Agriculture can drive India’s growth as developed nation 2047

Source: The post Agriculture can drive India’s growth as developed nation 2047 has been created, based on the article “Agriculture’s road to 2047” published in “Business Standard ” on 30 May 2025. Agriculture can drive India’s growth as developed nation 2047.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Agriculture

Context: At NITI Aayog’s 10th Governing Council meeting, the Prime Minister stressed making India a developed nation by 2047. Agriculture, having immense growth potential through innovation and sustainability, is crucial in achieving this national goal.

For detailed information on Pillars for development of Indian Agriculture read this article here

India’s Agricultural Journey and Emerging Potential

1. From Deficit to Surplus: India transformed from food scarcity to surplus, increasing food grain production from 50.82 million tonnes (1950-51)to 353.96 million tonnes (2024-25). This remarkable growth made India food-secure.
2. Global Agricultural Leader: India became a major exporter, with agricultural exports reaching ₹4.08 trillion in 2023-24. Predictions of widespread famine were proven incorrect by Indian agriculture’s consistent growth.
3. Agriculture’s Role in Development: Agricultural research, education, and extension can significantly contribute to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation. The sector can drive innovation, employment, and environmental sustainability.

Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture

1. Current Agricultural Challenges: Indian agriculture faces problems such as shrinking farm sizes, climate change, depleted natural resources, shifting consumer preferences, and tough global competition.
2. Technological Opportunities: Advancements in biotechnology, precision agriculture, digital farming, and sustainable practices provide opportunities to overcome these challenges and improve productivity.
3. Expert Recommendations: The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), comprising over 800 experts, has published a roadmap titled “Indian Agriculture by 2047”. It focuses on innovative solutions, visionary leadership, and sustainable agriculture.

Research for Innovation and Resilience

1. Priority Research Areas: Research should target genomics, biotechnology, climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, and resource sustainability. Diversification into horticulture, livestock, and fisheries sectors is also essential.
2. Technology Adoption in Research: Scientists must adopt modern technologies such as CRISPR gene editing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), big data analytics, smart sensors, IoT devices, and field robotics. Achieving this requires increased funding and stronger public-private collaborations.
3. Connecting Research to Markets: Research should guide policy reforms, enhance agricultural infrastructure, promote farm mechanisation, improve agro-processing, and reduce post-harvest losses.

Reforming Agricultural Education

1. Updating Educational Content: Courses must include new topics such as AI in agriculture, agri-business, climate-smart practices, sustainable farming, and export strategies to better prepare students.
2. Experiential and Practical Learning: Hands-on experiences, internships, village adoption programs, startup incubators, and hackathons should be emphasised to foster entrepreneurial skills in students.
3. Global Partnerships and Faculty Skills: Agricultural universities must collaborate with global institutions to keep curricula current. Faculty training should also align with emerging agricultural trends.

Strengthening Agricultural Support Systems

1. Modernising Extension Mechanisms: The agricultural extension system must be transformed using digital tools such as mobile apps, helplines, WhatsApp groups, YouTube tutorials, and online platforms to ensure timely and effective outreach to farmers.
2. Upgrading Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): KVKs should be integrated with advanced agri-tech tools and function as innovation hubs for training and advisory services. This will improve agricultural productivity and help farmers adopt sustainable practices.
3. Scaling Proven Models and Partnerships: Successful initiatives like e-Choupal, Mahindra Samriddhi Centres, and Digital Green should be expanded. Strengthening farmer-producer organisations and engaging NGOs, startups, and private players can boost knowledge dissemination and market access.
4. Boosting R&D Investment for Innovation: India invests only 0.65% of its GDP in agri-research and extension—much below global standards. Raising it to 1% of GDP is essential for making agriculture more competitive, climate-resilient, and technology-intensive.

Question for practice:

Discuss how strengthening agricultural research, education, and extension can help India achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.