India profile detail | BRICS Agricultural Research Platform (BARP)

Section 1: Country Overview & Geographic Profile

1.1 Basic Country Information

Country Name	Republic of India
Capital City	New Delhi
BRICS Status	Founding Member – Original BRIC (2006 dialogue; first summit held in 2009)
Total Population	Approximately 1.45 billion (2024, UNFPA/World Bank) – world's most populous country since 2023
Population Growth Rate	Approximately 0.9% per year (2024, World Bank); fertility rate has declined to around 2.0
Rural Population (%)	Approximately 64–65% of the population (around 910 million people; based on Census 2011 and subsequent projections)
Urban Population (%)	Approximately 35–36% of the population (around 510 million people; 2024 estimate)
GDP (Nominal)	Approximately USD 3.91 trillion (2024, IMF WEO Oct 2025); around INR 324 lakh crore; world's fifth-largest economy with real GDP growth of 8.2% in FY 2023–24
GDP per Capita	Approximately USD 2,695 (2024, World Bank); Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) approximately USD 10,300
Agriculture’s Share of GDP	Approximately 17.8–18.2% (FY 2023–24, Economic Survey 2024–25), including agriculture and allied activities
Agriculture’s Share of Employment	Approximately 42.3% of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood (Economic Survey 2024); around 54.6% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors (Census 2011)
HDI Rank	HDI Value: 0.644 (2023/24, UNDP) – Medium Human Development category; approximately 134th globally
Official Language(s)	Hindi and English (official languages of the Union Government); 22 scheduled languages and 121 languages spoken by more than 10,000 people
Currency	Indian Rupee (INR); average exchange rate approximately INR 83–84 per USD in 2024

1.2 Geographic Coordinates & Physical Extent

Total Geographic Area	3,287,263 km² – World's 7th largest country by area
Northernmost Point	37°06′ N (Siachen Glacier, Ladakh)
Southernmost Point	6°45′ N (Indira Point, Great Nicobar Island); Mainland: 8°04′ N (Kanyakumari)
Easternmost Point	97°25′ E (Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh)
Westernmost Point	68°07′ E (Ghuar Mota, Gujarat)
Coastline	Approximately 7,517 km along the mainland coast; more than 12,000 km including the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands
Land Borders	Approximately 15,200 km. India shares borders with seven countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan (via the region of Jammu & Kashmir under Indian administration claims).
Highest Point	Kangchenjunga, 8,586 m (Sikkim) – the highest peak in India and the world's third-highest mountain. K2 (8,611 m) lies in the greater Kashmir region claimed by India.
Major Rivers	Ganges (2,525 km), Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, Mahanadi, Cauvery, Indus (within India), and Yamuna. These river systems support agriculture, irrigation, hydropower generation, and domestic water supply across the country.

1.3 Administrative Divisions

Primary Level	28 States and 8 Union Territories constitute the primary administrative divisions of India.
Secondary Level	Approximately 780 districts administered by District Collectors/Deputy Commissioners.
Tertiary Level	More than 6,700 blocks (tehsils/taluks), approximately 640,000 villages, and over 8,000 urban local bodies including municipalities and municipal corporations.
Key Agricultural States	Uttar Pradesh – Largest producer of food grains and sugarcane. Punjab & Haryana – India's principal wheat-producing belt and major contributors to the Green Revolution. Madhya Pradesh – Leading producer of pulses and soybean. West Bengal & Andhra Pradesh – Major rice-producing states. Maharashtra – Important producer of sugarcane, cotton, and horticultural crops. Rajasthan – Leading producer of oilseeds and coarse cereals. Karnataka – Major producer of coffee and millets. Kerala – Known for spices, rubber, coconut, and plantation crops. Gujarat – Major producer of cotton, groundnut, and dairy products. Tamil Nadu – Important producer of rice, horticultural crops, and livestock products.

Section 2: Agro-climatic Zones & Classification

2.1 National Classification

Parameter	Details
System	ICAR and Planning Commission Agro-Climatic Classification System. India's agricultural regions are classified based on climate, soils, physiography, and agricultural potential to support region-specific planning and technology development.
Total Zones	15 major Agro-Climatic Zones identified by the Planning Commission and 20 Agro-Ecological Regions identified by ICAR-NBSS&LUP (National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning).
Basis of Classification	Classification is based on rainfall patterns, temperature regime, soil characteristics, topography, length of growing period (LGP), and overall agricultural production potential.

2.2 Zone-wise Description (Major Zones)

Zone	Region	Climate	Major Crops	Key Challenges
1. Western Himalayan Region	Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand	Temperate to Alpine; 1,000–2,000 mm rainfall	Apple, walnut, rice, wheat, potato, saffron, vegetables	Fragile ecology, soil erosion, glacial retreat, small farm holdings
2. Eastern Himalayan Region	Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, North-Eastern Hills	Humid Subtropical to Temperate; 2,000–4,000 mm rainfall	Rice, maize, large cardamom, tea, ginger, turmeric	Jhum cultivation, remoteness, biodiversity sensitivity, infrastructure gaps
3. Lower Gangetic Plains	West Bengal	Humid Subtropical; 1,200–1,600 mm rainfall	Rice (2–3 crops annually), jute, vegetables, fisheries	Flooding, waterlogging, fragmented landholdings
4. Middle Gangetic Plains	Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh	Subtropical; 1,000–1,500 mm rainfall	Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane	Frequent floods, poor drainage, low mechanization levels
5. Upper Gangetic Plains	Western Uttar Pradesh	Subtropical; 750–1,000 mm rainfall	Rice–wheat system, sugarcane, potato, dairy farming	Groundwater depletion, soil degradation, intensive input use
6. Trans-Gangetic Plains	Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh	Semi-Arid to Sub-Humid; 500–800 mm rainfall	Wheat, rice, cotton, maize	Groundwater over-extraction, salinity, stubble burning, declining soil health
7. Eastern Plateau & Hills	Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Eastern Madhya Pradesh	Sub-Humid; 1,000–1,600 mm rainfall	Rice, millets, pulses, oilseeds	Low irrigation coverage, tribal development challenges, soil erosion
8. Central Plateau & Hills	Madhya Pradesh, Bundelkhand (UP), Eastern Rajasthan	Semi-Arid; 500–1,000 mm rainfall	Wheat, pulses, oilseeds, soybean	Drought, land degradation, water scarcity
9. Western Plateau & Hills	Maharashtra, Western Madhya Pradesh	Semi-Arid; 600–1,000 mm rainfall	Cotton, soybean, sorghum, pulses	Rainfed farming dependence, drought, farmer distress
10. Southern Plateau & Hills	Karnataka, Telangana, Rayalaseema (Andhra Pradesh), Tamil Nadu Uplands	Semi-Arid; 500–900 mm rainfall	Millets, pulses, oilseeds, cotton	Water scarcity, erratic rainfall, climate variability
11. East Coast Plains & Hills	Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Coast	Tropical; 1,000–1,500 mm rainfall	Rice, pulses, oilseeds, coconut	Cyclones, floods, salinity intrusion, coastal erosion
12. West Coast Plains & Ghats	Kerala, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Coastal Maharashtra	Tropical Humid; 2,000–4,000 mm rainfall	Rice, coconut, rubber, spices, cashew	Landslides, soil erosion, fragmented holdings
13. Gujarat Plains & Hills	Gujarat (Mainland & Saurashtra)	Semi-Arid; 500–1,200 mm rainfall	Cotton, groundnut, tobacco, cumin	Salinity ingress, rainfall variability, groundwater stress
14. Western Dry Region	Rajasthan (Thar Desert)	Arid; Less than 400 mm rainfall	Bajra, mustard, guar, livestock	Desertification, recurrent drought, acute water scarcity
15. Islands Region	Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep	Tropical Humid; More than 2,500 mm rainfall	Coconut, arecanut, spices, rice	Geographic isolation, fragile ecosystems, climate change vulnerability

