Economic Survey highlights strength of Indian agriculture, rural economy: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
The Economic Survey has documented the sustained strength of Indian agriculture and the transformation of rural India, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Thursday.
Reacting to the Survey, Chouhan said the data reflects unprecedented progress in agriculture and rural development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, driven by consistent policy support, institutional reforms and targeted investments.
Agriculture records stable growth
According to the minister, the agriculture and allied sectors recorded an average annual growth rate of 4.4 per cent at constant prices over the last five years, exceeding the global average. During the decade from 2016 to 2025, the sector posted a decadal growth rate of 4.45 per cent, the highest compared to previous decades.
He added that agriculture continued to show resilience even in FY26, registering a growth rate of 3.5 per cent in the second quarter.
Foodgrain production touched a record 357.73 million tonnes in 2024–25, led by higher output of rice, wheat, maize and coarse cereals, including millets promoted as ‘Shree Anna’. Chouhan said India has achieved self-reliance in foodgrains and now plays a leading role globally in several crops.
Horticulture emerges as key growth driver
Horticulture has emerged as a major contributor to agricultural growth, accounting for nearly 33 per cent of agricultural gross value added (GVA), the minister said. Horticulture production rose from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25.
During this period, fruit production stood at 114.51 million tonnes, vegetable production at 219.67 million tonnes and other horticultural crops at 33.54 million tonnes.
India is now the world’s largest producer of onions, contributing about 25 per cent to global output, and the second-largest producer of vegetables, fruits and potatoes, with a global share of around 12–13 per cent in each category, Chouhan said.
Rural infrastructure sees historic expansion
Highlighting progress in rural development, the minister said infrastructure expansion has been unprecedented, covering roads, housing, drinking water and digital connectivity.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), more than 99.6 per cent of eligible habitations have been connected with all-weather roads. Under PMGSY-IV, road projects covering over 10,000 kilometres have been approved to connect 3,270 unconnected habitations across Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh.
Housing, digital empowerment and livelihoods
Under the ‘Housing for All’ mission, 3.70 crore pucca houses have been constructed in rural areas over the past 11 years. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, a target of 4.14 crore houses has been set, most of which have already been sanctioned.
Chouhan said digital initiatives have also transformed rural governance. Under the SVAMITVA scheme, drone surveys have been completed in 3.28 lakh villages and 2.76 crore property cards issued. Digitisation of 99.8 per cent of rural land records has been completed under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme.
Under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, more than 10 crore rural women are linked to over 90 lakh self-help groups, while the number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has crossed 2.5 crore.
The minister said the Economic Survey underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, farmer welfare and sustainable rural development, with villages playing a central role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
