Agricultural Income

Learn about agricultural income, its types, and how it is calculated for tax purposes in India.Top of FormBottom of Form
Secure your wealth with a Bajaj Finance FD
4 min
25-August-2025

Agricultural income includes a wide range of activities—from farming and livestock rearing to forestry and horticulture. Under Section 10(1) of the Income Tax Act, agricultural income is exempt from tax, but it still plays a role in determining tax slabs when combined with other earnings. Proper understanding ensures compliance, better planning, and access to benefits like subsidies or loans.

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Meaning of agricultural income

Agricultural income covers multiple revenue streams:

  • Rent or revenue from agricultural land.

  • Profits from cultivation, harvesting, and processing crops.

  • Earnings from livestock, dairy, fisheries, and horticulture.

  • Income from forestry, apiculture, and farm buildings.

Essentially, it includes all profits tied directly to farming and related activities.

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Types of agricultural income

Agricultural income can be categorized as:

  • Crop cultivation – Growing and selling crops like wheat or rice.

  • Animal husbandry – Breeding and selling livestock.

  • Dairy farming – Earnings from milk and related products.

  • Fisheries – Revenue from aquaculture.

  • Horticulture – Cultivation of fruits, flowers, and ornamental plants.

  • Forestry – Income from timber or other forest produce.

  • Apiculture – Revenue from honey production.

Examples of Agricultural Income

Here are some common examples:

  • Profits from selling crops like rice, wheat, and vegetables.

  • Revenue from fruit orchards, tea estates, and coffee plantations.

  • Income from livestock farming or poultry.

  • Rent from leasing agricultural land.

  • Earnings from forestry or timber.

  • Income from processing farm produce such as milling or jaggery making.

These incomes are exempt from tax but must be properly documented for compliance.

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Agricultural income in income tax

Agricultural income is tax-free, but when combined with non-agricultural earnings, it impacts tax calculations. Key points include:

  • Agricultural earnings are exempt under Section 10(1).

  • They influence the tax slab if non-agricultural income crosses the basic exemption limit.

  • States may impose specific agricultural taxes.

  • Proof of income like land records and receipts is essential.

  • No GST applies to agricultural income.

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Calculation of Agricultural Income Tax

Here’s how it works for those with additional income:

  1. Add agricultural and non-agricultural income.

  2. Calculate tax on the combined income.

  3. Separately compute tax on agricultural income plus the basic exemption limit.

  4. Subtract the second calculation from the first.

  5. The difference is your final tax liability.

This method ensures agricultural income remains tax-free while applying fair taxation on other earnings.

Conclusion

Agricultural income forms the backbone of many households in India and enjoys special tax exemptions. However, when paired with non-agricultural income, it influences your overall tax liability. Maintaining proper records and understanding the tax rules can help farmers and agribusinesses stay compliant and make better financial decisions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is meant by agricultural income?
Agricultural income refers to earnings derived from farming activities, including crop production, rent from agricultural land, and income from forestry or dairy farming. It also includes profits from the sale of agricultural produce without significant processing. This income is tax-exempt in India but impacts overall tax calculations.

How much agricultural income is tax free?
Agricultural income is entirely tax-free in India if it is the only source of income. However, if a person’s non-agricultural income exceeds Rs. 2,50,000, the total tax liability is calculated using a specific method. This ensures that agricultural earnings remain exempt while preventing tax evasion through improper income classification.

How much return can I expect from Bajaj Finance FD?

Bajaj Finance FDs offer up to 7.30% p.a. for senior citizens and 6.95% p.a. for regular customers, making them one of the most rewarding fixed-income options in India. Open FD account.

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or referhttps://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archivesThe company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

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