Section 3: Climate, Rainfall & Temperature Effects On Agriculture

3.1 Overall Climate

Parameter	Details
Climate Type	India predominantly experiences a Tropical Monsoon Climate. However, significant climatic diversity exists across the country: Arid Climate – Northwestern India (Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat) Semi-Arid Climate – Deccan Plateau, Central India Humid Subtropical Climate – Indo-Gangetic Plains Temperate & Alpine Climate – Himalayan Region Tropical Humid Climate – Western Ghats, Northeast India, Coastal Regions
National Average Rainfall	Approximately 1,150–1,200 mm per year (India Meteorological Department - IMD). Rainfall distribution is highly uneven across regions, ranging from less than 100 mm in western Rajasthan to over 11,000 mm in parts of Meghalaya.
Southwest Monsoon	The Southwest Monsoon (June–September) contributes approximately 75% of India's annual rainfall. It is the most important climatic event for Indian agriculture and determines the performance of Kharif crops and overall agricultural output.
Monsoon Dependence	Approximately 50–55% of Net Sown Area remains rainfed and directly dependent on monsoon rainfall. The remaining 45–50% of agricultural land is supported by irrigation systems including canals, tube wells, tanks, and micro-irrigation infrastructure.

3.2 Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Climate Action

Initiative	Institution	Description	Impact
PM-KISAN	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW), Government of India	Direct income support scheme providing ₹6,000 per year to approximately 11 crore farmer families in three equal installments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).	More than ₹3.04 lakh crore disbursed since 2019. It is the world's largest direct income support programme for farmers and has improved liquidity for small and marginal farmers.
PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop)	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW)	Promotes micro-irrigation through drip and sprinkler systems. Approximately 90–100 lakh hectares covered by December 2024. Small and marginal farmers receive subsidies of up to 55%.	Water-use efficiency improved by 30–50%. More than ₹21,968.75 crore released to states for irrigation development and water conservation.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW)	Focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, rainfed area development, soil health management, water-use efficiency, and promotion of sustainable farming practices.	Nationwide implementation of Soil Health Cards and nutrient-based fertilizer recommendations has improved soil management and resource-use efficiency.
e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market)	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW)	Digital agricultural marketing platform integrating more than 1,300 APMCs/mandis. Approximately 1.77 crore farmers and 2.56 lakh traders registered on the platform.	Enhanced price transparency, reduced market fragmentation, improved interstate trade, and enabled online agricultural commodity trading.
PM-PRANAM	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW)	Incentivizes states to reduce chemical fertilizer consumption and promote sustainable alternatives such as nano urea, nano DAP, biofertilizers, and organic manures.	Aims to reduce fertilizer subsidy burden, improve soil health, and encourage balanced nutrient management across agricultural systems.
National Food Security Act (NFSA) / PMGKAY	Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution	Provides free foodgrains (₹0/kg) to approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries under the integrated food security programme, constituting the world's largest public food distribution system.	Covers nearly 60% of India's population with an annual food subsidy exceeding ₹2 lakh crore, ensuring food security for vulnerable households.

Section 4: Cropping Patterns & Agricultural Calendar

4.1 Seasonal Cropping System

Season	Months	Regions	Major Crops
Kharif (Monsoon)	June–October Sowing: June–July Harvest: October–November	Nationwide, primarily monsoon-dependent regions	Rice, maize, sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), pulses (tur/arhar, moong), soybean, cotton, groundnut, sugarcane
Rabi (Winter)	October–March Sowing: October–December Harvest: March–April	Indo-Gangetic Plains and irrigated agricultural regions	Wheat, barley, gram (chickpea), mustard, lentils, peas and other cool-season crops
Zaid (Summer)	March–June	Limited irrigated areas across India	Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, summer moong, fodder crops and short-duration vegetables
Perennial / Year-Round Crops	Year-round	Southern India, North-East India and plantation belts	Sugarcane, coconut, tea, coffee, rubber, spices, banana, mango and other plantation crops

4.2 Major Food Crops (3rd Advance Estimates 2024-25, MoAFW)

Commodity	Production (2024-25)	Key Facts
Total Foodgrain Production	~357.73 Million Tonnes (Record)	Highest-ever foodgrain production in India. Increased by approximately 8% over 332.30 MT in 2023-24. More than 106 MT added during the last decade, rising from 251.54 MT in 2015-16.
Rice	~150.18 Million Tonnes (Record)	Cultivated on approximately 46 million hectares. India is the world's second-largest rice producer and the largest rice exporter. Major producing states include West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
Wheat	~117.94 Million Tonnes (Record)	Cultivated on approximately 31–32 million hectares. India is the world's second-largest wheat producer. Major producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Bihar.
Pulses	~25.68 Million Tonnes	India remains the world's largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses. Chickpea (Gram): ~11.11 MT Moong: ~4.24 MT Tur (Pigeon Pea): ~3.62 MT
Coarse Cereals / Nutri-Cereals	~57–60 Million Tonnes	Includes: Maize: ~39–40 MT Bajra (Pearl Millet): ~9–10 MT Jowar (Sorghum): ~4–5 MT Ragi (Finger Millet): ~2–3 MT India led the global campaign for the UN-declared International Year of Millets 2023.
Oilseeds	~42.99 Million Tonnes (Record)	Highest-ever oilseed production. Soybean: ~15.27 MT (Record) Groundnut: ~11.94 MT (Record) Rapeseed-Mustard: ~12–13 MT Government continues to focus on edible oil self-sufficiency through the National Mission on Edible Oils.
Sugarcane	~430–450 Million Tonnes (Cane)	India is the world's second-largest sugar producer, producing approximately 35 MT of sugar annually. Major producing states include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.

