All sectors have their importance and relevance in the Indian economy. But owing to more than 70 percent of the population being directly or indirectly related to agriculture, we feel it has greater significance in the Indian economy. The agriculture industry of India shares almost 20.19% of the gross domestic product (GDP), which is the one of highest from any other industry or sector. In the wake of the pandemic, we have observed how the agricultural industry has contributed to preventing economic downturn. When everything was confined by government, the agriculture sector was still allowed under provisions. Most of India’s agricultural land is fertile ground and possesses a high ability to produce more. Also, more people live in villages working in fields than being involved in the secondary and service sectors. Agriculture, along with its related industries, is India’s most important source of income. 70% of rural households still rely on agriculture as their primary source of income, with 82 percent of farmers’ being small and marginal. Due to its enormous potential for value addition, notably in the food processing industry, the Indian food industry is poised for massive expansion, increasing its contribution to world food commerce every year. The Indian food and grocery markets are the sixth-largest globally, with retail accounting for 70% of total sales. The Indian food processing sector, which accounts for 32 percent of the country’s overall food market and is rated fifth in production, consumption, export, and predicted growth, is one of the country’s largest industries. India is the world’s second-most populous country, accounting for 18% of the global population. The demand for various agricultural goods has expanded dramatically as the population has grown. Farmers have been driven to embrace improved technology and procedures in dairy, fishing, and cattle to supply the people’s diverse food needs.
Further more, more than half of India’s population relies on agricultural products, boosting the market’s growth. Changes in the social dimensions of agriculture have also been observed. The increase in women’s participation in the farm sector, particularly in the developing world, has led to the feminization of agriculture. The World Bank found that over 80 percent of rural smallholder farmers worldwide were women, as men started migrating to find work in other sectors. By 2022, India is predicted to have achieved the massive aim of doubling farm revenue. Increased investment in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation facilities, warehousing, and cold storage, is predicted to boost India’s agriculture sector in the coming years. In addition, the increased usage of genetically modified crops is expected to boost yields for Indian farmers. Due to a concerted effort by scientists to obtain early maturing types of pulses and a rise in the minimum support price, India is likely to become self-sufficient in pulses in the future years. Food security, malnutrition, poverty, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme can all be enhanced, directly and indirectly, through self-respect and employment opportunities.
How agriculture industry of India changes with Time
