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Abstract
Agriculture remains the dominant supporter of Indian populace. The thriving industry and service sectors depend on the agricultural sector for their development. The inter-linkage among the three sectors could not be undermined at any cost. It is the massive absorbent of labour force even though the disguised unemployment exists in varied magnitude. The share of agriculture to the GDP has come down from 57.7% in 1950-51 to 32.2% in 1990-91 at the time of liberalization, 24.6% in 2000-2001, 15.7% in 2009-2010 and little more than 17%. In the post-independence era, stagnant production, low productivity, traditional technology, and poor rural infrastructure were the major challenges for the Government. India is principally an agricultural country. The agriculture sector accounts for about 18.0% of the GDP and employs 52% of the total workforce. There is a continuous steady decline in its contribution towards the GDP, and the agriculture sector is losing its shine and anchor position in Indian economy. The problems with which the Indian agricultural scenario is burdened in present times are many but this in no way undermines the importance of the sector, and the role it can play in the holistic and inclusive growth of the country. Agriculture is fundamental for sustenance of an economy as is food for a human being.