India’s Arable Land Use at 51.95% – A Global Perspective
India remains one of the top agricultural nations, utilizing 51.95% of its land for arable farming, according to 2022 data. This places India ahead of major economies like China (11.49%), the U.S. (16.57%), and the U.K. (24.79%), but behind Bangladesh (60.52%) and Ukraine (56.82%).
Bangladesh Tops the List, India Follows Closely
With 60.52% of its land dedicated to agriculture, Bangladesh leads the world in land-use intensity for farming, primarily due to its dense population and dependency on rice cultivation. Ukraine (56.82%) follows, benefiting from fertile black soil, which supports its status as a global grain powerhouse.
Agriculture’s Role in India’s Economy
Despite being an agriculture-driven economy, India still falls behind Bangladesh and Ukraine in terms of land utilization. The country’s reliance on farming supports nearly 58% of its population, making it a critical sector for employment and GDP growth. However, challenges such as land degradation, urbanization, and climate change pose risks to sustainable agricultural expansion.
Contrast with Major Economies
- The United States (16.57%) and China (11.49%) allocate far less land for farming, relying instead on advanced agricultural technology and imports.
- Russia (7.43%) and Australia (4.06%) have vast landscapes, but much of their land is unsuitable for intensive farming due to extreme climates.
- UAE (0.71%) has the lowest arable land percentage due to its desert conditions, relying on imports and hydroponic farming for food security.
The Future of Farming in India
With increasing pressure on land resources, India must focus on sustainable agricultural practices, precision farming, and efficient irrigation systems to maintain food security while reducing environmental impact. Technology-driven solutions and policy support will be key in ensuring that India remains a leading agricultural powerhouse in the coming decades.
