IASSI-Quarterly
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 44
  • Issue: 4

Agriculture in Meeting Aspirations of Rising India

  • Author:
  • Ramesh Chand1
  • Total Page Count: 20
  • Page Number: 765 to 784

1Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India, E-mail: rc.niti@gov.in

Online published on 24 February, 2026.

Abstract

India's agriculture has undergone a transformative decade (2014–15 to 2024–25), achieving unprecedented growth in both output and farm income—among the highest globally. This progress has been driven by robust policy support, institutional strengthening, and innovative initiatives that redefined the rural and agrarian landscape. Targeted interventions in price support, risk management, infrastructure, digital access, and market linkages have improved productivity, diversification, and farmer welfare. The growth has been qualitatively superior, with a shift towards high-value crops, horticulture, livestock, and allied sectors, ensuring greater inclusiveness and regional balance.

Agricultural output has shown enhanced stability and resilience despite climatic and global disruptions, reflecting technological advances and effective risk management. Notably, agriculture continues to absorb a growing workforce, especially women, reinforcing its role as a social and economic stabilizer. Looking ahead, rising agri-food surpluses present opportunities for strengthening global competitiveness, promoting value addition, and advancing sustainable, climate-resilient practices. Addressing inter-state disparities through targeted investments and policy innovations will be vital. Sustained agricultural dynamism will be central to realizing the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, ensuring that India's development remains inclusive, resilient, and farmer-centric.

Keywords

Viksit Bharat, Viksit States, Agriculture and allied sectors, Minimum support price (MSP), Irrigation and innovations