New Delhi, June 5 (IANS). The Gross Value Added (GVA) of India’s agriculture and allied sectors has increased from Rs 20.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 48.7 lakh crore in 2023-24, which is about 18 percent of the total GVA of the country. The reason for this increase is increasing government investment and stable policy. This information was given in an official statement on Friday.
The agriculture sector recorded a compound annual growth rate of 8.83 per cent at current prices during the review period and the GVA of crops alone increased from Rs 12,92,874 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 26,52,891 crore in 2023-24.
The statement said that over the last 12 years, there has been a massive expansion in farmer empowerment in India’s agriculture sector.
The focus has moved beyond welfare assistance to strengthening productivity, income security, market access, infrastructure and institutional resilience.
Increase in agricultural production, expansion of irrigation systems, better access to credit, strengthening of insurance coverage and growth in allied sectors have contributed to this transformation.
At the same time, the expansion of MSP operations and procurement systems has strengthened market stability, ensured remunerative prices and supported national food security objectives.
The government further said in the statement that digital platforms, cooperatives, food processing and climate-resilient initiatives have created new opportunities in the agricultural value chain. These developments reflect a gradual shift towards a more diversified, technology-based and farmer-centred farming system.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) expanded irrigation coverage and promoted water use efficiency. The Soil Health Card Scheme enabled scientific nutrient management, while the Rashtriya Gokul Mission supported indigenous breeds and milk production.
Total food grain production increased from 265.05 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 357.73 million tonnes in 2024-25, with record production of rice at 150.18 million tonnes and wheat at 117.94 million tonnes, showing an increase of 42 per cent and 36 per cent respectively.
Dependence on edible oil imports reduced from 63.2 per cent in 2015-16 to 56.25 per cent in 2023-24, indicating gradual progress. During this period, the area under oilseeds increased by more than 18 percent. Production increased by about 55 percent, while productivity increased by about 31 percent.
Horticulture production has increased from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 369.05 million tonnes in 2024-25. This expansion reflects better agricultural practices and diversification toward higher value crops supported by market demand.
–IANS
abs
