Published on November 24, 2017

Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s economy. Agriculture, along with fisheries and forestry, is one of the largest contributors to the Gross Domestic Product. There are 2 major agricultural seasons in India: Kharif and Rabi. Kharif season lasts from April to September rice (paddy) is the season’s main crop. Rabi season lasts from October to March wheat is the season’s main crop.

In FY16, production of rice stood at 103.61 million tonnes, whereas, production of wheat stood at 93.82 million tonnes. Ministry of Agriculture is targeting to achieve 270.1 million tonnes production of food grains, till the end of 2017.

India's fruit production has grown faster than vegetables, making it the second largest fruit producer in the world. India's horticulture output, is estimated to be 287.3 million tonnes (MT) in 2016-17 after the first advance estimate.

Market players have said that India is probable to be self-sufficient in pulses in the coming few years due to concerted efforts of scientists to get early-maturing varieties of pulses and the increase in minimum support price.

Indian agro products demand is growing with a rapid pace in domestic as well as international market. As the consumption will increase demand for petrochemicals also will increase which will an added advantage for petrochemicals industry.