The foundation of the Indian economy is agriculture. The majority of Indians depend on agriculture as a source of income. Farmers not only contribute to national security by providing food, fodder, and other raw materials as inputs for businesses, but they also provide a means of subsistence for the vast majority of Indians. Sadly, despite feeding the entire population, farmers occasionally go to sleep without eating.
Importance and Role of Indian Farmers
The backbone of the country is its farmers. For over two-thirds of India's employed class, agriculture is their only source of income. Everyone needs the vegetables, legumes, and crops that farmers produce. They put in a lot of effort so that we can eat every day. Therefore, we ought to give thanks to the farmer every time we eat or have a meal.
India's farmers are the world's biggest producers of pulses, rice, wheat, spices, and spice-related goods. They also run other modest enterprises in the food grains, dairy, meat, poultry, and other industries. According to the Economic Survey 2020–2021, agriculture now accounts for over 20% of the nation's GDP. India has risen to become the world's second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables.
Farming in India: Problems, Challenges, and the Current Situation
Farmers deal with a variety of problems and difficulties associated to agriculture. Some issues include a lack of effective extension services and poorly maintained irrigation systems. Poor roads, inadequate market infrastructure, and overbearing regulation make it difficult for farmers to access markets. Due to limited investment, India's infrastructure and services for farmers are inadequate. The majority of farmers have small plots of land, which restricts their use of traditional farming techniques and lowers production. Farmers with enormous tracts of land, however, increase production by using contemporary agricultural methods.
Small farmers must employ high-quality seeds, appropriate irrigation systems, cutting-edge agricultural equipment and methods, pesticides, fertilizers, and other inputs if they wish to enhance their output. They need money for all of this, thus they have no alternative but to borrow money from banks either through debt or loans. They are under intense pressure to produce crops that will bring in money. All of their work is futile if their crop fails. Consequently, they are unable to generate enough to even feed their families.
Story of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
A farmer from the Indian state of Maharashtra is Subhash. He began farming at an early age, but like many farmers in India, he encountered a variety of issues, such as low harvests and money problems. But rather than losing up, Subhash made the decision to take matters into his own hands and started experimenting with various gardening methods.
He created several methods, including Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). Using locally accessible resources to boost soil fertility, such as cow dung and urine, and depending on natural predators to control pests are the cornerstones of this agricultural technique. Not only was Subhash's approach more environmentally friendly, but it also resulted in higher crop yields and lower expenses for farmers.
Other farmers in the area became interested in Subhash's ZBNF method, and soon he was touring the nation instructing other farmers in his methods. His approach has aided countless farmers in increasing income and improving harvests.
Many Indian farmers find encouragement in Subhash's narrative, and the Indian government and numerous organizations have acknowledged his contributions. For his achievements in agriculture, he received the award in 2018, one of India's highest civilian distinctions.
His tale demonstrates how, even in the midst of difficulty, one person can influence many people's lives. His zero budget farming approach is now well-liked in several Indian states, and farmers are benefiting from it. The tenacity and tenacity of the Indian farmer are demonstrated in Subhash tale, which also serves as an example to many others who are dealing with similar difficulties.
Conclusion
Rural India is changing, but there is still plenty to be done. Improved farming methods have benefited farmers, but the growth has not been equitable. The focus should be on preventing farmers from moving to urban areas. It is crucial that adequate emphasis be placed on the development of the situation of marginal and small farmers if agriculture is to be successful and lucrative.
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