The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in its Economic Outlook Survey has forecasted an annual median Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.0 per cent for the year 2024-25. It added ‘Despite persisting headwinds, India’s economic growth remains resilient, and the nation remains amongst fastest growing economies in the world’. It said that the median growth forecast for agriculture and allied activities will likely be at 3.7 per cent for 2024-25. This marks an improvement of growth of about 1.4 per cent reported in the year 2023-24.
The industry body projects that the ebbing El Nino effect, with the expectation of a normal southwest monsoon is likely to bode well for agricultural production. Industry and services sector, on the other hand, are anticipated to grow by 6.7 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively, in the current fiscal year. According to the survey results, median GDP growth is estimated at 6.8 per cent and 7.2 per cent in Q1 2024-25 and Q2 2024-25 respectively.
Further, as per the report, the median forecast for CPI-based inflation has been put at 4.5 per cent for 2023-24, with a minimum and maximum range of 4.4 per cent and 5.0 per cent respectively. While food prices remain sticky with inflation inching up in cereals, fruits and milk, the survey participants expect an easing of prices in the second quarter with kharif output reaching the market.