Agri Business Summit 2025: Farm Growth and Soil Health
Why in the news
At the summit, NITI Aayog and the agriculture ministry outlined growth projections and stressed soil care and integrated farming as routes to Viksit Bharat targets.
Key facts
- Growth outlook: farm sector to expand 4% in FY 2025-26 versus 3.5% in FY 2024-25, led by fisheries and livestock.
- Required rate: NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand said India needs about 5% annual agricultural growth for the Viksit Bharat goal; slower growth pushes the target later.
- Fertiliser warning: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged heavy urea dependence and uneven fertiliser use as damaging soil quality.
- Remedy: a balanced N-P-K ratio, to protect fertility, long-term productivity and prevent nutrient mining.
- Integrated Farming Systems (IFS): mix crops, livestock, fisheries and horticulture, especially suited to small landholdings.
| Theme | Point made | Who said it |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 4% in FY 2025-26 vs 3.5% earlier | NITI Aayog |
| Target | About 5% yearly growth needed for Viksit Bharat | Ramesh Chand |
| Soil | Imbalanced fertiliser use degrades soil | Shivraj Singh Chouhan |
| Practice | Integrated farming for small farmers | Shivraj Singh Chouhan |
Concerns
- Declining soil health threatens crop yields, food security and the sustainability of small and marginal farmers.
- Excess nitrogen leads to groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas (nitrous oxide) emissions.
Way forward
- Integrated farming diversifies income, builds risk resilience and recycles resources such as manure and crop residues.
- Healthy soil plus integrated farming supports climate-resilient agriculture, higher productivity and lower input costs.
Exam angle
- Speakers: Ramesh Chand (NITI Aayog) and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture Minister).
- Growth figures: 4% (FY 2025-26) against 3.5% (FY 2024-25).
- Key term: Integrated Farming Systems (IFS).
- Excess nitrogen causes groundwater contamination and nitrous oxide emissions.