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About Research and Networking
(R&N) Division
Total Research Studies by NITI
Workshops this quarter
NITIसंधान
07 April 2025
To further strengthen and streamline the research work being
facilitated and undertaken by NITI Aayog, a separate Research
and Networking (R&N) Division was formed in 2024. The R&N
Division will oversee the development of a robust pipeline
of research studies, evolve a multi-pronged dissemination
strategy and foster a networking mechanism amongst
relevant stakeholders from the policy research ecosystem.
*Since the inception of NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog organizes a variety of workshops, seminars,
and training programs to drive policy discussions,
capacity building, and innovation in governance.
These workshops focus on areas such as economic
development, sustainable growth, social welfare, digital
transformation, and public policy.
• "India-US bilateral trade pact likely by year-end: NITI Aayog's Arvind Virmani." ANI
News, 28 Mar. 2025
• "US Reciprocal Tariffs an Opportunity for India: Niti Aayog." Financial Express, 28
Mar. 2025
• Saha, Dhruvaksh. "Woman Credit Seekers Up 3x in 5 Years, Says Niti Aayog & Cibil
Report." Business Standard, 3 Mar. 2025
• "More Women from Non-Metros Self-Monitoring Credit Compared to Those in
Metros: Niti Aayog." The Hindu BusinessLine, 3 Mar. 2025
• Qamar, Furqan. "Strengthening Higher Education: SPUs, Private Universities Both
Crucial for India's Future." The Financial Express, 11 Mar. 2025
• "NITI Aayog Report Seeks More Public Funding for Higher Education." The Hindu, 20
Mar. 2025
• Gupta, Cherry. "India's Top 10 Best-Performing States in the Fiscal Health Index 2025
• Acharya, Debashis. "EXPLAINER | What NITI Aayog's Index Says About States' Fiscal
Health." The Financial Express, 3 Mar. 2025
Citations in MediaResearch Publications this Quarter
Quarterly newsletter by Research and Networking (R&N) Division of NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog has been at the forefront of policy formulation,
driving India’s transformation through evidence-based
research and strategic planning since its inception. Our
work is rooted in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth,
ensuring that the benefits of economic progress reach
every section of society.
As India’s premier policy think tank, NITI Aayog is committed
to promoting research and policies that support eco-
friendly farming methods, ensuring food security while protecting our environment.
Since the union government reiterated its focus on the 'National Mission on Natural
Farming' by giving it a major boost in the Union Budget 2025-26, this edition of the
newsletter carries a column on the impact of natural farming on crop yield and
farmers' livelihoods in India.
Each edition of NITIसंधान features an excerpt from the quarterly Trade Watch Report
by NITI Aayog, offering a comprehensive analysis of India's trade performance
and emerging opportunities. It underscores our commitment to data-driven
policymaking, providing valuable insights into global demand-supply dynamics
and sectoral trends. By leveraging such analyses, we aim to enhance India's trade
competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.
This newsletter embodies our dedication to transparency, knowledge sharing, and
collaboration. We welcome your feedback to make NITIसंधान a valuable resource
for all.
Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
CEO, NITI Aayog
India’s G20 Presidency
marked a pivotal
moment in its journey as
a global thought leader,
and at the heart of this
achievement lies the
power of rigorous research. At NITI Aayog, we
believe that strong policy is built on a foundation
of robust evidence, deep analysis and inclusive
dialogue. Our research is not only central to
national policymaking but also instrumental in
shaping India’s contributions to the global policy
discourse.
NITI played a key role in advancing G20 priority
themes by bringing together leading thinkers
to examine sustainable growth for the global
economy. The outcome is a volume titled
‘Navigating Challenges for Sustainable Growth:
Insights from the Indian G20 Presidency,’ which
stands as a crucial open-access resource.
