Status of Agriculture in India and Different States

Introduction: Agriculture in India is not merely a sector — it is a way of life and the foundation of rural livelihood. Despite rapid industrialization, agriculture and allied activities continue to play a crucial role in India’s economy, employment generation, and food security.

India has made remarkable progress since Independence — from a food-deficient country to a net exporter of agricultural commodities. With a diversified cropping system, India ranks among the top producers of many food and cash crops in the world.

2. Historical Background and Growth Phases

• Pre-Green Revolution Era (Before 1965):
  • Traditional subsistence farming with low productivity.
  • Heavy dependence on monsoon rainfall.
  • Frequent famines and food imports (e.g., PL-480 agreement with the USA).

• Green Revolution Era (1965–1985):
  • Introduction of HYVs (High-Yielding Varieties) of wheat and rice.
  • Expansion of irrigation and fertilizer use.
  • Self-sufficiency in food grains achieved by the 1980s.
  • Regional concentration: Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP benefited most.

• Post-Green Revolution Era (1985–2000):
  • Stagnation in productivity in certain regions.
  • Increased focus on diversification (horticulture, fisheries, livestock).

• Modern Agricultural Phase (2000–Present):
  • Focus on sustainable, climate-resilient, and technology-driven agriculture.
  • Expansion of Agri-Tech, FPOs, and Agri-Entrepreneurship.
  • Emphasis on income-oriented policies (“Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022”).

Present Status of Agriculture in India

Contribution to Economy

• Agriculture contributes around 17–18% to India’s GDP (Economic Survey 2024–25).
• Provides employment to 42–45% of the total workforce.
• Plays a vital role in food security, raw materials for industries, and export earnings.

Area and Production

• Net Sown Area: 141 million hectares.
• Gross Cropped Area: 198 million hectares.
• Cropping Intensity: ~140%.
• Irrigated Area: 55% of net sown area (majorly from tube wells and canals).

Major Production Statistics (2023–24)

Importance of Agriculture

• Economic Backbone: Provides food, employment, and raw materials for industries.
• Foreign Exchange: Exports of rice, spices, cotton, and tea contribute billions annually.
• Socio-cultural Role: Supports over 60% of India’s rural population.
• Environmental Balance: Promotes biodiversity, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration if managed sustainably.

Major Challenges in Indian Agriculture

Government Schemes and Programmes

Income & Support

• PM-KISAN: ₹6,000/year direct income support.
• PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Risk coverage against crop loss.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Easy access to short-term credit.

Productivity & Sustainability

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focus on climate-resilient farming.
• PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): “Per Drop More Crop” – efficient irrigation.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: Promotes balanced fertilizer use.

Marketing & Export

• e-NAM (National Agricultural Market): Digital mandi integration.
• Agriculture Export Policy (2018): Boosts export of value-added products.
• Formation of FPOs: Strengthens farmer collectives and marketing.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• RKVY-RAFTAAR: Promotes agri-startups.
• Agri-Incubation Centres (under MANAGE & NABARD): Supports agri-entrepreneurs.
• Digital Agriculture Mission (2021–26): AI, IoT, and blockchain in farming.

State-Wise Agricultural Overview

Punjab

• Known as: “Granary of India”
• Major Crops: Wheat, rice, cotton, maize.
• Strengths: High productivity, mechanization.
• Challenges: Groundwater depletion, soil degradation, stubble burning.
• Future Focus: Crop diversification (pulses, horticulture), micro-irrigation.

Haryana

• Major Crops: Wheat, rice, sugarcane.
• Strengths: High irrigation coverage, dairy development.
• Challenges: Over-exploitation of groundwater, paddy monocropping.
• Opportunities: Agri-processing, bio-fertilizers, zero-tillage farming.

Uttar Pradesh

• Major Crops: Wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses, potato.
• Strengths: Top producer of sugarcane and milk.
• Challenges: Floods, uneven irrigation.
• Opportunities: Crop diversification, rural entrepreneurship, drip irrigation.

Maharashtra

• Major Crops: Cotton, soybean, sugarcane, grapes, pomegranate.
• Challenges: Drought in Vidarbha & Marathwada, farmer suicides.
• Opportunities: Micro-irrigation, fruit export, agro-tourism.

West Bengal

• Major Crops: Rice, jute, tea, potato.
• Strengths: High productivity of rice; strong tea industry.
• Challenges: Flooding, poor mechanization.
• Opportunities: Mechanization, value addition in jute & tea.

Tamil Nadu

• Major Crops: Rice, coconut, banana, turmeric.
• Challenges: Frequent droughts, water scarcity.
• Opportunities: Drip irrigation, organic farming, food processing hubs.

Kerala

• Major Crops: Coconut, rubber, spices, tea.
• Strengths: Plantation economy and high literacy among farmers.
• Challenges: Labor shortage, land fragmentation.
• Opportunities: Organic spice farming, agro-tourism, export promotion.

Andhra Pradesh

• Major Crops: Rice, maize, groundnut, tobacco.
• Strengths: Coastal agriculture, aquaculture leader.
• Challenges: Water management, soil salinity.
• Opportunities: Horticulture and water-saving techniques.

Rajasthan

• Major Crops: Bajra, wheat, mustard, barley.
• Challenges: Arid climate, low rainfall.
• Opportunities: Dryland farming, solar-powered irrigation, rainwater harvesting.

Bihar

• Major Crops: Rice, maize, wheat, sugarcane.
• Challenges: Flood-prone areas, poor storage facilities.
• Opportunities: Irrigation improvement, vegetable cultivation, agri-marketing.

Madhya Pradesh

• Major Crops: Wheat, soybean, pulses.
• Known as: “Soy State of India.”
• Challenges: Pests, low irrigation coverage.
• Opportunities: Agro-processing, crop diversification, export crops.

Emerging Trends and Future Prospects

Statistical Highlights (2024–25)

• Food grain production: 329.7 million tonnes
• Horticultural production: 355 million tonnes
• Milk production: 230 million tonnes
• Fish production: 175 lakh tonnes
• Fertilizer consumption: 281 kg/ha
• Mechanization level: ~47% (India average)

A. Components of Indian Agriculture

• Crop Production (Field & Horticultural Crops) Food grains (cereals + pulses) contribute nearly 65% of gross cropped area. Horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices) now contribute more in value than cereals.
• Livestock Sector: India ranks 1st in milk, 2nd in fish, and 3rd in egg production globally. Livestock provides 25–30% of agricultural GDP. Dairy cooperatives (Amul, Sudha, Verka) revolutionized rural income.
• Fisheries Sector: India is 2nd largest fish producer (after China). Fisheries contribute 1.3% to total GDP and 7% to agri-GDP. Major states: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala.
• Forestry and Plantation Crops: Contribute ~1.5% of GDP. Major plantations: tea (Assam, West Bengal), coffee (Karnataka, Kerala, TN), rubber (Kerala), coconut (Kerala, TN).
• Allied Sectors: Poultry, sericulture, apiculture, and agroforestry are emerging income sources.