India's agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the nation's GDP. Here's an overview of the current state of agriculture across the country:

India's agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the nation's GDP. Here's an overview of the current state of agriculture across the country:

Agricultural Land and Production

India's diverse agro-climatic zones support a wide range of crops. The total area under cultivation has remained relatively stable, with variations due to factors like urbanization and changing land use patterns. In the 2022-23 period, agriculture and allied sectors accounted for 18.2% of the Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices. 

Productivity and Main Crops

The crop sub-sector remains the largest contributor to the Gross Value of Output (GVO) in agriculture, though its share has gradually declined from 62.4% in 2011-12 to 54.3% in 2022-23. Among crops, cereals and fruits & vegetables together accounted for nearly 55% of GVO in 2022-23. Uttar Pradesh consistently leads in cereal production, while West Bengal has been a top producer of fruits and vegetables, despite a slight reduction in its share over the years. 

Irrigation Facilities

Irrigation infrastructure varies significantly across states. Northern states like Punjab and Haryana have extensive irrigation networks, primarily through canals and tube wells, supporting intensive agriculture. In contrast, eastern and southern states are enhancing irrigation coverage through initiatives like micro-irrigation and watershed development to improve water use efficiency.

Fertilizers and Technological Advancements

The adoption of fertilizers is widespread, with urea, phosphates, and potash being the most commonly used. Recent technological advancements include the promotion of nano-fertilizers to enhance nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Precision agriculture technologies, such as satellite imagery and IoT-based soil sensors, are being implemented in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka to optimize input use and boost productivity.

Livestock and Aquaculture

The livestock sector has seen significant growth, with milk, meat, and eggs being major contributors. In 2022-23, milk accounted for 66.5% of the livestock output, followed by meat at 23.6%. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan together accounted for about a quarter of the livestock output at constant prices. 

Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding sector, with Andhra Pradesh leading in production. The output of the fishing and aquaculture sub-sector increased steadily from about ₹80 thousand crore in 2011-12 to about ₹195 thousand crore in 2022-23. 

Imports and Exports

India is a major exporter of agricultural products, including rice, spices, and seafood. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India shipped 1,781,602 metric tonnes of seafood worth ₹60,523.89 crore (US$7.38 billion), marking an all-time high by volume. 

However, challenges such as fluctuating global demand and competition have impacted export values in certain sectors. For instance, the export value of fish and fishery products from India amounted to over ₹610 billion in fiscal year 2024, a decrease compared to the previous year. 

State-wise Highlights

Punjab and Haryana: High productivity in wheat and rice due to extensive irrigation and mechanization.

Madhya Pradesh: Leading producer of pulses, with a significant share in national output.

Gujarat and Rajasthan: Major contributors to oilseed production, particularly groundnut and rapeseed & mustard.

Andhra Pradesh: Top producer in fishing and aquaculture, contributing significantly to seafood exports.

Conclusion

India's agricultural landscape is marked by diversity and dynamism, with each state contributing uniquely to the nation's food security and economic stability. Ongoing efforts in technological adoption, infrastructure development, and policy support are crucial to address challenges and harness the full potential of this vital sector.