Shri Suman Bery
Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog
From the desk of CEOMessage from
Vice Chairperson
Ms. Anna Roy (Programme Director, Research and
Networking Division, NITI Aayog)
E-mail at pdresearch-niti@gov.in
SCAN this
QR to access NITI
publications
Expanding Quality Higher Education
through States and State Public
Universities: Policy Report
Trade Watch Report (Quarterly)
Fiscal Health Index 2025
From Borrowers to Builders:
Women’s role in India's financial
growth story
27
322 07 April 2025
Voice of our
Researchers
Future Pandemic Preparedness
and Emergency Response: A
Framework for Action
Dr. Sonali Rawal
Consultant Grade II,
Health DivisionPREPARDENESS
ACTION
OUTCOME
/IMPACT
PATHOGEN
IDENTIFICATION
FORECATING AND
MODELLING
SURVELLIANCE,
DATA MANAGEMENT
DEVELOOMENT OF
COUNTERMEASURES
MANUFACTURE MARKET
AUTHORISATION,
DEPLOYMENT
A 100 Days Mission
The COVID-19 contagion is undoubtedly not the last pandemic. Given the unpredictably
changing planetary ecology, climate and human-animal-plant dynamics; new,
potentially large-scale infectious threats to human health are inevitable. The WHO has
warned the world that 75% of future public health threats are likely to be zoonotic threats
(which could be due to emerging, re-emerging and new pathogens).
The COVID-19 pandemic unleashed a worldwide shock wave with severe health,
economic and social consequences which continue to affect countries. According to
estimates from McKinsey & Company and an independent G20 panel, it has caused a
global economic burden of $16–$35 trillion by 2025. If better preparedness reduces this
cost even modestly, the return on investment would be substantial.
In view of this, NITI Aayog constituted an Expert Group to prepare a Framework for Action
for Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response. The experts examined
lessons learned and challenges faced in managing COVID-19 at the national and global
levels, and consulted with over 60 experts and stakeholders who were at the frontlines
of the pandemic response at the national and global levels. The Expert Group Report
recommends a comprehensive framework for India to deal with future public health
emergencies. This report focuses on four main pillars for pandemic preparedness and
response:
1. Governance, Legislation, Finance and Management
2. Data Management, Surveillance and Early Predictive Warning, Forecasting and
Modelling,
3. Research and Innovation, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Capacity building/Skilling
4. Partnership, and community engagement, including risk communication,
Private sector partnerships, and international collaborations
The recommendations put forth by the expert group members within these four pillars
offer an all-encompassing roadmap for us to prepare for public health emergencies.
The need for specific, advanced legislation for public health emergencies, leadership at
the highest level, a specific fund for emergencies and investment in data management,
surveillance, and cutting-edge research are all welcome advice for managing
infectious disease emergencies. In addition, translating research and innovation in
products manufactured at scale, engaging with partners in the private sector and in the
international community and engaging with affected communities are critical mitigation
measures during a health emergency.
The report offers an implementable roadmap on how our country can deliver appropriate
interventions within the first 100 days of a health emergency, which is the critical period for
effective management. It suggests a structure that integrates and strengthens all existing
components and builds the required components to deliver the outputs that meet the
targets of a 100-day response mission. It outlines the detailed roadmap
for preparedness and an implementation phase, indicating the steps
on how the outbreak can be tracked, tested, treated and managed
through a well-developed framework in a 100-day time frame.
While we strengthen our surveillance networks and monitor for
emerging threats, it is also crucial to invest in preparedness and
response capabilities to fortify our ability to address global health crises
in the future.
Preparedness
Public Health Emergency Management Act
EGoS on Pandemic Preparedness and
Emergency Response
A high- risk innovation and research fund for
pandemic preparedness and response
A robust surveillance system with a well
connected genomic, epidemiological,
clinical and hospital network
Unified Data management system
Forecasting and Modelling
Study and research on Priority Pathogens
Well characterised and sequenced strains
maintained in a network of repositories
Development of prototype candidates for
diagnostics and vaccines for each priority
pathogen
Pre Approved SoPs for Accelerated
Regulatory Approval, Data communication,
International Agreements
100days Response
Tracking the infection and pathogen
identification
Development of sensitive diagnostics and
manufacture at scale
Vaccine development for specific pathogen
and manufacture
Therapeutics /drugs developed
Forecasting and modelling exercise to give
early prediction to put in management
protocols in identified hot spots
Rapid response teams to be positioned on
day one
Data analysis to be on a continuous basis
and feed into research groups ,state health
and clinical systems
Characterised and sequenced strains,
biological and clinical samples and validation
assays to be shared across organisations
Harmonized regulatory systems and
accelerated regulatory approval SOPs to
facilitate new countermeasures EUA
Output and Impact
Countermeasures to be available at scale
for mass deployment for public health
Continuous epidemiological ,clinical and
genomic surveillance data for disease
management in hot spots
Rapid response teams on ground to take
urgent action as per SoPs
Regular risk communication
Continuous community engagement
Efficient Prevention ,treatment and
management of disease with minimal
infection levels
Preparing for Future Pandemic -A 100 Days Mission Framework
Scan this QR
to access full
report Trade Watch: Quarterly Insights into India’s
Evolving Trade Landscape
Global trade exhibited a steady
recovery in the first half of FY25, with
both merchandise and services
trade showing positive momentum.