4.3 Cash Crops & Industrial Crops

Commodity	Production (2024-25)	Key Facts
Cotton	~32–34 Million Bales (170 kg each; ~5.4–5.8 MT lint)	India is the world's second-largest cotton producer. Major cotton-producing states include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Bt cotton covers approximately 93% of the national cotton area.
Tea	~1.2–1.3 Million Tonnes	India is the world's second-largest tea producer. Major tea-growing regions include Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris), and Kerala. India is also one of the largest tea consumers globally.
Coffee	~0.36–0.38 Million Tonnes	India is the world's sixth-largest coffee producer. Karnataka (Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hassan) contributes the majority of production, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Production consists of approximately 70% Robusta and 30% Arabica coffee.
Spices	~12 Million Tonnes	India is known as the "Spice Bowl of the World" and is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices. Black Pepper – Kerala Cardamom – Kerala, Karnataka Turmeric – Telangana, Tamil Nadu Chilli – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Cumin – Rajasthan, Gujarat Ginger and Coriander – Various States
Horticulture	~367.72 Million Tonnes	India is the world's second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables. Mangoes: ~21 MT (World's Largest Producer) Bananas: ~35 MT (World's Largest Producer) Potatoes: ~56 MT Onions: ~28 MT Tomatoes: ~22 MT
Natural Rubber	~0.77–0.80 Million Tonnes	India is the world's fifth-largest natural rubber producer. Kerala contributes approximately 75% of national production, followed by North-Eastern states including Tripura and Assam.
Jute	~1.5–1.8 Million Bales	India is one of the world's leading jute producers. West Bengal accounts for more than 70% of national production, followed by Bihar, Assam, Odisha, and Meghalaya. Jute remains an important eco-friendly fibre crop.

4.4 Major Crop Varieties and Yield/ha

Crop	Important Varieties / Hybrids	Average Yield (t/ha)	Key Notes
Rice	Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1509, Pusa Basmati 1718, Swarna, BPT 5204, Samba Mahsuri, DRRH 2, Arize Hybrid Series	~2.7–3.0	Cultivated on approximately 46 million ha. India is the world's second-largest rice producer and largest rice exporter. Basmati rice exports exceed USD 5 billion annually. States such as West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu achieve yields of 3–4 t/ha or higher.
Wheat	HD 3226, HD 2967, WH 1105, PBW 343, DBW 187, DBW 222 (Developed by IARI, PAU, IIWBR and ICAR institutes)	~3.5–3.7	Cultivated on approximately 31–32 million ha. Punjab and Haryana achieve yields exceeding 5 t/ha. India recorded its highest-ever wheat production of 117.94 MT in 2024-25.
Maize	HQPM 1, DHM 117, Pioneer 30V92, NK30, Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties	~3.2–3.5	Cultivated on approximately 10 million ha. Major producing states include Karnataka, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Hybrid adoption exceeds 70%.
Soybean	JS 9560, JS 2034, NRC 142, MACS 1407 (ICAR-IISR recommended varieties)	~1.0–1.3	Cultivated on approximately 12–13 million ha. Madhya Pradesh alone accounts for nearly 55% of India's soybean area. Record production of 15.27 MT was achieved in 2024-25.
Cotton (Bt Cotton)	Bt Cotton Hybrids (Bollgard II + Refugia), including hybrids developed by Mahyco, Nuziveedu Seeds, Rasi Seeds and other private companies	~0.45–0.55 (Lint Yield)	Cultivated on approximately 12–13 million ha, the largest cotton area in the world. Bt cotton adoption exceeds 93% of the total cotton area.
Groundnut	TAG 24, TG 37A, GG 20, ICGV Series	~1.5–1.8	Cultivated on approximately 5–6 million ha. Major producing states include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Record production of 11.94 MT was achieved in 2024-25.

Section 5: Agricultural Land Use & Land Resources

5.1 Land Use Classification

Land Use Category	Area	Key Facts
Total Geographic Area	~328.7 Million ha	India is the world's seventh-largest country by area and possesses one of the most diverse agricultural landscapes globally.
Net Sown Area	~140–141 Million ha	Relatively stable over the past decade. India has the world's second-largest arable land area after the United States and supports agriculture for more than half of its population.
Gross Cropped Area	~200–201 Million ha	Higher than net sown area due to multiple cropping. India's cropping intensity is approximately 142%, indicating widespread double and triple cropping in irrigated regions.
Forest Area	~71.4 Million ha	Represents approximately 21.7% of India's total geographic area according to the India State of Forest Report (FSI 2023). Forests provide biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and livelihood support.
Permanent Pastures & Grazing Land	~10–11 Million ha	Accounts for only about 3% of total land area, which is relatively low considering India possesses the world's largest livestock population.
Net Irrigated Area	~70–75 Million ha	Covers approximately 52% of net sown area. India possesses the world's largest irrigated agricultural area, supported by canals, tube wells, tanks, and micro-irrigation systems.
Gross Irrigated Area	~106–110 Million ha	Reflects repeated irrigation of multiple crops grown annually on the same land, particularly in intensive agricultural regions.
Fallow Land	~24–26 Million ha	Includes both current fallow and other fallow lands. Represents significant potential for productivity enhancement through irrigation, soil restoration, and improved land management.

5.2 Irrigation Infrastructure

Parameter	Details
Net Irrigated Area	Approximately 70–75 million hectares, making India the country with the world's largest irrigated agricultural area. Irrigation covers roughly 52% of the net sown area.
Major Sources of Irrigation	Tubewells / Borewells: ~64% Canals: ~23% Tanks: ~3% Other Wells & Sources: ~10% Groundwater remains the dominant source of irrigation in India.
Major Canal Systems	Indira Gandhi Canal – Rajasthan Bhakra-Nangal Project – Punjab & Haryana Hirakud Project – Odisha Nagarjuna Sagar Project – Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Sardar Sarovar Project – Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Rajasthan These projects support irrigation, drinking water supply, flood control, and hydropower generation.
PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)	India's flagship irrigation programme promoting efficient water use through micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation. Coverage: 95.58 lakh ha (up to December 2024) Funds Released: ₹21,968.75 crore Subsidy: Up to 55% for small and marginal farmers
Groundwater Crisis	India is the world's largest groundwater user, extracting approximately 250 km³ per year, nearly 25% of global groundwater withdrawals. More than 1,000 assessment blocks are classified as over-exploited. Groundwater levels in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are declining by approximately 0.5–1.0 metre per year. Unsustainable rice-wheat cultivation systems and free/subsidized electricity contribute significantly to groundwater depletion.

5.3 Land Tenure & Farm Structure

Parameter	Details
Total Operational Holdings	Approximately 146.45 million operational holdings as per the Agriculture Census 2015–16. The next Agriculture Census is scheduled for 2025–26. India has the largest number of farm holdings in the world.
Average Farm Size	The average operational holding size is approximately 1.08 hectares (Agriculture Census 2015–16). Farm sizes continue to decline due to land fragmentation caused by population growth and inheritance practices.
Small & Marginal Farmers	Approximately 126 million holdings fall under the small and marginal farmer category (<2 ha), representing 86.2% of all operational holdings. Operate approximately 47% of cultivated land Contribute around 51% of national foodgrain production Average marginal holding size: 0.38 ha Smallholders form the backbone of Indian agriculture.
Land Ceiling & Tenancy System	Land ceiling legislation restricts maximum agricultural land ownership, with limits varying across states: Irrigated Land: Generally 7–18 hectares Rainfed Land: Generally 20–54 hectares Agricultural tenancy laws differ significantly among states, ranging from strict tenancy restrictions to liberalized leasing arrangements. Several states have introduced reforms to facilitate secure land leasing and improve agricultural efficiency.

