The agriculture sector continues to be a key focus of the Indian government, with 46.1% of the national workforce engaged in agriculture and allied activities as per the 2023–24 Periodic Labour Force Survey. Reflecting this priority, the Union Budget 2025–26 designates agriculture as the “first engine of development,” significantly increasing funding for the sector.
The budgetary allocation to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has surged from Rs 21,933.50 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 1,27,290.16 crore in 2025–26. In recent years, DA&FW’s share of the total central plan outlay has slightly declined, from 3.53% in 2021–22 to 2.51% in 2025–26, even as total allocations have risen.
Besides DA&FW, various ministries contribute to agricultural development. These include MNRE (via PM-KUSUM), DARE (research schemes), Jal Shakti (PMKSY), Chemicals & Fertilizers (fertilizer support), and Rural Development (MGNREGS), among others. This was stated by Minister of State Ramnath Thakur in Rajya Sabha.
