The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture

• As India looks ahead to its centennial year of independence in 2047, the aspiration to become a developed nation is within reach. However, this goal hinges on a comprehensive transformation across various sectors, with agriculture being a critical area of focus.
• To achieve the necessary six-fold increase in per capita Gross National Income (GNI), India must prioritize sustainable agricultural practices, technological innovation, and strategic planning.

Key Points:

1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The adoption of sustainable practices is essential to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), which has expanded micro-irrigation to 78 lakh hectares, exemplify the government's commitment to water-use efficiency.
2. Addressing Imbalance in Agriculture: Despite agriculture employing nearly 46% of India's workforce, its contribution to GDP is a mere 18%. This imbalance is projected to worsen unless significant structural changes are implemented.

• By 2047, agriculture's share in GDP might shrink to 7%-8%, but it could still employ over 30% of the workforce, underscoring the need for accelerated growth in the sector.

3. Technological Innovations: Precision farming, genetically modified crops, and advanced irrigation techniques are transforming Indian agriculture. The government’s emphasis on technological integration, such as the Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM), is crucial for improving market access and ensuring better price realization for farmers.
4. Strategic Investment and Policy Support: The government's strategic initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), provide financial security and support to farmers.

• However, rationalizing food and fertilizer subsidies and redirecting savings towards agricultural research and innovation are essential for sustainable growth.

5. Future Challenges and Opportunities: With India's population expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030, meeting the food demands of a growing population is a significant challenge.

• The projected demand for food will vary across commodities, with rising demand for meat and minimal growth in rice demand. Strategic planning and investment in agricultural infrastructure, as demonstrated by the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, will be crucial in addressing these challenges.

6. Vision for 2047: The government’s proactive approach, highlighted by the allocation of ₹20 lakh crore for targeted agricultural credit and the launch of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, underscores its commitment to fostering agricultural innovation.

• These efforts, combined with initiatives like the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme and the International Year of Millets, aim to enhance farmer incomes and ensure food security.