Question : EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

(a) whether the agriculture sector provides maximum employment in the country;

(b) if so, the assessment of the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the creation of job opportunity in this sector has come down during the last three years;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) the percentage of agricultural workers against the total workers in the country; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to increase employment growth rate in agriculture sector during the said period and during the year 2001-2002 and 2002-2003?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MUNI LALL)

a) Yes, Sir.

b), c), d) & e) 60% of the total workers were engaged in agriculture during 1999-2000 as against 65% during 1993-1994 as per the survey carried out by National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO). Shift of workers from agriculture to non-agricultural sector is essential and desired for a better quality of employment.f) The approach to the Ninth Plan envisages priority to agriculture and rural development with a view to generating adequate productive employment and eradication of poverty. Greater productive employment will be generated in the growth process itself by concentrating on sectors, sub-sectors and technologies which are labour intensive, in regions characterised by higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.