India is
richly endowed with minerals. They have been only partially
exploited, and untill recently were largely reserved for the
public sector. There are large deposits of coal, iron ore,
manganese, mica, bauxite, and limestone. The most important
sources of commercial energy are coal, gas and oil. Coal and
hydropower contribute primarily to electricity production.
Crude-oil production has increased considerably, but it is
still insufficient to meet the country's requirements and
remains the single largest item in the import bill.
Agriculture
India
produces a wide variety of crops, with food crops
predominating over others. The principal crops are rice,
wheat, pulses (seeds of leguminous crops), sugarcane, cotton,
jute, oilseeds, tea, coffee, and tobacco. Food production in
the recent past has been characterized by plentiful supplies
and by a substantial increase in the government's buffer
stocks. Agricultural production, which constitutes about 32
percent of gross domestic product, significantly influenced by
the monsoons.
Industries
The private
sector controls most of the wholesale, retail and distribution
network. Financial services such as banking and insurance are
well developed and largely controlled by the government.
Investment and leasing companies, although relatively new, are
now widely available in the private sector.
The growth areas in the service industry are leasing and other
financial services, advertising, market research, tourism,
computer software development, telecommunications, and
consultancy services.
General Section
