Agriculture declining in Odisha

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, June 18: The share of agriculture sector in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has been declining over the years, according to Economic Survey 2013-14 brought out by the Odisha Government.The share of agriculture sector, which includes agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and forestry sub-sectors, was expected to be 15.6 percent in 2013-14 as per advance estimates, the survey indicated.“Despite reduction of the sectoral share of this sector, the agriculture sector is still vital for the State.This sector still provides employment and sustenance, directly or indirectly to 60 percent of the population,” the survey said.One major constraint in improving agriculture and agricultural production in a sustained manner in the State is inadequate and erratic irrigation facilities, the government report added.