India, has long been a major country, renowned for its influential agriculture sector. Agriculture plays a vital role in controlling the Indian economy. The Indian agricultural sector is globally known for its high contribution to the country’s GDP and economic growth. Agriculture journals in India mentions that Almost 55% of the Indian population is directly or indirectly involved in the agriculture sector.
India is the world’s largest producer of pulses, milk, and spices. It also has the largest area cultivated with rice, wheat, and cotton, as well as the largest herd of cattle (buffaloes). Producing fruit, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, cotton, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar, it ranks second in the world. About half of India’s workforce is employed in the agriculture industry. It is home to the second-largest agricultural acreage in the world. As a result, farmers play a crucial role in the industry that gives us food.
Market size: Indian agriculture sector
Inc42 projects that by 2025, the Indian agriculture industry will generate US$ 24 billion. The food and grocery market in India is the sixth largest globally, with 70% of sales coming from retail.
The entire foodgrain production in the nation is projected to be 148.5 million tonnes based on the First Advance Estimates for 2023–24 (Kharif alone).
Agriculture journals in India mentions that in 2022–2023 the rabi crop area grew from 709.09 lakh hectares to 709.29 lakh hectares.
India’s horticultural output is predicted to reach a record 351.92 million tonnes (MT) in 2022–2023 (based on the second advance estimate), up 4.74 million tonnes (1.37%) from 2021–2022.
The government has made significant investments, improvements, and support for the Agriculture and Allied Industry sector. Investment in agriculture services from April 2000 to March 2024 totaled US$ 3.08 billion, as mentioned by agriculture journal worldwide.
Major investments in the agriculture sector
The major investments in the Indian farming sector in the recent years are as follows:
- The National Cooperative Development Cooperation (NCDC) and NABARD, along with NBCC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2023. The MOU was signed to build 1,469 grain storage units, the largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector worldwide.
- The 27th WAIPA World Investment Conference will take place in New Delhi, India, from December 11–14, 2023.
- Rallis India, a Tata company, introduced NAYAZINC fertilizer in December 2023.
- NITI Aayog and IFPRI signed a policy in December 223. It is a Statement of Intent to fortify policy frameworks for agricultural transformation and rural development.
- The President of India, in 2023, launched the Fourth Krishi Road map of Bihar.
- Coal India, as per the report by Open Agriculture Journal teamed up and invested Rs. 3,095 crore (US$ 371.69 million) in a joint venture for fertilizer in October 2023. It is aimed at increasing the output in the agriculture sector.
Government initiatives to boost the Agriculture sector
The Government has taken several initiatives to boost the agricultural sector. Some of these are the following:
Insurance for crops
Farmers, as mentioned by Agriculture journals in India, can get crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) against natural disasters.
welfare of farmers
Small and marginal farmers are eligible for pension benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan MaanDhan Yojana (PM-KMY).
Infrastructure for agriculture
Infrastructure initiatives for farmers, startups, and local government entities are supported by the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
farming using organic methods
Organic farming is encouraged by the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). Increased crop yields may result from organic farming’s improvements to the biodiversity and health of the soil.
Abhiyan Atmanirbhar Oil Seeds
With the help of this program, India hopes to become self-sufficient in oil seeds like sunflower, sesame, mustard, and groundnuts.
Rural-to-urban connectivity
The Prime Minister’s National Rural Roads Program (PMGSY) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) help connect rural areas to public services.
Scientific storage
The government is encouraging the storage of scientific data.
Drone-related technology
Drone technology is being adopted by the government.
What are the major challenges faced by farmers?
Farmers all over the country face setbacks, according to Indian Agricultural Research Journals. The following are the major cause of concern in the agriculture sector:
Climate change: Variable weather patterns, as per Agriculture journals in India can lower crop yields and result in losses. Examples of these patterns include increased temperatures, floods, and storms.
Soil erosion: Crop yields and soil fertility can be negatively impacted by the top layer of soil eroding or washing away.
Poor storage: Farmers, as mentioned by Indian Agricultural Research Journals can be forced to sell their food at a loss as soon as it is harvested.
Inadequate infrastructure: Farmers may find it challenging to get their produce to market due to inadequate transportation infrastructure, which could result in food waste and price increases.
Division of land holdings: Dividing land holdings can lead to a decrease in production.
Absence of mechanization: Planting on time can be challenging without the proper tools, which might result in under-cultivated land and lost revenue.
Pests and diseases: Crop failure may result from pest and disease outbreaks.
Low market prices: Producers might get paid less for their goods than it would cost to make them.
Lack of labor: Farmers could not have enough employees. Labor shortage is often the cause of huge losses as they face delays in sowing and harvesting.
Effective ways to cope up with challenges in the agricultural sector
Farmers can overcome obstacles by:
Increasing the health of their soil
By making investments in soil health, farmers may trap carbon, boost crop yields, and strengthen their resistance to climate change. Fields that are regularly walked can assist detect problems with runoff, ponding, and erosion.
Controlling illnesses and pests
The first step in controlling illnesses and pests’ effects on crops is to identify them.
Labor Management Farmers may find it difficult to control their agricultural labor force. Low unemployment can drive up labor prices, while restrictions on immigration and labor can stifle creativity.
Having access to financial instruments
Small farmers and exporters frequently do not have the capital or credit history necessary to finance trade or agricultural inputs. Financing for farmers can be facilitated by digital instruments.
Increasing Interaction
Farmers, as per Agriculture journals in India can overcome obstacles by being informed about environmental changes and adaptation techniques.
Increasing labor sharing
Increasing the stability of labor-sharing organizations can aid farmers in overcoming obstacles.
Employing organic agricultural methods
The misuse of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, which can be mitigated by organic farming.