Indian Agricultural: Growth, Generation, Policy & Problem Indian Agricultural | Page 7

Pg.no. 6 01. Introduction Agriculture is the cultivation of land and breeding of animals and plants to provide food, fiber, medicinal plants and other products to sustain and enhance life. The study of agriculture is known as agricultural science. The Agriculture sector plays a vital role in the Indian Economy. Agriculture contributes about 17.32% (2018) of total GDP. Over 70 per cent of the rural households depend on agriculture and provides employment to over 60% of the population. In India the following types of farming are practiced: • Shifting Agriculture (Jhoom) • Subsistence Agriculture • Intensive Farming • Extensive Farming • Plantation Agriculture • Commercial Agriculture • Dry Land Farming • Wet Land Farming Agriculture provides employment opportunities for rural people on a large scale in underdeveloped and developing countries. It is an important source of livelihood. The rising agricultural surplus caused by increasing agricultural production and productivity tends to improve social welfare, particularly in rural areas. Indian agriculture began by 9000 BCE as a result of early cultivation of plants, and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Double monsoons led to two harvests being reaped in one year. Indian products soon reached the world via existing trading networks and foreign crops were introduced to India. Plants and animals considered essential to their survival by the Indians came to be worshiped and venerated. Ramesh Kumar P