Synopsis Agriculture is the mainstake of the Indian economy. Not only more people are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood and employment but also agriculture is the only sector that provides bulk of income towards the composition of national income. In spite of this, agriculture alone is not adequate to meet the needs of the economy. The present book is pursued with the following objectives: (a) to study the structure, organisation and operation of agro-industries in the context of rural setting, (b) to examine the impact of agro-industries on the growth of output, income, employment and asset formation by farmers in the agricultural sector, (c) to identify the forward and back linkages established with the formation of agro-industries in rural centres and (d) to examine the critical gaps and missing links that restrict the growth of agro-industries and to suggest policy measures to overcome those impediments. The book is written against the background of rural economy where the prospects of agro-industries are brighter. It is hoped that if proper implementation is undertaken to promote agro-industries in rural centres, the existing rural-urban gap and the prevailing migration from rural areas to urban areas would be largely contained; showing a real improvement of rural economy of the country. The book will be of immense use to academicians, researchers, agricultural scientists, statesmen, policy makers and general readers who are interested in rural development and the promotion of agro-industries.