The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation

Krishna explains the duties of vaishyas and shudras together. 'Kṛṣi-gaurakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam'—agriculture (kṛṣi), cattle-rearing (gaurakṣya), and commerce (vāṇijyam) constitute the duty of vaishyas (vaiśya-karma), born of their nature (svabhāva-jam). 'Paricaryātmakaṁ karma śūdrasyāpi svabhāva-jam'—service-oriented duty (paricaryātmakam karma) is also (api) that of shudras (śūdrasya), born of their nature (svabhāva-jam). These are duties suited to those whose nature inclines toward trade, agriculture, business, or service. Vaishyas are those whose nature inclines toward commerce, agriculture, and business. Shudras are those whose nature inclines toward service. This is not about birth—it's about natural qualities and inclinations. Both are important and contribute to society in their own ways.