Agri sector records unprecedented growth rate of 4.4 pc over 5 years: Chouhan

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said over the past five years, the agriculture and allied sectors have recorded an average annual growth rate of 4.4 per cent at constant prices, which is higher than the global average.

“During the decade from financial year 2016 to 2025, the agricultural sector posted a decadal growth rate of 4.45 per cent, the highest compared to previous decades,” Chouhan said while reacting to the Economic Survey.

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Even in the second quarter of financial year 2025–26, the agriculture sector registered a growth rate of 3.5 per cent, reflecting its strength and resilience, he said.

Chouhan said the survey’s data clearly demonstrates that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has made unprecedented progress on both the agriculture and rural development fronts.

The Union Minister said in the financial year 2024–25, the country’s foodgrain production reached a record level of 357.73 million tonnes.

“This increase was primarily driven by improved output of rice, wheat, maize and coarse cereals, including ‘Shree Anna’ (millets). Today, India is not only self-reliant in foodgrain production but is also playing a leading role globally in several crops,” he said.

Chouhan said with nearly a 33 per cent share in agricultural gross value added (GVA), the horticulture sector has emerged as the brightest spot in Indian agriculture.

Horticulture production increased from 280.70 million tonnes in the financial year 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25.

During this period, fruit production stood at 114.51 million tonnes, vegetable production at 219.67 million tonnes, and other horticultural crops at 33.54 million tonnes.

The Union Agriculture Minister said India has now become the world’s largest producer of onions, contributing nearly 25 per cent to global onion production. At the same time, India is the world’s second-largest producer of vegetables, fruits and potatoes, with a global share of around 12–13 per cent in each of these categories.