New Delhi, Jan 29(.) India’s foodgrain production touched an all-time high of 3,577.3 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in Agriculture Year 2024–25, showing the strength and resilience of the farm sector, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26.
Over the past five years, agriculture and allied activities recorded an average annual growth of around 4.4 per cent at constant prices. In the second quarter of FY 2025-26, the sector grew by 3.5 per cent. The decade from FY16 to FY25 saw a growth rate of 4.45 per cent, the highest among previous decades.
This growth was mainly driven by livestock, which expanded by 7.1 per cent, followed by fishing and aquaculture at 8.8 per cent. Crop production grew by 3.5 per cent during the same period.
Between FY15 and FY24, the livestock sector showed strong performance, with its Gross Value Added rising by nearly 195 per cent at current prices.
Fish production also increased sharply, rising by over 140 per cent between 2014 and 2025. The Survey noted that allied sectors are now emerging as key engines of growth in rural India.
Foodgrain output in 2024-25 increased by 254.3 LMT over the previous year, supported by higher production of rice, wheat, maize and coarse cereals, including Shree Anna.
The horticulture sector also showed impressive growth. Accounting for about 33 per cent of agricultural GVA, horticulture production reached 362.08 million tonnes in 2024–25, higher than the estimated foodgrain output of 329.68 million tonnes.
Horticulture production has risen steadily from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25. This includes 114.51 million tonnes of fruits, 219.67 million tonnes of vegetables and 33.54 million tonnes from other horticultural crops.
India remains the world’s largest producer of dry onions, contributing nearly 25 per cent of global output. The country also ranks second in the production of vegetables, fruits and potatoes, accounting for around 12–13 per cent of global output in each category.
The Survey said these achievements highlight India’s growing strength in agriculture, its rising role in global food supply, and the expanding opportunities in high-value farming.
It said Indian agriculture continues to grow steadily, with strong support coming from allied sectors such as livestock, fisheries and horticulture. These sectors are playing a bigger role in raising farmers’ incomes and improving rural livelihoods.
. PKJ .