Section 6: Major Soil Types, Soil Health & Nutrient Management

6.1 Soil Classification

Parameter	Details
Soil Classification System	India follows the ICAR-NBSS&LUP Soil Classification System, which is harmonized with the USDA Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). The system classifies soils based on genesis, morphology, physical properties, chemical characteristics, and land-use capability.
Survey Authority	ICAR-NBSS&LUP (National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning), Nagpur is the nodal institution responsible for soil resource mapping, land capability assessment, soil classification, and national soil database development. The bureau supports agricultural planning, watershed management, and sustainable land-use policies. The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme complements soil survey activities by providing farmers with field-specific soil fertility information and nutrient recommendations for balanced fertilizer use.

Parameter

Details

Soil Classification System

India follows the ICAR-NBSS&LUP Soil Classification System, which is harmonized with the USDA Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). The system classifies soils based on genesis, morphology, physical properties, chemical characteristics, and land-use capability.

Survey Authority

ICAR-NBSS&LUP (National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning), Nagpur is the nodal institution responsible for soil resource mapping, land capability assessment, soil classification, and national soil database development. The bureau supports agricultural planning, watershed management, and sustainable land-use policies.

The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme complements soil survey activities by providing farmers with field-specific soil fertility information and nutrient recommendations for balanced fertilizer use.

6.2 Major Soil Types

Soil Type	Region	Properties	Suitable Crops
Alluvial Soil	Indo-Gangetic Plains, Brahmaputra Valley, Coastal and River Deltas	Deep, fertile, well-drained, loamy to clay loam; rich in potash and lime; highly productive	Rice, wheat, sugarcane, maize, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits; India's most productive agricultural soil
Black Soil (Regur / Vertisol)	Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana)	High clay content, shrink-swell nature, self-mulching, high water-holding capacity, high cation exchange capacity (CEC)	Cotton ("Black Cotton Soil"), soybean, sorghum, pulses, sugarcane, wheat, sunflower
Red & Yellow Soil	Eastern Deccan Plateau, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Parts of North-East India and Tamil Nadu	Low fertility, acidic, porous, iron-rich, low organic matter and nitrogen content	Rice, groundnut, millets, pulses, tobacco, oilseeds; requires fertilizer and organic matter supplementation
Laterite Soil	Western Ghats, Malabar Coast, North-East India, Eastern Ghats	Highly leached, acidic, rich in iron and aluminium oxides, often develops hard pan under exposure	Tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, cashew, spices; generally unsuitable for cereals without soil amendments
Desert / Arid Soil	Rajasthan (Thar Desert), Kutch and Western Gujarat	Sandy texture, alkaline reaction, low organic matter, poor water-holding capacity, salinity issues in some areas	Bajra (Pearl Millet), guar, mustard, cumin, dates, fodder crops; irrigation significantly improves productivity
Mountain / Forest Soil	Himalayan Region, North-East India, Western Ghats	Variable texture, generally acidic, rich in organic matter under forest cover, shallow on steep slopes, erosion-prone	Tea, coffee, spices, temperate fruits (apple, pear, peach), vegetables, medicinal plants

6.3 Soil Health & Conservation

Parameter	Details
Soil Health Card Scheme	Approximately 23–25 crore (230 million) Soil Health Cards have been issued under Phase I and Phase II of the Soil Health Card Programme. The scheme provides farm-specific soil test results and nutrient-based fertilizer recommendations, making it the world's largest soil testing and advisory initiative.
Land Degradation	Approximately 147 million hectares of land are affected by degradation (NBSS&LUP/ISRO estimates). Water Erosion: ~94 million ha Wind Erosion: ~16 million ha Chemical Degradation: ~14 million ha Waterlogging & Salinity: ~11 million ha Land degradation remains one of India's most significant agricultural and environmental challenges.
Fertilizer Use	Average fertilizer consumption is approximately 170–190 kg NPK per hectare, among the highest levels in the developing world. Current N:P:K ratio: ~7:2.7:1 Recommended balanced ratio: 4:2:1 Excessive dependence on subsidized urea has led to nitrogen overuse, nutrient imbalance, declining soil health, and reduced fertilizer-use efficiency.
Organic Farming	India's organic farming area is estimated at approximately 4–5 million hectares (FiBL-IFOAM, 2024), making it one of the largest organic agriculture areas globally. Major government programmes include: PKVY (Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana) MOVCD-NER (Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region) India is a leading exporter of organic products including spices, tea, coffee, rice, medicinal plants, and processed foods.

Section 7: Livestock Sector Profile

7.1 Livestock Population (20th Livestock Census 2019, DAHD)

Livestock Category	Population	Key Facts
Total Livestock	536.76 Million	As per the 20th Livestock Census. Represents a growth of approximately 4.8% over the 2012 Census. The 21st Livestock Census was launched in October 2024, with results expected during 2025–26.
Cattle	193.46 Million	Cows: 145.91 Million Female cattle increased by 18.6% Exotic/Crossbred: 51.36 Million Indigenous/Non-descript: 142.10 Million Major indigenous breeds include Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Ongole and Kankrej.
Buffalo	109.85 Million	Population increased by approximately 1.1%. India possesses nearly 57% of the world's buffalo population. Major breeds include Murrah, Jaffarabadi, Mehsana, Nili-Ravi and Bhadawari. Key states are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat.
Goats	148.88 Million	Population increased by approximately 10.1%. Major goat-rearing states include Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Important breeds include Jamunapari, Barbari, Beetal, Sirohi and Black Bengal.
Sheep	74.26 Million	Population increased by approximately 14.1%. Major sheep-producing states are Telangana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Important breeds include Deccani, Nellore, Marwari, Magra and Gaddi.
Pigs	9.06 Million	Population declined by approximately 12.0%. Pig farming is concentrated in North-Eastern states, Goa, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Eastern India.
Poultry	851.81 Million Birds	Population increased by approximately 16.8%. Commercial Poultry: 534.74 Million Backyard Poultry: 317.07 Million Major poultry-producing states include Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.
Equines	~0.63 Million	Includes horses, ponies, mules and donkeys. The population has been steadily declining due to mechanization and reduced dependence on animal transport.
Camels	~0.25 Million	Concentrated mainly in Rajasthan. Camel population continues to decline because of reduced traditional usage, shrinking grazing lands and changing livelihood patterns.

7.2 Livestock Production (BAHS 2024, DAHD)

Product / Indicator	Production / Value	Key Facts
Milk	239.30 Million Tonnes (2023-24, BAHS 2024)	Record production with annual growth of 3.78%. Milk production increased from 146.31 MT in 2014-15, achieving a CAGR of 5.62% over the last decade. India is the World's Largest Milk Producer, contributing approximately 24.76% of global milk production. Per Capita Availability: 459 g/day World Average: 322 g/day
Eggs	~143–150 Billion Eggs (2023-24 Estimate)	Rapidly expanding poultry sector. 2021-22 Production: ~130 Billion Eggs Per Capita Availability: ~95–110 Eggs/Year Major egg-producing states include Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Meat	~9.3–10.0 Million Tonnes (2023-24 Estimate)	Includes buffalo meat, poultry meat, goat meat and sheep meat. 2021-22 Production: 9.29 MT India is the world's leading exporter of buffalo meat. Produces approximately 43% of global buffalo meat output.
Wool	~33–35 Million kg	Production continues to decline due to changing livestock patterns and reduced demand for coarse wool. Major producing states include Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Honey	~133,000 Tonnes (2022-23)	Supported through the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission. India ranks among the world's top ten honey-producing countries and exports honey to the United States, Middle East and European markets.
Livestock Sector Contribution to Agriculture GVA	30.23% (2022-23 Current Prices)	Livestock is one of the fastest-growing segments of Indian agriculture. CAGR (2014-15 to 2022-23): 12.99% Contribution to National GVA: 5.50% The sector plays a critical role in rural income generation, employment and nutritional security.

