Agriculture - India's Lifeline Agriculture, which is the mainstay of the Indian economy, contributes about 18 percent of the national income and provides employment to more than 50 percent of the population. Diverse agro-climatic conditions conducive for a variety of crops almost round the year; highest arable land-to-land size ratio and the largest irrigated land network are the hallmarks of agriculture in India. India is the largest producer of tea, milk & pulses and second largest producer of wheat, rice and fruits & vegetables in the world. The government with a view to leapfrog agriculture to favourable terms in modern trade has accorded highest priority to agriculture and agri-business. Given the inherent strengths and highest policy resolve to strengthen agriculture, India is emerging as one of the most favorable destinations for making agri-business investments and presents widespread opportunities across the value chain.