Indian agriculture, the backbone of the nation, faces a dual challenge: ensuring food security and sustainable rural livelihoods while promoting modernity and inclusivity. Despite significant advancements in productivity, India’s agricultural sector remains largely traditional, with limited technological adoption.
To transform agriculture into a developed sector by 2047, several critical imperatives need to be addressed through a holistic and inclusive approach. The roadmap for achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) hinges on the modernization of inputs, production, processes, post-production, and cross-cutting interventions. By focusing on these pillars, the country can ensure a resilient, efficient, and sustainable agricultural sector.
Pillars for Development
A. Input Modernization
1. Land Reforms: To ensure efficient land use and provide equitable access to resources, digitizing land records and enabling land leasing reforms are crucial. Platforms such as Telangana’s Dharani portal simplify land transactions, enhancing transparency. Additionally, the calibrated extension of the PM SWAMITVA Yojna can further promote efficient land utilization.
2. Climate-Smart Water Management: Water scarcity is a major challenge for Indian agriculture. To address this, there is an urgent need to scale micro-irrigation technologies in water-scarce regions. The PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is already working to ensure water-use efficiency. Moreover, the development of climate-resilient seeds like flood-tolerant rice varieties, such as “Swarna Sub1,” in collaboration with ICAR, would enable farmers to mitigate climate-related risks.
3. Access to High-Quality Seeds: Promoting genetically modified (GM) crops and hybrid seeds tailored to local conditions is crucial for enhancing productivity. India’s success with BT cotton provides a roadmap for other crops. Varieties like DMH-11 Mustard and IMH 223-ICAR corn hold potential for boosting yields in a variety of climates.
4. Fertilizers and Pesticides: Sustainability must be a key focus in agricultural inputs. Promoting bio-fertilizers, nano-fertilizers, and bio-pesticides can minimize environmental harm. The success of Nano-Urea by IFFCO exemplifies this approach, ensuring precision in nutrient delivery. Likewise, adopting precision technology through drones and IoT can further reduce chemical use.
5. Farm Mechanization: Subsidizing farm equipment like drones, smart tractors, and robotics for small and marginal farmers can significantly enhance productivity. The FAAS (Farming as a Service) model can help increase accessibility to expensive technologies, enabling small farmers to adopt mechanized practices.
6. Access to Credit: Expanding the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and including tenant farmers can enhance financial inclusion in the agricultural sector. Agrifintech platforms like YONO Krishi provide innovative solutions to farmers’ financial needs.
7. Robotics and Automation: Develop low-cost robotic solutions tailored for small farms like seeders and sprayers, being offered machinery as a service (MAAS) model. E.g. Tractor Junction.
B. Production Modernization
1. Monitoring Nutrients, Water, and Pests: Utilizing AI, IoT, and satellite technology for precision farming can transform agricultural practices. For example, Telangana’s T-Fiber project uses IoT for real-time crop health monitoring, helping farmers make informed decisions regarding irrigation and pest control.
2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A combination of biological, mechanical, and chemical methods can help achieve sustainable pest control. The use of neem-coated urea, for instance, reduces pest infestations and is an eco-friendly approach to pest management.
3. Harvesting and Mechanized Tools: To reduce labor costs and improve efficiency, farmers must have access to automated harvesting tools. Mechanized harvesters such as combine harvesters and rice transplanters are already being used in states like Punjab, reducing the need for manual labor and improving productivity.
4. Government Interventions: The PM-PRANAM scheme incentivizes the use of organic and bio-fertilizers by providing states with 50% of saved fertilizer subsidies. Other schemes like Mission Amrit Sarovar help improve water storage and irrigation infrastructure across India.
C. Process Modernization
1. Digital Twins in Agriculture: The adoption of digital twin technologies can revolutionize agricultural research. By simulating crop growth and weather conditions virtually, farmers and researchers can accelerate the development of new crop technologies without relying on lengthy field trials. Collaborations with AgTech firms like CropIn can foster innovations in this area.
2. Farmers’ Training and Skill Development: Training farmers in modern agricultural practices is essential. Establishing more Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and introducing techniques like hydroponics and vertical farming can significantly improve agricultural practices. Training on sustainable practices, such as Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), can also ensure environmentally-friendly production systems.
3. Sustainable Practices: Promoting organic and regenerative farming practices is essential to ensure long-term sustainability. Initiatives such as Andhra Pradesh’s ZBNF program, covering millions of farmers, highlight the importance of moving towards chemical-free farming. Regenerative practices, including crop rotation and bio-fertilizer use, can restore soil health and increase yields.
4. Technology Adoption: Leveraging mobile-based platforms like e-NAM for direct market access and AI apps for pest detection, such as in Madhya Pradesh, can help farmers maximize their returns and reduce losses.
5. Government Interventions: Digital Agriculture Mission, Expansion of Digital India Mission for AgriTech penetration, Scaling PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras as centers for innovation and advisory etc.
D. Post-Production Optimization
1. Logistics and Supply Chains: Efficient post-production systems are critical to reduce losses and ensure market accessibility. Investing in cold storage facilities, like the Mega Food Parks under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, can help store perishable goods. Additionally, building climate-controlled warehouses in rural areas will further enhance storage capabilities.
2. Market Linkages: Strengthening the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) can improve market access and ensure fair prices. States like Rajasthan have already demonstrated that e-NAM can lead to higher prices for farmers.
3. Value Addition and Agri-Exports: Developing agro-processing industries and export-oriented zones for high-value crops such as spices and fruits can enhance India’s position as a global player in the agricultural market. Programs like APEDA have already helped export mangoes to the Middle East, demonstrating the potential for agricultural exports.
4. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain, though in its infancy, has immense potential in agriculture for traceability and ensuring fair pricing. Karnataka has piloted blockchain in coffee production to ensure transparency in the supply chain.
5. Government Interventions: Project VISTAAR 2025: The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural extension system through digitalization,
E. Cross-Cutting Interventions
1. Market-Based Pricing and Reform of MSP: Shifting from a subsidized pricing system to market-based pricing will incentivize efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) system needs to be reformed to avoid overproduction of crops that strain resources like water and power.
2. Welfare vs. Populism: While welfare programs are necessary, policies should not encourage dependency. Instead, reforms should empower farmers by investing in R&D, infrastructure, and rural education.
3. Research and Development: To achieve long-term agricultural growth, India must invest in R&D for drought-resistant seeds, AI-based crop management systems, and innovative farming solutions. The government should collaborate with private and public sectors to foster innovation.
Conclusion
By embracing technological advancements, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural processes, India can modernize its agricultural sector and achieve the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. This transformation will ensure food security, elevate rural livelihoods, and make India a global agricultural powerhouse.
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