Importance of Agriculture in the Indian Economy
Agriculture plays a crucial and multifaceted role in the Indian economy. It is a vital sector that contributes to the country’s overall growth and development in the following ways:
- Economic Contribution: Agriculture is a major contributor to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Although its share has declined over the years as the industrial and service sectors have grown, agriculture remains an important part of the country’s economic output. It continues to provide livelihoods and incomes for a large segment of the population.
- Employment Generation: The agricultural sector is the primary source of employment for a majority of the Indian population. It provides jobs and income to millions of people, especially in the rural areas. Around 50% of the country’s total workforce is employed in the agricultural sector, making it a significant employer.
- Food Security: Agriculture is essential for ensuring food security for India’s rapidly growing population. The production of staple crops like rice, wheat, and other food grains, as well as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, is crucial to meeting the country’s food demands and maintaining food security.
- Raw Material Supply: Agriculture provides raw materials for various industries, such as textiles, sugar, and edible oils. These industries rely on agricultural products as their primary inputs, linking the agricultural sector to the broader industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Agricultural Development in India| Class 12 Geography Notes
Agriculture plays a crucial and multifaceted role in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to the country’s overall growth and development through its economic output, employment generation, food security, raw material supply, export earnings, rural development, and support for sustainable practices.