A STUDY ON THE PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF PADDY PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN KERALA

1.1 Introduction Agriculture is one of the primary and priority sectors of any nation’s economy. In a country like India the majority of population live in rural areas. The state of rural environment is substantially influenced by the state of agriculture economy. Indian agriculture has undergone significant changes and transformation during last two decades, particularly after the economic reforms. Paddy production plays an important role in improving the standard of living, per capita income and employment generation. About 58 percent of country’s total workforce is engaged in the cultivation of paddy either directly or indirectly. Rice is an important element of Food Security Mission of Government of India as it plays a vital role against malnutrition in the country. The country grows paddy in about 43 million ha area with production of about 118.43 million tonnes and average productivity of 2.75 t/ ha.