RURAL INDIA: NEW GROWTH LEADER
Business Today India|January 19, 2025
Addressing the pressing challenges of climate vulnerability, infrastructure gaps, and skill development will be essential to unlocking rural India's full potential
RAJESH SHUKLA
RURAL INDIA: NEW GROWTH LEADER

RURAL INDIA, where nearly 65% of the population resides, is undergoing a transformative renaissance, laying the foundation for India's journey towards Viksit Bharat. Traditionally the backbone of the nation's agriculture and handicrafts, rural India is now emerging as a dynamic driver of economic growth.

While agriculture still contributes 15-18% to the national GDP (gross domestic product), rural areas are rapidly evolving beyond their agrarian roots. With rural consumption accounting for nearly 55% of total consumer spending, the demand for consumer goods such as two-wheelers, televisions, and smartphones is surging, often outpacing urban markets (PRICE'S ICE360 survey, 2023). This transformation is fuelled by rising incomes, improved infrastructure, and growing aspirations for a better quality of life. At the heart of this evolution lies the confluence of digital transformation, government welfare schemes, and entrepreneurial energy.

The digital revolution has brought connectivity and technology to the doorsteps of rural households. By 2024, rural India boasted over 360 million internet users, growing faster than urban regions in adoption rates. Affordable smartphones and data services, coupled with initiatives like Digital India, have enabled rural communities to embrace digital tools and platforms. Apps like WhatsApp, with over 210 million Indian users, are now integral for communication, commerce, and even governance in villages. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have empowered rural artisans, farmers, and businesses to connect with wider markets. Digital payments through platforms like UPI (Unified Payments Interface) have further integrated rural India into the formal economy, with 12 billion monthly transactions, a growing share of which originates from rural areas.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 19, 2025 من Business Today India.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 19, 2025 من Business Today India.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من BUSINESS TODAY INDIA مشاهدة الكل
"Do what's best for employees"
Business Today India

"Do what's best for employees"

BEST ADVICE - PANKAJ JATHAR | CEO | NIIT LTD

time-read
1 min  |
January 19, 2025
Your Palate for 2025
Business Today India

Your Palate for 2025

What's in store for you in the New Year when you go out for a meal or a drink? We ask industry experts to predict F&B trends for 2025

time-read
4 mins  |
January 19, 2025
"RBI'S STANCE SHOULD BE TO KEEP THE RUPEE MORE VOLATILE"
Business Today India

"RBI'S STANCE SHOULD BE TO KEEP THE RUPEE MORE VOLATILE"

Axis Bank Chief Economist Neelkanth Mishra talks about the rupee, quantitative easing, the Trump impact, and more

time-read
8 mins  |
January 19, 2025
"We should strive towards two non-zero GST rates"
Business Today India

"We should strive towards two non-zero GST rates"

Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, on further reforms in the economy, the Nehruvian era and its impact on policymaking, cash transfers, and more

time-read
10 mins  |
January 19, 2025
A GENERATION MAROONED
Business Today India

A GENERATION MAROONED

This generation is creating new grammar for social and professional existence. They are reimagining the very concept of work, identity, and social belonging

time-read
3 mins  |
January 19, 2025
A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY AND OPPORTUNITY
Business Today India

A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY AND OPPORTUNITY

A look at the key trends that will redefine how content will be created, distributed, and consumed

time-read
3 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Consciousness Shaping Consumption
Business Today India

Consciousness Shaping Consumption

India has a dynamic and discerning consumer base, whose consumption pattern is experiencing a significant transformation

time-read
3 mins  |
January 19, 2025
THE NIFTY ELEPHANTS
Business Today India

THE NIFTY ELEPHANTS

The composition of the Nifty 50 index has undergone notable changes in the past 30 years, with only 11 companies consistently remaining in the index. It is expected to undergo further changes in 2025 with the entry of new-age companies like Zomato

time-read
2 mins  |
January 19, 2025
REDEFINING THE DIGITAL AGE
Business Today India

REDEFINING THE DIGITAL AGE

For Bitcoin, its future lies not as a currency but as a cornerstone of the modern financial ecosystem

time-read
3 mins  |
January 19, 2025
THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE
Business Today India

THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE

As AI advances, so will its role in health insurance. In the future, it shall perform a variety of complex tasks, making it more accessible and aligned with individual needs

time-read
3 mins  |
January 19, 2025