MP eco survey estimates healthy GDP

In the face of all odds, including power shortage, low irrigated area and credit issues, Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Raghavji today painted a rosy picture of handsome gross state domestic product of more than the national average at 8.67 per cent while tabling the state economic survey 2009-2010 in the Assembly. He will present his seventh budget in a row. MP has estimated to post revenue receipts of Rs 39,961.03 crore.

The survey reveals that agriculture contribution to GDP has gone down from 28 per cent in 1999-2000 to 20.53 per cent (quick) in 2008-09 as only 31.34 per cent of the land is irrigated. However, the growth in the sector has gone up from (-) 6.53 per cent estimated in 2007-08 to 9.17 per cent (quick) as foodgrains production has gone up by 39.18 per cent at 14.22 million tonnes (quick estimate). The secondary sector is also estimated (quick) to grow by 4.73 per cent and its contribution to state GDP has slipped to 27.28 per cent (quick estimates) from 28.26 per cent during 2007-08.

The survey has said only 27 large industrial units took shape in the state during the said year, stagnant from the last year, while micro and small sector has gone up by 12.58 per cent from 18,582 units during 2007-2008 to 20,920 during 2008-2009. The tertiary sector; only transportation, trade, various services, banking and insurance has grown by 10.28 per cent during the year 2008-09 and has contributed 20 per cent (quick estimates). The major contributor in this sector is telecommunication with 7.26 per cent (quick) to the GSDP on current prices during 2008-09.

The per capita income has gone up from Rs 12,384 in 1999-2000 (base year) to Rs 14,918 during 2008-09 on constant prices, while the same has gone up to Rs 21,648 up 74.81 per cent on current prices, the survey has said.

The survey has also pointed out that health facilities need to be improved as child mortality ratio is yet very high at 70 per thousand which was 106 during 1993. The data indicates, the survey has suggested, the state government needs to make endless efforts to bring it below the national level of 53 per thousand. Similarly, maternal mortality rate is also high at 335 per thousand against the national average of 254 per thousand.