Opportunities in Agri-Preneurship in India:Need, Challenges and Future Prospects

India’s Economy is principally dominated by Agriculture with more than 60% population dependent on agriculture. It accounts for about 14 % of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the country. India being predominantly agricultural, agripreneurs play very vital and important role in the agricultural value chain. They contribute significantly to increase the agricultural GDP by the process of their value addition.An overall growth rate of 7-8% may be contributing for the overall development of economy, but the very meager growth rate in agricultural sectoris challenge for rural development in India. Significant growth in manufacturing and service sectors is contributing for the better living conditions and lifestyle of urban population whereas agriculture and allied sectors are still in back foot in providing the better living conditions in rural India. As compare to urban area majority of people living in rural area are unable to creep the benefits of the developmental schemes happening in India. In keeping these imbalances in mind and to achieve balanced economic development, it becomes inevitable to promote agripreneurship for the development of rural area.