- Agriculture has a long history in India dating back 10,000 years and it currently accounts for 16.6% of India's GDP, employs 52% of the workforce, and is the largest economic sector. - India is the largest producer globally of many agricultural products like milk, bananas, and spices. However, India's population is growing faster than its ability to produce staples like rice and wheat. - Factors holding back Indian agriculture include poorly maintained irrigation systems, lack of extension services, poor rural infrastructure hampering market access, low productivity due to illiteracy and socioeconomic challenges.