Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, employment, and inclusive economic growth. The sector supports nearly half of India's workforce and plays a vital role in ensuring nutritional security while supplying raw materials to several key industries. With a diverse agro-climatic landscape, abundant natural resources, and a strong scientific and research ecosystem, India has emerged as one of the world's leading producers of cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, spices and several other agricultural commodities.
As India advances towards becoming a developed economy, agriculture is undergoing a structural transformation driven by technology adoption, climate resilience, digital innovation, mechanisation, value addition, and market integration. Government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming, improving agricultural infrastructure, strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), enhancing access to finance, expanding agri-logistics, and encouraging agri-startups are creating new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses alike. At the same time, challenges relating to productivity, climate variability, efficient resource utilisation, post-harvest losses, and market access continue to require collaborative and innovative solutions.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), through its National Council on Agriculture, works closely with the Government, industry, research institutions, startups, farmer organisations and other stakeholders to develop policy recommendations and promote initiatives that enhance the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of India's agriculture sector. CII provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and partnerships that foster innovation across the agricultural value chain.
The Council focuses on key priority areas, including:
- Promoting policy reforms to enhance agricultural competitiveness, ease of doing business and private sector participation.
- Accelerating the adoption of modern technologies, precision agriculture, digital solutions and innovation across the agri-value chain.
- Advancing climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices, efficient water management and natural resource conservation.
- Strengthening agri-infrastructure, post-harvest management, food processing and value addition to improve farmers' incomes.
- Enhancing market linkages, exports and integration of farmers with domestic and global value chains.
- Supporting the growth of agri-startups, agri-fintech, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and entrepreneurship in rural India.
- Building skills and capacity across the agricultural ecosystem through knowledge sharing, training and industry partnerships.
- Facilitating collaboration among government, industry, academia and development partners to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.
CII remains committed to supporting a future-ready agriculture sector that is productive, sustainable, technology-driven and globally competitive, while improving the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to India's food and economic security.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, employment, and inclusive economic growth. The sector supports nearly half of India's workforce and plays a vital role in ensuring nutritional security while supplying raw materials to several key industries. With a diverse agro-climatic landscape, abundant natural resources, and a strong scientific and research ecosystem, India has emerged as one of the world's leading producers of cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, spices and several other agricultural ...