New Delhi, April 4: India’s agricultural sector has achieved record production levels and expanding global market presence, with foodgrain output reaching an all-time high of 357.73 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024-25 and agricultural exports rising to USD 51.1 billion, according to a comprehensive government review.
The data, shared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare with Ziraat Times, highlights a sustained transformation in the sector driven by improved productivity, policy support, and a gradual shift towards high-value crops.
Notably, while the report extensively details national and state-level performance across India, no specific region-wise data or direct mention of Jammu & Kashmir is included, indicating that the Union Territory is not separately highlighted in this particular assessment.
Record production and structural shift
India’s foodgrain production rose sharply by 25.43 MMT compared to the previous year, driven by higher output of rice, wheat, maize and coarse cereals, including millets. At the same time, horticulture production reached 362.08 million tonnes, surpassing foodgrain output and signalling a structural shift towards high-value agriculture.
Experts note that this transition reflects changing consumption patterns, better returns for farmers, and improved infrastructure for perishable commodities.
The sector continues to play a critical role in the economy, contributing nearly one-fifth of the country’s gross value added and employing about 46.1 percent of the workforce, while supporting nearly 55 percent of the population.
Strong global standing in agriculture
India has reinforced its position among the world’s leading agricultural producers across multiple commodities. During 2024-25, rice production stood at 150.18 million tonnes and wheat at 117.94 million tonnes, placing India among the top global producers.
The country also maintained its leadership in pulses and millets, producing 25.68 million tonnes and 18.59 million tonnes respectively. These climate-resilient crops are increasingly gaining importance in global food systems.
In horticulture, India ranked as the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, with output reaching 114.51 million tonnes and 219.67 million tonnes respectively.
Exports and value addition on the rise
India’s agricultural exports have shown steady growth, rising from USD 34.5 billion in FY20 to USD 51.1 billion in FY25, reflecting an annual growth rate of over 8 percent. Of this, agri-food exports accounted for USD 49.43 billion, with processed food making up 20.4 percent of the export basket.
This increase in processed food share indicates a shift towards value-added agricultural products, boosting farmer incomes and enhancing global competitiveness.
Rice exports alone touched USD 12.95 billion, while fruits and vegetables contributed over USD 1.8 billion, underlining the diversification of India’s export portfolio.
Leadership in high-value crops
India continues to dominate global production in several high-value crops. It ranks first in dry onion production, contributing nearly a quarter of global output, and leads in spices production with around 12 million metric tonnes.
The country is also a major producer of sugarcane, cotton, tea, coconut and coffee, with exports across these sectors contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Government officials said region-specific strategies are being adopted to further promote high-value crops. The Union Budget 2026-27 has announced targeted support for crops such as coconut, cocoa and cashew in coastal areas, and almonds and walnuts in hilly regions.
Policy push and rising budget allocation
Public investment in agriculture has increased significantly over the past decade. Budget allocation for the sector has risen from Rs.21,933 crore in 2013-14 to over Rs.1.30 lakh crore in 2026-27, reflecting sustained policy focus on rural development and farmer welfare.
The government’s strategy has shifted towards productivity-led growth, supported by technology adoption, improved input use, and mission-mode programmes aimed at achieving self-reliance in key commodities such as pulses and edible oils.
Initiatives such as the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses are driving this transformation by enhancing domestic production and reducing import dependence.
Expanding irrigation, seeds and soil health
Efforts to strengthen farm productivity have been supported by improvements in irrigation, seed quality and soil management.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, the share of irrigated area has increased to 55.8 percent, improving water-use efficiency. Meanwhile, over 25.55 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued to farmers, enabling better nutrient management.
The establishment of over 6.85 lakh seed villages has also contributed to the production of high-quality seeds, boosting crop yields.
Credit, technology and mechanisation
Institutional credit to agriculture has expanded significantly, with disbursement reaching Rs.28.67 lakh crore in 2024-25. More than 7.7 crore Kisan Credit Card accounts are currently operational, ensuring timely access to finance.
Mechanisation has also improved through the establishment of over 27,000 Custom Hiring Centres, providing small farmers access to modern equipment.
In the livestock sector, large-scale vaccination drives and artificial insemination programmes have enhanced productivity and resilience.
Focus on sustainability and innovation
The government has also emphasised sustainable agriculture practices. Natural farming has expanded to over 6.39 lakh hectares, with nearly 15.79 lakh farmers adopting eco-friendly techniques.
Digital platforms such as Kisan Call Centres handled over 30 lakh farmer queries in 2024-25, reflecting growing use of technology in agricultural extension services.
Income support and risk protection
Farmer welfare schemes have played a key role in stabilising incomes. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), over Rs.4.27 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers in 22 instalments.
Crop insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has also expanded significantly, with claims exceeding Rs.1.90 lakh crore since its launch.
Minimum Support Prices continue to provide price assurance for 22 crops, ensuring remunerative returns to farmers.
Market reforms and infrastructure boost
Significant investments have been made in agricultural infrastructure and market linkages. Nearly 49,800 storage projects and over 25,000 marketing infrastructure projects have been supported with government assistance.
The e-National Agriculture Market platform now connects over 1.8 crore farmers and 1,656 mandis, enabling transparent price discovery and digital trading.
In addition, 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations have been formed to strengthen collective bargaining and market access.
Food processing and value chains
The food processing sector has emerged as a major driver of value addition and employment. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, over 1,100 projects have been completed, strengthening cold-chain and processing infrastructure.
Schemes promoting micro food enterprises and production-linked incentives have attracted significant investment, supporting rural entrepreneurship and reducing post-harvest losses.
Food security and public distribution
India’s food security system continues to expand, with subsidised foodgrains being provided to over 81 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.
Reforms such as the One Nation One Ration Card scheme have enhanced portability and transparency, with nearly all fair price shops digitised through electronic point-of-sale devices.
No direct reference to J&K
Despite the wide-ranging national overview, the report does not provide specific data or targeted schemes relating exclusively to Jammu & Kashmir, nor does it identify the region among leading producing states in major crops.
However, policy measures such as support for high-value nuts in hilly regions and expansion of irrigation and horticulture could have indirect relevance for J&K’s agro-climatic conditions.
Outlook
The government said India’s agricultural transformation reflects a balanced approach combining production growth, policy support and market reforms. With rising exports, expanding value chains and stronger farmer support systems, the sector is expected to remain a key pillar of economic growth and food security.
Officials emphasised that continued focus on sustainability, technology and value addition will be crucial in ensuring long-term resilience and global competitiveness of Indian agriculture.
