BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: A growth rate of 10 per cent per annum; gradual decline of the primary sector and rise of the service or tertiary sector are all indications that the Goan economy is modernizing and the state is marching ahead.
Figures mentioned in the Economic Survey 2008-09 which was released yesterday showed that the contribution of the primary sector comprising agriculture, mining, fishing and forests to the state domestic product has declined from 11.3 per cent in 2001-02 to 10.42 per cent in 2007-08.
The number of workers in the agriculture sector has declined from 60 per cent of the total workforce in 1960 to 27.5 % in 1991 to 16.6 % according to the 2001 census.
“This may be attributed to the high cost of cultivation, pressure on land due to heavy urbanization leading to less economic viability in relative terms,” the reports stated.
The value added by forestry and logging also declined in real terms as cutting trees is banned in the state.
Admitting that fish production is the state had remained static, the report noted that in 2008 the total fish catch was 93,000 tonnes as compared to 94,000 tonnes the previous year.
At the time of liberation mining contributed about 17 per cent of the state income. Today the value added by the sector is les than 4 %.
However, the secondary sector, which included manufacturing units, electricity, gas, water supply and construction, has grown to fill in the void created by the decline of the primary sector.
The share of value addition in the state domestic product under this sector has increased from 8 % at the time of liberation to 34.34 per cent at present.
The pride of place goes to the tertiary sector, which led by the tourism industry, has become the main stay of the Goan economy. This sector has grown in leaps and bounds, increasing from 49.26 per cent in 2001-02 to 55.24 % in 2007-08.
In keeping with the demands of the 11th five year plan, the government now plans to focus on fast inclusive growth with greater emphasis on social security, enhanced quality of education and health care facilities, quality infrastructure, water supply, solid waste management and IT knowledge economy.
The expenditure in the first two years of the 11th five year plan has risen from Rs 1224.50 crore in in 2007-08 to Rs 1400. 89 crore in 2008-09.
