An overview of agriculture sector in India

India is principally an agricultural country. Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is unquestionably the largest livelihood provider in India. Most of the industries also depend upon the sector for their raw materials. Steady investments in technology development, irrigation infrastructure, emphasis on modern agricultural practices and provision of agricultural credit and subsidies are the major factors contributed to agriculture growth. Agriculture provides livelihood to majority of population and thus remains linchpin of Indian economy. Though agriculture sector's contribution to national GDP has declined to 13.9% in 2011–12 due to relatively higher growth experienced in industries and services sectors, agriculture remains the principal source of livelihood for more than 58% of country's population. The paper focuses on the overview of Indian agriculture sector especially the challenges and opportunities.