India's Labour Market Transitions from Agriculture to Manufacturing and Services
India labour market remodels itself bit by bit as agri slowly cedes ground, workforce moves on
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
India's labour market is gradually shifting from agriculture, which employed 66% of the workforce in 1987-88, to manufacturing and services, now at 43% in 2023-24. This change reflects broader economic transformations, but challenges remain, particularly in creating sufficient non-farm jobs and addressing informal employment.
- 01Agriculture's share of employment has decreased from 66% to 43% over several decades.
- 02Employment in larger enterprises has increased from 10.8% to 13.7% since 2024.
- 03The labour force participation rate is 59.3%, with significant disparities between male (79.1%) and female (40%) participation.
- 04Informal employment remains prevalent, with agriculture accounting for nearly 42% of this workforce.
- 05Regional disparities exist, with states like Gujarat and Karnataka showing stronger employment conditions.
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A recent study by SBI Research highlights a significant shift in India's labour market as it transitions from agriculture to manufacturing and services. The share of workers in agriculture has declined from 66% in 1987-88 to 43% in 2023-24, indicating a structural transformation in the economy. While agriculture still employs nearly half of the workforce, its decreasing dominance underscores the challenge of generating adequate non-farm jobs. The report notes that employment in larger enterprises has improved, rising from 10.8% to 13.7% of the workforce since 2024, aided by policies like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. Despite these gains, informal employment remains a defining characteristic, with agriculture accounting for 42% of informal jobs, highlighting issues of income security and social protection. The labour force participation rate stands at 59.3%, with male participation at 79.1% and female at 40%, reflecting ongoing disparities. Regional variations also persist, with states like Gujarat and Karnataka benefiting from stronger industrial activities, while others struggle with limited diversification. The findings emphasize the need for policy interventions to enhance job quality and support labour-intensive industries, ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful employment opportunities.
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The shift from agriculture to manufacturing and services may lead to better job opportunities and improved income security for workers, particularly in urban areas. However, the persistence of informal employment poses risks for income stability and access to social benefits.
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