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Understanding India's Agricultural GVO Trends and Shifts

A Closer Look at Non-Crop Sector Growth in Agriculture

Understanding India's Agricultural GVO Trends and Shifts

  • 01 Jul, 2025
  • 470

India's Agricultural Landscape: A Shift Towards Non-Crop Sectors

India’s agricultural landscape is experiencing a significant transformation. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the share of non-crop sectors such as livestock, fishing, aquaculture, and forestry in the Gross Value of Output (GVO) for agriculture and allied activities has steadily increased from 2011-12 to 2023-24. While the crop sector remains the largest contributor, its dominance is gradually declining, indicating a more diversified and resilient agricultural economy.

Understanding Gross Value of Output (GVO)

The Gross Value of Output (GVO) in agriculture and allied sectors refers to the total value of output produced before subtracting intermediate consumption. This includes output from crop production, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry.

Changes in Crop Sector Share

Between 2011-12 and 2023-24, the crop sector’s share in total agricultural GVO has seen a decline from 62.4% to 54.1% at constant prices. This downward trend reflects a diversification in the agricultural economy.

Growth of the Livestock Sector

The livestock sector’s contribution to agricultural GVO has increased significantly, rising from 25.6% to 31.2% during the same period. The GVO from livestock products grew from ₹4.88 trillion in 2011-12 to ₹9.19 trillion in 2023-24, establishing it as one of the fastest-growing sectors.

Dominance of Milk in Livestock

Milk remains the dominant component of the livestock sector. However, its share in the livestock GVO has slightly declined from 67.2% to 65.9% between 2011-12 and 2023-24, while the share of meat has increased from 19.7% to 24.1%.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Contribution

Fisheries and aquaculture have also made notable strides, with their share rising from 4.2% in 2011-12 to nearly 7% in 2023-24, indicating their growing economic significance.

Trends in Fish Production

Inland fish production’s share in total GVO has decreased from 57.7% to 50.2%, while marine fish production’s share has increased from 42.3% to 49.8% during the same period, highlighting a narrowing gap between these two sub-sectors.

Fruit Sector Developments

In the crop sector, bananas have now overtaken mangoes as the leading fruit contributor to agricultural GVO in 2023-24, with bananas valued at ₹471 billion compared to mangoes at ₹461 billion. Previously, mangoes held the top position from 2011-12 to 2021-22.

Total Agricultural GVO Growth

The total agricultural GVO has risen from ₹19.08 trillion in 2011-12 to ₹29.49 trillion in 2023-24, marking an impressive growth of nearly 55%.

The Crop Sector's Continued Dominance

Even in 2023-24, the crop sector remains the largest contributor to GVO, accounting for ₹15.95 trillion and a share of 54.1%, despite a declining trend.

Importance of the Shift Towards Non-Crop Sectors

The increasing share of livestock, fisheries, and allied sectors signifies improved rural income opportunities, enhanced resilience to climate shocks, and a broader diversification of India’s agricultural base. This shift is crucial for ensuring food security, employment, and sustainable rural development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Gross Value of Output (GVO) in agriculture?
Answer: GVO refers to the total output value in agriculture and allied sectors before deducting intermediate consumption, encompassing crops, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry.

Q2. How has the share of the crop sector changed in recent years?
Answer: The crop sector's share in agricultural GVO has declined from 62.4% in 2011-12 to 54.1% in 2023-24, indicating diversification in agriculture.

Q3. Which livestock product remains dominant?
Answer: Milk continues to be the dominant product in the livestock sector, although its share has slightly decreased from 67.2% to 65.9% from 2011-12 to 2023-24.

Q4. What trend is observed in the fisheries sector?
Answer: The contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to GVO rose from 4.2% in 2011-12 to nearly 7% in 2023-24, highlighting their growing importance.

Q5. Why is the trend towards non-crop sectors significant?
Answer: This trend reflects improved rural income opportunities, better resilience to climate shocks, and a diversified agricultural base, essential for food security and sustainable development.

 

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