The rains have arrived, the dark clouds pushing away darker forebodings of a failed monsoon, drought and crippled growth. Such respite should have a sobering effect on some of the more effervescent superpower aspirations. Agriculture directly accounts for about 14% of GDP but a little over half the population still live off agriculture and related activities.
Since even a minor fall in some farm produce can send food prices soaring, and inflation can both discourage investment and be politically unsettling, India can ill-afford poor rains. Nor is water required only for agriculture. Industrial growth will guzzle and pollute huge amounts of water. Urban expansion is an inevitable corollary to growth of industry and services. The water needs of urban conglomerations will grow faster than most people anticipate. Read more
Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com