7.3 Livestock Production Summary

Sector	Key Information	Major Regions	National Production
Dairy (Milk)	India is the world's largest milk producer. The success of the White Revolution led by AMUL and NDDB established a strong cooperative dairy model.	Gujarat (AMUL), Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra	239.30 Million Tonnes (2023-24, Record Production)
Poultry (Broiler)	One of the fastest-growing livestock sectors. Rising incomes and changing dietary preferences continue to drive poultry meat demand.	Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Telangana	~4.0–5.0 Million Tonnes Meat 851.81 Million Birds
Egg Production	Rapidly expanding commercial layer industry supported by organized poultry clusters and increasing domestic consumption.	Andhra Pradesh (#1), Tamil Nadu (Namakkal Cluster), Telangana, Haryana, Maharashtra	~143–150 Billion Eggs (2023-24 Estimate)
Buffalo Meat	India is the world's largest exporter of buffalo meat. Buffalo meat constitutes a major share of India's livestock export earnings.	Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh	~1.5–1.8 Million Tonnes Export Value: ~USD 3–4 Billion/year
Sheep & Goat Sector	Small ruminants play a critical role in livelihood security for smallholders, landless households and pastoral communities.	Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir	74.26 Million Sheep 148.88 Million Goats
Fisheries & Aquaculture	India is the world's third-largest fish producer and second-largest aquaculture producer. Fisheries are a major source of nutrition, exports and rural employment.	Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha	~17.5–19.5 Million Metric Tonnes (2023-24 Estimate)

Section 8: Fisheries & Aquaculture Sector

8.1 Resource Base

Parameter	Details
Coastline	Approximately 8,118 km including mainland coastline and island territories (Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep). India possesses an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of approximately 2.02 million km², providing vast marine resources and fisheries opportunities.
Inland Water Resources	India has one of the world's largest inland fisheries resource bases, comprising: 14 major river systems Reservoirs: ~2.36 million ha Ponds & Tanks: ~2.41 million ha Floodplain wetlands, lakes, canals, estuaries and backwaters
Marine Fisheries Potential	Approximately 5.31 Million Tonnes per year (CMFRI, 2020). Major marine fishing grounds are located along the Arabian Sea coast, Bay of Bengal coast and around island territories.
Inland Fisheries Potential	Approximately 14 Million Tonnes per year (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying). Inland fisheries and aquaculture represent the fastest-growing segment of India's fisheries sector and contribute the majority of total fish production.

8.2 Production Statistics

Parameter	Details
Total Fish Production	Approximately 19.5 Million Tonnes (2023-24 Estimate). India is the World's 3rd Largest Fish Producer. Production is supported by both inland fisheries and marine fisheries. Inland Fisheries: ~14.16 MT Marine Fisheries Potential: ~5.31 MT
Aquaculture	India is the World's 2nd Largest Aquaculture Producer after China, producing approximately 8–9 Million Tonnes. Major aquaculture systems include: Shrimp Aquaculture (Vannamei) Freshwater Carp Polyculture Reservoir and Pond Culture Major producing states include Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Shrimp Production	Approximately 0.9–1.1 Million Tonnes. India ranks among the Top 3 Shrimp Producing Countries globally. Andhra Pradesh contributes more than 50% of national production. Vannamei shrimp dominates commercial farming. Annual export earnings: USD 5–6 Billion.
Major Freshwater Species	Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), Pangasius, Tilapia and other carp species cultivated under polyculture systems.
Per Capita Fish Consumption	Approximately 8–10 kg per person per year, which remains below the global average. The Government of India promotes fish consumption through fisheries development programmes and nutritional initiatives.
PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana)	Flagship fisheries development programme with an investment of ₹20,050 crore during 2020–25. Key Targets: Additional 70 lakh MT fish production Create 55 lakh employment opportunities Strengthen aquaculture, infrastructure, cold chain and exports
Key Fisheries Institutions	CMFRI – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (Marine Fisheries) CIFRI – Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (Inland Fisheries) CIBA – Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture CIFA – Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture MPEDA – Marine Products Export Development Authority

Section 9: Good Agricultural Practices & Sustainable Farming

9.1 GAP Certification & Standards

Category	Details
National Standards	IndGAP (Indian Good Agricultural Practices) – National framework promoting safe, sustainable and traceable agricultural production. India Organic (NPOP) – National Programme for Organic Production administered through APEDA-accredited certification agencies. FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) – Apex authority regulating food safety, quality standards, labelling and compliance across the food supply chain.
International Certifications	GlobalG.A.P. – Widely adopted in export-oriented horticulture, fruits and vegetables. Rainforest Alliance / UTZ – Commonly used in tea, coffee and plantation crop certification. ISO 22000 – Food safety management systems implemented by major food processors. HACCP – Mandatory food safety and quality assurance system widely adopted in seafood export processing units.
Organic Farming	India's certified and organic farming area is estimated at approximately 4.0–5.0 million hectares (FiBL-IFOAM, 2024), making India one of the world's leading organic agriculture countries. Key highlights: Sikkim became the world's first fully organic state in 2016. PKVY (Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana) promotes cluster-based organic farming nationwide. MOVCD-NER (Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region) supports organic value chains in North-East India. Major organic exports include rice, tea, spices, coffee, oilseeds, medicinal plants and processed foods.

9.2 Integrated Pest Management

Component	Details
National Plant Protection System	India's plant protection framework is administered by the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (DPPQS) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The system is supported by: Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) located at approximately 35 locations across the country. State Agriculture Departments and extension networks. Plant quarantine stations at ports, airports and land borders. Surveillance, forecasting and advisory services for pest and disease management.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)	IPM programmes promote biological control, cultural practices, pest surveillance and need-based pesticide application. The cotton IPM programme has helped reduce pesticide use by approximately 30–40% while improving environmental sustainability and farmer profitability.
Desert Locust Monitoring	Managed through the Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), Jodhpur, one of the oldest locust monitoring systems in the world. Activities include: Regular surveillance in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Early warning systems and forecasting. Cross-border coordination with neighbouring countries and FAO. Rapid response during locust outbreaks such as the 2019–2020 invasion.
Fall Armyworm Management	Since the detection of Fall Armyworm in India in 2018, national management strategies have been implemented through DPPQS, ICAR institutions and state agriculture departments. Key measures include: Pest surveillance and monitoring. Farmer advisories and awareness programmes. Biological control agents and biopesticides. Integrated management practices for maize and other affected crops.

