Agriculture in India - Transitioning from Production-Centric to Farmer-Centric Approaches

Agriculture forms the backbone of India’s economy, making it one of the largest global producers of rice, wheat, milk, and more. Despite these achievements, Indian farmers face persistent challenges, such as socio-economic insecurity, chronic debt, and low income. For decades, India’s agricultural policy has emphasized production over farmer welfare, aiming for food security through increased output. However, to truly benefit farmers, a shift towards a more inclusive, farmer-centric model is essential, where profitability and livelihood security are prioritized alongside production.

The Importance of Agriculture in India

Agriculture is more than an economic activity in India; it is woven into the cultural and social fabric of rural life, where festivals, traditions, and community practices revolve around the agricultural calendar. Economically, agriculture is a key driver of national stability, ensuring food security and providing raw materials for industrial growth. Agricultural growth has proven effective in poverty alleviation, as rural prosperity promotes better education, health, and infrastructure development in these areas. As agriculture stimulates allied sectors, such as dairy and fisheries, it contributes to job creation and social development, supporting India’s journey toward inclusive rural progress.

A Historical Shift: From Production-Centric to Farmer-Centric Models

Historically, India’s agricultural policies focused on achieving self-sufficiency in food production. This goal led to the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which increased crop yields through the use of high-yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation. These efforts met the nation’s need for food security but created challenges, such as regional disparities and environmental issues.
The 1991 economic reforms brought opportunities for agricultural exports, opening markets for Indian produce. However, a significant gap remained in farmer income growth. Recognizing this, the National Commission on Farmers, established in 2004, advocated policies for boosting farm incomes. Further, the Ashok Dalwai committee in 2017 set out recommendations aimed at doubling farmer incomes, reflecting a clear shift towards farmer welfare. Recent policies now emphasize not only production but also the profitability and financial security of farmers.

Key Trends Shaping Indian Agriculture Today

India’s agriculture is witnessing critical shifts that reflect both progress and persistent issues:
Shift Toward High-Value Crops: The focus is gradually moving from staples to high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds. These crops are more profitable, especially for smallholders, and align with changing consumer demands.
Growth in Allied Sectors: Livestock and fisheries have become vital sources of income for many farmers, as they are less vulnerable to seasonal risks. The livestock sector, in particular, is gaining prominence as a reliable source of growth and stability.
Evolving Trade Patterns: Agricultural exports have expanded significantly, yet recent years have seen a slowdown. The global market’s demand fluctuations impact India’s trade dynamics, revealing the need for a robust export policy that supports farmer incomes.
Decreasing Farm Sizes: With average farm sizes shrinking, smallholders face unique challenges. Fragmented landholding demands tailored support, especially regarding productivity-enhancing techniques and cooperative market access.
Rising Non-Food Expenditure: Consumer spending trends indicate a shift towards non-food items, which affects demand for certain agricultural products. Farmers now face increased pressure to adapt to market-driven changes.

Challenges in Indian Agriculture

Despite these trends, Indian agriculture still faces systemic challenges:
Climate Dependency and Productivity Issues: Unreliable rainfall patterns, frequent droughts, and vulnerability to pest infestations make farming a high-risk endeavor. Additionally, the sector suffers from low productivity due to factors like poor seed quality, inadequate irrigation, and limited access to advanced farming methods.
Income Volatility and Financial Distress: High input costs and fluctuating crop prices leave many farmers with minimal or negative returns. Without stable incomes, farmers struggle to invest in improved practices, further trapping them in cycles of low productivity.
Labor Migration and Workforce Shifts: The lure of urban jobs often draws rural youth away from farming, while certain regions experience labor shortages. In others, disguised unemployment persists, with more people engaged in agriculture than the sector can sustain.
Market and Infrastructure Constraints: Limited access to formal credit, inadequate storage, and poor transport infrastructure force farmers to sell immediately after harvest, often at unprofitable rates. These issues prevent farmers from capitalizing on market demand and reduce their profit margins.

Towards a Farmer-Centric Approach

Achieving a farmer-centric approach requires a comprehensive overhaul that empowers farmers to earn a sustainable income while enhancing productivity. Key actions include:
Enhanced Communication and Farmer Engagement: Establishing open, inclusive communication channels allows policymakers to engage with farmers directly, ensuring that agricultural policies reflect on-the-ground realities. Regular dialogues create a platform for farmers to share their challenges and participate in policy discussions.
Financial Viability and Supportive Pricing: Financially sustainable agriculture relies on controlling production costs and ensuring fair price realization. Policy mechanisms like minimum support prices, crop insurance, and income stabilization can shield farmers from market volatility and natural risks.
Integrated Agricultural Ecosystems: The various elements of agriculture—from seeds and soil to water, fertilizers, and farm practices—are interlinked. A holistic approach that considers these interdependencies can support more sustainable farming practices and improve productivity across the board.
Export Growth and International Market Access: India’s agricultural sector has significant potential for global export. Strengthening the export policy can help farmers access lucrative markets, increasing their incomes and enabling them to benefit from international demand.
From Farmers to Farm Entrepreneurs: Transforming farmers into agri-entrepreneurs fosters innovation and profitability. Programs promoting financial literacy, market intelligence, and crop diversification are key to this shift, enabling farmers to focus on high-yield, high-profit crops.
Strengthening Institutional and Infrastructure Support: Enhanced public investment in agricultural infrastructure, such as rural storage facilities and transportation, is critical. Agricultural bodies like NABARD and ICAR play a crucial role in delivering these services, providing a support system for both public and private initiatives.

Conclusion

A shift from production-centric to farmer-centric agriculture is essential for achieving both national food security and rural socio-economic development. By adopting inclusive policies that prioritize the welfare of farmers, India can build a resilient agricultural sector. Such a transformation will uplift rural livelihoods, align agriculture with market demands, and make the sector sustainable. Transitioning to a holistic approach will ensure that agriculture remains a stable foundation of India’s economy while contributing to poverty reduction and rural empowerment.