Generating growth and development in lagging regions in India: a study of the agricultural sector

Abstract

Due to the continued dependence of a large section of the Indian population on agriculture, the difference in this sector across regions can explain can explain part of the regional disparity in growth across states . the paper outlines the key link between rural poverty , rural infrastructural development and agricultural growth. It then attempts to identify the lagging states and variables that can explain the regional difference . Two classification of states based on income levels and growth respectively - are being given . Data reveals that access to technology , farm inputs like credit, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation seem to have a significant impact on agricultural income level as well as agricultural growth. The paper then outlines some testable hypotheses that can explain regional variation in agricultural growth.