Introduction
Agriculture’s allied sectors—including animal husbandry (dairy, poultry, goat and sheep rearing, piggery), fisheries, aquaculture, and horticulture—are an integral extension of crop farming. They diversify rural incomes, reduce climate-related risks, and provide livelihoods throughout the year. By optimally using shared resources such as land, water, and crop residues, these activities enhance value addition, build resilience, and support millions of rural households.
Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, government policies are focused on strengthening and modernizing these sectors to reduce import dependence, boost rural incomes, and drive sustainable growth.
Food Processing
FY 2024–25 exports: USD 49.4 billion (processed foods: 20.4%).
Processed food share in exports rose from 13.7% (2014–15) to 20.4% (2024–25).
Blue Revolution – Fisheries
Fish production grew 104%, from 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
Inland fisheries output increased 142%, from 61 lakh tonnes to 147.37 lakh tonnes.
Budget 2025–26: Highest-ever allocation of ₹2,703.67 crore (+3.3% over 2024–25).
Dairy Sector
India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing 25% of global output.
Production rose 63.57% from 146.30 MT (2014–15) to 239.30 MT (2023–24).
Per capita milk availability reached 471g/day (+48%), compared to the global average of 322g/day.
Over 8 crore farmers engaged in the sector.
2025–26 plan: Establish 21,902 new dairy cooperative societies; ₹407.37 crore approved.
Schemes: Revised NPDD (₹2,790 crore) and Rashtriya Gokul Mission (₹3,400 crore) to enhance milk procurement, processing, and indigenous cattle breeding.
National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)
Outlay: ₹500 crore (2020–23), extended to 2025–26 with ₹370 crore remaining.
2022–23 honey production: 1.42 lakh MT; exports: 79,929 MT.
Infrastructure: 6 world-class labs, 47 mini labs, 26 honey processing units, 8 custom hiring centres.
Madhukranti Portal: 14,800 beekeepers and 22.39 lakh colonies registered.
Women empowerment: 167 SHG initiatives supported.
Horticulture
Fruits: 866 lakh MT (2014–15) → 1129.7 lakh MT (2023–24) (+30%).
Vegetables: 1694.7 lakh MT → 2072 lakh MT (+22%).
Ethanol Procurement – EBP Programme
Blending: 19.93% (July 2025) towards a 20% target.
2014–25 impact:
Foreign exchange savings: ₹1,44,087 crore.
245 lakh MT crude oil substituted.
CO₂ reduction: 736 lakh MT (equivalent to planting 30 crore trees).
Procurement: 38 crore litres (2013–14) → 441 crore litres (2023–24).
Payments to farmers: ₹1,11,703 crore in Sugar Season 2023–24.
PM-KUSUM Scheme
Target: Solarize 49 lakh agricultural pumps and add 34,800 MW capacity by March 2026.
Budget: ₹34,422 crore.
Benefits: Reduces diesel dependency, boosts farmer incomes, and promotes clean energy adoption.
Conclusion
India’s allied agricultural sectors are witnessing unprecedented growth, contributing significantly to rural transformation. From record achievements in dairy, fisheries, horticulture, and beekeeping to major strides in ethanol production and solar energy adoption, these sectors—backed by Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives—are reinforcing India’s food security, energy independence, export growth, and environmental sustainability.