Archive · 30 Jul 2025
India's Agriculture: Why Strategic Public Investment Matters
India is putting a lot of money into farming, but needs to spend it smarter.
Instead of just giving money to farmers, the government should also invest in things like roads, storage for crops, and new technology.
This helps farmers sell their crops and reduces waste.
More research is needed to help farmers grow crops that can handle climate change and use water better.
States like Punjab and Telangana are already trying out new ideas that could help.
If the government invests in these areas, farming can be more successful and help rural areas grow.
India's agricultural schemes are being consolidated for better delivery and efficiency.
The government allocated over ₹1.2 lakh crore to the Department of Agriculture in 2024-25.
Underinvestment in infrastructure leads to significant post-harvest losses, estimated at ₹92,000 crore.
Public investment in agricultural R&D is below the FAO-recommended level.
Strategic public investment in infrastructure and innovation can improve agriculture.
- Who
- The author and various government bodies like NITI Aayog, ICAR.
- What
- Need for strategic public investment in India's agricultural sector.
- When
- Published July 30, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To achieve long-term agricultural transformation, improve infrastructure, and boost innovation.
Current Challenges
N/A
Subsidy Focus
Current Challenges
Heavy focus on input subsidies
N/A
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Investment Gap
Current Challenges
Underinvestment in infrastructure and innovation
N/A
N/A
- Allocation to Agriculture (2024-25)
- ₹1,22,529 crore
- Total Subsidies (Ministry of Finance, 2024)
- ₹4.5 lakh crore
- Gross Capital Formation in Agriculture
- 15-17% of agricultural GDP
- Estimated Post-Harvest Loss
- 15-20% of produce annually
- Value of Post-Harvest Loss
- ₹92,000 crore
- Agricultural R&D Spending
- 0.3% of agricultural GDP