Agriculture And Economic Development In India

Agricultural sector occupies a key position in the Indian economy. Though agriculture has now shrunk as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) to around 13 percent, it is a vital sector and provider of livelihood for 2/3rd of India's working population. Although Indian agriculture is way back compared to the levels in developed countries, some notable developments have occurred since Independence in 1947. Large areas which suffered from repeated failures of rainfall have received irrigational facilities and new crops have come to occupy a significant position in the country's production and trade. Problems of rural indebtedness and the exploitative practices of the village moneylenders are much less. While there have been farmers-friendly efforts--such as those to promote institutional credit to rural areas, improved access to inputs, subsidies on fertilisers and electricity, minimum support prices etc.--but these have not been fully successful in protecting the interest of the farmers in general, and small/marginal farmers in particular. Marginal and small farmers have borne the brunt of the adverse circumstances in agriculture. The spate of suicides by farmers in many areas is the most disconcerting manifestation of this distress. Accelerating the rate of growth of agricultural production must be seen as central to a more inclusive growth.

Statistical analysis of agricultural development and economic development in India from 1955 to 1971 - covers the economic structure with special reference to the role of agriculture, agricultural production, rural worker employment and labour productivity, etc., and includes statistical data on production increase. Graphs and statistical tables.

1.Economic Development : Meaning, Measurement, Indicators and Determinants,2. Underdeveloped (Developing) Economy—Concept of Underdevelopment, 3. Human Development, 4. Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence (Colonial Economy), 5. Structure and Basic Features of Indian Economy, 6. Evaluation of India’s Economic Planning, 7. Import Substituting Industrialisation, 8. Economic Reforms in India : Liberalisation, Privatisation & Globalisation, Demonetisation and GST, 9. Growth, Development and Structural Change in India, 10. Various Means of Transport : Road, Rail, Water and Air, 11. Changes in Policy Perspective in the Role of Institutional Framework After 1991, 12. Economic Growth and Distribution in India, 13. Problems of Poverty in India, 14. Unemployment in India, Nature, Extent and Employment Policy, 15.Economic Development and Environment, 16.Agriculture Growth and Performance in India, 17. Land Tenure and Reforms : Agricultural Holding and Consolidation, 18. Plans and Agriculture Development : Green Revolution, 19. Technological Change and Development in Agriculture (Agriculture Mechanisation), 20. Agricultural Price Policy, 21. Food Problem, Food Policy, Public Distribution System and Food Security, 22. Prominent Large Scale Industries of India—Cotton Textile, Jute, Sugar, Iron and Steel and Cement, 23. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, 24. Foreign Trade of India, 25. India and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), 26. Role of Foreign Direct Investment in India.

Contributed articles on economic aspects of agriculture in India.

Composite work on the relationship of rural development to economic growth, with particular reference to developing countries - covers economic implications of agrarian reform, land tenure, traditional social structures, human resources development, marketing, trade, price policy, taxation, agricultural policy, etc. Map, references and bibliographys.

First published in 1985. The need to increase agricultural output and to use increased output to generate sustained general economic development is a problem facing many Third World countries. This book explores in particular the agricultural growth of the Punjab in Northern India, a country which has long been a leader in the formulation of new development strategies. It shows how agricultural output is affected by, and affects, demographic changes, income distribution, state involvement and structural changes both in society and the economy. Agricultural growth in the Punjab is seen in an historical perspective. In addition, the different aspects of economic development are viewed in an integrated way so that much is learned about the contribution of agricultural growth to the development process. The conclusions drawn can be related to problems and trends worldwide.