India’s agricultural landscape presents a picture of steady progress intertwined with emerging challenges. On paper, output and procurement figures remain steady; direct cash transfers continue to support millions of farmers; and flagship programs such as PM-KISAN, irrigation initiatives, and agri-tech pilots highlight ongoing government commitment.
Yet, beneath this progress lie persistent structural challenges that deserve closer attention, including imbalanced nutrient use from long-standing fertilizer policies, pressures on groundwater quality and quantity, soil health, fragmented market linkages limiting smallholder value capture, and institutional barriers slowing the spread of innovation. Addressing these issues can help ensure that today’s gains translate into sustainable growth for the future.