Population growth and agricultural development in India
Chandrasekhar, A.
Journal of the Indian Society of Agricultural Statistics 25(1): 63-74
1973
Document Number: 529820
This address was delivered at the 26th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Agricultural Statistics. The percentage of urban population in total population increased from about 11 per cent. in 1901 to about 20 per cent. in 1971, but this is not considered to be a very marked increase over such a long span. The 1971 Census figures show that 70 per cent. of the work force is engaged in agriculture (67.5 per cent. among males and 81.1 per cent. among females). Improved techniques, multiple cropping and better irrigation management have created a greater demand for the rural labour force. During peak seasons shortage of agricultural labour had been experienced in the Green Revolution areas. A need and demand for new types of skills in rural areas is emerging. In the context of rapid population growth in India and the fairly low level of the economy, agricultural development has to be viewed both from the short-term and long-term points of view.