9.3 Farm Mechanisation

Parameter	Details
Mechanisation Rate	Approximately 45–47% of Indian agriculture is mechanised. Mechanisation levels vary significantly across regions: Punjab & Haryana: More than 90% mechanisation in wheat harvesting and major field operations. Western & Southern India: Moderate to high mechanisation levels. North-East & Hilly States: Less than 20% mechanisation due to small holdings, rugged terrain and fragmented farms.
Tractor Fleet	India has approximately 9–10 million tractors in operation and is the world's largest tractor market. Annual tractor sales: ~0.9–1.0 million units per year. Major manufacturers: Mahindra & Mahindra (World's Largest Tractor Manufacturer by Volume) TAFE (Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited) Escorts Kubota Sonalika John Deere India
Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)	More than 36,000 Custom Hiring Centres have been established under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM). CHCs provide machinery such as tractors, seed drills, harvesters, rotavators, planters and drones on a rental basis, enabling small and marginal farmers to access modern equipment without purchasing it.
Agricultural Drones (Kisan Drone Initiative)	India is actively promoting drone-based agriculture through the Kisan Drone Scheme. Applications include: Precision pesticide spraying Fertilizer application Crop health monitoring Remote sensing and field mapping Major Indian drone manufacturers include: Garuda Aerospace IoTechWorld Avigation Dhaksha Unmanned Systems The regulatory framework is governed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Section 10: Agricultural Export Commodities & Trade

10.1 Trade Profile

Parameter	Details
Agricultural Exports (FY 2024-25)	Approximately ₹4,40,000 crore (USD 51.86 billion) This represents an all-time record for India's agricultural exports and an increase of approximately 11% over FY 2023-24 exports of ₹3,95,793 crore. Major export categories include rice, marine products, spices, sugar, coffee, tea, cotton, fruits, vegetables, buffalo meat and processed food products.
Agricultural Imports	Approximately USD 25–30 billion per year. Major imported agricultural commodities include: Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil): ~USD 10–12 billion Pulses: ~USD 2–3 billion Fresh Fruits: Apples, almonds and temperate fruits Sugar: Imported during deficit years Fertilisers: Urea, DAP, potash and other nutrients
Agricultural Trade Balance	India remains a net agricultural exporter. Agricultural exports consistently exceed agricultural imports, generating a positive trade balance and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Share in Total Merchandise Exports	Agriculture contributes approximately 9–11% of India's total merchandise exports. The sector remains an important pillar of India's export economy alongside engineering goods, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals and services exports.

10.2 Top Agricultural Export Products

Rank	Commodity	Description	Key Export Destinations
1	Rice (Basmati & Non-Basmati)	India is the world's largest rice exporter. Annual exports have ranged between 19–22 million tonnes before recent export restrictions. Basmati Export Value: ~USD 5 Billion Non-Basmati Export Value: ~USD 4–5 Billion	Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Bangladesh, Nepal, African countries
2	Spices	India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices. Major exports include chilli, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, coriander and ginger. Export Value: ~USD 4–5 Billion	United States, China, European Union, UAE, Vietnam, Bangladesh
3	Marine Products	India's leading agricultural export category by value. Shrimp accounts for the majority of exports, supported by MPEDA. Export Value: ~USD 6–7 Billion/year	United States, China, European Union, Japan, Southeast Asia
4	Buffalo Meat	India is the world's largest exporter of buffalo meat, primarily frozen boneless meat. Export Value: ~USD 3–4 Billion	Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Iraq, UAE
5	Sugar	India is among the world's leading sugar exporters during surplus production years. Sugar production is approximately 35 MMT. Export Value: ~USD 2–4 Billion	Indonesia, Bangladesh, UAE, African countries, Afghanistan
6	Tea	India is the world's second-largest tea producer with exports of approximately 0.2 million tonnes. Export Value: ~USD 600 Million–1 Billion	Russia, Iran, United Kingdom, UAE, United States
7	Cotton (Raw Cotton)	India is the world's second-largest cotton producer and a major exporter of raw cotton. Export Value: ~USD 1–2 Billion/year	Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Pakistan
8	Oil Meals	Includes rapeseed meal, castor meal and soybean meal. Growing demand from East and Southeast Asian livestock feed industries. Export Value: ~USD 1.5 Billion	China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand

Section 11: Commercial & Emerging Technologies

11.1 Digital & Precision Agriculture

Digital Agriculture Initiative	Description	Key Impact / Features
Kisan Suvidha / mKisan	Mobile-based agricultural advisory platform providing real-time information and extension services to farmers through SMS and mobile applications.	More than 6 crore farmers registered Weather forecasts and alerts Market prices (mandi rates) Crop advisories and expert guidance Pest and disease management information
AgriStack (IDEA)	India Digital Ecosystem for Agriculture (IDEA) serves as the foundational digital infrastructure for Indian agriculture.	Unique Farmer ID / Farmer Registry Geo-referenced land records Crop-sown and farm data integration Digital delivery of government schemes Support for precision agriculture and data-driven policymaking
Agricultural Drones	Promoted under the Kisan Drone Programme to accelerate precision farming and smart agriculture adoption.	Subsidies up to ₹10 lakh for drone procurement Crop health monitoring and surveillance Precision spraying of fertilizers and pesticides Field mapping and yield estimation Growth of indigenous drone manufacturing ecosystem Major companies: Garuda Aerospace, IoTechWorld Avigation, Dhaksha Unmanned Systems.
AI, Remote Sensing & Satellite Applications	Advanced digital technologies are increasingly being deployed for crop monitoring, forecasting and supply-chain optimization.	ISRO RISAT & Cartosat Satellites for crop acreage estimation and monitoring AI-based crop intelligence platforms such as Cropin Yield prediction and risk assessment models Drought, flood and pest surveillance systems Precision agriculture and insurance support
Agritech Startup Ecosystem	India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing agritech innovation hubs.	Estimated ecosystem value: USD 4+ Billion Digital input marketplaces Farm advisory services Supply-chain and logistics optimization Market linkage and e-commerce solutions Key startups include Cropin, DeHaat, Ninjacart, WayCool, Agrim and others.

11.2 Biotechnology & Crop Improvement

Component	Details
GM Crops Status	Bt Cotton is currently the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India (approved in 2002). Covers approximately 93% of India's cotton area (~12 million ha). Bt Brinjal (developed by Mahyco) received regulatory approval in 2009 but has remained under a government moratorium since 2010. GM Mustard (DMH-11) received environmental approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2022; however, field trials and commercialization remain subject to legal and policy review.
ICAR Research System	The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) operates the world's largest agricultural research and extension network. 113 ICAR Research Institutes 74 Agricultural Universities 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) The system supports crop improvement, livestock development, fisheries, natural resource management, biotechnology, mechanization and farmer extension services across the country.
Hybrid & Improved Varieties	India releases more than 100 new crop varieties annually through ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Key highlights: Hybrid Rice Adoption: ~6–8% of rice area (compared to >50% in China) Hybrid Maize Adoption: >70% of maize area Pusa Basmati Series recognized globally for premium grain quality and export value Continuous development of climate-resilient, drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant and biofortified crop varieties

Component

Details

GM Crops Status

Bt Cotton is currently the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India (approved in 2002).
Covers approximately 93% of India's cotton area (~12 million ha).
Bt Brinjal (developed by Mahyco) received regulatory approval in 2009 but has remained under a government moratorium since 2010.
GM Mustard (DMH-11) received environmental approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2022; however, field trials and commercialization remain subject to legal and policy review.

