Agricultural land in India amounted to over 179 million hectares in financial year 2023. This was a decrease in agricultural land when compared to the previous year. That year, Haryana and Punjab were the leading Indian states with land available for agricultural purposes.  Cultivation and farming Of all agricultural land in India, 154 million hectares has been cultivated. This makes India one of the largest agricultural economies globally. Major land types include alluvial soil in the Indo-Gangetic plains, black soil in Deccan, and red and laterite soils in the southern and eastern regions – all supporting the cultivation of rice, wheat, pulses, cotton, and oilseeds across varying climatic zones. Digitalization in farming Of recent policy developments from the central government towards agriculture has been the promotion of natural farming and digital land records. Initiatives like PM-KISAN provide income support to farmers. Additionally, states including Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are digitizing land ownership data to reduce disputes. While controversial, several other states have eased land leasing laws to attract private investment and improve land utilization.

Agricultural Land: All India: Type of Use: Fallow Land: Current fallow data was reported at 15,091.000 ha th in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 14,154.000 ha th for 2014. Agricultural Land: All India: Type of Use: Fallow Land: Current fallow data is updated yearly, averaging 14,512.000 ha th from Mar 2003 (Median) to 2015, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21,702.000 ha th in 2003 and a record low of 14,036.410 ha th in 2006. Agricultural Land: All India: Type of Use: Fallow Land: Current fallow data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Agriculture and Cooperation. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIJ002: Agricultural Land: Type of Use: All India.

Abstract

Agriculture plays an important role in India's economy. It provides gainful employment to a large section of population of the country, particularly, the rural population. It contributes to the socio-cultural development of the farming community. The land holding provides them the confidence and strength to stay and survive in the society. In view of the importance of agriculture, Government of India has been conducting comprehensive Agriculture Censuses for collection of data on structure and characteristics of agricultural holdings, as part of World Census of Agriculture Programme since 1970-71. Operational holding, being the basic unit of decision-making in agriculture, detailed data on structure of agricultural holdings and its characteristics are necessary for formulation of any meaningful and effective strategy for agricultural development.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Households

Universe

The statistical unit was the operational holding, defined as an entity comprising all land that is used wholly or partly for agricultural production and is operated as one technical unit by one person alone or with others, without regard to the title, legal form, size or location. A technical unit was defined as the unit that is under the same management and has the same means of production, such as labour force, machinery, animals, credit, etc. The operated area includes both cultivated and uncultivated area, provided that a part of it is put to agricultural production during the reference period.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

(a) Sampling design For the collection of data in the Agriculture Census, an approach of Census-cum-sample survey has been adopted. Various States in the country have been grouped in to two categories i.e. land record States and non-land record States. Those States where comprehensive land records are maintained giving information on land and its utilization, cropping pattern etc are called land record States and those States where such information is not maintained in the form of land-records are called nonland record States. In land record States data on Agriculture Census is pooled for all the parcels of an operational holding irrespective of its location. However, for operational convenience the outer limit for pooling is restricted to taluka. This pooling is done for each operational holder in the village of his residence. In the non-land record States the data is collected through sample survey following household enquiry approach in 20% of villages in each block. In these selected villages, all the operational holdings are enumerated following household enquiry approach.Thus in land record States no sampling is resorted to for data collection for the number and area of operational holdings and in nonland record States sampling of villages in each block/taluka is resorted to

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Three questionnaires were used, one for each of the three phases of the census:

· Phase I questionnaire, for collecting data on number and area of operational holdings, according to the prescribed size classes2 for different social groups,3 types of holdings' and gender.

· Phase II questionnaire, for collecting data on: (i) dispersal of holdings; (ii) tenancy and terms of leasing; (iii) land utilization; (iv) irrigation status and source-wise area irrigated; (v) cropping pattern

· Phase III questionnaire, for collecting additional data.

The AC 2011 questionnaires covered 12 items of the 16 core items recommended for the WCA 2010 round. The exceptions were: (i) "Presence of aquaculture on the holding" (ii) "Other economic production activities of the holding's enterprise" (iii) "Number of animals on the holding for each livestock type" (iv) "Presence of forests and other woodland on the holding"

See questionnaire in external materials.

