Agricultural Development in West Bengal: An Inter–temporal Analysis

Indian economy since ancient time's agriculture has been backbone of occupation for Indian people. Near about 70% of population in India is dependent on agriculture for its livelihood and despite concerted industrialization in the last six decades, agriculture still occupies a place of pride. It contributes a sizable percentage to the domestic product as also to exports. More than two-thirds of the work-force is engaged in agriculture and large many depend upon it being engaged in trade in agricultural products, agro-based industries etc. Being the largest industry in the country, agriculture provides employment to around 60% of the total work-force in the country. The present paper deals with inter-district disparities in rural agricultural sector in West Bengal and its impact on agricultural development through a (cross- sectional study) inter-temporal analysis of 18 districts. Cluster of districts of rural economic have been prepared for selected 10 indicators, in the period of time 1990–91, 2000–01 and 2010–11. The analysis reveals that extreme disparities continue to persist with respect to the availability of economic indicators in rural areas at the district level. The pattern of districts in terms of development of rural infrastructure has also remained broadly unchanged. West Bengal agriculture should promote diversified and export oriented agriculture. Particular attention needs to be paid to the backward districts for more balanced regional development. This calls for increased investment in rural infrastructure by both the public and private sectors.