The Indian Economy Since 1991, 2nd Edition

18

Agriculture Policy

K. P. Mani

18.1 Introduction

Even though the share of agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product of India has declined from half, at the time of independence, to less than one-fifth, currently, agriculture remains to be the predominant sector in terms of employment and livelihood with more than half of India’s work force engaged in it as the principal occupation. Agriculture still contributes significantly to the export earnings, and is an important source of raw materials as well as demand for many industries. During the last two decades, the Indian agriculture has experienced a number of severe challenges. The important among them are listed below.

1. The slowdown of growth.
2. The unscientific shifts in the cropping pattern. ...