Cleaning operations

(a) DATA PROCESSING AND ARCHIVING In-house software was developed for data entry and processing of census data. Data entry, data validation and error correction, the generation of trial tables, and the generation of final tables and their examination by states or UTs took place according to the three phases of the census. All questionnaires were manually scrutinized by the statistical staff before they were submitted for data entry. Data are archived at tehsil level and are available in the public domain. The data entry and processing software included checks of census data for inconsistencies and mismatch.

Data appraisal

Census data are compiled at the national and tehsil level. The All India Report of Agriculture Census 2010-2011 is based on the data collected during Phase-II of the Census. The detailed data of AC 2010/2011 results are available on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers' Welfare.

In 2023, Australia was ranked first with an organic agricultural land area amounting to about ** million hectares. The land area used for organic agriculture in Australia is thus larger than the acreage of all the other leading countries combined. Australia is followed by India and Argentina, which each had areas of organic agriculture of approximately **** and **** million hectares, respectively. Organic farming in the United States Among the different States in the United States, the State of California has the largest number of organic farms and ranches, with approximately *****. California is followed by the States of Wisconsin and New York, which have about *** million hectares each. In terms of land ownership of organic acreage, over *** million acres of certified organic land operated in the United States was rented from others. Organic food worldwide Worldwide sales of organic foods have experienced nearly constant growth during the last two decades. The United States has by far the largest share of global retail sales of organic food, with ** percent. The sales value of organic food in the United States has more than quadrupled during the last 15 years. To classify as organic, specific farming standards have to be applied during food production. The global per capita consumption of organic food is highest in Denmark and Switzerland.

Agricultural Land: Tamil Nadu: Type of Use: Total Cropped Area data was reported at 6,348.000 ha th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 6,156.000 ha th for 2021. Agricultural Land: Tamil Nadu: Type of Use: Total Cropped Area data is updated yearly, averaging 5,833.395 ha th from Mar 2003 (Median) to 2022, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,348.000 ha th in 2022 and a record low of 5,129.000 ha th in 2017. Agricultural Land: Tamil Nadu: Type of Use: Total Cropped Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIJ033: Agricultural Land: Type of Use: Tamil Nadu.

Snapshot img

India Pesticide Market Size 2025-2029

The india pesticide market size is forecast to increase by USD 571.4 million million at a CAGR of 4% between 2024 and 2029.

The Indian pesticide market presents significant growth opportunities for global investors, driven by the expanding agricultural sector and increasing demand for food production. A key trend in the market is the increased use of herbicides, which is expected to continue due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness in managing weeds and enhancing crop yields. Another emerging trend is the expanding applications of nano-insecticides, which offer superior efficacy, reduced environmental impact, and increased safety for farmers and consumers. However, the market also faces challenges, including the presence of alternative techniques for pesticide use, such as organic farming and integrated pest management. Additionally, stringent regulations regarding the use and disposal of synthetic pesticides are increasing, which may limit market growth. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively should focus on developing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective pesticide solutions that meet regulatory requirements and address the evolving needs of Indian farmers. Additionally, partnerships and collaborations with local players and government agencies can help companies gain a strong foothold in the market and build long-term relationships with customers.

What will be the size of the India Pesticide Market during the forecast period?

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The Indian pesticide market plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security by mitigating crop damage caused by pests, diseases, and blemishes. With increasing food demands due to population growth and urbanization levels, the market for pesticide substances in India has experienced significant growth. Arable land in India, which is the second-most populous country in the world, faces numerous challenges, including pest infestations that can lead to substantial crop damage and reduced yield of produce for both plants and animals. To address these challenges, various training initiatives have been implemented to educate farmers on the proper use and application of pesticides. The Indian government also provides credit facilities and farm loans to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides. Despite these efforts, the market faces ongoing pressure to ensure the safe and sustainable use of pesticides to minimize potential harm to the environment and human health.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. ProductHerbicidesInsecticidesFungicidesOthersCrop TypeCereals and grainsVegetables and fruitsOilseeds and pulsesCommercial cropsOthersTypeSynthetic pesticidesBiopesticidesFormulationLiquidGranulesPowderGelsGeographyIndia

