Question

“Primary sector was the most important sector of economic activity at initial stages of development.” Evaluate the statement.

Answer 1

The general pattern that has been observed in developed countries is as follows:

1. The history of developed countries indicates that during the initial stage of development, the primary sector was the most important sector of the economy. As the methods of farming changed and the agricultural sector began to prosper, it produced more food than was required. At this time, most of the people were employed in this sector. 
2. Gradually, when new methods of manufacturing were introduced, factories came up and production started expanding. In this way, the secondary sector gradually became the most important in production as it also generated employment in factories. 
3. Over the past century, there has been a further shift from the secondary to the tertiary sectors in developed countries. The service sector has become the most important.