The development of rural India is imperative for inclusive and equitable growth and to unlock huge potential of the population that is presently trapped in poverty. The root cause of social insecurity in India is poverty and that is largely due to lack of adequate or productive employment opportunities. Agricultural growth is crucial for alleviating rural poverty. Similarly, development of rural industries is the key to rural development. These industries are generally artisan-based, located mostly in rural and semi-urban areas. Rural credit is another significant component of rural development strategy. Access to institutional credit to more farmers and appropriate quantity and quality of agricultural credit are crucial for realising the full potential of agriculture as a profitable activity. This book deals with various aspects of rural development in India with focus on rural poverty.