India is the 10th most industrialised country and fourth largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity with its GDP projected to grow at nearly 8 per cent in 2006-07.
India also happens to be the most richly endowed agricultural nation in Asia having 169 million hectares of arable land, accounting for one-tenth of the world's arable land and a fifth of the world's irrigated land at 56 million hectares with a coastline extending to 8000 km and vast marine wealth.
Here is a primer on India's farm and food potential:
Cattle/Milk/Marine Sector
Sixth in poultry production (842 millions)
53 per cent of World Buffalo and 43 per cent of Sheep
Seventh largest in marine landings -- ( 5.8 million tonnes)
Largest producer of milk (84.5 million tonnes)
Indian Agriculture
One of the world's largest food producers at 601 million tonnes after China (856 million tonnes) and USA (608 million tonnes)
Second largest producer of fruits (46.64 million tonnes) after Brazil
Second largest producer of vegetables (78.19 million tonnes) in the world, next to China (13% of world's production)
Spices
India is a veritable treasure house of medicinal aromatic plant species.
9500 spices of medicinal and aromatic plants have been classified and documented
More than 50 types of spices with annual production of 3.02 million tonnes, India is the largest producer consumer and exporter of spices. Major spices produce are black pepper, cardamom (small & large), ginger, garlic, turmeric, chilli etc.
Thanks to its varied agro production profile, India has a highly diversified agri export basket that accounted for earnings worth $9414 in 205-06.