Merchandise trade volumes expanded
by 1.5% from April to July compared to
the same period in 2023.
This upward trend continued in the
services trade, where from July to
September 2024 overall service trade
values increased by 8.0% year-on-
year, reinforcing the resilience of
global trade dynamics.
India’s total trade performance
showed a y-o-y improvement in the
first half of FY25. During this period, total
trade amounted to
$839 billion, reflecting
a y-o-y increase of
5.67%. Exports rose
by 5.23% y-o-y to
reach $395 billion,
while imports grew by
6.07%, reaching $445
billion. (Figure 1).
NDAP is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative
to make public government data
more accessible, user-friendly, and
actionable for citizens, policymakers,
researchers, and other stakeholders. It is
a centralized data platform that brings
together a wide range of datasets from
different government ministries and
departments across India.
It seeks to democratise data delivery by
making government datasets readily
accessible, implementing rigorous
data-sharing standards, enabling
interoperability across the Indian data
landscape, and providing a seamless
user interface and user-friendly tools.
National Data and Analytics
Platform (NDAP)
07 April 2025
Figure 1:
Trade Performance in the H1 of FY25
Source: Department of Commerce, MoC&I, GOI
Scan this QR to access full report
The report, jointly published by
TransUnion CIBIL, the Women
Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
of NITI Aayog, and MicroSave
Consulting (MSC), delves into the
evolving participation of women in
India's financial sector, highlighting
their transition from mere borrowers
to pivotal contributors in economic
development.
The number of women borrowers
availing retail credit in India has
increased at a Compound Annual
Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22%
between 2019 and 2024
Gold loans have gained popularity
amongst women borrowers,
~4 crore loans of value INR 4.7
lakh crore accounted for 38%
of all loans availed by women
borrowers in 2024, a growth of 5.1X
by volume since 2019.
From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s
role in India's financial growth story
Steady Rise in Women Borrowers
Women seeking credit grew ~3X
between 2019 and 2024, reflecting
increased demand among female
borrowers.
Women Borrower Demographics
About 60% of women borrowers
availing credit are from semi-urban
or rural areas. Women under 30 years
of age, account for only 27% of retail
credit uptake by women, compared
to 40% for men.
Credit Supply Trends
Women’s participation in credit
origination has seen notable growth
in recent years. Since 2019, their share
in Business Loans and Gold Loans has
increased by 14% and 6% respectively.
While the credit supply to women in
business sectors has improved, the
majority of loans availed by women
continue to be against gold – 36%
of all loans availed by women in
2024 were gold loans vs. 19% of loans
availed in 2019.
Rise in Credit Monitoring and
Awareness
As of December 2024, 27 million
women borrowers in India have
monitored their credit information
reports and scores with CIBIL. While
this is an encouraging trend, this
must continue for women to progress
from participants to leaders in India’s
economic story.
Key Findings
Scan this QR to
access full report
Scan this QR
to access full
report The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the
fiscal health of 18 states of India, based on five key sub-
indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal
Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability. It provides
data-driven insights that will be leveraged for state-level
policy interventions aimed at improving fiscal governance.
Highlighting the fiscal performance of various states, the index
encourages improved fiscal discipline and the adoption of
better management strategies, contributing to India's long-
term economic resilience and equitable development.
