Agriculture has always been the backbone of India’s economy, providing livelihoods to more than half of the population. As India marches towards Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring food security, farmer welfare, and sustainable agriculture becomes vital. A modern, technology-driven, and globally competitive agriculture sector is essential to guarantee nutrition for all and prosperity for farmers.
The Role of Agriculture in Viksit Bharat
- Ensures food security and nutrition for 1.5+ billion people.
- Provides employment to a large section of the population.
- Contributes significantly to exports and rural economy.
- Supports allied sectors like dairy, fisheries, and food processing.
- Forms the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat in food production.
Government Initiatives for Agricultural Growth
1. PM-KISAN Scheme
Direct income support to farmers to strengthen financial security.
2. Digital Agriculture Mission
Promotes AI, IoT, and satellite-based farming solutions.
3. e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
Online marketplace for transparent and fair crop trading.
4. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
Crop insurance for reducing risks of natural disasters.
5. Food Processing and Storage Infrastructure
Cold chains, warehouses, and processing units to reduce food wastage.
6. Organic and Natural Farming Promotion
Boosting chemical-free and eco-friendly farming practices.
Challenges in Indian Agriculture
- Dependence on monsoon and limited irrigation.
- Low farm incomes compared to urban wages.
- Middlemen reducing farmer profits.
- Climate change impacting crop yields.
- Fragmented landholdings limiting efficiency.
Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture in Viksit Bharat
- Agri-Tech Integration
- Drones for spraying fertilizers and pesticides.
- AI-driven crop monitoring.
- IoT-based soil and water sensors.
- Diversification of Crops
- Promoting high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants.
- Export-Oriented Farming
- Enhancing global competitiveness of Indian agricultural products.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Collective bargaining power for farmers.
- Water-Smart Agriculture
- Micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
- Agri-Entrepreneurship
- Encouraging youth participation in agriculture startups.
Food Security in Viksit Bharat
India must ensure that every citizen has access to affordable, nutritious, and safe food. By 2047, food security will depend on:
- Smart food distribution systems (Digital ration cards & e-PDS).
- Sustainable production with minimal environmental impact.
- Fortification and nutrition programs to tackle malnutrition.
- Research in climate-resilient crops for future food needs.
