Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Economic Survey clearly documents the strength, resilience and sustained progress of Indian agriculture and rural India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Responding to the findings of the Economic Survey, the Minister said the data reflects unprecedented achievements across agriculture, horticulture and rural infrastructure, underscoring the sector’s central role in national development.
Sustained And Stable Growth In Agriculture
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the agriculture and allied sectors have recorded an average annual growth rate of 4.4 percent at constant prices over the past five years, surpassing the global average. He noted that during the decade from financial year 2016 to 2025, the sector achieved a decadal growth rate of 4.45 percent, the highest compared to earlier decades.
He added that the sector has continued to demonstrate resilience, with agriculture registering a growth rate of 3.5 percent even in the second quarter of financial year 2025–26.
The Union Minister said that foodgrain production reached a historic high of 357.73 million tonnes in financial year 2024–25. The increase was driven by higher production of rice, wheat, maize and coarse cereals, including Shree Anna or millets. He said India is now not only self-reliant in foodgrain production but also occupies a leading position globally across several crops.
Horticulture Emerges As A Bright Spot
Highlighting the expanding role of horticulture, Shri Chouhan said the sector now accounts for nearly 33 percent of agricultural gross value added and has emerged as the brightest segment of Indian agriculture. Horticulture output increased from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024–25.
During 2024–25, fruit production stood at 114.51 million tonnes, vegetables at 219.67 million tonnes and other horticultural crops at 33.54 million tonnes. The Minister said India has become the world’s largest producer of onions, contributing nearly 25 percent of global output. India is also the second-largest producer of vegetables, fruits and potatoes, with a global share of around 12 to 13 percent in each category.
Historic Expansion Of Rural Infrastructure
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Economic Survey reflects historic progress in rural infrastructure, covering roads, housing, drinking water and digital connectivity. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, more than 99.6 percent of eligible habitations have now been connected with all-weather roads.
He said lakhs of kilometres of roads and thousands of bridges have been constructed under different phases of the scheme. Under PMGSY Phase IV, road projects covering over 10,000 kilometres have been approved, benefiting nearly 3,270 unconnected habitations across Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh.
Transformation In Housing Digital Empowerment And Livelihoods
The Union Minister said that 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.
Referring to digital initiatives, Shri Chouhan said drone surveys under the SVAMITVA scheme have been completed in 3.28 lakh villages and 2.76 crore property cards have been issued. Under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, digitisation of 99.8 percent of rural land records has been completed.
Under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, more than 10 crore rural women are now linked to over 90 lakh self-help groups. The number of Lakhpati Didis has crossed 2.5 crore, marking a major milestone in women’s economic empowerment.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Economic Survey demonstrates how sustained policy focus, institutional reforms and targeted investments have strengthened agriculture and transformed rural India. He said the outcomes reaffirm 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.
