Source: BS
Context:
Indian agriculture, which has evolved significantly since the Green Revolution in India, is gradually shifting from traditional crop cultivation to high-value allied sectors such as horticulture, livestock, fisheries, poultry, beekeeping, and agro-forestry. These sectors are emerging as major drivers of agricultural growth and farmer income.
Faster Growth of Allied Sectors
According to the Economic Survey of India 2025, allied agricultural activities have grown faster than crop farming.
| Sector | Average Annual Growth (Decade ending 2024-25) |
|---|---|
| Crop sector | 3.5% |
| Livestock | 7.1% |
| Fisheries | 8.8% |
Historically, crop farming has grown only 2–3.5% annually since the 1960s, whereas allied sectors have expanded at more than double that rate.
Boom in Horticulture
Within the crop sector, horticulture has shown remarkable progress.
- Total horticulture production (2024-25): over 360 million tonnes
- Food grain production: around 330 million tonnes
Breakdown of horticulture output:
- Fruits: 114.51 million tonnes
- Vegetables: 219.67 million tonnes
India is now the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, accounting for about 13% of world production.
India is also the largest producer of several horticultural crops:
- Bananas
- Papayas
- Mangoes
- Ginger
- Okra
Horticulture now contributes around 33% of agriculture’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
Remarkable Growth in Livestock and Fisheries
Livestock
- GVA increased by 195% between 2014-15 and 2023-24.
- Growth rate: 12.77% CAGR.
Milk has become India’s largest food commodity:
- Milk production (2024-25): about 248 million tonnes.
This exceeds production of major cereals:
- Rice: ~150 million tonnes
- Wheat: ~118 million tonnes.
Fisheries
The fisheries sector’s GVA increased by around 140% during the same period, showing strong expansion.
Why Allied Sectors Are Important for Farmers
Allied sectors provide several advantages compared to crop farming:
- Regular income – livestock and dairy generate daily earnings.
- Less climate dependence compared to crops.
- Risk diversification – livestock income supports farmers when crops fail.
- Support for small farmers – over 85% of Indian farmers are small or marginal.
Crop farming and animal husbandry also have a symbiotic relationship:
- Crop residues serve as animal feed.
- Animal waste acts as organic manure.
