Title : Indian Agriculture @75: Development issues and challenges
Abstract:
Agriculture is an important sector of Indian economy, accounting for about 20% in Gross Value Added (GVA) and registering a growth of around 4 %. Growth in allied sectors including horticulture, livestock, dairying and fisheries have been the major drivers of overall growth in the sector. The sector is also the largest employer of workforce contributing employment to about 50 % of the total workforce in the country. Agriculture and allied sectors provide food and nutrition security to the nation. In the 75th year of its Independence of the country, it is important to assess the achievements and identify development challenges the sector confront. This will enable to build a future growth strategy for Indian agriculture and its allied sectors.
Marginal and small farm sizes constitute more than 85% of the operational holdings in India. It is time to develop impactful programmes to support and empower them with knowledge for sustainable and climate resilient production. The Government of India has brought significant reforms in the agriculture sector which will go a long way in building efficient value chains and ensuring better returns for farmers. With independent India turning 75, Indian agriculture also needs to be transformed and reoriented to be smart and sustainable. Towards this, there is an immense need to promote interventions that help in achieving the sustainable development goals target.
As we embark on a new era of agriculture with enormous pressure to produce more food from less land with shrinking water and other natural resources, there is an urgent need to strengthen the existing agricultural value chain. Country needs to evolve smart and sustainable agriculture that aims to bring all key stakeholder and policy makers on a common platform to ideate on implementable strategy. The paper also highlights priorities and develops segment wise visions with a clear set of recommendations.
Auidence Take Away Notes:
- Understand Indian Agriculture from historical perspective.
- Learn agriculture growth during 75 years of Independence.
- Learn the contribution of Agriculture in Indian economy.
- Learn problems and challenges of Indian agriculture
