A recent Niti Aayog report highlights the crucial role of agriculture in India’s development, as it contributes nearly 20% of the national income and employs 46% of the workforce, with a majority being women. The report, authored by Professor Ramesh Chand, focuses on the vision of “Viksit Bharat at 2047,” emphasizing the need to raise per capita income to developed nations’ levels and ensure inclusive development.
The report notes a significant growth phase in India’s agriculture from 2014-15 to 2024-25, driven by demand and a shift towards high-value crops and allied sectors. Despite challenges like climate change and global economic uncertainties, the sector has shown stability and resilience, absorbing a growing workforce, particularly women.
India’s agricultural growth has been remarkable, surpassing China’s, with a growth rate of 4.42% during 2015-2024. Livestock and fisheries sectors have shown substantial growth, outpacing crop production. The report also highlights positive growth in forestry and high-value crop segments, indicating a positive trend in agricultural income growth.
The income of agricultural producers has seen significant annual growth, surpassing that of manufacturing and the total economy. Farmers’ income has increased substantially over the years, showcasing the sector’s potential for economic upliftment.
