Growing the Economy Through Sustainable Agriculture: Boosting Agricultural and Related Sectors’ Gross Value Added in India

Background and Objective: India’s agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of its economy and rural livelihood. However, the dynamics of sectoral growth, crop acreage shifts, and production trends require deeper analysis to inform sustainable development strategies. This study aims to examine the driving forces behind agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) trends, assess the contributions of major crops, and highlight policy pathways to boost agricultural and allied sectors’ performance. Materials and Methods: The study adopts a quantitative approach using secondary data from reliable government sources covering 2011-12 to 2022-23. Trends in GVA share, sub-sectoral contributions, and crop-specific outputs were analyzed. Descriptive statistical techniques, including time-series comparisons and percentage change analyses, were employed to interpret sectoral performance and identify growth patterns. Results: Findings reveal a consistent rise in agriculture’s GVA contribution, particularly from food grains, fruits, and vegetables. Horticulture emerged as a key growth driver, underscoring the sector’s potential. Despite fluctuations in sub-sectoral performance, agriculture maintained a dominant share in GVA throughout the study period. The data highlight the pressing need for targeted investments in productivity, infrastructure, market access, and farmer training. Conclusion: Sustainable agriculture presents a viable path to enhancing GVA, ensuring food security, and promoting environmental conservation. By prioritizing fruit and vegetable cultivation and integrating food policy with rural development and climate resilience, India can foster inclusive growth and long-term sectoral viability. Limitations in data coverage suggest the need for further research into regional disparities and the socio-economic impacts of policy interventions.