Agriculture is still considered as the backbone of Indian economy as it engages about 65% of Indian population in different agricultural operations and contributes about 16% in GDP. But since the inception of planning the share of agriculture in the GDP shows continuous decline from 55.1% in 1950-51 to 16.1% in 2013-14. However importance of agriculture has not diminished because the country has achieved self-sufficiency in food production and secondly the dependence of rural population in Agriculture has not declined. Agriculture derives its importance from the fact that it is the dominant occupation of rural economy. During the last few decades agriculture sector has witnessed remarkable increase in the production and productivity of almost all crops including commercial crops, fruits, food grains, oilseeds, vegetables, food grains, poultry and dairy. At global level India has been able to emerge as the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables. India is also the largest overseas exporter of cashews and spices.

KEY WORDS: Agriculture, Economy, Development, commercial crops, fruits, food grains,