
These figures highlight the growing importance of diversified rural economic activity in strengthening farm incomes.
Dairy: India’s Global Leadership Continues
India has maintained its position as the world’s largest milk producer, contributing nearly one-fourth of global milk production.
Milk production increased from 146.31 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25, reflecting growth of more than 69 percent over the decade. Per capita milk availability reached 485 grams per day in 2024-25, significantly higher than the global average of 328 grams.
The growth has been supported by improvements in animal productivity.
Productivity among indigenous cattle increased from 927 kilograms per animal in 2014-15 to 1,292 kilograms in 2023-24. Buffalo productivity rose from 1,880 kilograms to 2,161 kilograms, while overall bovine productivity increased from 1,648 kilograms in 2013-14 to 2,079 kilograms in 2024-25.
Programmes such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission have played an important role in promoting indigenous breeds, genetic improvement, and scientific livestock management.
Poultry and Livestock Strengthen Rural Economies
The livestock sector has recorded a compound annual growth rate of 12.77 percent since 2014-15, making it one of the fastest-growing segments within agriculture.
India currently ranks second globally in egg production and fourth in meat production.
Egg production increased from 78.48 billion eggs in 2014-15 to 149.11 billion eggs in 2024-25, while per capita egg availability rose from 62 to 106 eggs annually. Meat production similarly increased from 6.69 million tonnes to 10.50 million tonnes during the same period.
For millions of small and marginal farmers, livestock serves as both an income source and a risk mitigation mechanism, particularly during periods of crop failure or market volatility.
Fisheries: The Blue Revolution Continues
India’s fisheries sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic components of the rural economy.
Over the past decade, fish production increased from 9.58 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 19.78 million tonnes in 2024-25, recording an average annual growth rate of 8.74 percent. Inland fisheries and aquaculture have been the primary drivers of this expansion, with production rising from 6.14 million tonnes to 15.16 million tonnes.
Institutional support for fishers has also expanded. Around 4.39 lakh fishers have been covered under the Kisan Credit Card framework, improving access to working capital and investment finance.
Collectivisation has emerged as another major development. The formation of 2,195 Farmers’ Fisheries Producer Organisations has strengthened collective bargaining, market access, and institutional support within the sector.
Beekeeping and Bio-Energy
Emerging sectors such as beekeeping and bio-energy have become increasingly important sources of supplementary income.
Under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission, launched in 2020, honey production increased from 0.081 million tonnes to 0.152 million tonnes. Exports grew by nearly 240 percent, helping India emerge as a significant global honey exporter.
Bio-energy has similarly gained prominence through the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme.
Ethanol procurement increased dramatically from 38 crore litres in 2013-14 to 904 crore litres in 2024-25. Ethanol blending levels rose from 1.14 percent in 2014-15 to 20 percent during the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26.
The programme has generated substantial economic benefits for farmers and sugar mills. Over the past decade, sugar mills earned more than Rs 1.29 lakh crore through ethanol sales, while investments exceeding Rs 42,000 crore were mobilised in the sector.
The initiative demonstrates how agricultural diversification can contribute simultaneously to farmer incomes, industrial growth, and national energy security.
Agricultural exports and global integration
India’s agricultural transformation has also been reflected in growing export performance.
Agricultural and allied exports increased from USD 37.29 billion in 2013-14 to USD 51.1 billion in 2024-25, registering growth of nearly 37 percent.
The country’s export basket has become increasingly diversified. India remains among the leading exporters of rice, spices, marine products, cotton, and sugar.
An important trend has been the rise of processed food exports. Their share in total agricultural exports increased from 13.7 percent in 2014-15 to 20.4 percent in 2024-25, indicating growing value addition and stronger competitiveness in international markets.
Marine exports have been particularly impressive, increasing from USD 3.64 billion to USD 7.52 billion over the decade and reaching more than 130 countries worldwide.
The shift towards higher-value exports suggests that Indian agriculture is increasingly integrating with global value chains rather than relying solely on exports of raw commodities.
Digital Agriculture and the Technology Revolution
Technology has become one of the defining features of India’s contemporary agricultural strategy.
The Digital Agriculture Mission seeks to create a unified digital ecosystem by integrating farmer databases, land records, and crop information.
As of February 2026, over 7.63 crore Farmer IDs had been created and approximately 23.5 crore crop plots digitised. These systems aim to improve targeting, transparency, and delivery of agricultural services.
Digitalisation is also improving governance by enabling more accurate identification of beneficiaries and reducing leakages in programme implementation.
Namo Drone Didi and Women-led Innovation
One of the most innovative interventions has been the Namo Drone Didi initiative, launched in 2023.
The scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups through drone-based agricultural services. Approved with an outlay of ₹1,261 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, it combines technological innovation with women’s economic empowerment.
Under the programme, hundreds of drones have already been distributed to women-led groups, enabling them to provide spraying, monitoring, and precision agriculture services.
The initiative reflects a broader trend towards integrating advanced technologies into everyday farming operations.
Climate change and evolving pest patterns have increased the need for timely information and risk management tools.
The National Pest Surveillance System, launched in August 2024, enables real-time monitoring of pest attacks across 66 crops and more than 432 pest species. The platform is currently used by over 10,000 field functionaries who provide advisories to farmers.
Similarly, Kisan e-Mitra has emerged as a major digital information platform. Available in 11 regional languages, it has handled more than 95 lakh farmer queries and possesses the capacity to address over 8,000 queries daily.
These initiatives are reducing information asymmetry and helping farmers make informed decisions.
Agricultural growth depends not only on infrastructure and finance but also on knowledge dissemination.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), functioning as frontline agricultural training institutions, have played a critical role in bridging the gap between research and practice.
Through 731 KVKs across the country, approximately 58.02 lakh farmers received training between 2021-22 and 2023-24. An additional 18.56 lakh farmers were trained during the first ten months of 2024-25.
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) has further strengthened decentralised extension systems. Between 2021 and 2025, approximately 1.27 crore farmers received training through ATMA programmes focused on technology adoption, crop management, and best agricultural practices.
These extension mechanisms are increasingly important as agriculture becomes more technology-intensive and climate-sensitive.
Towards a more resilient Agricultural future
The trajectory of Indian agriculture over the past decade reflects more than incremental growth; it points towards a broader structural transformation.
The sector has witnessed rising output, greater institutional support, expanded credit availability, stronger insurance coverage, increased procurement, enhanced market integration, and growing adoption of technology. Simultaneously, diversification into livestock, fisheries, food processing, renewable energy, and exports has broadened income opportunities for rural households.
The expansion of direct benefit transfers, investments in infrastructure, cooperative reforms, digital platforms, and climate-resilient farming practices indicates a shift from isolated interventions towards an integrated agricultural ecosystem.
Challenges undoubtedly remain, including climate uncertainty, fragmented landholdings, water stress, and market volatility. Yet the evidence suggests that India’s agricultural policy framework has increasingly focused on building resilience alongside productivity.
For millions of farmers across the country, these changes represent more than statistics. They reflect improved access to credit, insurance, technology, markets, infrastructure, and income support mechanisms that collectively seek to strengthen livelihoods and reduce vulnerability.
As India moves towards becoming a larger agricultural and economic power, the continuing transformation of its farm sector will remain central not only to rural prosperity but also to national food security, employment generation, export growth, and sustainable development. The story of India’s Annadatas today is therefore not merely one of cultivation and harvest, but of adaptation, innovation, and a steadily evolving rural economy that is increasingly integrated with the country’s broader development journey.
