Published: 29 January 2026Economic SurveyEnvironment
Economic Survey Agriculture & Climate Chapter: Record 357.7 MMT Foodgrain; Non-Fossil Power Crosses 51.93%
The Agriculture and Climate chapter of the Economic Survey 2025-26 presented landmark milestones in food security, horticulture, rural development, and clean energy, tabled on January 29-30, 2026.
India recorded foodgrain production of 357.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024-25, the highest in the country's history, demonstrating the success of Green Revolution-era investment combined with modern agricultural technology. Despite this record, the Survey highlighted a structural shift: horticulture now contributes 33% of agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA), overtaking the foodgrain sector. Horticulture's higher value-per-acre and labour intensity make it a critical vehicle for farmer income doubling goals.
The Survey reported near-universal drinking water access, with 99.6% of rural habitations covered under the Jal Jeevan Mission — one of the flagship rural governance achievements. This near-saturation of drinking water infrastructure marks a transformative outcome in rural public health and women's time poverty reduction.
On agricultural resilience, the Survey noted the development and release of over 100 climate-resilient seed varieties adapted to drought, flood, heat stress, and saline soil conditions. These varieties, developed through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) system, are central to India's adaptation strategy for a warming climate.
The most striking environmental statistic was the confirmation that India's non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity has crossed 51.93% of total installed capacity. This means more than half of India's electricity generation infrastructure is now renewable or nuclear. This milestone, ahead of India's own 2030 Paris Agreement target of 50% non-fossil capacity, positions India as a global clean energy leader. Solar and wind dominate the non-fossil mix, with large hydropower also contributing significantly.
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Frequently asked questions
What does it mean that horticulture contributes 33% of agricultural GVA in India?
It means horticulture (fruits, vegetables, flowers, plantation crops) now generates more economic value than the traditional foodgrain sector. This structural shift reflects higher value-per-acre and labour intensity of horticulture, making it central to farmer income doubling.
What is the significance of 357.7 MMT foodgrain production in India?
357.73 million tonnes in 2024-25 is India's highest-ever foodgrain production, demonstrating the success of sustained agricultural investment. It ensures food security for 1.4 billion people and reduces vulnerability to global commodity price shocks.
How does India's 51.93% non-fossil power capacity relate to its Paris Agreement commitments?
India committed at Paris 2015 to achieve 50% of cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Crossing 51.93% by early 2026 means India has met and exceeded this target four years early, establishing credibility as a serious climate actor.
What are climate-resilient seed varieties and why do they matter for India?
ICAR-developed climate-resilient varieties are adapted to drought, flood, extreme heat, and saline soil — increasingly common under climate change. With 60% of India's farmland rain-fed, these varieties directly protect farmer livelihoods and national food security against climate shocks.
What does 81.31% Jal Jeevan Mission household tap-connection coverage signify?
The official figure means about 15.74 crore rural households, or 81.31%, had tap connections by 20 November 2025. This reduces waterborne disease burden, eliminates the time women spend fetching water (time poverty), and supports rural economic productivity.
