Question

“Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy.” Explain.

Answer 1

1. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy due to its multifaceted role. It significantly contributes to the national income, though its share has declined from 59% in 1950-51 to 16% in 2018-19, reflecting industrial growth.
2. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for about 43% of the workforce.
3. It fulfils the food requirements of the vast population and supplies raw materials to many agro-based industries like textiles, sugar, and oil.
4. Agriculture also supports industrial growth by providing labour and a market for industrial goods.
5. It plays a key role in India’s foreign trade through exports of tea, coffee, spices, and marine products, earning crucial foreign exchange.
6. Hence, despite industrial progress, agriculture remains central to India’s economy and development.