The present study examines the trends and patterns in agricultural growth at the national level. Data on important variables like area, production, and value of output were compiled for the period 1967-68 to 2009-10 from various published sources. The analysis of data reveals that the cropping pattern in India has undergone significant changes over time. There is a marked shift from the cultivation of food grains to commercial crops. Among food grains, the area under coarse cereals has declined by 14.14 per cent between 1970-71 and 2009-10. Similarly, the performance of pulses in terms of area and output was not impressive during the study period. The most important feature controlling the Indian climate is that about 75 per cent of the annual rainfall is received during a short span of four months (June to September). India has witnessed 40 drought years since 1801, drought occurs at a recurrence interval of 5 years. Variability in the onset, withdrawal and quantum of rainfall during the monsoon season has profound impacts on water resources, agriculture, economics and ecosystems in the country