Agriculture Contributes 17-18% to India's Economy

Introduction

Thanks to the hard work of Indian farmers, India has become one of the leading agricultural producers in the world. Indian farmers have helped India become one of the top exporters in the agricultural sector. This article shares interesting facts about Indian farmers and agriculture.

Importance of Agriculture in India

Agriculture is one of the oldest economic activities in India. In terms of production, India ranks second in the world. India exports agricultural products, horticultural products, and processed foods to over 120 countries.

The agriculture sector provides the largest employment in India. India has a labor-intensive agricultural system. Agriculture in India heavily depends on the monsoon, and uncertainty in rainfall often leads to losses for farmers. Indian agriculture also relies significantly on chemical inputs.

Contribution to GDP and Employment

By 2018, agriculture contributed approximately 17-18% to India’s GDP. By 2021, this share decreased to around 14% as other sectors grew faster. Historically, agriculture had a higher share in GDP, but now other sectors have overtaken it.

By 2018, agriculture provided employment to nearly 50% of India’s workforce. Among all farmers, 30.33% are women, and among agricultural laborers, 40.67% are women.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

Despite being a top global producer, Indian farmers face many challenges, including indebtedness, which sometimes leads to suicides. Many farmers rely on informal lenders and moneylenders for loans.

Top Agricultural States in India

The top 10 agricultural states in India include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, and Gujarat. Rankings vary depending on specific agricultural products.