Study SimplifyStudy Simplify

Class 12 Indian Economic Development Notes · CBSE

Non-Farm Areas of Employment

Non-Farm Areas of Employment — examining 5 key non-agricultural sectors providing alternative livelihoods in rural India. CBSE Class 12 IED notes.

Last updated: 31 Jul 2026

Notes

Animal Husbandry

India owns one of the largest livestock populations in the world. Livestock provides an alternate livelihood for over 70 million small and marginal farmers. Poultry accounts for a 61% share in livestock output. India had 303 million cattle including 110 million buffaloes as per the 2019 Livestock Census.
★ Silver Revolution — The growth of egg production in India. Started in 1969, it led to India becoming the 3rd largest egg producer in the world.

Key Takeaways

  • Impressive numbers, but the productivity of many species is low.
  • Need to improve technology and use good breeds.
  • Improved veterinary care and credit facilities are needed for better animal husbandry.

Dairying

Dairying
is that branch of agriculture which involves breeding, raising and utilisation of dairy animals for the production of milk and the various dairy products processed from it.

Stage 1 — Origin

Started by NDDB in 1970 under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien. The objective was to create a nationwide milk grid.

1 / 3

Key Takeaways

  • Major milk producing states: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
  • Meat, eggs, and wool are also emerging as productive and profitable sectors.

Fisheries

Fisheries
refers to the occupation devoted to the catching, processing or selling of fish and other aquatic animals.
★ Blue Revolution (Neel Kranti Mission) — Launched in 1985-1990 to boost fish production. Hiralal Chaudhuri is regarded as the pioneer of the Blue Revolution in India.

Key Takeaways

  • The fishing community regards the water body as 'Mother' — it provides the life-giving source.
  • Inland sources contribute about 65% to total fish production; the marine sector contributes 35%.
  • Total fish production accounts for 0.9% of total GDP. Major states: West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu.
  • Women: 60% of the export marketing workforce and 40% in internal marketing — though not in active fishing.
  • Problems: widespread underemployment, low per capita earnings, absence of mobility, high illiteracy and indebtedness.

Horticulture

Horticulture contributes nearly one-third of the total value of agriculture output and about 6% of GDP. India is the 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world.

Key Takeaways

  • India is a world leader in mangoes, bananas, coconuts, cashew nuts, and spices.
  • Horticulture has great scope for women employment.
★ Golden Revolution (1991-2003) — A period of horticulture development in India. Nirpakh Tutej is known as the Father of the Golden Revolution.

Key Takeaways

  • Horticulture has been a successful and sustainable livelihood option for many.
  • Needs investment in electricity, cold storage, marketing, and technology to reach full potential.

Information Technology

Information Technology (IT)
refers to that branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve, store, and transmit information.

Key Takeaways

  • The IT revolution has transformed many sectors including education, healthcare, and agriculture.
  • There is broad agreement on the critical role IT can play in sustainable development.
  • Government can use IT to predict food insecurity areas and plan interventions.
  • IT has a positive impact on agriculture through better information circulation and access to markets.
  • IT has immense employment generation potential in rural India.
  • The aim is to make every village a knowledge center through digital connectivity.

Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)

The Government of India introduced Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) in October 2014. Under this scheme, Members of Parliament must identify and develop one village from their constituencies. The village population should be 3,000-5,000 in the plains and 1,000-3,000 in hill areas. The selected village should not be the MP's own village. SAGY is expected to facilitate a comprehensive development plan and build infrastructure in health, nutrition, and education.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-farm sectors providing alternative livelihoods: Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries, Horticulture, and IT.
  • India ranks first in milk production (198.4M tonnes) thanks to Operation Flood; Gujarat leads in milk cooperatives.
  • Silver Revolution (eggs), White Revolution (milk), Blue Revolution (fisheries), and Golden Revolution (horticulture) transformed rural India.
  • Horticulture contributes nearly 1/3 of agriculture output value — India is the 2nd largest fruit and vegetable producer.
  • IT has the potential to make every village a knowledge center, predicting food insecurity and circulating technology information.
  • SAGY (2014) engages MPs in village development — building infrastructure in health, nutrition, and education.

Related Questions

Study Simplify Special

View All