Shaping India’s agricultural legacy for next 25 years

The Importance of Indian Agriculture

India is one of the largest agricultural countries in the world, with more than half of its population depending on agriculture and its allied sectors for their livelihood. The country has the second-largest area under agriculture, after China, and is a major producer of crop-based food. It is also among the top 10 global agricultural exporters, with agriculture constituting about 12% of all domestic merchandise exports annually.

Challenges Faced by the Indian Agriculture Sector

Despite these achievements, the growth of the Indian agriculture sector has averaged a modest 4.6% in recent years. Various challenges such as unsustainable use of land and water, fragmented landholdings, lack of affordable credit, inadequate infrastructure, spread of pests and insects, and price volatility have been impacting farm productivity, sustainability, and growth. However, these issues can be addressed through a holistic approach involving key stakeholders including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and private entities.

The Impact of Climate Change

One of the biggest threats to agriculture in India is climate change. Intermittent cycles of heat and drought, as well as heavy rains and floods, have led to water scarcity or surplus, resulting in a decline in cultivable land and crop production. Urgent risk-mitigation strategies such as climate-resilient sustainable farming systems are needed, especially in vulnerable regions, to help farmers cope with the adverse impact of climate change.

Niti Aayog’s Vision for Indian Agriculture

A recent Niti Aayog vision document calls for a paradigm shift in agriculture to make India a developed nation by 2047. It addresses four priority areas, including enhancing food security and nutrition, adopting a climate-smart approach, promoting value chains for small farmers, and moving from traditional to digital farming. These areas aim to overcome challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems.

Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition

India’s proposal to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets aims to strengthen domestic and global food security and nutrition. To succeed, the growth rate of food production must surpass that of the human population. Emphasizing nutritive and healthy foods, as well as biofortification, can improve the nutritional quality of food crops.

Adopting a Climate-Smart Approach

With unpredictable weather conditions, farmers are more vulnerable to crop and income losses. Providing farmers with cheap finance and skill training can help them adopt climate-friendly technologies and anticipate unexpected weather events. Expanding the use of seed technology can also improve the quality of food crops and livelihoods.

Promoting Value Chains for Small Farmers

Small farmers, who constitute nearly 70% of landholding in India, face challenges in adopting innovative practices and maximizing productivity. Giving them access to affordable credit, tech-based knowledge, and necessary skills can help them produce high-value crops. Developing efficient post-harvest food systems, including value chains, can provide better market access and procurement prices. Agritech startups play a crucial role in adopting new-age technologies to improve the food value chain.

Moving from Traditional to Digital Farming

Agriculture is changing rapidly due to digital and emerging technologies. Farmers engaged in traditional agri-food systems need transformative breakthroughs to catch up with the tech-driven agri space. Disseminating knowledge and training in the effective use of technologies like app-based platforms, e-commerce, and digital payments can open up new marketing and income opportunities for farmers. Collaboration between new-age and traditional companies is essential to reach farmers across the country.

Conclusion

The Indian agriculture sector is undergoing significant changes with the advancement of technology and innovation. Mechanization, conservation practices, food diversity, sustainability, cost-effective crop production, and employment opportunities are improving. New regulations are also creating a favorable environment for the private sector. However, there is a need to encourage the younger generation to enter agribusiness and become agricultural entrepreneurs to drive socio-economic change in the sector.

Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet Ltd.