Discuss the performance of agriculture sector during the 11th plan period and reasons for such performance.

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Agriculture performed well in the 11th Plan, with growth near the 4% target versus about 2.5% earlier, driven by RKVY, the National Food Security Mission, renewed public investment, better monsoons and technology. Foodgrain output rose from about 217 million tonnes in 2006-07 to about 259 million tonnes in 2011-12.

**Introduction**

The 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) was pivotal for Indian agriculture⟦2⟧⟦1⟧, targeting 4 percent growth to support food⟦3⟧ security and rural livelihoods. This period aimed to reverse stagnation and enhance the sector’s contribution to overall economic development.

**Assessment of Agriculture Sector Performance**

1. **Growth Close to Target**: Agriculture grew close to the 4 percent goal, up from about 2.5 percent in the 9th and 10th Plans, supporting overall GDP growth of about 8 percent. This growth was crucial for rural income and poverty reduction.  
2. **Production and Diversification**: Foodgrain output reached a record of about 259 million tonnes in 2011-12; schemes like National Horticulture Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) diversified crops and boosted farmer incomes. Allied sectors such as dairy and fisheries also expanded, enhancing nutritional security.

**Reasons for Performance**

3. **Policy Reforms and Investment**: The National Policy on Farmers (2007) and National Commission on Farmers’ recommendations improved credit, insurance, and marketing; public investment in irrigation and credit increased. The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana incentivized states⟦4⟧ to invest more in agriculture.  
4. **Irrigation and Technology**: Better monsoons and irrigation expansion, including the ==Polavaram Project⟦5⟧== in ==Andhra Pradesh⟦6⟧==, reduced rainfall dependence; adoption of high-yield varieties and extension services enhanced productivity. Krishi Vigyan Kendras⟦7⟧ played a key role in technology dissemination.

**Way Forward**

5. **Infrastructure and Market Reforms**: Complete irrigation projects like ==Polavaram==, expand e-NAM and Farmer Producer Organisations to improve market access and price realization for farmers. Strengthening rural infrastructure remains vital.

**Conclusion**

The 11th Plan marked a growth turnaround through reforms and investment; sustaining this requires addressing infrastructure, market, and climate challenges to achieve Atmanirbhar Krishi. This will ensure food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods in the long term.

Discuss the performance of agriculture sector during the 11th plan period and reasons for such performance.

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