Natural Farming: A NITI Initiative
Adoption of Natural Farming and its
Effect on Crop Yield and Farmers'
Livelihood in India Report
Crop Yield
The study indicates that while NF yields are generally
comparable to those of conventional farming, the
integration of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or Ghanajivamrit
can lead to significant yield improvements.
Cost of Cultivation
A notable reduction in input costs was observed among
NF practitioners, primarily due to the decreased reliance
on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This cost efficiency
contributes to enhanced profitability for farmers.
Farmers' Income
Despite yields being on par with conventional methods,
the reduced expenditure on inputs and the potential
for premium pricing of chemical-free produce have
collectively improved the Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio for NF
farmers.
Soil Health
Preliminary analyses suggest that NF practices may
positively influence soil biology and structure, promoting
sustainable agriculture.
India’s green revolution has transformed the country’s food
security from scarcity to surplus with a significant increase in the
area and production of food grains. India's agricultural sector
has long been the backbone of its economy, sustaining a vast
population, driving rural development and providing livelihood
support to over 45 per cent of the population. However, input-
intensive agriculture and the excessive use of chemical
fertilizers/pesticides have resulted in soil degradation, depletion
of the groundwater table, and impact on human and livestock
health. In order to transit Indian agriculture towards sustainable
farming systems, there is a need to promote natural farming
(NF) which provides safe and nutritious food while reducing
health risks associated with chemical-intensive agriculture.
The report presents a comprehensive analysis of NF practices
across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Conducted between January 2019 and May 2020 by ICAR, the
study evaluates both socio-economic impacts and agronomic
outcomes of NF adoption.
07 April 2025
Key Findings
Fiscal Health Index 2025
RECOMMENDATIONS
Scientific Validation
The report emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific
studies to further substantiate the long-term benefits and
viability of NF across diverse agro-climatic zones.
Policy Support
To facilitate the broader adoption of NF, the report suggests
policy interventions, including financial incentives, training
programs, and the establishment of market linkages for NF
produce.
[Prominent states practising NF are Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu.]
Scan this QR
to access full
report
Scan this QR
to access full
report
About Research and Networking
(R&N) Division
Total Research Studies by NITI
Workshops this quarter
NITIसंधान
07 April 2025
To further strengthen and streamline the research work being
facilitated and undertaken by NITI Aayog, a separate Research
and Networking (R&N) Division was formed in 2024. The R&N
Division will oversee the development of a robust pipeline
of research studies, evolve a multi-pronged dissemination
strategy and foster a networking mechanism amongst
relevant stakeholders from the policy research ecosystem.
*Since the inception of NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog organizes a variety of workshops, seminars,
and training programs to drive policy discussions,
capacity building, and innovation in governance.
These workshops focus on areas such as economic
development, sustainable growth, social welfare, digital
transformation, and public policy.
• "India-US bilateral trade pact likely by year-end: NITI Aayog's Arvind Virmani." ANI
News, 28 Mar. 2025
• "US Reciprocal Tariffs an Opportunity for India: Niti Aayog." Financial Express, 28
Mar. 2025
• Saha, Dhruvaksh. "Woman Credit Seekers Up 3x in 5 Years, Says Niti Aayog & Cibil
Report." Business Standard, 3 Mar. 2025
• "More Women from Non-Metros Self-Monitoring Credit Compared to Those in
Metros: Niti Aayog." The Hindu BusinessLine, 3 Mar. 2025
• Qamar, Furqan. "Strengthening Higher Education: SPUs, Private Universities Both
Crucial for India's Future." The Financial Express, 11 Mar. 2025
• "NITI Aayog Report Seeks More Public Funding for Higher Education." The Hindu, 20
Mar. 2025
• Gupta, Cherry. "India's Top 10 Best-Performing States in the Fiscal Health Index 2025
• Acharya, Debashis. "EXPLAINER | What NITI Aayog's Index Says About States' Fiscal
Health." The Financial Express, 3 Mar. 2025
Citations in MediaResearch Publications this Quarter
Quarterly newsletter by Research and Networking (R&N) Division of NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog has been at the forefront of policy formulation,
driving India’s transformation through evidence-based
research and strategic planning since its inception. Our
work is rooted in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth,
ensuring that the benefits of economic progress reach
every section of society.
