Indian agriculture is a cornerstone of the country's economy, providing livelihoods to a substantial portion of the population and contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite its pivotal role, the sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, fragmented landholdings, and underdeveloped livestock management systems. These issues hinder the potential of Indian agriculture to achieve higher efficiency and growth. Addressing these challenges through targeted reforms and innovations is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and improving the socio-economic conditions of millions of farmers

Contribution in GDP

1.Economic Significance

i.GDP Contribution: Agriculture is a significant part of the Indian economy. As of 2020-21, it contributed approximately 18.8% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This contribution is substantial, considering that agriculture employs around 58% of the country’s workforce. The sector's resilience was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it sustained growth while other sectors experienced contractions.

ii.Growth Rate: The agricultural sector has shown resilience, growing at a rate of 3.6% in 2020-21 despite the overall economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This growth underscores the sector's critical role in stabilizing the economy during crises. Over the past decade, the sector has consistently contributed to the national economy, with growth rates averaging between 3-4% annually.

2.Sub-Sectors Contribution

i.Crops: The crop sub-sector is the largest contributor within agriculture, including major staples like rice, wheat, and pulses, as well as commercial crops like cotton, sugarcane, and oilseeds. In 2020-21, food grain production reached a record high of 303.34 million tonnes.