Why in the news?
The Government of India highlighted major achievements and reforms in the agriculture sector over the past 12 years, focusing on farmer welfare, productivity, infrastructure, digital agriculture, and allied sectors.
Growth in the Agriculture Sector
- Agriculture and allied sector GVA increased from:
- ₹20.9 lakh crore (2014-15)
- to ₹48.7 lakh crore (2023-24).
- Sector contributes:
- About 18% of total Gross Value Added (GVA).
Foodgrain Production
- Total foodgrain production increased from:
- 265.05 million tonnes (2013-14)
- to 357.73 million tonnes (2024-25).
Major Crops
- Rice production: 150.18 million tonnes in 2024-25.
- Wheat production: 117.94 million tonnes.
- Maize production: 43.40 million tonnes.
Oilseeds
- Production reached: 42.99 million tonnes in 2024-25.
Important Agricultural Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
- Provides: ₹6,000 annual income support through DBT.
- Beneficiaries: Over 9.44 crore farmer families.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Crop insurance scheme covering: Entire crop cycle.
- Claims disbursed: ₹1.96 lakh crore till December 2025.
MSP Reforms
- MSP fixed at: Minimum 1.5 times cost of production since 2018-19.
- MSP announced for: 22 mandated crops.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- Operative accounts: Increased to 7.81 crore in 2024-25.
Sustainable Agriculture
Irrigation
- Irrigation coverage increased from: 49.3% to 55% of gross cropped area.
Soil Health Card Scheme
- Nearly: 26 crore soil health cards issued.
Organic Farming
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes organic farming.
- 18.84 lakh hectares covered under PKVY.
Natural Farming
- National Mission on Natural Farming covered:
- 9 lakh hectares
- 19 lakh farmers.
Renewable Energy in Agriculture
PM KUSUM
- Promotes solar pumps and solarisation of agriculture.
- Benefited: Over 21.77 lakh farmers.
Cooperatives and FPOs
Ministry of Cooperation
- Established in: 2021.
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
- 10,000 FPOs registered by February 2026.
Digital Agriculture
Digital Agriculture Mission
- Farmer IDs created: 7.63 crore.
- Crop plots digitized: 23.5 crore.
Namo Drone Didi
- Promotes drone usage by women SHGs.
- Approved outlay: ₹1,261 crore.
National Pest Surveillance System
- Covers:
- 66 crops and 432 pest species.
Allied Sector Achievements
Dairy
- India remains: World’s largest milk producer.
- Milk production: Increased to 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25.
Fisheries
- Fish production: Increased from 9.58 MT to 19.78 MT.
Beekeeping
- Honey exports increased by: 240%.
Ethanol Blending Programme
- Ethanol blending reached: 20% in ESY 2025-26.
[2016] With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements:
1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2