ICAR Research System

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) operates the world's largest agricultural research and extension network.

113 ICAR Research Institutes
74 Agricultural Universities
731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

The system supports crop improvement, livestock development, fisheries, natural resource management, biotechnology, mechanization and farmer extension services across the country.

Hybrid & Improved Varieties

India releases more than 100 new crop varieties annually through ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs).

Key highlights:

Hybrid Rice Adoption: ~6–8% of rice area (compared to >50% in China)
Hybrid Maize Adoption: >70% of maize area
Pusa Basmati Series recognized globally for premium grain quality and export value
Continuous development of climate-resilient, drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant and biofortified crop varieties

11.3 Protected Cultivation

Parameter	Details
Greenhouse / Polyhouse Area	Approximately 50,000–60,000 hectares under protected cultivation according to MIDH and NHB estimates. The sector is expanding rapidly due to increasing demand for high-value horticultural crops, efficient water use, and year-round production.
Major Crops Grown	Protected cultivation is primarily used for: Flowers (Rose, Gerbera, Carnation, Chrysanthemum) Capsicum (Bell Pepper) Tomato Cucumber Strawberry Lettuce and Exotic Vegetables Nursery and Planting Material Production
Key Regions	Major protected cultivation clusters include: Pune & Nashik (Maharashtra) – flowers, vegetables, grapes Bengaluru Region (Karnataka) – flowers and export horticulture Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand – off-season vegetables Jammu & Kashmir – protected vegetable cultivation North-Eastern States – high-value horticulture and nursery production
Protected Cultivation Technologies	Common technologies used in India include: Naturally Ventilated Polyhouses (most common) Fan-and-Pad Greenhouses Shade Net Houses Insect-Proof Net Houses Low Tunnels and Walk-in Tunnels
High-Tech Greenhouses	Approximately 4,000–5,000 hectares are under advanced climate-controlled greenhouse systems equipped with automated irrigation, fertigation, temperature control and environmental monitoring.
Technology & Government Support	Protected cultivation development in India has been strongly influenced by Israeli greenhouse and micro-irrigation technologies. Government support is provided through: NHB (National Horticulture Board) MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) Capital subsidies generally range from 50–75% depending on farmer category, state and structure type.

Section 12: Food Security & Nutrition

12.1 Production Overview

Sector	Production / Value	Key Highlights
Total Foodgrain Production (2024-25)	357.73 Million Tonnes (Record)	Highest foodgrain production ever recorded in India. Rice: 150.18 MT Wheat: 117.94 MT Pulses: 25.68 MT Coarse Cereals (Millets & Maize): ~57–60 MT Oilseeds: 42.99 MT (Record)
Horticulture Production (2024-25)	~362.08–367.72 Million Tonnes	Horticulture production exceeds total foodgrain production. Includes: Fruits Vegetables Spices Plantation Crops Flowers India is the world's second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables.
Milk Production (2023-24)	239.30 Million Tonnes	India remains the World's No. 1 Milk Producer, accounting for approximately 24.76% of global milk production. Per capita milk availability reached 459 g/day.
Fish Production (2023-24)	~19.75 Million Tonnes	India is the World's 3rd Largest Fish Producer and the 2nd Largest Aquaculture Producer. Inland fisheries and aquaculture contribute the majority of production.
Agricultural Exports (FY 2024-25)	~USD 51.1 Billion	Record agricultural exports driven by rice, marine products, spices, buffalo meat, sugar, tea, cotton and processed foods. Agriculture contributes approximately 9–11% of India's total merchandise exports.

12.2 Food Security & Nutrition

Food Security Indicator	Status / Data	Key Highlights
National Food Security Act (NFSA)	~81.35 Crore Beneficiaries	World's largest food security programme. 5 kg foodgrains per person per month Covers nearly 60% of India's population Implemented through the Public Distribution System (PDS)
Public Distribution System (PDS)	Nationwide Digital Food Distribution Network	Key achievements under modernization reforms: One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) operational nationwide 99.8% Aadhaar seeding of ration cards ~5.43 lakh Fair Price Shops equipped with ePoS devices ₹267.6 crore DBT transfers in FY 2023-24 to over 10 lakh beneficiaries Improved portability, transparency and targeting efficiency
Global Hunger Index (2025)	Score: 25.8 Rank: ~102nd of 123 Countries	Categorized as "Serious" under GHI methodology. The Government of India has formally disputed aspects of the GHI methodology and data interpretation.
Child Stunting	~32.9% of Children Under 5	Indicates chronic undernutrition and remains one of India's major public health challenges despite gradual improvement over the past decade.
Undernourishment	~12.0% of Population	Although declining over time, undernourishment continues to affect a significant segment of the population, particularly among vulnerable and low-income households.
Poshan Abhiyaan	National Nutrition Mission	Comprehensive nutrition programme aimed at reducing: Stunting Wasting Underweight prevalence Anaemia among women and children Supported by: Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) covering approximately 11–12 crore school children
India's Food Security Paradox	High Production + Persistent Malnutrition	India produces record agricultural output: Foodgrains: 357.73 MT Horticulture: 362–368 MT Milk: 239.30 MT Yet approximately 12% of the population remains undernourished. The challenge is increasingly one of: Access to nutritious food Income and affordability Diet diversity Nutrition awareness Regional disparities rather than overall food production alone.

Section 13: Knowledge Exchange – Best Practices

13.1 What India Can Offer BRICS Nations

Rank	Achievement	Description & Proven Impact
1	World's #1 Milk Producer	India produced a record 239.30 Million Tonnes of milk in 2023-24, contributing approximately 24.76% of global milk production. The success is driven by the Operation Flood (White Revolution), the AMUL cooperative model, and participation of nearly 8 crore dairy farmer families.
2	World's #1 Spice Producer & Exporter	India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices globally, cultivating more than 75 spice varieties. The country dominates exports of chilli, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, coriander and pepper, supported by quality assurance through the Spices Board of India.
3	World's Largest Organic Producer Base	India has approximately 4.7 million hectares under organic farming and certification systems. Sikkim became the world's first fully organic state in 2016, while NPOP certification supports India's growing presence in global organic markets.
4	ICAR Research System (World's Largest)	India operates the world's largest agricultural research and extension network through: 113 ICAR Institutes 74 Agricultural Universities 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) The system releases more than 100 new crop varieties annually, including globally recognized varieties such as Pusa Basmati and high-yield wheat varieties like HD 3226.
5	Record Foodgrain Production	India achieved an all-time record foodgrain production of 357.73 Million Tonnes in 2024-25. The country is self-sufficient in major staples such as rice and wheat and maintains exportable surpluses while feeding a population exceeding 1.44 billion people.
6	Digital Agriculture & AgriStack	India is building one of the world's most comprehensive digital agriculture ecosystems through: AgriStack (Unique Farmer ID) e-NAM (1,389 integrated mandis) Kisan Suvidha and mKisan platforms Satellite-based crop monitoring More than 6 crore farmers are connected to digital agricultural services, supported by a USD 4+ billion agritech startup ecosystem.
7	PM-KISAN: World's Largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme	PM-KISAN provides direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to approximately 11 crore farmer families. Since launch, more than ₹3.04 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries, making it the world's largest farmer-focused DBT programme.
8	Global Tractor Manufacturing Hub	India is the world's largest tractor market, with annual sales of approximately 0.9–1.0 million tractors. Companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra, TAFE, Sonalika, and Escorts Kubota have made India a leading supplier of affordable farm mechanization solutions across Asia, Africa and other developing regions.

