Economic Survey 1981

The prospects for agriculture have improved as a result of the good rains so far and it is possible to contemplate a relatively rapid growth in this sector during 1981, after two poor years. Faster growth in agriculture will have a beneficial effect on the remainder of the economy, assisting the balance of payments, supplying necessary raw materials and boosting demand. So long as it can overcome difficulties associated with shortages of imports, the manufacturing sector may also experience accelerated growth, as also may the construction sector if the supply of credit is made easier. Commerce would be adversely affected by an expected reduction in the volume of imports but would be stimulated by an agricultural and industrial recovery.