How it all started
Agriculture has been a part of the Indian history for aeons to date. It is one of the strongest attributes of our nation and contributes to both our economic and physical growth. With over 1.37 billion population and 2/3rd of it belonging to agrarian status, agriculture plays a vital role in shaping India’s future.
In factuality
It may amuse you to find out that India’s food grain production has doubled from 102 million tonnes in 1973 to 247.6 million tonnes in 2012-13 and more since then. The Gross Value added by the agriculture, forestry and fishing is estimated at INR 17.67 trillion (US$ 274.23 billion) in FY18. It is clear that agriculture is the most important sector in the Indian Economy.
Did you know that the Indian agriculture sector accounts for 18% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment to 50% of the countries workforce? The mode and means of agriculture have transitioned into more advanced and integrated forms through the years and have entered the realm of Agricultural Smart Farming.
One nation: Many stories
A country as diverse as ours experiences about 15 major climates in the world making it perfect for agriculture. India is far more fascinating than you may think. Were you aware that it’s the 10th largest arable land resource in the world? In fact, India is also the largest producer of spices, pulses, milk, tea, cashew and jute; and the second largest producer of wheat, rice, fruits and vegetables, sugarcane, cotton and oil seeds. Additionally, India is among the top 15 leading exporters of agricultural products in the world!
Recent updates:
Coming to the number aspect of the
matter, the agricultural exports from India reached US$ 38.21 billion in FY18
and US$ 31.30 billion between Apr-Jan 2019. It can all be credited to the ample
and adequate usage of the right machinery and equipment. The Agriculture Export Policy, 2018
was approved by the Government of India in December 2018. With every new
policy, the agenda is to better the existing standards for improved outcome.
Hence, the new policy aims to increase India’s agricultural exports to US$ 60
billion by 2022. We are not too far from this dream as India was the ninth
largest exporter of agricultural products in 2017.
The role of the nation in agriculture
The government plays an integral part of the agricultural landscape of the country and extends its help in several ways to ensure the development and positive growth of this industry. It is promoting agricultural start-ups and have been devising policies to promote agriculture and farming among the youth of India. The road ahead in the agricultural industry in India leads to better working conditions for the farmers, increased investment in agricultural infrastructure including warehousing, cold storage, and irrigation facilities, and giving a better price of produce to the farmers. Indian farmers will soon be able to grow genetically modified crops. We’ll soon be self-sufficient in producing pulses.
As an initiative to help the farmers, the Government of India targets to increase the average income of a farmer household to INR 219,724 by 2022-23 from INR 96,703 in 2015-16. Subsequently, with the adoption of food safety and quality assurance mechanisms including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), major benefits will be offered to the food processing industry which will improve the overall agriculture landscape in India.
As an agrarian country, India has progressed tremendously. From an early start of the green revolution in the ’70s to witnessing an upward swing in production and distribution of the produce, TAFE has been a proud partner in progress and has steadily contributed to the nation’s dream of becoming an exemplary agricultural economy!
