Since 1951 the country has had a generally steady rate of economic growth. Agriculture is a significant sector of the economy. India's leading crop is rice, a staple foodstuff for many Indians, followed by wheat, sugarcane, tea, cotton, jute, cashews, coffee, and spices. The raising of livestock is also important, primarily for use as beasts of burden, or for wool or dairy products. India ranks among the world leaders in the production of many of its mineral and precious metal resources.
Textile production is the leading manufacturing industry of India.
Other important sectors of manufacturing include processing of agricultural products and steel products. Government India is a union of 25 states and 7 centrally administered territories. The chief executive and head of state is a president, but actual executive power resides in a council of ministers, or cabinet, headed by a prime minister. The president appoints the prime minister. History Archaeological evidence indicates that the Indian subcontinent was invaded long ago by Dravidian tribes, who subsequently developed an extensive and sophisticated civilization.