The road to 2047 for Indian Agriculture

India's centennial year of independence in 2047 is a key milestone for the country, with a focus on becoming a developed nation. Achieving this ambitious goal requires a substantial increase in per capita Gross National Income (GNI) and a comprehensive development strategy, particularly in the agriculture sector.

Agricultural Transformation

• Sustainable Practices: The adoption of precision farming, genetically modified crops, and advanced irrigation techniques is crucial for transforming Indian agriculture. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) are vital for improving water-use efficiency.
• Government Initiatives: Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) are addressing challenges in crop insurance and market access, enhancing the resilience of farmers.
• Infrastructure and Support: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme are instrumental in improving post-harvest management and optimizing soil nutrients, respectively. These initiatives are crucial for sustainable agricultural growth and increased farmer incomes.

Current Challenges

• Economic Imbalance: Despite employing nearly 46% of the workforce, agriculture's contribution to GDP is only about 18%. The growth rate of agricultural GDP lags behind the overall GDP growth, highlighting the sector's economic imbalance.
• Population Growth and Food Demand: With India's population expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030, there is an urgent need to meet growing food demands. The expenditure elasticity of food indicates a significant increase in food demand, requiring efficient agricultural strategies.
• Sectoral Disparities: The anticipated shrinking of agriculture’s share in GDP by 2047, coupled with rising food demand, underscores the necessity for structural changes and investments in agricultural research and development.

Strategic Planning for 2047

• Future Demand Projections: Projections suggest that India will need to produce between 402 to 437 million tonnes of food grains by 2047-48. Ensuring production exceeds demand will be key to food security.
• Government Budget and Investments: The 2024-25 Budget's allocation of ?20 lakh crore for agricultural credit and the launch of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund highlight the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the sector.
• Sustainable Development Goals: Embracing sustainable agricultural practices, leveraging technological advancements, and implementing strategic initiatives will be critical for meeting the food needs of a growing population and achieving inclusive development by 2047.

Mains Question:

Q. What are the key challenges facing Indian agriculture in the context of achieving the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047? How do current government schemes and initiatives address these challenges? Analyze their effectiveness and suggest additional measures that could be taken to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.