New Delhi, July 14 -- Nearly six weeks after the Southwest monsoon that accounts for about 75% of India's total rainfall arrived in Kerala, it is time to take stock of this age-old determinant of economic outcomes, especially in the country's rural hinterland.

The sectoral composition of India's economy has transformed over the years, with agriculture now making up only about 18% of gross value added, but this reduction in share has not been matched by a corresponding decline in the numbers who depend on farming.

As estimated, the farm sector supports almost 43% of India's workforce today. No wonder the annual monsoon's progress holds us in thrall year after year.

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