India’s Journey Toward a Viksit Agri Economy by 2047

Syllabus: GS3/Economy; Agriculture

Context

• India stands at a critical juncture in modernizing its agricultural practices, and it needs to focus on key imperatives to build a Viksit (developed) Agri Economy by 2047, focusing on food security, rural livelihoods, sustainability and adoption of several modern technology innovations.

Current State of India’s Agri Economy

• Workforce: About 55% of India’s Population;
• Gross Value Added (GVA): 17.7% (at current prices in FY 2023-24);
  • It is expected that agriculture’s share in GDP might shrink to 7% – 8% and employ over 30% of the workforce by 2047.

• Agricultural Land: 54.8% of the India’s Total Land (328.7 million hectares);
  • Arable Land: 180 million hectares (largest in the world);
• Cropping Intensity: 155.4% (as per the Land Use Statistics for 2021-22);
• Global Dominance: India is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices.
  • India is the second-largest producer of fruits, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar.
• Agricultural Exports: INR 4.2 Lakh Cr in FY23;

Key Hurdles in Building a Viksit Agri Economy by 2047

• Small and Fragmented Landholdings: 86% of farmers own less than two hectares, limiting economies of scale and mechanization.
• Climate Change: Erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events disrupt crop yields and income stability.
• Water Scarcity: Over-reliance on groundwater has led to depletion in critical regions like Punjab and Haryana.
  • Dependence on monsoons makes agriculture vulnerable to droughts.
• Market Inefficiencies: Farmers face challenges in accessing well-developed markets and fair pricing.
  • Complex supply chains and middlemen contribute to price exploitation.
• Post-Harvest Losses: Poor storage and transportation infrastructure lead to an estimated 74 million tonnes of annual food loss.
• Limited Access to Credit: Small and marginal farmers struggle to access affordable credit and crop insurance, restricting their ability to invest in modern inputs.
• Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemical fertilizers has degraded soil fertility and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Vision For Viksit Agri Economy by 2047

• Technological Integration: Leverage AI, IoT, and big data for precision farming.
  • Expand access to satellite-based weather forecasting, pest management, and drones for crop monitoring.
  • Develop vernacular AI platforms for accessibility.
• Regenerative Farming Practices: Promote organic and zero-budget natural farming to restore soil health.
  • Introduce a national regenerative farming policy and encourage private-sector R&D.
• Robotics and Automation:
  • Develop low-cost robotic solutions tailored to small farms.
  • Establish AgTech hubs and promote public-private partnerships for scaling automation technologies.
• Alternative Protein Market: Collaborate with global leaders to improve production and awareness of lab-grown proteins.
• Supply Chain Infrastructure: Invest in cold storage, transportation, rural connectivity, and irrigation.
  • Expand rural electrification and market linkages to reduce losses and ensure fair pricing.
• Empowering Farmers: Strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance bargaining power.
  • Improve access to credit, insurance, and digital literacy programs.
  • Equip smallholders with modern farming practices and training.
• Sustainability: Promote micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
  • Adopt climate-resilient crops and diversified cropping patterns.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborate with private companies and research institutions to drive innovation and investment.

Policy Reforms

• Digital Agriculture Mission: Develop digital public infrastructure, implement the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and promote IT-based solutions.
• National Mission on Natural Farming: Focus on chemical-free, natural farming practices.
• E-Marketplace Initiatives: Expand the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) for transparent bidding systems.
• Complementary Programs: Strengthen rural welfare schemes like PMAY, NREGA, and NFSA to support the agricultural workforce.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• India, a land of diverse agro-climatic zones, is intrinsically tied to its agricultural roots. 
• As the nation approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, agriculture remains both a cornerstone of its economy and a key to its future. 
• The journey toward a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector is pivotal for addressing challenges like food security, rural employment, and climate change.
• Improving market access, enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable farming practices, and providing financial support to small farmers are essential steps towards overcoming these hurdles.
• The future of India’s agri economy looks promising, with a focus on technological innovation, policy reforms, and grassroots engagement.

Source: IE