As India’s premier policy think tank, NITI Aayog is committed
to promoting research and policies that support eco-
friendly farming methods, ensuring food security while protecting our environment.
Since the union government reiterated its focus on the 'National Mission on Natural
Farming' by giving it a major boost in the Union Budget 2025-26, this edition of the
newsletter carries a column on the impact of natural farming on crop yield and
farmers' livelihoods in India.
Each edition of NITIसंधान features an excerpt from the quarterly Trade Watch Report
by NITI Aayog, offering a comprehensive analysis of India's trade performance
and emerging opportunities. It underscores our commitment to data-driven
policymaking, providing valuable insights into global demand-supply dynamics
and sectoral trends. By leveraging such analyses, we aim to enhance India's trade
competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.
This newsletter embodies our dedication to transparency, knowledge sharing, and
collaboration. We welcome your feedback to make NITIसंधान a valuable resource
for all.
Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
CEO, NITI Aayog
India’s G20 Presidency
marked a pivotal
moment in its journey as
a global thought leader,
and at the heart of this
achievement lies the
power of rigorous research. At NITI Aayog, we
believe that strong policy is built on a foundation
of robust evidence, deep analysis and inclusive
dialogue. Our research is not only central to
national policymaking but also instrumental in
shaping India’s contributions to the global policy
discourse.
NITI played a key role in advancing G20 priority
themes by bringing together leading thinkers
to examine sustainable growth for the global
economy. The outcome is a volume titled
‘Navigating Challenges for Sustainable Growth:
Insights from the Indian G20 Presidency,’ which
stands as a crucial open-access resource.
Shri Suman Bery
Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog
From the desk of CEOMessage from
Vice Chairperson
Ms. Anna Roy (Programme Director, Research and
Networking Division, NITI Aayog)
E-mail at pdresearch-niti@gov.in
SCAN this
QR to access NITI
publications
Expanding Quality Higher Education
through States and State Public
Universities: Policy Report
Trade Watch Report (Quarterly)
Fiscal Health Index 2025
From Borrowers to Builders:
Women’s role in India's financial
growth story
27
322 07 April 2025
Voice of our
Researchers
Future Pandemic Preparedness
and Emergency Response: A
Framework for Action
Dr. Sonali Rawal
Consultant Grade II,
Health DivisionPREPARDENESS
ACTION
OUTCOME
/IMPACT
PATHOGEN
IDENTIFICATION
FORECATING AND
MODELLING
SURVELLIANCE,
DATA MANAGEMENT
DEVELOOMENT OF
COUNTERMEASURES
MANUFACTURE MARKET
AUTHORISATION,
DEPLOYMENT
A 100 Days Mission
The COVID-19 contagion is undoubtedly not the last pandemic. Given the unpredictably
changing planetary ecology, climate and human-animal-plant dynamics; new,
potentially large-scale infectious threats to human health are inevitable. The WHO has
warned the world that 75% of future public health threats are likely to be zoonotic threats
(which could be due to emerging, re-emerging and new pathogens).
The COVID-19 pandemic unleashed a worldwide shock wave with severe health,
economic and social consequences which continue to affect countries. According to
estimates from McKinsey & Company and an independent G20 panel, it has caused a
global economic burden of $16–$35 trillion by 2025. If better preparedness reduces this
cost even modestly, the return on investment would be substantial.
In view of this, NITI Aayog constituted an Expert Group to prepare a Framework for Action
for Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response. The experts examined
lessons learned and challenges faced in managing COVID-19 at the national and global
levels, and consulted with over 60 experts and stakeholders who were at the frontlines
of the pandemic response at the national and global levels. The Expert Group Report
recommends a comprehensive framework for India to deal with future public health
emergencies. This report focuses on four main pillars for pandemic preparedness and
response:
1. Governance, Legislation, Finance and Management
2. Data Management, Surveillance and Early Predictive Warning, Forecasting and
Modelling,
3. Research and Innovation, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Capacity building/Skilling
4. Partnership, and community engagement, including risk communication,
Private sector partnerships, and international collaborations
The recommendations put forth by the expert group members within these four pillars
offer an all-encompassing roadmap for us to prepare for public health emergencies.
