{"id":11513,"date":"2023-10-30T00:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T23:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agriculturelore.com\/?p=11513"},"modified":"2023-10-30T00:00:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-29T23:00:17","slug":"what-percentage-of-india-population-is-engaged-in-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.agriculturelore.com\/what-percentage-of-india-population-is-engaged-in-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"What Percentage Of India Population Is Engaged In Agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"
In India, agriculture is an integral part of the economy, with over 60% of the population directly engaged in agriculture-related activities and more than half of the workforce relying on agriculture in some way.<\/p>\n
A 2016 report by the Government of India states that about 58% of the population, roughly about 750 million people, was dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. The percentage of the population engaged in agriculture is among the highest in the world.<\/p>\n
In spite of increased mechanisation, a significant portion of the Indian population is still engaged in agricultural activities. According to estimates, around 300 million people work in the primary sector, with the majority employed as agricultural labourers while a smaller portion are engaged in agricultural production. The rest are either employed in the secondary sector such as industries or in the tertiary sector including services.<\/p>\n
There has been a gradual shift away from agricultural activities over the years, with a significant portion of the population now dependent on other professions. However, the majority of the workforce is still engaged in agricultural activities which has helped ensure food security in India.<\/p>\n
Agriculture continues to play an important role in India’s economic development. In spite of the increase in mechanisation, it remains a major source of employment and livelihood for millions of rural households. It also contributes significantly to India’s overall GDP, accounting for about 15-20% of the total.<\/p>\n
In conclusion, it can be seen that a significant portion of India’s population is still engaged in agricultural activities. This has not only helped in ensuring food security in the country but also contributes substantially to its economy.<\/p>\n
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The agricultural sector in India has grown significantly over the years, despite the challenges posed by a rapidly changing environment. A number of factors have contributed to this growth. These include technological advancements, increased investment in the sector, access to credit, better availability of inputs and fertilisers, improved irrigation facilities, and increased public awareness.<\/p>\n
Technological advances in areas such as seed technology, pest management and the use of bio-fertilisers have played an important role in increasing productivity. Access to modern agricultural implements has facilitated a more efficient use of resources. Investment in precision agriculture has enabled more efficient management of resources such as soil and water.<\/p>\n
Agriculture in India has also been aided by government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKSN) scheme, which provides direct financial assistance to small and marginal farmers. Access to credit has also been improved through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) scheme, which provides crop insurance to farmers. Initiatives such as the National Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (NMAM) have helped to increase the use of agricultural machinery, thus reducing labour-intensive activities.<\/p>\n
Improved availability of inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides and other agro-chemicals has also helped increase agricultural yields. The government has also been promoting the use of organic fertilisers and bio-fertilisers to reduce the risk of soil and water contamination.<\/p>\n
The increased availability of irrigation facilities has also played an important role in increasing agricultural productivity. The Government of India has been promoting the efficient use of water resources through various programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) and the Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (PMKSY-NMSA).<\/p>\n
While agriculture in India has grown substantially over the years, there are numerous challenges that the sector is faced with. Poor infrastructure and inadequate access to inputs and technology remain major challenges. The limited access to financial resources, especially credit and insurance, have further reduced the competitiveness of the sector.<\/p>\n
Another major challenge faced by the sector is the low level of public expenditure on agriculture. Due to a lack of funds, the sector is unable to adequately invest in research and development activities, thus limiting the scope of technological advancement. This has hampered productivity growth in the sector.<\/p>\n
The sector is also faced with the challenge of climate change. Rising temperatures and frequent floods and droughts have adversely impacted agricultural production. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events has resulted in a decrease in yields, thereby hampering the livelihoods of millions of farmers.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, there are numerous opportunities in the agricultural sector as well. Small and marginal farmers, who form a significant portion of the farming population, have been able to benefit from schemes such as the Prime Minister’s Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. This scheme has enabled them to access credit and financial resources and thus improve their productivity.<\/p>\n
The emergence of e-agriculture has also provided an opportunity for farmers to access information and resources. The use of mobile applications and other technologies has enabled farmers to connect with potential buyers and market their products more efficiently. Similarly, the increased use of technology in agricultural production processes has enabled farmers to raise their productivity and incomes.<\/p>\n
Agriculture has been an important factor in India’s economic growth and development. Despite the decline in its share of the economy, agriculture still accounts for around 15-20% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This contribution is even greater for the rural poor, who largely depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.<\/p>\n
Agriculture has also had a significant positive impact on poverty reduction in India. Across the country, agricultural incomes have increased and millions of citizens have been lifted out of poverty. As per the World Bank, around 300 million people have been lifted out of extreme poverty since 2004, with agricultural income playing a major role.<\/p>\n