Agriculture plays an important role in transforming economies. The agricultural sector plays a major role in India’s economy. As the Budget will be announced for the year 2022-23 tomorrow, everyone is eagerly awaiting what is in store for the agricultural sector.
Rural India and its Agriculture Sector
Almost two-thirds of the majority of Indians live in rural areas. Several schemes and policies had been introduced over the years for rural development and the welfare of the farmers but nothing much has changed over the past few years. The agricultural sector, which includes farming, animal husbandry, and fisheries has seen a very steady rise in its growth over the last decade. While many are expecting that the government’s top priority this year would be agriculture, healthcare, and roads infrastructure, only tomorrow will we know how much focus the government would put on these sectors. Although during the initial months of the pandemic agriculture was the only sector with a silver lining amidst negative growth, this sector has seen steady growth since then. Rural development is possible if the government allocates more to the agro-based sector.
Steps to Develop Rural India
Agriculture in India is unique in terms of climate, topography as well as land distribution. Indian farmers hold meagre land which does not help in the productivity of the farmers. Thus reforms are much needed in this field.
Unemployment is a major issue that exists in India. To provide employment, India must introduce laws similar to the MGNREGA, which provides a guaranteed 100 days of work to the unemployed youth.
Government must work to chalk out policies to provide the youth with permanent employment. Due to unemployment in this sector, agriculture has seen a very steady growth rate over a decade.
Policies must be revised and reformed over time. Although several age-old policies have been changed over the years by several governments, India needs more reforms on this sector for its development.
Modernizing the sector will be a doable boost for the farmers. Providing a better irrigation system to the farmers would also be beneficial for them. An agro-based country, like India, needs to work for the betterment of this sector to develop the rural population as well as see steady growth in its economy.
