India Agriculture Transformation: Seeds of change: How India’s agriculture went high-output in 12 years
India’s agriculture sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past 12 years, driven by higher public investment, record foodgrain production, expanded irrigation, improved access to credit and a stronger safety net for farmers, according to a government paper released this month.The report, titled Empowering India’s Annadatas, outlines how agricultural policy has evolved from a welfare-centric approach to a broader strategy focused on productivity, market access, income security and resilience.Agriculture and allied activities continue to remain a key pillar of the Indian economy, accounting for nearly 18 per cent of the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA). The sector’s GVA has more than doubled from Rs 20.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 48.7 lakh crore in 2023-24, reflecting sustained growth over the last decade.
Rising public investment in agriculture
Government spending on agriculture has also witnessed a sharp increase.Budgetary allocation for the department of agriculture and farmers welfare has risen from Rs 27,663 crore in 2013-14 to over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in 2026-27, highlighting the Centre’s emphasis on rural and farm sector development.
Record foodgrain production drives growth
One of the most visible indicators of this growth has been the steady rise in foodgrain production. Total foodgrain output has increased from 265 million tonnes in 2013-14 to a record 357.7 million tonnes in 2024-25.Rice production touched an all-time high of 150.18 million tonnes in 2024-25, making India the world’s largest rice producer. Wheat output reached a record 117.94 million tonnes, while maize production nearly doubled over the decade to 43.4 million tonnes.The government attributes this growth to schemes such as the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission, which promotes improved seeds, scientific farming practices and wider adoption of technology.
Oilseeds and horticulture show strong gains
The oilseeds sector has also shown substantial gains. Production rose from 27.5 million tonnes in 2014-15 to nearly 43 million tonnes in 2024-25.The increase has helped reduce India’s dependence on imported edible oils, though the country still imports a significant portion of its requirements.Horticulture has emerged as another major growth area. Production increased from 280.7 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 369 million tonnes in 2024-25, reflecting a gradual shift towards higher-value crops and diversification within agriculture.
Strengthening farmers’ income and risk protection
Beyond production, the government has sought to strengthen farmers’ financial security. Expanded procurement operations and higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) have been central to this strategy.MSP-backed procurement has remained a key mechanism for ensuring price support to farmers while contributing to the country’s food security system.The report also highlights the expansion of crop insurance coverage, increased access to institutional credit and investments in irrigation infrastructure aimed at reducing dependence on monsoon rainfall.
Push for technology and climate-resilient farming
Technology and digital platforms have become increasingly important components of agricultural policy.Initiatives promoting digital agriculture, farmer databases and online marketplaces are intended to improve efficiency and connect farmers with wider markets.At the same time, the government has pushed climate-resilient farming practices, food processing, cooperatives and allied sectors such as dairy and fisheries to create additional income opportunities for rural households.
Towards a resilient and diversified farm economy
While challenges such as climate variability, fragmented landholdings and market volatility continue to affect the sector, the government argues that the last decade has laid the foundation for a more diversified and resilient agricultural ecosystem.The broader objective, according to the report, is not merely to increase production but to create a technology-driven, farmer-centric agricultural system capable of delivering higher incomes, greater sustainability and long-term food security for the country.As India seeks to become a developed economy by 2047, agriculture remains central to that ambition.With nearly half the country’s population still dependent on farming and allied activities for their livelihoods, the sector’s performance will continue to shape both rural prosperity and national economic growth.
