Agriculture in India - statistics & facts
As the leading sector in terms of employment and contributing over 16 percent to the country’s GDP, agriculture in India is responsible for the livelihoods of millions. Thanks to its large, geographically diverse land, Indians can explore and thrive in various aspects of the industry: farming, forestry, and fishing. Referred to as the backbone of the Indian economy, the industry experienced a growth in employment in the COVID years, although GDP contribution was not comparable to the manufacturing or service sectors.
Not only is farming livestock a valuable source of buffer income for farmers, it is also crucial in making the country the leading producer of milk globally. The country’s dairy market is one of the most successful worldwide. In terms of meat, poultry accounted for over half the market, with buffalo meat ranking second. Holiness of cattle aside, India is one of the largest exporters of beef and veal worldwide.
India’s forestry sector, although not as significant in terms of direct GDP contribution, is important in providing industrial raw materials to other markets, including paper, pharma, furniture, and construction. On the other hand, over 2.19 million hectares of forest cover has been lost since 2001, over 300,000 hectares of which have been diverted towards mining and road construction.
On the bright side, the government’s push towards modernizing conventional farming methods and improving efficiency with the use of technology could be beneficial for the ever-increasing food demand, optimizing the workforce. India’s startup ecosystem fueled Agritech, albeit making little progress compared to other sectors. Estimates put the country’s Agritech market size at 24 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.
Farming India’s vast lands and its livestock
India’s arable land is the second largest in the world and has consistently been the highest contributor to agriculture. Food crops, grains, cereals, and millets are the most produced. Globally, India is a key producer of spices, rice, pulses, and milk.Not only is farming livestock a valuable source of buffer income for farmers, it is also crucial in making the country the leading producer of milk globally. The country’s dairy market is one of the most successful worldwide. In terms of meat, poultry accounted for over half the market, with buffalo meat ranking second. Holiness of cattle aside, India is one of the largest exporters of beef and veal worldwide.
Fisheries and forestry contribution in India
Inland fishing, peninsular India, and access to marine life in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean make up India’s aquaculture market. This sector contributed about five percent to agriculture and made the country one of the leading exporters in the aquaculture segment in the APAC region.India’s forestry sector, although not as significant in terms of direct GDP contribution, is important in providing industrial raw materials to other markets, including paper, pharma, furniture, and construction. On the other hand, over 2.19 million hectares of forest cover has been lost since 2001, over 300,000 hectares of which have been diverted towards mining and road construction.
Imbalanced workforce and economic contribution
Agriculture employment figures grew following the COVID years due to lockdowns, forcing migrant workers in Indian cities back to their rural homes. This is not necessarily the trend that the country needs. With a booming service sector and the government’s push towards self-sustainability within the manufacturing sector, India could use a redistribution of its workforce.On the bright side, the government’s push towards modernizing conventional farming methods and improving efficiency with the use of technology could be beneficial for the ever-increasing food demand, optimizing the workforce. India’s startup ecosystem fueled Agritech, albeit making little progress compared to other sectors. Estimates put the country’s Agritech market size at 24 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.
