Five fifths of Indians rely on agriculture as their main source of income, and the country’s agriculture economy is vital to the nation’s overall economic development. For centuries, India’s economy has been based primarily on agriculture, which employs about half of the labor force and generates a sizable portion of the nation’s GDP. The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released estimates that show that the GVA of the agricultural and related sectors in the 22–23 GY was 18.3%.
Changes in market dynamics and climatic patterns have presented challenges for the agricultural sector in the last two years, despite its importance. This is partially explained by the historical emphasis on crops that are compatible with the climate, as well as the use of traditional agricultural practices that can be resource-intensive and highly dependent on water.
Nonetheless, the Indian agricultural model can be strengthened by persistent efforts at digital transformation combined with support and incentives from the government. India’s agricultural sector has seen a surge in creative inventions, technology utilisation, and enhanced farming practices in recent years. AgriTech startups, innovation, and an influx of capital are determined to transform Indian agriculture and set the stage for a futuristic model.
Problems with India’s Agricultural Strategy
India is one of the world’s top producers of food, yet food insecurity persists there. Millions of people still do not have access to enough food that is safe and nourished. This paradox emphasises the necessity of having a strong and functional agriculture policy that can deal with the problems. The following obstacles present bright chances for advancement that have the potential to completely change India’s agricultural environment.
Irrigation
Just one-third of India’s cropland is irrigated, despite being the second-largest irrigated country in the world after China. Given the nation’s tropical monsoon climate, which produces erratic and variable rainfall, this is a serious limitation. More than half of the cultivated area must have consistent irrigation in order to make significant agricultural progress.
Both Manures and Fertilisers
Indian soils have been used for crop cultivation for centuries, with little thought given to replenishment. Lower yields are the result of the soils becoming depleted and exhausted. In actuality, India has some of the lowest average crop yields worldwide. Increasing the use of fertilisers and manures is essential to addressing this major problem.
Absence of Automation
Even though some parts of the nation have seen substantial mechanisation, many agricultural activities remain primarily manual in these areas, utilising simple tools and equipment like sickles and wooden ploughs. For the best machine you can consider any affordable tractor like Eicher 242 Price is fair for the Indian farmers.
Crop-related tasks such as weeding, threshing, harvesting, transporting, seeding, irrigating, thinning and pruning, and ploughing carried out either entirely or mostly without the use of machinery. Particularly for small and marginal farms, this is accurate. Because of this, a lot of human labour needed, which results in low productivity per worker.
Capital
Like other industries, agriculture needs capital to run efficiently. As agricultural technology develops, financial investment becomes more and more necessary. Farmers frequently need to borrow money in order to increase agricultural output because their capital locked up in stocks and land. Regrettably, commission agents, traders, and moneylenders frequently act as farmers’ main sources of funding in rural areas, charging exorbitant interest rates and buying agricultural products at discounted prices.
The Futures Of Sustainable Agriculture And Carbon Farming
Farms for Demonstration:
Setting up demonstration plots for carbon farming is crucial to illustrating best practices and their results. The demonstration of measurable benefits for crop productivity, soil health, and sustainability in general can be a powerful motivator for farmers to switch to carbon farming.
Agritech Participation:
Establishing last-mile connectivity with farmers is a critical function of grassroots agritech agencies. To increase the scope of carbon farming initiatives and provide more funding, cooperation between the government, other organisations, and non-governmental organisations is crucial.
Farms for Demonstration:
Setting up demonstration plots for carbon farming is crucial to illustrating best practices and their results. The demonstration of measurable benefits for crop productivity, soil health, and sustainability in general can be a powerful motivator for farmers to switch to carbon farming.
Enhancing Market and Digital Connectivity
Farmers could only access the nearest or local markets prior to the internet and smartphones, which frequently resulted in low returns for their produce. Furthermore, farmers compelled to sell their produce at the first price given because there was a lack of infrastructure for storage. But as smartphones and the internet become more widely used, digital connectivity is making its way to Indian villages. Farmers now have access to a wealth of data regarding market prices, climatic conditions, and farming inputs. Farmers can now sell their produce at higher prices because it has further strengthened their market connections. A growing number of AgriTech companies are raising awareness among farming communities and putting them in contact with a network of exporters, retailers, and traders who prepared to pay more for their produce.
These are all about exploring the dynamics of India’s agriculture sector. For more information about Eicher Tractor Price, stay connected with us.