The need for specific, advanced legislation for public health emergencies, leadership at
the highest level, a specific fund for emergencies and investment in data management,
surveillance, and cutting-edge research are all welcome advice for managing
infectious disease emergencies. In addition, translating research and innovation in
products manufactured at scale, engaging with partners in the private sector and in the
international community and engaging with affected communities are critical mitigation
measures during a health emergency.
The report offers an implementable roadmap on how our country can deliver appropriate
interventions within the first 100 days of a health emergency, which is the critical period for
effective management. It suggests a structure that integrates and strengthens all existing
components and builds the required components to deliver the outputs that meet the
targets of a 100-day response mission. It outlines the detailed roadmap
for preparedness and an implementation phase, indicating the steps
on how the outbreak can be tracked, tested, treated and managed
through a well-developed framework in a 100-day time frame.
While we strengthen our surveillance networks and monitor for
emerging threats, it is also crucial to invest in preparedness and
response capabilities to fortify our ability to address global health crises
in the future.
Preparedness
Public Health Emergency Management Act
EGoS on Pandemic Preparedness and
Emergency Response
A high- risk innovation and research fund for
pandemic preparedness and response
A robust surveillance system with a well
connected genomic, epidemiological,
clinical and hospital network
Unified Data management system
Forecasting and Modelling
Study and research on Priority Pathogens
Well characterised and sequenced strains
maintained in a network of repositories
Development of prototype candidates for
diagnostics and vaccines for each priority
pathogen
Pre Approved SoPs for Accelerated
Regulatory Approval, Data communication,
International Agreements
100days Response
Tracking the infection and pathogen
identification
Development of sensitive diagnostics and
manufacture at scale
Vaccine development for specific pathogen
and manufacture
Therapeutics /drugs developed
Forecasting and modelling exercise to give
early prediction to put in management
protocols in identified hot spots
Rapid response teams to be positioned on
day one
Data analysis to be on a continuous basis
and feed into research groups ,state health
and clinical systems
Characterised and sequenced strains,
biological and clinical samples and validation
assays to be shared across organisations
Harmonized regulatory systems and
accelerated regulatory approval SOPs to
facilitate new countermeasures EUA
Output and Impact
Countermeasures to be available at scale
for mass deployment for public health
Continuous epidemiological ,clinical and
genomic surveillance data for disease
management in hot spots
Rapid response teams on ground to take
urgent action as per SoPs
Regular risk communication
Continuous community engagement
Efficient Prevention ,treatment and
management of disease with minimal
infection levels
Preparing for Future Pandemic -A 100 Days Mission Framework
Scan this QR
to access full
report Trade Watch: Quarterly Insights into India’s
Evolving Trade Landscape
Global trade exhibited a steady
recovery in the first half of FY25, with
both merchandise and services
trade showing positive momentum.
Merchandise trade volumes expanded
by 1.5% from April to July compared to
the same period in 2023.
This upward trend continued in the
services trade, where from July to
September 2024 overall service trade
values increased by 8.0% year-on-
year, reinforcing the resilience of
global trade dynamics.
India’s total trade performance
showed a y-o-y improvement in the
first half of FY25. During this period, total
trade amounted to
$839 billion, reflecting
a y-o-y increase of
5.67%. Exports rose
by 5.23% y-o-y to
reach $395 billion,
while imports grew by
6.07%, reaching $445
billion. (Figure 1).
NDAP is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative
to make public government data
more accessible, user-friendly, and
actionable for citizens, policymakers,
researchers, and other stakeholders. It is
a centralized data platform that brings
together a wide range of datasets from
different government ministries and
departments across India.
It seeks to democratise data delivery by
making government datasets readily
accessible, implementing rigorous
data-sharing standards, enabling
interoperability across the Indian data
landscape, and providing a seamless
user interface and user-friendly tools.
