India’s foodgrains production touched a record of 315.7 million tonnes in 2021-22

India’s foodgrain production touched a record 315.7 million tonnes in 2021-22 despite climate change challenges, as per the Economic Survey 2022-23 tabled in the Parliament by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman. Further, as per the First Advance Estimates for 2022-23 (Kharif only), total foodgrains production in the country is estimated at 149.9 million tonnes, higher than the average Kharif foodgrain production of the previous five years (2016-17 to 2020-21). The production of pulses has also been notably higher than the average of 23.8 million tonnes in the last five years, the survey highlighted.

The survey described horticulture as a ‘high growth area’ and ‘a source of buoyant growth and improved resilience for farmers’. About 55 horticulture clusters have been identified, out of which 12 have been selected for the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) pilot phase. The Survey also reported that the allied sectors of Indian agriculture- livestock, forestry, logging and fishing, and aquaculture are gradually becoming sectors of robust growth and a potential source of better farm incomes. The livestock sector grew at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during 2014-15 to 2020-21, and its contribution to the total agriculture gross value added (GVA) has increased from 24.3% in 2014-25 to 30.1% in 2020-21.

As per the survey, India ranks first in milk production in the world, it ranks third in egg production, and eighth in meat production in the world. Under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, 116 projects have been approved with a total cost of US$ 457 million (Rs. 3,731.4 crores). The Survey describes that the food management programme in India comprises procurement of food grains from farmers at remunerative prices, and distribution of the food grains to consumers, particularly the vulnerable sections of society, at affordable prices. Further, to remove the financial burden of the poor, the government will spend more than US$ 25 billion (Rs. 2 trillion) on food subsidies under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare schemes, says the Survey.

It has also been pointed out that India produces more than 0.9 million tonnes of millet which accounts for 80% of Asia’s and 20% of global production. Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), millets have been introduced to provide nutritional support. Over the last five years ending FY21, the food processing industries sector has been growing at an average annual growth rate of around 8.3%. As on December 31, 2022, more than 1.7 crore farmers and 2.3 lakh traders have been registered on the electronic-National Agriculture Market portal (e-NAM). The scheme was launched to create an online transparent and competitive bidding system to ensure farmers get remunerative prices for their produce.

The Survey observes that the performance of the agriculture sector remains critical to growth and employment in the country. Investment in the sector must be encouraged through an affordable, timely, and inclusive approach to credit delivery. A focus on the horticulture sector and the thrust towards allied activities have diversified farmers’ income, making them more resilient to weather shocks. All these initiatives have led to sustainable and inclusive development of the sector.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.