News: The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu on January 19, 2018, while delivering the 14th Dr V.K.R.V. Rao Memorial Lecture at the Institute for Social and Economic Change in Bengaluru, outlined 12 initiatives to make agriculture viable and remunerative.
Why Agriculture: According to the Vice President, despite agriculture being the main occupation of most Indians, farmers are finding the profession unattractive because of low and stagnated income and productivity. The Vice President said that strategies for faster, inclusive and sustainable growth must address the issues faced by farmers. The Vice President said that initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana are required for addressing the risks in livestock sector. The Vice President said that India has a legitimate reason for being proud of our farmers’ achievements.
Requirements: The Vice President said that an enhanced investment, both public and private is required. India need to formulate a long-term and a medium term action plan detailing how private and public investments will be channelled and the strategic directions we should pursue to revitalize this sector.
12 outlined initiatives: The Vice President has outlined twelve initiatives that might help increase productivity and generate adequate returns to farmers. These are:
- First is the use of good quality seeds which can enhance productivity by 15 to 20%.
- Second, a balanced use of fertilizers is essential for raising agricultural productivity.
- Third, timely institutional credit plays a pivotal role for adoption of innovations by marginal and small farmers.
- Fourth, diversification by supplementing farming with allied activities like dairying, fisheries and poultry can contribute significantly to increasing farmers’ incomes.
- Fifth, farm mechanization in India must expand.
- Sixth, intensification of agriculture and combining agriculture with horticulture and mechanization of hill agriculture can increase the farmers’ income.
- Seventh, we must strengthen the ecosystem that encourages agro-based industries.
- Eighth, there has to be a much better understanding of water use.
- Ninth, farmers need to realize larger share of the consumer price.
- Tenth, we may have to consider substantive reforms in the land policy.
- Eleventh, we need to develop climate change resilient farming practices.
- Twelfth, knowledge sharing processes must be streamlined.
