Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Prof. S Mahendra Dev today said that India has taken several significant reforms in the fertilizer sector, including neem-coated urea, Direct Benefit Transfer, Soil Health Cards, nano urea, PM PRANAM, and the Nutrient-Based Subsidy system. Addressing a conclave in New Delhi, Mr. Dev said that agriculture contributes nearly one-fifth of the country’s national income and provides livelihoods to about 43 per cent of the workforce. He noted that rural prosperity drives manufacturing and overall economic growth by enhancing purchasing power.

 

Highlighting the sector’s performance, he said that agriculture and allied sectors recorded an average annual growth rate of 4.4 per cent during the decade ending 2024-25, which is among the highest for major agricultural economies. He added that livestock and fisheries registered even faster growth at around 7 per cent annually.

 

Mr. Dev observed that India still has a long way to go in addressing malnutrition, particularly among children and women. He stated that better soil health and crop nutrition contribute directly to improved nutritional outcomes and healthier food systems.