<P> "With a population of just over 1.2 billion, India is the world's largest democracy . In the past decade, the country has witnessed accelerated economic growth, emerged as a global player with the world's fourth largest economy in purchasing power parity terms, and made progress towards achieving most of the Millennium Development Goals . India's integration into the global economy has been accompanied by impressive economic growth that has brought significant economic and social benefits to the country . Nevertheless, disparities in income and human development are on the rise . Preliminary estimates suggest that in 2009 - 10 the combined all India poverty rate was 32% compared to 37% in 2004 - 05 . Going forward, it will be essential for India to build a productive, competitive, and diversified agricultural sector and facilitate rural, non-farm entrepreneurship and employment . Encouraging policies that promote competition in agricultural marketing will ensure that farmers receive better prices ." </P> <P> A 2003 analysis of India's agricultural growth from 1970 to 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation identified systemic problems in Indian agriculture . For food staples, the annual growth rate in production during the six - year segments 1970 - 76, 1976--82, 1982--88, 1988--1994, 1994 - 2000 were found to be respectively 2.5, 2.5, 3.0, 2.6, and 1.8% per annum . Corresponding analyses for the index of total agricultural production show a similar pattern, with the growth rate for 1994 - 2000 attaining only 1.5% per annum . </P> <P> The biggest problem of farmers is the low price for their farm produce . A recent study showed that proper pricing based on energy of production and equating farming wages to Industrial wages may be beneficial for the farmers . </P> <P> India has very poor rural roads affecting timely supply of inputs and timely transfer of outputs from Indian farms . Irrigation systems are inadequate, leading to crop failures in some parts of the country because of lack of water . In other areas regional floods, poor seed quality and inefficient farming practices, lack of cold storage and harvest spoilage cause over 30% of farmer's produce going to waste, lack of organised retail and competing buyers thereby limiting Indian farmer's ability to sell the surplus and commercial crops . </P>

Percentage of population dependent on agriculture in india