National Data and Analytics
Platform (NDAP)
07 April 2025
Figure 1:
Trade Performance in the H1 of FY25
Source: Department of Commerce, MoC&I, GOI
Scan this QR to access full report
The report, jointly published by
TransUnion CIBIL, the Women
Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
of NITI Aayog, and MicroSave
Consulting (MSC), delves into the
evolving participation of women in
India's financial sector, highlighting
their transition from mere borrowers
to pivotal contributors in economic
development.
The number of women borrowers
availing retail credit in India has
increased at a Compound Annual
Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22%
between 2019 and 2024
Gold loans have gained popularity
amongst women borrowers,
~4 crore loans of value INR 4.7
lakh crore accounted for 38%
of all loans availed by women
borrowers in 2024, a growth of 5.1X
by volume since 2019.
From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s
role in India's financial growth story
Steady Rise in Women Borrowers
Women seeking credit grew ~3X
between 2019 and 2024, reflecting
increased demand among female
borrowers.
Women Borrower Demographics
About 60% of women borrowers
availing credit are from semi-urban
or rural areas. Women under 30 years
of age, account for only 27% of retail
credit uptake by women, compared
to 40% for men.
Credit Supply Trends
Women’s participation in credit
origination has seen notable growth
in recent years. Since 2019, their share
in Business Loans and Gold Loans has
increased by 14% and 6% respectively.
While the credit supply to women in
business sectors has improved, the
majority of loans availed by women
continue to be against gold – 36%
of all loans availed by women in
2024 were gold loans vs. 19% of loans
availed in 2019.
Rise in Credit Monitoring and
Awareness
As of December 2024, 27 million
women borrowers in India have
monitored their credit information
reports and scores with CIBIL. While
this is an encouraging trend, this
must continue for women to progress
from participants to leaders in India’s
economic story.
Key Findings
Scan this QR to
access full report
Scan this QR
to access full
report The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the
fiscal health of 18 states of India, based on five key sub-
indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal
Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability. It provides
data-driven insights that will be leveraged for state-level
policy interventions aimed at improving fiscal governance.
Highlighting the fiscal performance of various states, the index
encourages improved fiscal discipline and the adoption of
better management strategies, contributing to India's long-
term economic resilience and equitable development.
Natural Farming: A NITI Initiative
Adoption of Natural Farming and its
Effect on Crop Yield and Farmers'
Livelihood in India Report
Crop Yield
The study indicates that while NF yields are generally
comparable to those of conventional farming, the
integration of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or Ghanajivamrit
can lead to significant yield improvements.
Cost of Cultivation
A notable reduction in input costs was observed among
NF practitioners, primarily due to the decreased reliance
on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This cost efficiency
contributes to enhanced profitability for farmers.
Farmers' Income
Despite yields being on par with conventional methods,
the reduced expenditure on inputs and the potential
for premium pricing of chemical-free produce have
collectively improved the Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio for NF
farmers.
Soil Health
Preliminary analyses suggest that NF practices may
positively influence soil biology and structure, promoting
sustainable agriculture.
India’s green revolution has transformed the country’s food
security from scarcity to surplus with a significant increase in the
area and production of food grains. India's agricultural sector
has long been the backbone of its economy, sustaining a vast
population, driving rural development and providing livelihood
support to over 45 per cent of the population. However, input-
intensive agriculture and the excessive use of chemical
fertilizers/pesticides have resulted in soil degradation, depletion
of the groundwater table, and impact on human and livestock
health. In order to transit Indian agriculture towards sustainable
farming systems, there is a need to promote natural farming
(NF) which provides safe and nutritious food while reducing
health risks associated with chemical-intensive agriculture.
The report presents a comprehensive analysis of NF practices
across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Conducted between January 2019 and May 2020 by ICAR, the
study evaluates both socio-economic impacts and agronomic
outcomes of NF adoption.
07 April 2025
Key Findings
Fiscal Health Index 2025
RECOMMENDATIONS
Scientific Validation
The report emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific
studies to further substantiate the long-term benefits and
viability of NF across diverse agro-climatic zones.
Policy Support
To facilitate the broader adoption of NF, the report suggests
policy interventions, including financial incentives, training
programs, and the establishment of market linkages for NF
produce.
[Prominent states practising NF are Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu.]
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