After independence various development efforts have been initiated by the Government of India and the State Government. Now this process has been diverted towards rural sector as rural development which is not only the result of efforts made through economic planning and resource allocation for the sector but also depends upon the positive response of various determinant factors operating in the rural economy. These factors are both economic and non-economic which determine the shape, level and direction of rural development. The present book covers diverse aspects of the subject through various papers.

The joint venture is undertaken as an academic exercise to provide an overall view of planning at national and micro level to present a more comprehensive approach covering aspects of reading materials as well as some critical analysis.

India is rural in character and 70 percent of its population lives in rural areas. We have completed nine five year plans, despite that the standard of living of the people could not be improved to satisfactory mark. The development of rural economy depends on various factors, coordinating each other. Eleven eminent writers have contributed articles to this book.

This book throws light on various aspects on the rural development of the country, like, Transport, Education, Banking, Cooperatives, State of Cottage industry, Computer, etc.

This book may help the planners, research scholars, government and other agencies who are engaged in the economic development of the country.

Agriculture is the mainstake of the Indian economy. Not only more people are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood and employment but also agriculture is the only sector that provides bulk of income towards the composition of national income. In spite of this, agriculture alone is not adequate to meet the needs of the economy.

The present book is pursued with the following objectives: (a) to study the structure, organization and operation of agro-industries in the context of rural setting, (b) to examine the impact of agro-industries on the growth of output, income, employment and asset formation by farmers in the agricultural sector, (c) to identify the forward and back linkages established with the formation of agro-industries in rural centres and (d) to examine the critical gaps and missing links that restrict the growth of agro-industries and to suggest policy measures to overcome those impediments. The book is written against the background of rural economy where the prospects of agro-industries are brighter. It is hoped that if proper implementation is undertaken to promote agro-industries in rural centres, the existing rural-urban gap and the prevailing migration from rural areas to urban areas would be largely contained; showing a real improvement of rural economy of the country. The book will be of immense use to academicians, researchers, agricultural scientists, statesmen, policy makers and general readers who are interested in rural development and the promotion of agro-industries.