Rural Transformation in India: The Role of Non-farm Sector

The role of rural non-farm sector (RNFS) is crucial both in generating productive employ-ment and alleviating poverty in rural areas because of the urban sector and near saturation of the agricultural sector in further absorption of workers. Policy makers are increasingly recognizing the importance of RNFS in providing sustainable livelihoods to a large number of people in rural areas. However, in spite of a lot of research that has been carried out, our understanding of the RNFS, particularly its role in the broader development process, is relatively poor and does not provide adequate insights to policy makers grappling with the enormous diversity of the sector. There is, thus, an urgent need to address the specific requirements of the RNFS so that these can be better integrated into policies and strategies at various levels in order to effect poverty reduction and ensure growth with equity. This volume, containing twenty nine papers, apart from the introductory and concluding ones, analyses the various aspects and issues relating to the RNFS so as to acquire a better understanding of the processes and dynamics of the sector. The various papers look at in depth aspects such as international experience with regard to RNFS and its lessons for India; patterns and dynamics of growth including linkage with urban areas; state and micro-level experience; change and dynamics of some importance sub-sectors; impact on women and other disadvantaged groups; and working of various policies, programmes and institutions for the growth of RNFS. This comprehensive volume will be extremely useful for further consultations on policy and research activities.