Map** Linkages between the Agriculture Sector, Informal Economy, and Inequality amid Pandemic

Abstract

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial need to introspect the socio-economic systems of specifically the develo** nations has emerged. The outbreak of informal sector crises and the health crises have compelled the develo** countries to revisit their development process. The status of informal employment and the prevailing inequality amidst rapid economic growth indicate the strong presence of a dual economy in India. After highlighting the economic growth scenario during the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter examines the status of inequality embedded in India’s capitalist structure and the agriculture sector. The chapter attempts to empirically test the plausible linkages between inequality, employment, the agriculture sector, and economic growth by performing a regression analysis to comprehend the agriculture sector’s role in explaining inequality. Finally, the chapter witnesses the deep-rooted linkages between the agriculture sector, inequality, and employment. There is a rise in disguised unemployment in the agriculture sector; the corresponding skilled and formal employment is needed to absorb all the displaced and disguised unemployed workers. The focus on skill enhancement by various government schemes and, ultimately, the absorption of people employed in the informal sector is highly recommended.