India’s Agricultural Growth 2011–2024: Key Insights from the NSO Report

Relevance: GS III Agriculture & Allied Sectors

India’s agriculture has been very successful in the last ten years as evident in the NSO Agriculture Report 2024. The sector has not only recorded a 225% rise in Gross Value Added (GVA) but also witnessed a phenomenal increase in crop output, fisheries, and floriculture, which is sustaining rural livelihoods and providing almost 16% of the country’s GDP. The report, which is also supported by the implementation of the Digital Agriculture Mission and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, indicates the changing trends, local performance, and policy support affecting Indian agriculture’s future.

Key Growth Metrics from 2011–12 to 2023–24

From 2011–12 to 2023–24, the Gross Value of Output (GVO) increased by 54.6% (constant prices), whereas the Gross Value Added (GVA) in agricultural and related industries increased by about 225% (current prices).

• Crop sector: 54.1% of total agriculture GVO in 2023–2024 came from this sector. The state that produces the most cereals is Uttar Pradesh.

In 2023–2024, wheat and paddy account for over 85% of the GVO of all grains.

• Floriculture: GVO increased by almost twofold between 2011–12 and 2023–24, reaching F28.1 thousand crore.
• Condiments & Spices: Gujarat (15.5%), Karnataka (16.6%), and Madhya Pradesh (19.2%) are the top three contributors.

Contribution from fishing and aquaculture grew from 4.2% in 2011–12 to 7.0% in 2023–24.

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Government Initiatives Supporting the Sector

Agriculture Investment Fund (Rs 1 lakh crore): To close the nation’s current post-harvest infrastructure deficiencies

• Mission of Digital Agriculture: To assist with a range of digital agriculture projects. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana seeks to encourage micro and small fishing businesses and legitimize the industry.
• A centrally sponsored program for the comprehensive expansion of the horticultural industry is the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
• Other: Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, etc.

From 2011–12 to 2023–24, the proportion of marine fish grew while that of upland fish declined to 50.2%.

Importance of Agriculture in India’s Development

• Contribution to GDP: around sixteen percent of the nation’s FY24 GDP (Economic Survey 2024-25).
• About 46.1% of the population depends on it for their livelihood.

Challenges include low farmer income, overuse of water resources, climate change, harsh weather occurrences, and low agricultural production per unit of land.

Mains:

Question: India’s agriculture sector has recorded impressive growth over the past decade, but it continues to face structural challenges. Examine the key trends highlighted in the NSO Agriculture Report 2024 and critically evaluate the sustainability of this growth.

Mains PYQs

Question: Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (UPSC IAS 2017)

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MCQs 

Question: With reference to the NSO Agriculture Report 2024, consider the following statements:

1. The Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture rose by over 225% between 2011–12 and 2023–24 (at constant prices).
2. The crop sector contributed over half of the total agriculture GVO in 2023–24.
3. Fishing and aquaculture’s share in agriculture GVO declined during the same period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

MCQs PYQs

Question: In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (UPSC IAS 2020)

1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
3. Social Capital development
4. Free electricity supply to farmers
5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

(c) 2, 3 and 6 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Answer: (c)

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