Agriculture to grow 2.5% in FY21 despite Covid-19 blues, locust attack

Horticulture production has exceeded that of food grains since crop year 2012-13

The agriculture sector is tipped to grow at 2.5 per cent in this fiscal despite the shadow of Covid-19 pandemic looming on horticulture and the risk to crops from locust attacks.

In its study, ratings agency CRISIL said that agriculture and allied activities could be the only bright spots in the Indian economy battered by the pandemic that has wrecked the growth of industry and services.

“The effects of the pandemic on the sector thus far have, however, been varied. That’s because agriculture and allied activities is not a homogeneous group, but an umbrella of activities, each having its dynamics. For instance,