StatsGuru: Charting Nitish Kumar's achievements and challenges

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Bihar's economy has changed a great deal under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has won re-election.

As Table 1 shows, the primary sector is a smaller component of output. But, as Table 2 shows, manufacturing itself has shrunk in recent years, although services have picked up the slack. In particular, as Table 3 shows, communications has been a consistent source of growth. Agriculture has been volatile, showing a dependence on rain and prices. However, as Table 4 shows, the productivity of major crops - except pulses - has increased.

Yes, Bihar has very far to go. As Table 5 reveals, its industrial sector is a serious under-performer. As Tables 6 and 7 demonstrate, factories in Bihar are smaller in terms of both capital and labour.