Agriculture is the dominant sector of the economy contributing 32% to the GDP, of
which 24% is from crops and 18% from rice alone. Livestock and fisheries
contribute around 3% each to the GDP as against 2.4% contributed by forestry.
This sector generates about 22% of the total export earnings and provides
employment to about 63% of the labor force.
Although the relative share of agriculture to the GDP, export earnings and
employment has been declining over time, this sector will remain the largest, single
contributor to income and employment in the near future. It will retain its important
role in achieving self-sufficiency in food production, in reducing rural poverty, and
fostering economic growth. It will also continue to be the major supplier of raw
materials to a large number of industries in the country.