Summary, Concluding Observations, and Policy Implications

Abstract

Agriculture constitutes only about 12% of India’s GDP, even though it is the largest employer and majority of the rural population depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Improving the performance of agriculture is, therefore, crucial for achieving food security, rural development, and poverty reduction. The contribution of the agricultural sector to national gross domestic product (GDP) has witnessed a secular decline with the consequent increase in shares of other sectors, particularly services.