Agricultural growth slows down to 3.5% in 2025-26, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Agricultural sector growth slowed to 3.5% in the second quarter of 2025-26, down from the 5-year average of 4.4%.
• The agriculture and allied sector's decadal growth from 2015-16 to 2024-25 was 4.45%, the highest compared to previous decades.
• India's foodgrain production is estimated to have reached 3,577.3 lakh tonnes in the agriculture year 2024-25.

Detailed Insights:

• The growth rate of 4.45% from 2015-16 to 2024-25 was largely due to strong performance in livestock and fishing.
• Livestock grew at 7.1% and fishing/aquaculture at 8.8%, while the crop sector grew at 3.5% during this period.
• Increased output of rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals drove the growth in foodgrain production.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Foodgrain Production: Total production of crops like rice, wheat, maize, and pulses for consumption.
• Economic Survey: A yearly report by the government on the state of the economy.