Importance of Agriculture in India

History of Importance of Agriculture in India:

• Indians mainly depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture is the backbone of the nation’s economy.
• During the time of India’s independence, more than 70% of the population depended on agriculture for their livelihood. As a result, agriculture had a substantial share of the overall income as high as 56.6 % in the fiscal year 1950-51.
• Later development of industries and the service sector, there has been a notable decline in the percentage of the population depending on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Highlight the importance of agriculture in the Indian

1. Economic Contribution:
2. Food Security
3. Employment Generation
4. Rural Development
5. Export and Trade
6. Significant Contribution to Government Revenue
7. Other uses

Economic Contribution:

• Agriculture provides employment to a large population, particularly in rural areas. A major population of India’s workforce is engaged in farming, making it a primary source of livelihood.
• Agriculture plays a vital role in the Indian economy this sector contributes approximately 18.3% to the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• There has been a consistent decline in the growth of the agriculture sector, while the service sector continues to exhibit notable improvements.

Food Security:

• India’s total food grain production has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from 50 million tonnes (MT) in 1951 to approximately 323 MT in the year 2022-23.
• The substantial rise in food grain production reflects India’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security for its vast population.
• The total food grain production of 3235.54 Lakh tonnes, Pulses – 278.10 Lakh Tonnes. Oilseeds  –  400.01 Lakh Tonnes, Cotton  –  337.23 Lakh bales, Sugarcane – 4687.89 Lakh Tonnes, and Jute & Mesta –100.49 Lakh bales estimated for the year 2022-23.
• Government initiatives and policies aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food production, programs like the Green Revolution, which had a greater impact on Indian agriculture by introducing high-yielding crop varieties, improving crop yields, and introducing modern farming practices. However, it also brought challenges that needed to be addressed for sustainable agricultural development.

Employment Generation:

• Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, it continues to be the largest source of employment in the country. The growth of the agricultural sector has led to increased opportunities for rural employment, helping reduce migration to urban areas and agriculture helps in
  • Rural Employment
  • Reduced Unemployment:
  • Poverty Alleviation
  • Balanced Regional Development
  • Skill Development
  • Women Empowerment
  • sustainable rural livelihoods
  • Food Security
• Nearly 45.5 % (2021-22) Indian population depends on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood.
• During the Covid pandemic, when traditional job opportunities in the market became scarce, many people turned to farming as a viable option.
• In rural areas, 84% of women find their livelihood in agriculture. Predominantly in tea plantations, cotton cultivation, growing oil seeds, and vegetable production.

Rural Development:

• Farming plays an important role in rural development by providing vital support in terms of employment opportunities, fostering ancillary businesses, and delivering important environmental services.
• Farming becomes important in maintaining the economic and social infrastructure of rural areas. By doing so, we can ensure sustainable development for rural areas and promote the overall well-being of rural communities.

Export and Trade:

• Export-oriented agriculture products like rice, wheat, and spices, have contributed to the country’s economic growth.
• Agriculture is a significant contributor to India’s foreign exchange earnings through exports, with the country being a major exporter of various commodities.
•  Such as Cereals > Marine production> Sugar> Spices > fruits and vegetables.
• In the year 2022-23, the country achieved a remarkable milestone in agriculture exports, with a total value of USD 53.15 billion, reflecting a substantial 5.4% increase compared to the previous year’s exports of USD 50.24 billion.
• And now a day trade has encouraged diversification in agricultural production. Farmers have shifted towards cash crops, horticulture, and high-value crops, reducing dependency on traditional crops.

Significant Contribution to Government Revenue:

• Agriculture plays an important role in generating income for the governments. The government derives substantial revenue from various sources, including land revenue and the agriculture industry sector.
• This strong fiscal contribution from agriculture underscores its importance in driving economic growth and supporting the functioning of the government at various levels.

Other uses:

• Agriculture supplies raw materials to various industries, including textiles, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
• Investment in agriculture leads to the development of rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities.
• Agricultural research and innovation lead to yield improvements, leading to increased productivity and income for farmers.
• India’s diverse agro-climatic zones allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, making it one of the world’s leading agricultural producers.

Also visit: Indian agriculture problems and solution, Agri-silviculture future agriculture.

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