Indian Agriculture has demonstrated resilience, registering steady growth with major growth coming from the Allied sector states the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament today by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

It adds that while food grain production has increased in recent years, higher-value allied sectors, such as livestock, fisheries, and horticulture, are assuming an increasingly important role in enhancing income opportunities and strengthening rural livelihoods.

The Survey notes that over the last five years, the average annual growth rate in the agriculture and allied sector has been around 4.4 per cent at constant prices. In Q2 of FY 2025-26, the agriculture sector registered a growth of 3.5 per cent. The decadal growth of 4.45 per cent (FY16-FY25), the highest in comparison to previous decades, has primarily resulted from the strong performance in livestock (7.1 per cent) and fishing and aquaculture (8.8 per cent), followed by the crop sector at 3.5 per cent

During FY 15 and FY24 the livestock sector recorded a strong expansion, with its GVA increasing by nearly 195 per cent, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.77 per cent at current prices. The fisheries sector has also performed well, with fish production increasing by more than 140 per cent (by 88.14 lakh tons) during 2014-2025, compared to the increase from 2004-14 Thus, allied sectors are increasingly emerging as important growth engines and key contributors to enhancing farm incomes.

India’s foodgrains production has witnessed a steady increase, estimated to have reached 3,577.3 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in Agriculture Year (AY) 2024–25, an increase of 254.3 LMT over the previous year. This growth has been driven by higher output of rice, wheat, maize and coarse cereals (Shree Anna).

The horticulture sector, which accounts for approximately 33 per cent of agricultural GVA, has emerged as a bright spot in the country's agricultural growth trajectory. In 2024-25, horticulture production reached 362.08 MT, surpassing the estimated food grain production of 329.68 MT. As of August 2025, horticulture production increased from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25.

This expansion has been broad-based, comprising 114.51 million tonnes of fruits, 219.67 million tonnes of vegetables, and 33.54 million tonnes from other horticultural crops, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to agricultural output and value.

In addition, the country is the world’s largest producer of dry onions, contributing nearly 25 per cent of global output. India also ranks second worldwide in the production of vegetables, fruits, and potatoes, accounting for around 12-13 per cent of global output in each category.These achievements underscore India’s strong presence in horticulture, its growing role in meeting global food demand, and the opportunities in high-value crop production.

The Survey concludes by mentioning that Agriculture will be central to achieving Viksit Bharat, driving inclusive growth and improving the livelihoods of millions. India has made notable progress in increasing agricultural production, particularly in key sectors such as dairy, poultry, fisheries, and horticulture, which collectively contribute significantly to the country's GDP

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NB/RC/RK