{"id":38017,"date":"2026-03-26T19:45:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/udaen.info\/?p=38017"},"modified":"2026-03-26T19:46:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:16:14","slug":"indias-resilient-production-systems-in-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/udaen.info\/?p=38017","title":{"rendered":"India\u2019s Resilient Production Systems in Agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

India\u2019s Resilient Production Systems in Agriculture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


\u201cFrom Fields to Market\u201d
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

PIB Delhi<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Takeaways<\/strong>India achieved a record foodgrain production of 357.73 MMT (2024-25),<\/strong> with horticulture output at 362.08 MT,<\/strong> reflecting a strong shift towards high-value crops.<\/em>India ranks among the top producers globally, with 150.18 MT<\/strong> of rice, 117.94 MT<\/strong> of wheat, 25.68 MT <\/strong>of pulses, and 18.59 MT<\/strong> of millets,<\/strong> reinforcing its role in global food security (2024-25).<\/strong><\/em>Agricultural exports rose from USD 34.5 billion (FY20) to USD 51.1 billion (FY25),<\/strong> with processed food share increasing to 20.4%,<\/strong> signalling value-added growth.<\/em>Budget allocation rose from Rs.21,933 crore (2013-14) to Rs.1.30 lakh crore (2026-27), <\/strong>indicating sustained focus on agricultural development.<\/em>Under PM-KISAN, Rs.4.27 lakh crore<\/strong> has been disbursed in 22 instalments<\/strong>, while crop insurance claims exceeded Rs.1.90 lakh crore<\/strong>, strengthening income security and risk protection.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s agricultural sector continues to play a pivotal role in sustaining rural livelihoods, ensuring economic resilience, <\/strong>and safeguarding national food security<\/strong>. Agriculture and allied activities account for nearly one-fifth<\/strong> of the country\u2019s gross value added at current prices, employ approximately 46.1 percent <\/strong>of the workforce, and support close to 55 percent<\/strong> of the population, underscoring their substantial socio-economic significance. Over the past five years, the sector has achieved an average annual growth rate of around 4.4 percent<\/strong> at constant prices, reflecting enhanced expansion supported by improved farm practices, technological integration, <\/strong>and more resilient production systems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s Agricultural Production Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the agricultural year 2024-25, India recorded an unprecedented foodgrain output of 357.73 million metric tonnes (MMT),<\/strong> marking an increase of 25.43 million metric tonnes (MMT) <\/strong>over the preceding year, reflecting sustained gains in productivity, improved input management, and strengthened institutional support to farmers. The increase was primarily driven by higher production of rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals<\/strong> (including millets, designated as Shree Anna<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horticulture has simultaneously emerged as a major driver of agricultural transformation and value addition. Total horticulture production reached 362.08 million tonnes (MT)<\/strong> in 2024-25, indicating a structural shift towards high-value crops. According to the second advance estimates, production increased from 280.70 million tonnes<\/strong> in 2013-14 to 367.72 million tonnes<\/strong> in 2024-25. This output comprises approximately 114.51 million tonnes<\/strong> of fruits, 219.67 million tonnes<\/strong> of vegetables, and 33.54 million tonnes<\/strong> from other horticultural crops. The gradual scaling of both foodgrain and horticultural production underscores India\u2019s strengthening domestic agricultural base and its growing prominence in global agri-food systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India in Global Agricultural Markets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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India\u2019s agricultural exports have grown steadily in recent years. Agricultural export earnings increased from USD 34.5 billion in FY20<\/strong> to USD 51.1 billion in FY25<\/strong>, reflecting a CAGR<\/strong> of 8.2 percent<\/strong>. In FY25,<\/strong> agri-food exports, including processed food products, amounted to USD 49.43 billion<\/strong>, accounting for about 11.2 percent<\/strong> of total exports. Notably, the share of processed food exports<\/strong> has also risen consistently, from 14.9 percent in FY18<\/strong> to 20.4 percent in FY25<\/strong>, indicating a progressive shift toward higher value-added within the agricultural export basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These trends underline the expanding role of processed and diversified<\/strong> agricultural products in strengthening export competitiveness while creating new opportunities across production, processing, and global market integration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India holds a strong position in global agriculture, supported by diversified production systems and region-specific strengths across cereals, pulses, horticulture, and plantation crops. With the world\u2019s second-largest agricultural land area<\/strong>, India is a global leader in farm output, <\/strong>ranking among the world\u2019s top producers across several commodities, reflecting both the scale and sustainability of its agricultural production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s Dominance in Cereals, Pulses, and Millets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rice and Wheat: <\/u><\/strong>India ranks as the world\u2019s second-largest producer<\/strong> of both rice and wheat<\/strong>, with output reaching 150.18 million tonnes of rice<\/strong> and 117.94 million tonnes of wheat during the agricultural year 2024-25<\/strong>. Rice production is primarily concentrated in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal. At the same time, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab constitute the leading wheat-producing regions, reflecting the geographic concentration of cereal production<\/strong> within the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulses and Millets: <\/u><\/strong>India also leads globally in pulse production, <\/strong>recording an output of 25.68 million tonnes (2024-25)<\/strong>, with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan serving as the principal producing states<\/strong>. The country also ranks first<\/strong> worldwide in millet production, achieving approximately 18.59 million tonnes (2024-25)<\/strong>, largely driven by Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of trade performance, Rice exports <\/strong>reached USD 12.95 billion in 2024-2025<\/strong>, while exports of pulses and millets amounted to USD 855 million<\/strong> and USD 59.20 million,<\/strong> respectively. These figures underscore the growing international demand for diversified, climate-resilient cereal crops, reinforcing India\u2019s strategic role in global food and nutrition security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s Global Position in Horticulture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fruits and Vegetables: <\/u><\/strong>India is the world\u2019s second-largest producer<\/strong> of fruits and vegetables<\/strong>, with output reaching 114.51 million tonnes of fruits<\/strong> and 219.67 million tonnes of vegetables<\/strong> in 2024-25<\/strong>. Fruit production<\/strong> is primarily concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, <\/strong>while Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat