Importance of agriculture in India
Agriculture can be defined as the practice or science of farming, whereby there is soil cultivation to produce crops and animal rearing to get animal products.
It can also be explained as the breeding of animals and cultivation of land in order to grow crops, get wool, food and other benefits.
Agriculture mainly revolves around cultivating the soil in order to produce crops and raising animals using scientific methods.
Importance of agriculture in India
Agriculture plays a major role in the daily life of every Indian. In fact, we can conclude that it forms a part of the backbone of the country.
- It has a great influence on the country’s income. In the past few decades, agriculture has significantly contributed to the GDP of India.
- Although there are various sectors in the country, agriculture has created the most employment opportunities.
- Also, it provides food for the consistently growing population. Bearing in mind that India has a rapidly growing population, agriculture has been at the frontline to feed the people either directly or indirectly.
- To avoid economic development setback, agriculture increases the rate of capital information.
- Agriculture is a source of raw materials to industries. Most foods must be processed in agro-based industries before they reach to the final consumer. These include wine berries, cotton, sugar and, tea factories.
- Agriculture adds on the list of markets for industrial products. Approximately 65% of Indians live in villages and therefore they are farmers. Revolution of agriculture enables them to have a high purchasing power.
- It has encouraged growth in education There are some special agricultural universities in India that teach students on modern crop and animal production.
- There has been a great input in scientific and marketing research in agriculture. Due to the fact that agriculture continues to face new threats such as pests and diseases, there has been a need for further research to curb the issues. There are also some bodies dealing with marketing strategies and research, especially in the international markets.
- Through the production, processing, and distribution processes that involve agricultural products, agriculture has influenced the external and internal trade.
- Agriculture also supports the government budget through foreign exchange and other services. Exportation of farm produce, earns the Indian government foreign income.
- Indian agriculture also helps to bring a balance in the labor force. Since most skilled laborers work in special units, it creates a need of labor force for even the unskilled Indians.
- Self-sufficiency in input supply and cheap source of labor has contributed to a huge competitive advantage in agricultural commodities.
- It has also encouraged agricultural innovations in India. Many large-scale farmers use capital-intensive methods of agriculture which involves the adoption of new technologies.
- Exporting agricultural products helps to maintain a balance of payment in India. The probability of the value of imports to exceed the value of exports is highly discouraged by the country’s agriculture.
- Agriculture has assisted farmers and workers in agricultural areas to acquire better living standards.
- Agriculture supports the growth of other commercial enterprises such as hotels, and restaurants. Provision of food and beverage to guests greatly relies on agricultural production.
- It encourages saving of water. Agricultural methods that use a lot of water such as irrigation has forced farmers to save water by investing in water collection, storage, and
- Consumption of locally produced foods, and clothing has strengthened the rich Indian cultures.
- Lastly, agriculture has led to the development of infrastructure in agricultural areas to transport industrial supplies.
Conclusion
Agriculture has led to innovation, research, and development in India. It has been a source of raw materials to many industries such as textiles, tea factories, sugar processing, and others. Therefore, it has been the backbone of the Indian economy for decades. It is important to strengthen this sector as it benefits every citizen.
By Winnie
EdgeArticles 