13.2 What India Can Learn from BRICS

Rank	Area of Opportunity	Country to Learn From	Gap and Opportunity for India
1	Hybrid Rice Scale-Up	China	China has achieved more than 50% hybrid rice adoption, while India's adoption remains around 6–8%. Expanding hybrid rice cultivation could increase rice yields by approximately 15–20%, particularly in eastern and rainfed rice-growing regions.
2	Large-Scale Grain Mechanisation	Brazil, Russia	Brazil's highly mechanized soybean sector and Russia's use of large-scale autonomous combines demonstrate pathways for improving efficiency. India's wheat and grain-producing regions could benefit from greater adoption of precision machinery, automation and large-scale harvesting systems.
3	Palm Oil Production	Indonesia	Indonesia produces approximately 52.76 MT of crude palm oil (CPO), while India's domestic production remains around 0.3 MT. As the world's largest palm oil importer, India spends more than USD 10 billion annually on edible oil imports. Expansion opportunities exist in the North-East, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
4	Aquaculture Intensification	China, Indonesia	China produces approximately 60.6 MT of aquaculture output and Indonesia has pioneered digital aquaculture platforms such as eFishery. Although India is the world's second-largest aquaculture producer, substantial opportunities remain in productivity enhancement, automation, feed management and IoT-based fish farming.
5	Saffron & Pistachio-Based Dryland Horticulture	Iran	Iran is the global leader in saffron and a major pistachio producer under extremely arid conditions. Similar technologies and production systems could strengthen horticultural diversification in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and arid regions of Rajasthan.
6	Coffee Genetic Diversity	Ethiopia	Ethiopia possesses more than 6,000 Arabica coffee accessions and remains the centre of origin for Arabica coffee. Collaboration could support disease resistance breeding, climate resilience and specialty coffee development in India's coffee-growing regions of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
7	Conservation Agriculture	Brazil, South Africa	Brazil's large-scale no-till farming systems and South Africa's conservation agriculture practices offer models for sustainable crop production. These approaches could help India address issues such as residue burning in Punjab and Haryana, improve soil health, reduce cultivation costs and conserve water resources.

Section 14: References & Data Sources

14.1 Primary Data Sources

Organization / Source	Role & Coverage	Official Website
MoAFW Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare	Nodal ministry for crop production, agricultural policy, foodgrain estimates, farmer welfare schemes, PM-KISAN, PMKSY and national agricultural programmes. Publishes Advance Estimates of crop production.	agriwelfare.gov.in
DES/DAC Directorate of Economics & Statistics	Publishes Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, crop area, production, yield, land-use statistics and long-term agricultural datasets.	desagri.gov.in
DAHD Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying	Responsible for Livestock Census, Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS), milk, meat, egg production data and livestock development programmes.	dahd.gov.in
DoF Department of Fisheries	National authority for fisheries and aquaculture development. Implements PMMSY and publishes fish production statistics.	dof.gov.in
ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research	World's largest agricultural research system with 113 institutes, 74 agricultural universities and 731 KVKs. Responsible for crop, livestock and fisheries research, technology development and variety release.	icar.org.in
NSO/CSO National Statistical Office	Publishes GDP, employment, inflation, household surveys and national statistical indicators used in agricultural economic analysis.	mospi.gov.in
Economic Survey of India	Annual publication by the Ministry of Finance covering agricultural growth, policy reforms, food security, rural economy and sector performance.	indiabudget.gov.in
FAOSTAT Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)	Global database for agricultural production, trade, land use, food balance sheets and international comparisons.	faostat.fao.org
USDA-FAS New Delhi	Provides Grain & Feed, Rice, Cotton, Sugar, Oilseeds, Livestock and Agricultural Trade reports used extensively for international benchmarking.	fas.usda.gov
World Bank	Source for GDP, poverty, population, rural development indicators and agricultural development statistics.	data.worldbank.org
IMF WEO International Monetary Fund	Provides GDP, GDP per capita, inflation, economic outlook and macroeconomic projections.	imf.org/weo
UNDP HDR Human Development Report	Source for Human Development Index (HDI), multidimensional poverty and social development indicators.	hdr.undp.org
IBEF India Brand Equity Foundation	Provides sectoral overviews, investment trends, export performance and industry reports on Indian agriculture and food processing.	ibef.org
PIB Press Information Bureau	Official source for Government of India press releases, scheme announcements, cabinet decisions and latest agricultural policy updates.	pib.gov.in

14.2 Glossary

Term	Definition
MoAFW	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare – The nodal ministry responsible for agricultural policy, crop production, farmer welfare schemes, agricultural development programmes and food security initiatives in India.
DAHD	Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying – Responsible for livestock development, dairy sector growth, animal health, livestock census and production statistics related to milk, eggs and meat.
ICAR	Indian Council of Agricultural Research – The world's largest agricultural research system, comprising 113 institutes, 74 agricultural universities and 731 KVKs. Responsible for agricultural research, technology development and variety release.
KVK	Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Centre) – Frontline agricultural extension centres established by ICAR to transfer technologies from laboratories to farmers. India has approximately 731 KVKs.
MSP	Minimum Support Price – Government-announced guaranteed procurement price for 23 major agricultural crops to protect farmers from distress sales and market volatility.
FCI	Food Corporation of India – Government agency responsible for procurement, storage, transportation and distribution of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and food security programmes.
PMKSY	Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – National irrigation programme promoting efficient water management through micro-irrigation, drip irrigation and sprinkler systems under the slogan "Per Drop More Crop".
e-NAM	Electronic National Agriculture Market – Digital agricultural marketing platform integrating mandis across India to enable transparent price discovery and online trading of agricultural commodities.
AMUL	Anand Milk Union Limited – India's largest dairy cooperative and the foundation of the White Revolution. Widely regarded as one of the world's most successful farmer-owned cooperative models.
LMT	Lakh Metric Tonnes – Common Indian statistical unit where: 1 LMT = 100,000 Metric Tonnes 10 LMT = 1 Million Tonnes (MT)
Kharif Season	Monsoon cropping season extending from June to October. Major crops include: Rice Maize Soybean Cotton Groundnut Pulses (Tur, Moong, Urd)
Rabi Season	Winter cropping season extending from October to March. Major crops include: Wheat Barley Mustard Chickpea (Gram) Lentils Peas