(a) "Manufacturing industries are considered the backbone of the economic development of a country." Justify the statement.

(i) The economic strength of a country is measured by the development of manufacturing industries.

(ii) Manufacturing industries help in modernizing agriculture.

(iii) They provide jobs in the secondary and tertiary sectors.

(iv) Industrial development is a pre-condition for eradication of unemployment and poverty.

(v) Export of manufactured goods expands trade and commerce and brings much needed foreign exchange.

(vi) Countries that transform their raw material into a wide variety of finished goods of higher values are prosperous.

(vii) It is also aimed at bringing down regional disparities by establishing industries in tribal and backward areas.

(b) “Agriculture and industries complement each other.” Justify the statement.

(i) Agriculture and industries are not exclusive of each other. They move hand in hand.

(ii) For instance, Agro-industries in India have given a major boost to agriculture by raising its productivity.

(iii) Industries depend on agriculture for raw material and provide their products for example, irrigation pumps, fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, plastic and PVC pipes, machines and tools etc to the agricultural sector.

(iv) The development and competitiveness of manufacturing industries has not only assisted agriculturists in increasing their productions but also made production process very efficient.

(v) In the present day of globalization, our industries need to be more efficient and competitive. This will increase the productivity of agriculture sector as well.