Introduction to Rajasthan

The journey of Rajasthan commenced on 1st November 1956 when it started to

make its own decisions upon being granted a full statehood. Its geographically the
largest state, with over 10.4%, of the geographical area and covers almost 3,42,239
sq kms. (Hooja 2006) Also, it already has 5.67% of the countrys total population
(GoR: Census 2011). Added to it, its land-locked. The irregular rainfall coupled with
over two-thirds area being arid and semi-arid has proven to be a major bane in the
pursuit of ending endless uncertainty.
The burgeoning population, hostile climate and unfavorable geographical region
have together managed to put an enormous strain on the fragile ecosystem. The
impact can be seen with the growing demand for basic social services such as
education, health and infrastructure. Considering the low economic base of the
state, its becoming rather difficult to cope. Additionally, most of the states feudal
tendencies have remained intact. (Vyas 2007) Not surprisingly, the industries have
shied away from the state, agriculture has continued to stutter and comprehensive
evaluation of the economy remains a pipeline dream.
Keeping in mind the harsh realities, now everything hinges upon how the fragile
natural resources can be managed. In reality some authors have oft pointed to the
fact that the village common lands have been dwindling and have had a severe
impact on the ecological balance. The relationship between agriculture and animal
husbandry has become contentious with an adverse impact visible on the poor
households. On the other hand, agricultural land itself has expanded only through
introduction of irrigation and intensive cultivation. (Joshi 2007)
The most worrisome aspect is when one observes the average surface water. It has
been pegged at a measly 1 percent of the countrys total water resources. Added to
it, the deterioration has been happening at a break-neck speed. The impact of
paucity of surface water can be seen when one observes the over-dependence on
groundwater. Not surprisingly, the recharge exceeds the withdrawal of groundwater
and the wells have deepened far more than one can imagine. The dark zones have
become omnipresent across the state. Now, out of 249 blocks, most have been
tagged under the dark zone and reality is that only 40 have been labeled under the
safe category. (GoR: Agricultural Policy 2013) Thus, water has become a sacred
commodity for the state. The urgent need of the hour is to devise a way to deal with
the water crisis.
The rapidity of increase in the workforce has proved to be a death-kneel for all
thinking associated with demographic dividend. Now, practical problems have risen.
The question is how the state can become equipped to deal with the phenomenon
of unemployment. (Kothari 2007) The role of the different sectors, in these
circumstances, need to be analyzed threadbare.

On the bright side, the extremely low poverty compared to the rest of the country is
a welcome sight indeed. The most remarkable aspect has been the consistent
lowering of poverty across both rural and urban areas. In the case of rural area,
poverty ratio, according to Tendulkar methodology and the Tendulkar line ranked by
2009/10 per capita GSDP, has come down from 40.8 in 1993/94 to 26.4 in 2009/10.
In urban areas, poverty ratio has come down from 29.9 in 1993/94 to 19.9 in
2009/10. The impact of the same can be seen when we see the actual poverty
figures, 38.3 in 1993/94 to 24.8 in 2009/10. (Panagriya 2014)
This can only be possible due to the high growth rate in agricultural production in
the time-frame. The carry on effect of the same can be seen in the day to day
activities of the state. According to the latest figures, over 65% of the population i.e.
56.5 million depend directly or allied activities on agriculture for their livelihood.
(GoR: Agricultural Policy 2013)
Now though, the growth rate has become sluggish with the gradual slowing down of
agriculture. It could be owing to some state specific factors such as outmigration,
diversification of household economy and larger size of landholdings. The excess
land provides a cushion through which newer avenues to earn revenue have opened
up. This can be seen with service outpacing agriculture and industry by quite a big
margin. NSDP of agriculture in 2011 stands at 23.77 compared with 47.75 of
services and 28.48 of industries (GoR: Economic Statistics 2013). The nature of
service sector, in the state, though is reckoned to be limited to petty trade and
hospitality. (Singh 2007)
The sluggish growth of agriculture could be owing to varied reasons such as shifting
of oilseeds such as rape and mustard to wheat, without fully understanding the
implications of the decision. Many scholars lament the change. But, they are in full
agreement, that they cannot hold the policy-maker responsible for the shift. A shift
from coarse cereals such as bajra to wheat could have been brought about owing to
change in consumer taste. Not owing to anything else. The lack of substitute crops
has only made matters difficult for the farmers. (Sagar 2007)
Additionally, a cut-out strategy for technology up-gradation and institutional reforms
in the states directives towards credit and marketing remains to be seen.
This increase in instability; has had an adverse impact on the agricultural
production in the state. Its owing to many reasons. The increase of risk in produce,
adoption of high paying technologies and spike of investment are only some of the
reasons that have increased the strain on the farmers. (Chand and Raju 2009)
In this context, the study assesses the transformation.