(i) Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy though its share in the Gross Domestic Production has a declining trend from 1951 onwards; yet its share in providing employment and livelihood to the population continue to be as high as 63% in 2001.
(ii) Subsidy on fertilisers is decreased, reduction in import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental.
(iii) Keeping this in view, government of India made concerted and planned efforts to modernise agriculture.
(iv) Establishment of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), agricultural universities, veterinary services and animal breeding centres, horticulture development, research and development in the field of meteorology and weather forecast etc. were given priority for improving Indian agriculture.
(v) Indian farmers are facing a big challenge from international competition and our government is going ahead with reduction in the public investment in agriculture sector particularly in irrigation, power, rural roads, market and mechanisation.
