Agriculture sector eyes monsoon gains

India’s agriculture sector expanded by a moderate 2.8% during 2011-12 and all hopes will rest on this year's monsoon rains to sustain growth in the economy. Last year, the farm sector grew by 7%.

India’s agriculture sector expanded by a moderate 2.8% during 2011-12 and all hopes will rest on this year's monsoon rains to sustain growth in the economy. Last year, the farm sector grew by 7%.

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A strong farm sector output is critical to bring down food inflation, which has started climbing back.

Adequate monsoons are crucial for the summer-sown kharif crop that accounts for more than half of the country’s annual food output.

Economists sounded optimistic.

“High base kept the agricultural output growth muted. However, record output levels have been achieved for the rabi crop this year,” Crisil said in a report.