Economic Survey agriculture data shows strong growth, says Shivraj Chouhan

Hyderabad: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said the Economic Survey agriculture data clearly reflected the strength of Indian agriculture and rural India.

Reacting to the Economic Survey, Chouhan said the figures showed steady progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that consistent policies and targeted investments helped the sector grow despite global challenges.

The minister said agriculture and allied activities recorded an average annual growth of 4.4% at constant prices over the last five years. He noted that this growth rate remained higher than the global average. Between financial years 2016 and 2025, the sector achieved a decadal growth rate of 4.45%, the highest among all earlier decades.

Chouhan said agriculture also posted a growth rate of 3.5% in the second quarter of 2025–26. He described this as a sign of resilience. According to him, foodgrain production reached a record 357.73 million tonnes in 2024–25. Higher output of rice, wheat, maize and millets drove the increase.

He said India had achieved self-reliance in foodgrain production. He added that the country now played a leading role in global agricultural markets.

Economic Survey agriculture data highlights horticulture and rural infrastructure gains

Chouhan said horticulture emerged as the brightest segment of agriculture. He noted that the sector contributed nearly 33% to agricultural gross value added. Horticulture output rose from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25.

He said fruit production stood at 114.51 million tonnes, while vegetables accounted for 219.67 million tonnes. Other horticultural crops contributed 33.54 million tonnes. India, he added, became the world’s largest onion producer with a 25% global share. The country also ranked second in vegetables, fruits and potatoes.

Highlighting rural development, Chouhan said infrastructure expansion transformed villages nationwide. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, authorities connected 99.6% of eligible habitations with all-weather roads. PMGSY-IV approved over 10,000 km of roads to link 3,270 habitations across several States.

He said rural housing schemes delivered 3.70 crore pucca houses over 11 years. Digital land records reached 99.8% coverage. More than 10 crore rural women joined self-help groups, while Lakhpati Didis crossed 2.5 crore.

Chouhan said the Economic Survey confirmed agriculture and rural India as pillars of inclusive growth.