Page 122 - DECO502_INDIAN_ECONOMIC_POLICY_ENGLISH

Indian Economic Policy Dilfraz Singh, Lovely Professional University

Notes Unit 11: Sectoral Performance I: Agriculture:
Growth Productivity Trends and Crop Patterns

CONTENTS
Objective
Introduction
11.1 Agriculture: Growth and Productivity Trends
11.2 Crop Patterns in India Since Independence
11.3 Summary
11.4 Key-Words
11.5 Review Questions
11.6 Further Readings

Objectives

After reading this Unit students will be able to:
• Explain the Agriculture Growth and Productivity Trends.
• Discuss about the Crop Patterns in India.
Introduction

Agriculture in India is one of the most important sectors of its economy. It is the means of livelihood
of almost two thirds of the work force in the country and according to the economic data for the
financial year 2006-07, agriculture accounts for 18% of India’s GDP. About 43% of India’s geographical
area is used for agricultural activity. Though the share of Indian agriculture in the GDP has steadily
declined, it is still the single largest contributor to the GDP and plays a vital role in the overall socio-
economic development of India. One of the biggest success stories of independent India is the rapid
strides made in the field of agriculture. From a nation dependent on food imports to feed its population,
India today is not only self-sufficient in grain production but also has substantial reserves. Dependence
of India on agricultural imports and the crises of food shortage encountered in 1960s convinced
planners that India’s growing population, as well as concerns about national independence, security,
and political stability, required self-sufficiency in food production. This perception led to a programme
of agricultural improvement called the Green Revolution.

The monsoons play a critical role in determining whether the harvest will be rich,
average, or poor.

11.1 Agriculture: Growth and Productivity Trends

Agriculture has always been the backbone of the Indian economy and despite concerted
industrialisation in the last six decades, agriculture still occupies a place of pride. It provides
employment to around 60 per cent of the total work force in the country. The significant of agriculture
in the national economy can be berifly explained by considering the role of agriculture under different
heads.

116 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY