The Next Leap Forward, India’s Agricultural and Economic Transformation
Introduction
On August 15, 2025, as India celebrated its 79th Independence Day, the country stood tall as a confident, resilient, and rising global power. It is no longer just the world’s largest democracy but also a nation that has demonstrated resilience against wars, sanctions, natural calamities, and economic turbulence.
The article “The Next Leap Forward” by Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja emphasizes that India has not only survived numerous external challenges since independence in 1947 but has also managed to emerge stronger each time. From overcoming sanctions after the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998 to facing Donald Trump’s tariff wars, India’s resilience has been remarkable.
Today, India is the world’s third-largest economy in PPP terms, with its GDP projected to reach $4.9 trillion by 2025 in nominal terms, surpassing economies like Germany and Japan. The country’s meteoric rise reflects decades of determination, reforms, and innovation across diverse sectors, particularly agriculture, technology, and human development.
India’s Journey Since Independence: From Poverty to Progress
When India became independent in 1947, its population was around 330 million and literacy levels were dismally low—just 18.3%. Life expectancy was only 32 years, and the nation’s food grain production stood at a meagre 50 million tonnes. Poverty was rampant, and the country relied heavily on imports for even basic food security.
Fast forward to 2025, the population has increased to 1.46 billion, but poverty rates have fallen drastically. According to the World Bank, poverty at the $3/day threshold fell to just 5.3% in 2021 (PPP terms). Literacy has shot up to 77%, and life expectancy has more than doubled to 72 years. These numbers reflect India’s transformative journey of inclusive growth and social upliftment.
Economic Growth: From Fragility to Global Leadership
India’s economic story is one of resilience and reinvention. Today, India is the fifth-largest economy in nominal terms and the third-largest in PPP terms, trailing only China ($40.72 trillion) and the United States ($30.57 trillion).
Measured in purchasing power parity, India’s GDP per capita has also increased steadily, but challenges remain. Compared with neighbors like Bangladesh, which has seen a surge in per capita income, India still needs to focus on improving per-capita prosperity alongside overall GDP expansion.
The government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, digital revolution, and social reforms has been instrumental in achieving this growth. Key initiatives such as Digital India, Aadhaar, GST implementation, and JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) have contributed to better financial inclusion and governance transparency.
Agriculture: From Food Scarcity to Surplus Production
Perhaps the most striking transformation has been in agriculture.
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In 1950-51, food grain production was just 50 million tonnes.
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In 2024-25, food grain production is estimated at a staggering 353.9 million tonnes.
India has not only achieved self-sufficiency in food but has also emerged as the world’s largest rice exporter. By 2025, India’s rice exports are projected to exceed 60 million tonnes, far surpassing other exporters.
The Green Revolution (1960s) marked the first turning point, ensuring food security through high-yield seeds and irrigation systems. Today, India faces the challenge of transitioning from food security to nutrition security.
Horticulture, milk, and poultry sectors have also expanded exponentially:
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Milk production has risen more than 10 times since independence.
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Egg production has expanded nearly 100 times.
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Horticulture output now surpasses food grain output, reflecting diversification in farming.
This agricultural boom has allowed India not just to feed its population but also to emerge as a global supplier of food.
Social Development: Literacy, Health, and Empowerment
India’s developmental story is not confined to GDP and agriculture alone. Human development indicators show a major leap forward:
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Literacy rate: From 18.3% in 1951 to 77% in 2025.
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Life expectancy: From 32 years in 1947 to 72 years in 2025.
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Poverty decline: From over 60% in 1950s to just 5.3% in 2021 (PPP terms).
In addition, women’s empowerment has played a vital role in India’s progress. Today, women are increasingly active in education, entrepreneurship, politics, and space exploration—evident from missions like Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan, and India’s leadership in space research.
Government schemes like Poshan Abhiyaan and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao continue to address gender and health gaps. Yet, malnutrition and child stunting remain challenges that require sustained focus.
Policy Interventions: Subsidies and Efficiency Challenges
Despite these achievements, India continues to face structural inefficiencies. Agriculture subsidies alone—particularly in fertilizer, food, and power—cost the government around ₹3.1 lakh crore annually (2025-26 Union Budget).
However, studies suggest that 20-25% of subsidies fail to reach the intended beneficiaries. This creates distortions in markets and reduces incentives for productivity-enhancing investment.
The article argues that India’s next leap forward must be in rationalising subsidies and focusing instead on:
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Agricultural R&D (Research & Development)
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Efficient value chains
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Sustainability practices
This shift would not only improve productivity but also ensure that environmental sustainability remains central to India’s growth story.
Sustainability: A Non-Negotiable Priority
As India moves toward its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat), sustainability must form the backbone of its progress.
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Water management is critical, as overexploitation of groundwater threatens agriculture.
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Soil health degradation due to excessive fertilizer usage is another concern.
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Air quality and climate change resilience must be integrated into planning.
The quality of land, air, and water will determine not just food security but also long-term health and productivity. Environmental sustainability, therefore, is not optional—it is essential.
India’s Global Standing: The Road Ahead
India’s rise is not just about internal development; it also reflects its growing influence globally. As the world’s most populous nation with a youthful workforce, India is well-positioned to be a driver of global growth.
However, challenges remain:
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Per capita income: Still lower than many Asian peers.
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Education & Health: Need stronger investment to enhance human capital.
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Employment generation: Must keep pace with demographic expansion.
If India successfully navigates these challenges, it could achieve its dream of becoming a $10 trillion economy by early 2030s.
Conclusion
India’s story since independence has been one of resilience, reinvention, and reinvigoration. From a food-deficit nation in 1947, it has become a food surplus exporter. From a poor and fragile economy, it has emerged as one of the world’s top three economies (PPP). From low literacy and short life expectancy, it has transformed into a nation of empowered citizens with aspirations for global leadership.
Yet, the next leap forward will depend on how well India can balance growth with sustainability. Rationalising subsidies, boosting investments in agri-R&D, strengthening value chains, and ensuring environmental safeguards are essential to achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
5 Exam-Oriented Q&A
Q1: What are the key achievements of India since independence in terms of economic and social development?
A1: India has achieved remarkable progress: GDP increased to $4.9 trillion (2025), literacy rose from 18.3% (1951) to 77% (2025), life expectancy doubled from 32 years to 72 years, food grain production expanded from 50 MMT to 353.9 MMT, and poverty fell to 5.3% (PPP).
Q2: How has India’s agriculture sector transformed since 1947?
A2: Agriculture shifted from food scarcity to surplus, with food grain output rising sevenfold, horticulture overtaking food grains, milk production increasing 10 times, and egg production nearly 100 times. India is now the world’s largest rice exporter.
Q3: Why is rationalising subsidies important for India’s next growth phase?
A3: Subsidies (₹3.1 lakh crore annually) often fail to reach beneficiaries, creating inefficiencies. Rationalising them would free resources for productive investments in agri-R&D, efficient value chains, and sustainability.
Q4: What challenges remain in India’s development story despite significant progress?
A4: Challenges include low per capita income compared to peers, malnutrition, child stunting, inefficient subsidies, groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and the need for better education, healthcare, and job creation.
Q5: Why must environmental sustainability be central to India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision?
A5: Because land, water, and air quality directly affect food production, health, and economic productivity. Without sustainable practices, India risks undermining its growth trajectory and social well-being.
