If we go by the history of our country, agriculture, along with its allied sectors, we can unquestionably say that, it is the largest livelihood provider in India, more so in the vast rural areas. It also plays a major role in contributing a significant figure to the Gross Domestic Product of the country. Sustainable agriculture, in terms of food security, rural employment, and environmentally sustainable technologies such as soil conservation, sustainable natural resource management and bio-diversity protection, are essential for holistic rural development. Indian agriculture and allied activities have witnessed many revolutions since our independence, a green revolution, a white revolution, a yellow revolution, and a blue revolution.
The field of agriculture in India has undergone a massive and rapid transformation in the past two decades. The introduction of the policy of globalisation and liberalistaion has opened up new avenues for agricultural modernisation. This has majorly lead to commercialisation and diversification, but also triggered various technological and institutional innovations owing to investments from corporate entities. India has come a long way from a net importing country. Today India is consistently producing 250 million tonnes of food grains, 100 million tonnes of rice, 90 million tonnes of wheat, 35 million bales of cotton, and more than 18 million tonnes of pulses.
The government has taken several steps to revitalise agriculture sector and improve the conditions of farming community on sustainable basis by increasing investment, improving farm practices, rural infrastructure, delivery of credit, technology and other inputs. Some of the major initiatives taken by the Government of India include:
The Government of India plans to set up two spice parks at Sitarganj and Sahaspur in Uttrakhand with the help of Spice Board of India, said Mr Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It has also opened fifth spice park at Mattupetty Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu (TN) for processing turmeric and chilli.
The government has allowed 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in storage and warehousing including cold storages. 100 per cent FDI is also permitted for development of seeds
The government has launched an initiative to spend US$ 65.1 million to promote 60,000 pulses villages in rain fed areas for increasing crop productivity and strengthening market linkages.
HUNNARBAAZ! Skilled to Win! is a pioneering one hour weekly reality TV show on Doordarshan National that searches for India’s Best Skill Star and Best Innovator.
In the coming episode of the TV show, the discussion and learning would be done on the major concern of the country, Agriculture.