Celebrating the successes and advancements of Indian agriculture

Agriculture plays an essential role in boosting the Indian economy. The entire economy is supported by agriculture, which makes up 16 percent of the GDP. The share of agriculture and allied sector in the total gross value added of the economy was almost 18.8 percent in FY22. The ICAR report found that India has vast tracts of agricultural land that are broadly divided into 15 agroclimatic zones with different soil types, weather patterns and potential Crop cultivation. The country also appeared as The highest milk producer in the world Along with other agricultural products, such as spices, pulses, tea, cashew nuts, and jute. India also tops as the second largest Rice and wheat productoilseeds, fruits and vegetables, sugar cane and cotton.

As per the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, India is sincerely working towards achieving the Zero Hunger Target (SDG-2) by 2030. Under this SDG, countries are required to alleviate serious hunger and famine issues. Not only that, but on G20 agenda The agricultural sector is also given top priority. The concept aims to stimulate sustainable food systems and build resilient food systems.

Farm Gate Infrastructure

It is indeed a moment of celebration when the Indian government has stepped up to fulfill these agendas. The government is working to provide farmers with farm gate infrastructure. Approximately $1 trillion in financing has been estimated in the 10 years that will boost farm gate and collection point agricultural infrastructure projects. Funds will help primary agricultural cooperatives, farmers producer organizations, etc.

The government has achieved huge successes by launching plans to address the serious issues of malnutrition and food insecurity. with the aim of saving Free cereal for all NFSA recipients, including Antyodaya Ann Yojana families and priority family members, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana was launched this year as a new integrated food security scheme. This will be achieved through a wide network of 5.33 lakh fair price stores across the country.

Apart from all these achievements, the sector is steadily moving towards achieving sustainable ways of practicing agricultural operations, for example creating awareness about soil degradation and nutritional deficiencies in crops, and mitigating insects and pests caused by dangerous climatic conditions.

increase production

This year when Union budget As advertised, it showed a subtle difference Focus on the country’s agricultural sector. With the launch of initiatives such as the Agriculture Acceleration Fund, the sector will have innovative and affordable solutions for farmers in terms of increasing profitability from their agricultural yields. With new provisions for farmers, they can access disease-free and clean planting material, thus producing foldable crops.

Also read: Agricultural stakeholders say the new policy initiatives are to stimulate sectoral growth

Science and technology in agriculture

Since the Neolithic revolution, the agricultural industry has made great strides in adopting science and technology to promote and regulate production and strengthen sales. The Agriculture Acceleration Fund will promote various agricultural enterprises to create innovative solutions for farmers. Digital public infrastructure for agriculture will stimulate the use of technology in the agricultural sector by farmers. Also, government eyes Leveraging artificial intelligence to maximize production in the industry Besides supporting the Indian Millet Research Institute to be developed as a center of excellence.

sustainability

Indian agriculture has always faced challenges in disease-stricken crop yields, and nearly 35 percent of crop yields have faced the wrath of wastage. With provisions under the auspices of Atma Nirbar Clean Factory, the nation aims for sustainable agriculture with disease and pest free crops. While combating the growing threat of pests and insects, farmers aim to increase production. India also aims to reduce carbon intensity and fossil fuel use and targets green hydrogen production in the next 10 years. Also, this indigenous sector will become self-sufficient in pulses and Genetically modified crops.

Also read: Fisheries, experts call for debunking myths about use of GM crops in India’s aqua feed sector

With an increasing focus on the agriculture sector, and provisions for further investment in infrastructure development, development of irrigation facilities, warehousing, and cold storage, the sector aspires to celebrate greater achievements in the coming years.

The writer is the Managing Director of Pesticides India Ltd