As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) from July, 2023 to June, 2024 about 46.1 percent of the total workforce of the Country is engaged in agriculture and allied sector during 2023-24. 

In the Union Budget 2025–26, agriculture has been emphasized as the first engine of development, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to the sector. Budgetary allocations to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare have increased over the years. The Budget Estimate for DA & FW in Financial Year (FY) 2013-14 was Rs. 21,933.50 crore, which is increased to Rs.1,27,290.16 crore at the Budget Estimate (BE) for FY 2025-26.

In addition to the budget allocated to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, several other government departments also contribute significantly to the development of the agriculture sector through several budgetary provisions. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) through Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) through research driven schemes, the Ministry of Jal Shakti  through Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers which provides extensive support for fertilizers, Ministry of Rural Development through MGNREGS, among others.

The details of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s budgetary allocations, their percentage share of the total Central Plan outlay since 2021-22, and year-wise utilization are given in the table below:

•   (p) -  Provisional

 

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, shri Shri  Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya  Sabha today.

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RC/ KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2148523)