The Economic Survey 2025–26 reflects the growing strength of India’s agriculture and rural economy, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Monday. Responding to the Survey’s findings, the Minister noted that sustained policy focus under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resulted in measurable progress across farm output, horticulture, rural infrastructure, housing, digital empowerment, and livelihoods.
Agriculture Records Sustained and Resilient Growth
Shri Chouhan said that over the last five years, the agriculture and allied sectors have achieved an average annual growth rate of 4.4 percent at constant prices, surpassing the global average.
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Over the decade FY2016–FY2025, the sector recorded a decadal growth rate of 4.45 percent, the highest compared to previous decades.
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Even in Q2 of FY2025–26, agriculture posted a growth rate of 3.5 percent, indicating continued resilience.
India’s foodgrain production touched a record 357.73 million tonnes in 2024–25, driven by higher output of rice, wheat, maize, coarse cereals and millets (Shree Anna). The Minister emphasized that India is now not only self-reliant in food production but also plays a leading role globally across several crops.
Horticulture Emerges as a Key Growth Driver
The horticulture sector has become one of the most dynamic segments of Indian agriculture, contributing nearly 33 percent to agricultural GVA.
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Horticulture output increased from 280.70 million tonnes (2013–14) to 367.72 million tonnes (2024–25).
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In 2024–25, production included:
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Fruits: 114.51 million tonnes
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Vegetables: 219.67 million tonnes
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Other horticultural crops: 33.54 million tonnes
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Shri Chouhan noted that India is now the world’s largest producer of onions, contributing about 25 percent of global output, and ranks second globally in vegetables, fruits, and potatoes, with a global share of 12–13 percent in each category.
Historic Expansion of Rural Infrastructure
Highlighting rural development achievements, the Minister said there has been unprecedented expansion in connectivity and basic infrastructure:
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Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 99.6 percent of eligible habitations are now connected with all-weather roads.
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Under PMGSY-IV, road projects covering over 10,000 km have been approved, benefiting nearly 3,270 unconnected habitations across Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh.
This improved connectivity is enabling better access to education, healthcare, markets, and public services in rural areas.
Transformation Through Housing, Digital Empowerment and Livelihoods
Shri Chouhan said that rural transformation is also visible in housing, land reforms, and women-led development:
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Under the mission of Housing for All, 3.70 crore pucca houses have been constructed in rural areas over the last 11 years.
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Under PMAY–Gramin, a target of 4.14 crore houses has been set, most of which are already sanctioned.
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Under the SVAMITVA scheme, drone surveys have been completed in 3.28 lakh villages, and 2.76 crore property cards have been issued.
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Under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, 99.8 percent of rural land records have been digitised.
Women’s economic empowerment has also scaled up significantly:
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Over 10 crore rural women are now linked to more than 90 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
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The number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has crossed 2.5 crore, marking a major milestone in grassroots entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Economic Survey clearly documents how consistent policy direction, institutional reforms, and targeted public investment have strengthened agriculture and transformed rural India. He added that these outcomes reaffirm the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, farmer welfare, and sustainable rural development, positioning villages as central to India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. India’s foodgrain production touched a record 357.73 million tonnes in 2024–25, driven by higher output of rice, wheat, maize, coarse cereals and millets (Shree Anna).
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Source: PIB
