Allied Sectors in Indian Agriculture Outpace Crop Farming
Why in the news
Indian farming is tilting from plain crop growing to allied activities (horticulture, livestock, fisheries, poultry, bee-keeping, agro-forestry) that now drive farm growth and income.
Growth comparison
| Sector | Average yearly growth, decade to 2024-25 |
|---|---|
| Crops | 3.5% |
| Livestock | 7.1% |
| Fisheries | 8.8% |
Crops have grown only 2 to 3.5% a year since the 1960s, so allied sectors are expanding at more than twice that pace.
Key facts
- Horticulture 2024-25: over 360 million tonnes: fruits 114.51 and vegetables 219.67 million tonnes.
- Food grains: about 330 million tonnes.
- World standing: second-largest fruit and vegetable producer, about 13% of world output.
- Top producer of: bananas, papayas, mangoes, ginger, okra.
- Horticulture share: around 33% of agricultural GVA.
- Livestock: GVA up 195% over 2014-15 to 2023-24, a 12.77% CAGR.
- Milk: about 248 million tonnes versus rice near 150 and wheat near 118 million tonnes.
- Fisheries: GVA up around 140% over the same span.
Why allied sectors help farmers
- Steady daily income from dairy and livestock.
- Less climate dependence.
- Risk spread when crops fail.
- Support for small holders, as over 85% of farmers are small or marginal.
Crops and livestock are symbiotic: residue feeds animals, and animal waste becomes manure.
Exam angle
- Data source: Economic Survey.
- Largest food commodity: milk.
- India is first in banana, papaya, mango, ginger and okra output.