Rural Economic Structure

Introduction:

• The Rural Economy in India is wholly agriculture based and it is of tremendous importance because it has vital supply and demand links with the other Indian industries. 

• Agriculture is the main stay of the Indian economy, as it constitutes the backbone of rural India which inhabitants more than 70% of total Indian population. 

• Most of the village people are dependent on agriculture and allied occupations.

•  Further, Rural Economy in India has been playing an important role towards the overall economic growth and social growth of India. 

•  India has been predominantly an agriculture-based country and it was the only source of livelihood in ancient time. During prehistoric time when there was no currency system the India economy system followed barter system for trading i.e. the excess of agricultural produce were exchanged against other items. 

• The agriculture produce and system in India are varied and thus offers a wide agricultural product portfolio. 

Professionals other than farmers;

1. Priests: (well respected, performed all the religious and other ceremonies in the villages)

2. Carpenters: (Responsible for making and repairing agricultural implements, bullock carts, furniture and other households.

3. Blacksmiths: (helps in manufacturing and repairing agricultural equipment and provides help to the carts and other means of communication to the villagers.)

4. Barbers: (Apart from shaving and hair cutting of farmers they play an important role in the settlement and the arrangement of the marriages and acts as a messenger in the village and carries the messages to others and nearby villages.)

5. Washerman: (He washes and irons the clothes of the villagers. He is also plays an important role in certain ceremonies of the village. He was given a part of crops by farmers.)

6. Cobblers: (Apart from making shoes he is also responsible for the cleanliness of the village.)

7. Shepherds: (They only found in hilly villages. They make blankets and other woolen clothes.)

8. Shopkeepers: (They run small shops and sell goods of day-to-day needs of the villagers.)