Record Food and Horticulture output amid Declining Average Landholdings

1. At a Glance

2. Why in the News

3. Background & Evolution

4. Core Static Facts

5. Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Economic - Productivity gain masks declining viability of marginal holdings (<1 ha — ~86% of operational holdings per Census 2015-16) [S3]. - Horticulture surpassed foodgrain in 2012-13; remains higher in 2024-25 — signals dietary transition + higher per-ha value [S1].

Social - Fragmentation disproportionately hits SC/ST and women cultivators; PM-KISAN expressly targets 2.41 cr female beneficiaries [S2]. - Tenancy invisibility — Census counts operational not ownership holdings.

Environmental - CDP pushes shift from water-intensive paddy to pulses/millets in Punjab–Haryana–W.UP to address groundwater depletion [S2]. - PM-RKVY explicitly mandated to "promote sustainable agriculture" [S4].

Administrative / Federal - Agriculture is a State subject; Centre operates via Centrally Sponsored Schemes — rationalised into 2 umbrellas in Oct 2024 to cut overlap [S4].

Scientific / Technological - Output growth driven by HYV seeds, micro-irrigation, mechanisation, FPOs, Agri Infra Fund (AIF), e-NAM; despite shrinking holdings [S2].

6. Recent Developments (last 12-18 months)

7. Prelims Hooks

8. Mains Relevance

9. Related Topics to Study Next

10. Common Errors / Trap Areas

11. Sources

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