Agriculture in India is a diverse collection of unique farming systems, characterized by various natural factors like climate, soil, and vegetation, which can be disorganized and unpredictable from production to sale. In the past, food scarcity in pre-independent India had significant consequences due to the reliance on monsoon for agriculture, leading to crop failures from adverse weather conditions and natural disasters.
Agriculture is the priority sector
Over the last 50 years, India has gone from food aid dependency to becoming a consistent net exporter of food. Food grains and oilseeds still account for almost 80 per cent of crop area, though India has diversified into high value commodities and has become the world's largest producer of milk, pulses, horticulture and livestock as well as the top exporter of shrimp and spices globally.
In the planning process of India after gaining independence, agriculture was identified as the top priority sector. Despite facing challenges such as unpredictable weather, deteriorating soil quality, rising temperatures, and the spread of harmful pests and diseases since gaining independence, the agriculture sector in India has made significant progress mainly thanks to advancements in agricultural science.
The most signifying milestone has been food security that brought confidence and raised the country’s stature globally. Country's achievements in the agriculture sector after independence, also known as the Green Revolution. The Green Revolution transformed India's agriculture sector, making it more productive, efficient, and resilient.
Key milestones of Green Revolution
1960s: Introduction of high-yielding wheat varieties
1970s: Expansion of irrigation and fertilizer use
1980s: Increased focus on crop diversification and soil conservation
1990s: Implementation of market reforms and trade liberalization
2000s: Emphasis on organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient practices
Transformation of agriculture sector
High-Yielding Varieties: Introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties, leading to increased crop yields.
Irrigation Expansion: Expansion of irrigation facilities, enabling farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year.
Fertilizer and Pesticide Use: Increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing crop growth and protection.
Mechanization: Introduction of mechanized farming tools and equipment, reducing manual labour and increasing efficiency.
Crop Diversification: Encouragement of crop diversification, leading to a decrease in dependence on a single crop.
Soil Conservation: Implementation of soil conservation techniques, reducing soil erosion and improving fertility.
Agricultural Research: Establishment of research institutions and extension services, providing farmers with access to new technologies and expertise.
Food Security: Achievement of food security, making India self-sufficient in food production.
Export Growth: Growth in agricultural exports, contributing to India's foreign exchange earnings.
Rural Employment: Generation of rural employment opportunities, improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
India's agriculture sector growth comparison with other countries
India is the world’s seventh largest country by land area, and the second most populous country in the world with 1.43 billion inhabitants, 66 per cent of who still live in rural areas. Country is able to stand as the fifth largest economy in the world due to the majority of the country's population still living in rural areas and maintaining agriculture and animal husbandry as their main occupation.
Global Ranking: India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs, with the largest net cropped area globally. Agriculture employs 42 per cent of India's workforce and contributes 17-18 per cent to the country's GDP.
Agricultural Production: India is the world's largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and has the world's largest cattle herd (buffaloes), as well as the largest area under wheat, rice, and cotton.
Export of Agricultural Products: India exported $38 billion worth of agricultural products in 2020, with a total agriculture commodities export of US$3.50 billion in March-June 2020.
GDP Contribution: Agriculture accounted for 23% of GDP and employed 59% of the country's total workforce in 2016.
Challenges & goals: India's agricultural growth faces challenges like raising agricultural productivity per unit of land, reducing rural poverty, and ensuring food security.
On-going schemes for farmers
The Indian government has launched several initiatives and schemes for farmers. These schemes aim to improve the lives of farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote rural development.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: Provides financial support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers through direct benefit transfer.
PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana: Aims to enhance water efficiency in agriculture and provides financial support for irrigation systems.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Offers crop insurance to protect farmers from crop failures and natural disasters.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: Focuses on agricultural development and provides financial support for various agricultural activities.
Gramin Bhandaran Yojana: Aims to create scientific storage capacity in rural areas to help farmers store their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
PM Matsya Sampada Yojana: Focuses on the development of the fisheries sector and provides financial support for fish farmers and aquaculture.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan: Aims to ensure remunerative prices to farmers for their produce and provides financial support for agricultural activities
