Estimating the Value of Agricultural Cropland and Pasteurland in India

The main aim of this study is to develop an accounting framework that reflects the real contribution of agricultural land and pastureland to society. The more specific objectives are to: 1 estimate the value of the stocks and flows of agricultural land and pastureland; 2 incorporate the loss in value caused due to depletion of agricultural and pastoral resources into the national accounts; and 3 estimate the impact of the sector on the degradation of the environment and thereby estimate the sector’s real contribution to the economy. While estimating the degradation of the environment, considered in the main are the impact of agricultural production on land degradation, soil erosion, and sedimentation of waterways. The study looks at various states in India and mainly relies on secondary data.