Agriculture remains a cornerstone of India’s economy, sustaining livelihoods and supporting macroeconomic stability, even as industrial and service sectors expand. Despite a declining share in GDP, it continues to employ a substantial proportion of the population. This study investigates the contribution of agriculture to employment generation and economic stability in India, drawing on secondary sources such as the Economic Survey of India, PLFS, NSSO, RBI, World Bank, and FAO. Findings highlight direct employment in cultivation and farm labour, indirect opportunities through allied sectors including dairy, fisheries, horticulture, and agro-processing, and the sector’s capacity to absorb seasonal and surplus labour. Agriculture enhances economic stability by ensuring food availability, moderating price volatility, sustaining rural incomes, and supporting aggregate demand. Persistent challenges, including low productivity, climate dependence, disguised unemployment, and market inefficiencies, constrain its potential. Policy interventions promoting modern technology adoption, crop and sector diversification, improved market access, and social protection mechanisms are essential to strengthen agriculture’s role in inclusive employment generation and economic resilience. The analysis underscores the importance of strategic measures to modernize agriculture while safeguarding rural livelihoods and macroeconomic stability.
Dr. Sachin Vijay Kale (Wed,) studied this question.