STATISTICAL REPORT ON AGRICULTURE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)
Context: A new statistical report released indicates a shifting consumer preference in India, with fruits and vegetables capturing the top position among all crops in value terms for 2022-23, surpassing cereals with a 28% share.
Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors 2024
- About: The report is a comprehensive and insightful document which provides detailed tables and analysis of values of output of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fishing sectors from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
- Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO),
- Nodal Agency: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- Key findings of Report:
oComparison with Cereals: In 2022-23, the value of output for 'fruits and vegetables' surpassed that of cereals by about Rs 15,000 crore, despite cereals occupying more acreage.
oComposition of Crop Group: Apart from 'cereals' and 'fruits & vegetables', other segments like pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, spices, and medicinal plants make up the remaining 45% share in terms of value.
oSectoral Distribution in Agriculture: The crop group holds a dominant 54% share in the overall agriculture and allied sector's value of output in 2022-23, followed by livestock (31%), forestry (8%), and fishing (7%).
oDeclining Contribution of Crop Sector: While still the largest contributor, the crop sub-sector's share of gross value of output (GVO) in agriculture and allied sectors has decreased from 62% in 2011-12 to 54% in 2022-23.
oRegional Variations: Uttar Pradesh reported the highest value of output of cereals, whereas West Bengal led in the output value of fruits and vegetables in 2022-23.
oDominance of Gram and Arhar in Pulses: Gram and Arhar (lentil) collectively accounted for nearly 59% of the output in the 'pulses' group of crops, as per the report by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