lead vegetable output. Exports of fruits and vegetables<\/strong> amounted to USD 1,818.56 million in 2024-25<\/strong>, reflecting the increasing contribution of high-value horticulture crops to India\u2019s agricultural trade and in global market integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry Onion: <\/u><\/strong>India also ranks first <\/strong>globally in dry onion production<\/strong>, contributing nearly 25 percent<\/strong> of total world output, largely from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s Leadership in High-Value Cash Crops<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sugarcane: <\/u><\/strong>In high-value cash crops, India is the second-largest<\/strong> producer of sugarcane,<\/strong> with output of 454.61 million tonnes (2024-25)<\/strong>, mainly from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton: <\/u><\/strong>India ranks as the world\u2019s second largest producer of cotton<\/strong>, with output estimated at approximately 5.05million tonnes<\/strong> (converted from bales) in 2024-25<\/strong>. Production is concentrated mainly in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat<\/strong>, which constitute the principal cotton-growing states. On the trade front, despite global tariff-related challenges, India\u2019s <\/strong>cotton exports to the USA during January-October 2025 amounted to USD 31.31 billion, indicating relative stability in export performance amid evolving international market conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea: <\/u><\/strong>India ranks second globally in tea production,<\/strong> with output reaching 1.203 million tonnes during April-December 2024-25.<\/strong> Production is concentrated in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu<\/strong>, Kerala, and Karnataka<\/strong>. Tea exports <\/strong>during the period from April to October 2025-26 <\/strong>amounted to USD 605.90 million, up 15.16 percent <\/strong>from the corresponding period of the previous year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spices: <\/u><\/strong>India continues to lead the world as the leading producer, with total production reaching 12 million metric tonnes in 2023-24.<\/strong> Major producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. Spices exports reached USD 4.52 billion in FY25<\/strong>, underscoring India\u2019s strong global market presence in this segment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut: <\/u><\/strong>India ranks first<\/strong> globally in coconut production, with an annual output of approximately 21.3 billion nuts<\/strong>. Coconut exports were valued at USD 513 million in 2024-25<\/strong>, reflecting steady international demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee: <\/u><\/strong>India produces around 0.36 million tonnes<\/strong> of coffee annually, with nearly 70 percent exported to 128 countries<\/strong>. Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu <\/sup><\/strong>are the principal producing states. During April-October FY 2025-26, coffee exports amounted to USD 1,176.31 million<\/strong>, representing an increase of approximately 12 percent<\/strong> over the corresponding period of the previous year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Union Budget 2026-27<\/em><\/strong> has emphasised on the promotion of high value crops<\/strong>, by announcing targeted support for coconut, sandalwood, cocoa and cashew in coastal regions, agar trees in the North Eastern states,<\/strong> and high value nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pine nuts in hilly areas<\/strong>. This region-specific approach reflects a policy intent to harness local agro-climatic strengths, and encourage diversification towards crops that offer higher economic returns.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, India\u2019s diversified commodity base and geographically balanced production systems strengthen its role in stabilising global food supply chains.<\/a> <\/strong>The integration of improved production practices with expanding export markets<\/strong> reflects a transition towards resilient agriculture that boosts economic growth while promoting long-term environmental balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Policy Interventions Supporting Resilient Production Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s agricultural policy framework combines financial support, productivity enhancement, <\/strong>and risk management <\/strong>measures to strengthen farmer welfare and sectoral resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget Allocation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Government has significantly enhanced budgetary allocations to the agriculture sector, underscoring a long-term policy commitment to strengthening farmers\u2019 welfare and rural livelihoods, and over the years, reflecting a consistent commitment to farmers\u2019 welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare<\/strong> increased from Rs. 21,933.50 crore <\/strong>(approximately USD 2.64 billion) in 2013-2014 <\/sup><\/strong>to Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore <\/strong>(approximately USD 15.34 billion) in 2025-26, representing a substantial enhancement in public investment over the period. <\/strong>Building on this trajectory, the budget allocated (2026-27) of Rs. 1,30,561.38 crore <\/strong>(approximately USD 15.73 billion) to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare <\/strong>reaffirms the continued prioritization of agricultural development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Input Support to Resilient Growth: India\u2019s Productivity-Led Agricultural Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s agricultural development strategy has progressively shifted toward enhancing productivity through improved input-use efficiency, technological adoption, and the promotion of sustainable agronomic practices. Mission-oriented interventions, including the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, and the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds and Oil Palm,<\/strong> along with targeted extension and institutional credit support, are driving this structural transformation toward higher productivity, reduced import dependence, and enhanced resilience within the agricultural sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The<\/em> <\/em>National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)<\/em><\/strong><\/a>,<\/em><\/strong> formerly the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), is<\/em> <\/em>a centrally sponsored scheme to increase the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and nutri-cereals\/coarse cereals in the country.<\/em>The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses<\/strong> (2025\u201331)<\/em> <\/em>aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>by significantly enhancing domestic production reduce import dependence, and pave the way for an \u201cAatmanirbhar Bharat\u201d<\/strong><\/em> <\/em>in pulses.<\/em>The<\/em> <\/em>National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em><\/strong>including the Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) and Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)<\/strong> initiatives,<\/em> <\/em>aims to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production by 2030-31. It focuses on expanding cultivation areas, enhancing production and productivity through quality seeds, enhancing technology, and increasing farm income to reduce import dependency.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quality Seeds and Soil Health:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n