About Agriculture

Agriculture in India

In a developing country like India, the agricultural sector along with the rural economy play significant roles in providing livelihoods, ensuring food security, and providing momentum to the growth of industries and service sectors. With a population of 1.37 billion, India is the world’s second-most populous country. 60.3% of India’s arable land employs close to 60% of the Indian labor force, makes up for only 18% of the national GDP, and 15% of the total GVA at current prices.
Of the total holdings, 85% fall under the marginal and small farm categories of less than 2 hectares. The average size of landholding has been estimated to be 1.15 hectares. During the last five decades, global agricultural production has increased at an average annual rate of 2.5-3%. The slowdown in agricultural growth has become a major cause for concern. India’s total rice yields are one-third of China’s and about half of Vietnam and Indonesia’s. The same is true for most other agricultural commodities.
The uncertainties in growth in agriculture are explained further by the fact that more than 50 percent of agriculture in India is rainfall dependent which aggravates the production risks. Climate change must also be cogitated as more extreme events – droughts, floods, erratic rains – are expected and would have significant impacts in rain-fed areas.

About Agriculture

Agriculture in India

In a developing country like India, the agricultural sector along with the rural economy play significant roles in providing livelihoods, ensuring food security, and providing momentum to the growth of industries and service sectors. With a population of 1.37 billion, India is the world’s second-most populous country. 60.3% of India’s arable land employs close to 60% of the Indian labor force, makes up for only 18% of the national GDP, and 15% of the total GVA at current prices.
Of the total holdings, 85% fall under the marginal and small farm categories of less than 2 hectares. The average size of landholding has been estimated to be 1.15 hectares. During the last five decades, global agricultural production has increased at an average annual rate of 2.5-3%. The slowdown in agricultural growth has become a major cause for concern. India’s total rice yields are one-third of China’s and about half of Vietnam and Indonesia’s. The same is true for most other agricultural commodities.
The uncertainties in growth in agriculture are explained further by the fact that more than 50 percent of agriculture in India is rainfall dependent which aggravates the production risks. Climate change must also be cogitated as more extreme events – droughts, floods, erratic rains – are expected and would have significant impacts in rain-fed areas.