The impact of agricultural complementary processing industries upon rural economy Case: central part of Rasht

The industrialization of rural areas has led to changes in rural economies through the absorption of rural population. This in turn, helps in reduction in unemployment rate as well as economic growth. This strategy is capable of improving rural standard of living and paves the way for the achievement of sustainable rural economy. This study tries to investigate the dimensions, aspects and benefits associated with linkages between agriculture and rural industries in general and in central part of Rasht in particular. It further stresses on the impact of agricultural complementary processing industries upon rural economy.

This study has applied nature and it is based on descriptive - analytical method. It further demands application of survey, field works as well as documentation. Statistical society composed of rural development experts. Out of 243 first round questionnaires, 48 were selected. The credibility of this questionnaire was done using the related experts. Its viability was determined to be 0.876 using Kronbakh alpha. This study further supports application of SPSS, Excel and Arc GIS for data analysis purpose.

This study suggests that the benefits and impacts of linkages between agriculture and industries are proven. This could exemplify itself in agricultural product support at different production stages, usage of new agricultural economic method, strengthening rural economy base, creation of jobs incomes as well as expansion of exports and rural investments. This linkage in turn could lead to strengthening rural economy bases and the achievement of rural sustainable development. It finally conveys this message that the only way of increase in agricultural products and self- sufficiency and entering into international market competition is through creation of agricultural complementary – processing industries.