“Why the Primary Sector is Called Agriculture and Allied Sector”
Why the Primary Sector is Called Agriculture and Allied Sector – Detailed 2000-Word Article
Broadly speaking, the economy of any country is divided into three major sectors: Primary Sector, Secondary Sector, and Tertiary Sector. Of these, the Primary Sector is considered to be the backbone of the economy, especially in developing countries like India. A sector is usually referred to as a primary one because it acts as the base on which the other sectors function. It is also popularly known as the Agriculture and Allied Sector. But why should this be so? Why is the term primary sector used interchangeably with agriculture and allied activities?
This article, in general, explains the economic, social, and environmental justifications behind this terminology.
1. What is the Primary Sector?
The Primary Sector refers to that part of the economy that directly makes use of natural resources** in the production of goods. It is the first stage of production and mainly deals with the extraction or production of raw materials from nature.
Major activities in the primary sector:
Agriculture- Growing of Crops
Animal husbandry
Forestry
Besides one can enjoy Fishing
Horticulture
Mining
Milk production
All these activities heavily depend on land, water, soil, and climate among other natural resources.
2. Why is Primary Sector known as Agriculture and Allied Sector?
The Primary Sector is known as the Agriculture and Allied Sector because agriculture is its main activity and all allied activities which support agriculture are included as “allied” activities. Let’s understand this in detail.
Agriculture Is the Main Component
Agriculture has traditionally been the mainstay of the Indian economy. More than 50% of India's workforce is still employed in agriculture and related activities. Key points:
Agriculture provides food grains, fruits and vegetables, pulses, and spices.
It is the source of raw materials in major industries.
Agriculture is important for food security and livelihood.
The primary sector is naturally named the agriculture sector because it is dominated by agriculture.
(2) Activities of the Allies Support Agriculture
Apart from growing crops, a number of allied activities are also a part of the primary sector:
Animal husbandry (cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo)
POULTRY FARMING
Dairy farming
Fishery
Apiculture, or beekeeping
It was also the source of many valuable goods sought after at the time, such as textiles: Sericulture (silk farming)
Horticulture and floriculture
Forestry
These activities support and develop agricultural production. For example,
Animal husbandry provides manure and draught power.
Beekeeping enhances crop pollination.
Fishery development enhances rural income.
Forestry gives wood, medicinal plants, and raw materials.
Hence, it is called agriculture and allied sector.
(3) Dependence on Natural Resources
All activities included in the primary sector have a large dependence on natural resources:
Agriculture → Soil, water, rainfall, and climate
Fishing → Rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans
Forestry → Forests and vegetation
Mining → Mineral deposits
Since the sector relies directly on nature, it is agriculture-based.
(4) Provides Raw Materials for Other Sectors
Primary sector provides raw materials to the secondary/industrial sector as well as to the tertiary/service sector.
Examples:
Cotton → Textile industry
Milk → Dairy products
Wheat → Flour mills and bakery industry
Fruits → Juice and food processing industry
The other sectors cannot function without the primary sector. Because of its foundational role, this is called agriculture and an allied sector.
(5) Principal Source of Rural Livelihood
A large chunk of the Indian population resides in rural areas. For most rural families, the primary sector is the main source of employment and livelihood. It provides:
Income from crops and livestock
They are: Employment in allied activities like dairy, poultry, and fisheries
Food for household consumption
Thus, the sector is closely linked with agriculture, hence the name.
This is a very important note, yet one which few consider to be of consequence.
(6) Ensures Food Security
Agriculture has a very important role in feeding the population. The primary sector is responsible for :
Food production
Rendering Nutrition and diet supply
Stability in the rural economy
All the allied activities boost productivity and income further. The term “agriculture and allied sector” is thus apt.
Won't the pay actually be less?
3. Characteristics of the Primary Sector
Agriculture-dominated, the primary sector has a number of distinct features:
1. Nature-Dependent – Production varies in accordance with rainfall, climate, and soil quality.
2. Labour-Intensive - Human labour is much more important compared to machines, particularly for small farms.
3. Rural-Centric: Most activities are concentrated within the villages or rural areas.
4. Low Capital Requirement - Initial investment can be small.
5. Raw Material Production - To provide inputs to secondary and tertiary sectors.
4. Link Between Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sectors
The primary sector is closely linked to the other sectors:
(a) Primary → Secondary
Industries depend for their raw materials on agriculture and allied activities:
Cotton → Textile industry
Milk → Dairy industry
Wheat → Flour mills
Minerals → Metallic industries
(b) Primary → Tertiary
Service sector supports agriculture and allied activities:
Transportation of goods
Storage and warehousing
Banking and insurance services
Trade and marketing
The primary sector provides the basis for the entire economy.
5. Contribution of the Primary Sector to the Indian Economy
The primary sector has traditionally been important in India's economy:
Provides a notable share of GDP, about 18-20% in 2025
Provide raw materials to industries
Supports exports: spices, cotton, tea, coffee
It creates employment for millions.
It is the basis for rural development.
Without it, the industrial and service sectors cannot flourish.
6. Reasons Why It is Called Agriculture and Allied Sector – Summary
The main sector is also termed the agriculture and allied sector because:
1. Agriculture is its main activity.
2. Agriculture is supported by allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry.
3. It depends directly on natural resources.
4. It provides raw materials to industries.
5. Forms the main source of rural income and employment.
6. Assures food security and nutrition.
7. Serves as the base of economic development.
Yet, there has been no mention of hydrogen as one such fuel.
7. Conclusion This is rightly called the Agriculture and Allied Sector because agriculture is the mainstay and forms the central activity of this sector, ably supported by allied activities. The primary sector, being the base of the economy, provides food, raw materials, employment, and income to millions of people. Agriculture not only feeds the people but also supplies raw materials to secondary and tertiary sectors and thereby helps in making the economy stable and self-sufficient. The contribution of the primary sector is essential to policymakers and scholars of economics or rural development studies. --- FAQs1. What is the primary sector? This is the part of the economy concerned with the extraction or production of goods directly from nature. 2. Why is it called agriculture and allied sector? As this sector basically holds agriculture and all allied activities supporting it, including animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry. 3. What are the allied activities? Allied agriculture activities such as dairy farming, poultry, sericulture, and forestry. 4. Why the primary sector is important? It provides raw materials, employment, and food security, and is the foundation of other industries. 5. Does it provide employment? Yes, it is the main source of employment, especially in rural areas.
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