GS3 – Agriculture
Context:
The Government of India has initiated skill development and extension programmes to position farming as a viable and attractive career for rural youth.
Current Trends in Agri-Employment
- Agrifood Dependency: By 2025, 44% of working youth are engaged in agrifood systems.
- Rural Demographics: About 66% of youth live in rural areas, with ~70% dependent on agriculture for income.
- Interest vs. Practice: While 80% of youth show interest in agriculture, only ~5% pursue it as a career.
- Increasing Workforce Share: Agriculture’s share in total employment increased from 42.4% in 2019 to 45.4% in 2022.
Why Farming is a Viable Career
- Livelihood Stability: Offers a rooted, autonomous lifestyle with potential for entrepreneurship.
- Food Security: Youth participation ensures consistent production and national food security.
- Migration Check: Provides dignified employment and reduces urban migration.
- Tech Readiness: Youth are more inclined toward digital farming and agri-tech.
- Autonomy: Farming allows personal choice over time, crops, and income.
- Cultural Connect: Strengthens ties with land, tradition, and rural identity.
Barriers to Youth Engagement in Farming
- Low Social Status: Farming is viewed as low-prestige, especially for educated youth.
- Land Constraints: Youth face barriers due to landlessness and informal tenancy.
- Capital Access Issues: Lack of collateral blocks access to loans and agri-enterprise funding.
- Skilling Gaps: Training programs often lack follow-through in market linkages or credit support.
- Market Risks: Poor price discovery, volatile markets, and weak logistics affect incomes.
- Climate Vulnerability: Unpredictable weather and low insurance coverage discourage entry.
Government Schemes to Promote Agri-Careers
- KVKs: District-level agri-skilling through Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
- ARYA: “Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture” promotes micro-enterprises.
- STRY: Short-term training under Skill Training for Rural Youth in farming and allied sectors.
- ATMA: Uses ICT tools under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency.
- ACABC: Supports agri-graduates via the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres scheme.
- KVK–FPO Linkage: Facilitates market access through Farmer Producer Organisations.
- SVEP: Promotes rural enterprises under the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) via DAY-NRLM.
Reforms to Make Farming Youth-Friendly
- Crop Diversification: Promote high-value farming (e.g., horticulture, fisheries, processing).
- Finance Ecosystem: Provide soft loans, insurance, and seed capital.
- Skill to Market Linkage: Connect training with FPOs, incubators, and local markets.
- Digital Tools: Encourage use of mobile apps, drones, and smart farming solutions.
- Tenancy Reforms: Legalise lease arrangements and allocate land to trained youth.
- Mentorship Programs: Pair young farmers with successful agri-entrepreneurs.
- Image Makeover: Promote success stories, integrate agriculture into school curriculum, and host youth fairs.