The labour force in India constitutes a vast and diverse segment of the population and plays a central role in the country’s agricultural development and overall economic transformation. India, being one of the most populous countries in the world, possesses a large working-age population, often referred to as a demographic dividend. The size, composition and occupational distribution of the labour force reflect the structural characteristics of the Indian economy, particularly the dominance of agriculture and the gradual shift toward industry and services. The size of the labour force in India is determined by the population in the working-age group, generally considered to be between 15 and 59 years. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India has a substantial proportion of people in the productive age group. The labour force includes both those who are employed and those actively seeking employment. Over the years, the labour force participation rate has shown fluctuations due to factors such as educational expansion, urbanization, migration, and socio-cultural norms. While the absolute number of workers has increased due to population growth, the participation rate, particularly among women, has remained relatively low compared to global averages. This has significant implications for agricultural development, as a large number of rural women engage in farm activities but are often categorized as unpaid family workers. The composition of the labour force in India can be examined in terms of gender, rural-urban distribution, and employment status. A major share of the workforce resides in rural areas, reflecting the agrarian nature of the economy. Although the share of rural workers has declined over time due to urbanization and industrial growth, agriculture still absorbs a significant portion of the rural labour force. Male workers constitute a larger share of the formal labour force, but female participation is substantial in rural agricultural activities, livestock management, and allied sectors such as dairy, poultry and fisheries. However, women are often concentrated in low-paid and informal employment, which affects income distribution and productivity. In terms of employment status, the Indian labour force comprises self-employed workers, regular salaried employees, and casual labourers. Self-employment accounts for a large proportion, particularly in agriculture where small and marginal farmers operate their own holdings. Many rural households depend on family labour for cultivation, making agriculture a labour-intensive occupation. Casual labourers, especially landless agricultural workers, form another important segment. They work on others’ farms during peak seasons such as sowing and harvesting. Regular salaried employment is more common in the organized sector, including government services, large industries, and corporate enterprises, but this segment represents a smaller fraction of the total workforce. The occupational distribution of the labour force highlights the structural transformation of the Indian economy. Traditionally, agriculture has been the principal source of employment. At the