India's Agricultural Sector Shows Mixed Growth Amid Calls for Balanced Rural Development

India's agricultural sector remains vital, employing a large workforce and supporting rural livelihoods. While overall agriculture and allied sectors have shown growth, driven mainly by livestock and fisheries, the crops sub-sector, which employs most agricultural workers, has experienced slower growth and income distress. Policymakers emphasize balanced development of agriculture and rural economy as essential for inclusive economic growth and food security, given the significant rural population dependent on farming.