Significant Growth in India's Agriculture Sector Under Modi Government

Agricultural Advancements Highlighted at Agribusiness Summit 2025

New Delhi, Dec 8: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Monday that India's agriculture sector has experienced substantial growth since 2014, with sugarcane production increasing by 44 percent under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his speech at the 'Agribusiness Summit 2025', Chouhan emphasized the importance of integrated farming practices for small landholdings, which average less than one hectare. He advocated for value addition, diversification into aquaculture and livestock, and stricter regulations on bio-inputs, which have decreased from 30,000 to merely 8,000 compliant producers. He also highlighted the necessity of balanced fertilizer application to prevent soil degradation and secure the prosperity of future generations.

Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, pointed out that enhancing both 'utpadan' (production) and 'utpadakta' (productivity) is crucial, as the agricultural workforce in India is heavily involved in cultivation but requires improved output per acre.

Chand drew parallels with China's $5 trillion economy, noting that Chinese farmers function as gardeners, innovators, and meticulous land managers, achieving higher yields through intensive practices. He suggested that India could benefit from China's effective fertilizer management to reduce negative impacts while maximizing advantages.

RG Agarwal, chair of the agribusiness committee at PHDCCI, stressed that farmers have consistently contributed to the nation, and it is now our responsibility to provide them with the best technologies, knowledge, and support to boost their productivity and income.

Rahul Dhanuka, managing director of Dhanuka Agritech Limited, remarked that India has the lowest agricultural medicine usage globally, according to FAO data, although recent studies indicate further declines, with misuse in certain areas still a concern.

The summit kicked off with a strong emphasis on "Tripling the Agricultural GDP by Using New Technology and Quality Agri Inputs." It gathered industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and farmers to explore and promote advanced technologies and high-quality agricultural inputs that could transform productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.