International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Deepak Kumar Tomar, Mohinder Singh and Ajay Sharma

abstract
This study examines the inflation-adjusted contributions of the agriculture, manufacturing, trade, finance, and public services sectors to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 1954 to 2023. Using an econometric framework, the analysis traces long-term structural changes in the Indian economy and assesses the shifting roles of primary, secondary, and tertiary activities. The period under review captures major policy transitions, technological advancements, and increasing global integration, all of which have influenced sectoral performance. The findings show that agriculture, although historically central to India’s economic system, has experienced a consistent decline in its share of real output as industrialization and urban expansion have intensified. In contrast, manufacturing and services have strengthened their positions as the main drivers of economic growth. This transformation highlights the need for development strategies that accommodate evolving sectoral dynamics and support balanced and sustainable growth. By presenting annual trends across sectors, the study offers a clearer understanding of how the economy has responded to reforms and external shocks over time. The results provide valuable evidence for policymakers seeking to design informed and adaptive economic policies. Overall, the research contributes to the literature on structural transformation by offering a comprehensive account of India’s sectoral evolution in the post-independence era.