By Product Insights

The herbicides segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Herbicides play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, particularly in large-scale farming operations, by enhancing productivity and ensuring food security through the control of unwanted vegetation. With expanding population levels and increasing urbanization, the demand for quality produce is on the rise. The Indian government has implemented various schemes and subsidies to promote the use of certified pesticides, adhering to international standards. Farmers rely on herbicides to protect crops from identified pest problems, ensuring average crop yields and meeting food demands. Herbicides are applied using appropriate methods and chemicals during agricultural operations on arable land. Companies are investing in research and development to produce effective and eco-friendly herbicides. Despite the significance of herbicides in the last few decades, challenges such as crop damage, yield loss, and access to credit facilities remain. However, the usage of herbicides continues to be a vital aspect of agricultural production, food availability, and population sustenance.

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The Herbicides segment was valued at USD 1062.90 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in adoption of India Pesticide Market?

Increased use of herbicides is the k

The northern state of Rajasthan had the highest production volume of oilseeds of over 9.3 million metric tons in fiscal year 2024 across India. Maharashtra followed second that year, with Gujarat ranking third. Rajasthan in the Indian economy Most prominently, Rajasthan produces rapeseed, mustard, sesame, and groundnut. Its economy relies on oilseed production, along with other agricultural crops including bajra (pearl millets). The northern state contributes significantly to the mining sector and is a major producer of cement for the country. On the other hand, the region is popular for its heritage sites and tourism, both domestic and international. Oilseeds in India With about 12 percent of its land area dedicated solely for oilseeds, India is among the largest producers worldwide. As a rabi and kharif crop, it is cultivated year-round, giving a more consistent yield and income to farmers. Oilseeds have a high domestic consumption and are also traded in and out of the country. Among agricultural crops, this sector added about eight percent to the economy.

China is the world's largest consumer of fertilizers. In 2022, the Asian country consumed more than 47 million metric tons worth of nutrients. It was followed by India and the United States, which consumed 29.84 and 20.46 million tons, respectively. Fertilizer consumption in China China’s agriculture relies heavily on fertilizers to meet the food demand of its large population, as well as to support its exports of agricultural products. China’s demand for fertilizers has grown rapidly since the 1960s, driven by the expansion of cultivated land, the intensification of farming practices, the improvement of crop varieties, and the subsequent increase of agricultural output. China’s fertilizer consumption is dominated by nitrogen-based fertilizers, accounting for over 50 percent of the total nutrient consumption. Environmental footprint of fertilizers Fertilizer consumption can have a positive impact on food security by increasing crop yields and reducing the need for additional agricultural land. However, fertilizers can also have a negative impact on the environment by causing eutrophication, soil erosion, soil contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these potential impacts, the forecast global fertilizer demand is expected to reach some 205.8 million metric tons by 2027. Some potential strategies to reduce the environmental impact of the anticipated fertilizer consumption include improving the efficiency of fertilizer use by developing an understanding of the most effective amount, type, and timing of fertilizer applications; by adopting organic farming practices, including the use of more natural sources of nutrients; by promoting circular economy models, which involves recovering and reusing nutrients from waste streams; and the introduction of regulating policies, such as establishing standards and guidelines for fertilizer production and use.

In financial year 2024, Madhya Pradesh emerged as the top ginger-producing state in India, with a production of over *** million metric tons. Odisha followed, with Karnataka ranking third during the same time year. Spice production in India India, often hailed as the land of spices, benefits from diverse climate conditions that allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of spices, including garlic, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and cinnamon, leading to a significant volume of spice production every year. Among them, garlic had the highest production volume. Moreover, the area dedicated to spice cultivation has been consistently expanding, signaling a growing trend in the nation’s spice farming. Spice exports from India Spices exports constitute a major segment of India’s agricultural trade, chilies being the most exported spice. Notably, the United States stood as the prime destination for Indian spices. While organic spices constitute a modest share of the total, their export value has steadily risen, reflecting a positive trend in this niche market.