Challenges and Emerging Opportunities in Indian Agriculture

Compiled by: Outreach for Development Team, S M Sehgal Foundation
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the Indian economy and the livelihoods of millions of people in rural areas. The primary source of income for about two-thirds of the population, directly or indirectly, the sector has undergone significant transformations since the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which brought about high-yielding varieties of crops, modern irrigation methods, and fertilizers. However, the country still faces several challenges in agricultural development, including small and fragmented landholdings, low productivity, inadequate irrigation facilities, and the effects of climate change.
The Indian Government has implemented various policies and initiatives to address these challenges and promote sustainable agricultural development. One such initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop insurance scheme that provides financial support to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, or disease. The government has also launched the National Agricultural Market (eNAM), an online platform that facilitates the marketing of agricultural produce across the country, reducing intermediaries and ensuring better prices for farmers.
Moreover, the government has taken steps to improve irrigation facilities and promote the adoption of efficient water management practices. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) increases the area under irrigation with the development of water sources, distribution networks, and efficient water use. The government has also launched the Soil Health Card Scheme, which provides farmers with information on the nutrient status of their soil and recommendations the appropriate use of fertilizers, leading to higher crop yields and improved soil health.
CHALLENGES IN THE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF INDIA:
• The sector is plagued by the problem of low productivity due to outdated farming techniques, lack of proper irrigation facilities, and inadequate use of fertilizers and pesticides that led to lower yields and lower profits for farmers.
• The agriculture sector is vulnerable to the impact of climate change, which has resulted in erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and floods, affecting the production and availability of crops and leading to higher prices for consumers.
• A lack of infrastructure in rural areas, including poor roads, inadequate storage facilities, and limited access to credit have made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets and resulted in a lack of investment in the sector.
• A lack of awareness among farmers about the use of modern technology and best practices in the field has limited their ability to adopt new farming techniques and improve their yields.
• The agriculture sector in India is dominated by small and marginal farmers with limited access to inputs and resources, making it difficult for them to compete with larger players in the market.
These challenges have contributed to the stagnation of agricultural growth in India and affected the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The government has launched programs to promote the adoption of modern farming techniques, including the promotion of organic farming and the use of high-yield variety seeds. The private sector has also been actively involved, with several companies advancing to build on new products and technologies that can improve agricultural productivity. However, there is still a long way to go to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India. More investment is needed in infrastructure, research and development, and the promotion of new farming techniques. In addition, policies and programs need to be designed to ensure that small and marginal farmers have access to inputs and resources so they can compete in the market. Addressing these challenges is essential for the long-term sustainability and growth of the agriculture sector in India.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA:
India is an agrarian economy with a vast potential for agricultural development. Several opportunities can be leveraged to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.
• India’s large and growing population creates a massive demand for food and agri products. This demand can be met by increasing agricultural productivity and improving the supply chain.
• India has a diverse range of agro-climatic zones, which makes it possible to cultivate a variety of crops, giving ample opportunities for an increase in the income of farmers through diversification.
• A growing trend toward organic farming and sustainable agriculture has a vast potential to make India a global leader in organic farming and tap into the growing demand for organic products worldwide.
• An additional income for farmers through agro-forestry and agro-tourism, a booming sector, if capitalized, will promote sustainable land use practices.
• The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote agricultural development, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) initiative. These initiatives offer farmers with opportunities to access insurance, irrigation facilities, and market information to enhance their productivity and income.
Several avenues are available for agriculture development in India that the government and other stakeholders need to leverage by providing the necessary support and infrastructure opportunities to farmers. This includes access to technology, finance, and market information, as well as promoting sustainable land use practices and organic farming. By doing so, India can achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in the agriculture sector and contribute to the overall economic development of the country.
CAN LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA?
Leveraging innovation and modern technology will play a significant role in improving agricultural development in India. In recent years, several technological advancements and innovations have been introduced to the Indian agricultural sector, such as precision farming, drip irrigation, and crop monitoring systems, which have the potential to increase productivity, reduce waste, improve crop yields, and lead to better income for farmers.
• A primary challenge faced by the Indian agricultural sector is the lack of access to reliable and timely information. Technology can help bridge this gap by providing farmers with real-time information on weather patterns, market prices, and crop health. This can help farmers make informed decisions about crop management and improve their overall productivity.
• Technology can be used to improve the efficiency of farming operations. Drones and satellite imagery can be used for mapping and surveying farms to help farmers identify problem areas and take corrective action. Similarly, smart irrigation systems will optimize water usage and minimize wastage.
• The use of technology will help to improve supply chain management in the agricultural sector. Technology will help farmers access better market information and connect directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries and reducing transaction costs. However, the adoption of technology and innovation in agriculture requires significant investment and support from the government, private sector, and civil society organizations. Access to technology and related infrastructure such as electricity, internet connectivity, and equipment is a major challenge for many small farmers in rural areas.
S M Sehgal Foundation is a sustainable rural development NGO in India established in 1999 by Dr. Suri Sehgal, a visionary philanthropist, and entrepreneur and his wife Edda Sehgal. The foundation promotes sustainable rural development that respects human dignity, protects the environment, and promotes social justice by working with rural communities in India to help them achieve self-reliance and build their capacities.
The foundation focuses on a range of issues, including agricultural development, water management, rural education, and women’s empowerment to promote sustainable and equitable development, and its work has significantly improved the lives of thousands of people in rural communities.
S M Sehgal Foundation’s agricultural development initiatives increase crop productivity, improve water management, promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhance farmers’ income, and provide training and support to farmers on improved agricultural practices, post-harvest management, and marketing of their produce.
Farmer Training for Good Agriculture Practices
Continuous learning is necessary for farmers to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies in agriculture, their lifelong career. The Agriculture Development Program of S M Sehgal Foundation promotes sustainable livelihoods by building the capacity of farmers, including women farmers, in India by providing information on modern and sustainable agricultural practices, including new technologies that increase crop yields, conserve water, and improve soil fertility. The program uses a variety of capacity-building methods such as classroom training, on-farm training with practical application, exposure visits, field days, and workshops for peer-to-peer learning. The program organizes exposure visits for farmers and invites agricultural scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras to share experiences and build capacities. The Agriculture Development Program goal is to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable while building linkages for program sustainability.
Laser Leveling
The role of technology in agriculture has expanded greatly, especially with the advent of digital technology. Innovations in agriculture have led to a revolution in farming practices, resulting in reduced losses and increased efficiency, which in turn positively impact farmers. The use of digital and analytic tools has driven continuous improvement in agriculture, and these advancements have led to improved crop yields and increased the income of the farming community. For example, Ayyaz was able to reduce the time and cost of irrigation by using modern technology in land leveling. S M Sehgal Foundation, through a CSR-supported project, educated him about the benefits of laser land leveling, which he then implemented on half of his two-acre land. Laser land leveling saved Ayyaz time and money, as it took only six hours to irrigate the field instead of 10–11 hours, resulting in a saving of INR 1,800. This technique also improved crop productivity due to the even distribution of water and fertilizers in the field.
CONCLUSION
Leveraging technology and innovation is a game changer for agriculture development in India. It helps in overcoming some major challenges faced by the sector and bring about more sustainable and efficient farming practices. However, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach small and marginalized farmers is crucial because they form a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in India.
Source: communications@smsfoundation.org