Noticeable structural changes have occurred in the Indian economy since independence. Contribution of secondary and tertiary sectors to GDP has tended to rise, while that of primary sectors has tended to decline. This is in accordance with the historical experience of developed countries of the world. We can accordingly conclude that the Indian economy is on to the path of growth and development. However, the question is: Are we developed enough not to be called a poor nation? Answer is No. We cannot be called a developed nation when nearly one fourth of our population is living in abject poverty. We cannot be called a developed nation when there is a staggering gap between labor force and workforce, pointing to massive unemployment. We cannot be called a developed nation when farmers are committing suicide owing to perpetual indebtedness. We cannot be called a development nation when millions in the country side are not getting even drinkable water. And we cannot be called a developed nation when one third of our population is illiterate, not able to read or write. We are yet to grow and develop, and the epicenter of growth and development has got be the rural India. Reason Rural areas are the breeding centers of poverty, hunger & starvation, and the bulk of our population nearly 69% lives in these areas. If poverty is to be combated, and the development must be accorded a top priority. The present chapter focuses on the various aspects of rural developments. Rural credit and rural marketing are discussed as crucial policy instruments in the context of rural development. Diversification in productive activities is discussed with a view to identifying options of sustainable livelihood in rural areas. A case in built for IT as an option of sustainable live hood. The chapter concludes with a discussion on organic farming as a environment-friendly sustainable development process
Rural development means an action-plan for the social and economic upliftment of the rural areas. The action-plan is to focus on the lingering and emerging challenges in rural areas.
Action-plan for rural development includes high priority to poverty alleviation. Besides overall development of each locality in the rural areas, special schemes are to be launched for the eradication of poverty.
Technical reforms in agriculture must be supplemented with land reforms. These include agrarian relations or production relations between owners and tillers of the soil which are to be conducive to the growth of farming, and size of holding which is to be economically and technically viable for cultivation.
