Dr. Vandana Tiwari ( Astt. Prof)

Mata Gujri Women’s College

Jabalpur

tiwarivandana@ymail.com

Introduction:

Large population of India is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. But Indian agriculture is low productive are with large number of disguised unemployed. Present paper is an attempt to highlight the importance of developing entrepreneurship in the area of agriculture. Agripreneurship is solution to many economic problems like urbanization, poverty, unemployment and economic development. It helps in rural development. But development of entrepreneurship in the areas of agriculture requires special skills like human development, knowledge of agriculture, knowledge of global agriculture market.

Bond between agriculture and youth

National vision of India is to become a welfare state, to reach the target for prosperity for all. The basic developmental needs still exist in our life spirit. We still hope to become a prosperous country.
Secondly, the country enjoyed tremendous economic growth in the 1980s and much of the 1990s, due to abundant natural resources and increases in the manufacturing and services sectors. As a result, India’s middle class grew considerably, but poverty remained widespread. Now the situation of food crisis will arrive. Nothing is older to man than his struggle for food. From the time the early hunters stalked the mammoths and the first sedentary "farmers" scratched the soil to coax scrawny grain to grow, man has battled hunger.
Our future standard of living rests squarely on our ability to innovate. Many economists now believe that world economy is transition from managerial economy – where the focus is on job and employment – to an entrepreneurial economy in which innovation, agility, and the capacity to respond to the unmet needs in society will be the key to sustained economic growth. Entrepreneurship in agriculture and the allied sector is one of the prime needs of today’s economy. That can be the best source for the Government to fight against various problems of economy. The growing need of today’s economy is certainly emphasizing on food crisis, poverty, and unemployment and as a result to that crime. I strongly believe that switching over to agriculture can solve the problems to greater extent. Through agriculture we have various scopes, which is briefly discussed in this paper.

Agriculture Sector

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Indian economy because of its high share in employment and livelihood creation. It supports more than half a billion people providing employment to 52 per cent of the workforce. Its contribution to the nation's GDP is about 18.5 per cent in 2006-07. It is also an important source of raw material and demand for many industrial products, particularly fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural implements and a variety of consumer goods.

Agriculture being a State subject, it is the responsibility of the State Governments to ensure growth and development of the sector within their respective State. Accordingly, separate departments have been set up in several States.

The rapid growth of agriculture is essential not only for self-reliance but also for meeting the food and nutritional security of the people, to bring about equitable distribution of income and wealth in rural areas as well as to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life.

It is also an important source of raw material and demand for many industrial products, particularly fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural implements and a variety of consumer goods.

Horticulture and Allied Sectors

Horticulture and allied' sector is an integral element for food and nutritional security in the country. Horticulture is the main segment, while its various sub-segments are fruits, vegetables, aromatic and herbal plants, flowers, spices and plantation crops. All these are regarded as the essential ingredients of economic security. The wide range of agro-climatic conditions of India is conducive for growing a large variety of horticultural crops, including, root and tuber crops, mushroom, ornamental crops, plantation crops like coconut, areca nut, cashew and cocoa. Horticulture seeks to create ample opportunities for employment, particularly for unemployed youths and women folk. India has maintained leadership in the production of many commodities like mango, banana, acid lime, coconut, areca nut, cashew, ginger, turmeric and black pepper. Presently, it is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world.

Over the years, much progress has been made for the advancement of horticulture and allied sector. Rising investments have resulted in increased production and availability of horticultural produce in the rural and urban areas.

Fruits and Vegetables

India is the fruit and vegetable basket of the world. India being a home of wide variety of fruits and vegetables holds a unique position in production figures among other countries. Over 90% of India's exports in fresh products goes to west Asia and East European markets. However, it needs to augment its food and processing industry at a mega scale, according to an agriculture consultant.

Ministry of Food Processing Industry is the main central agency of the Government responsible for developing a strong and vibrant food processing sector. It has been set up with a view to create increased job opportunities in rural areas, enable the farmers to reap benefit from modern technology, create surplus for exports and stimulate demand for processed food.

Floriculture

Commercial floriculture has been of recent origin though the traditional flower cultivation has been going on for centuries. Emphasis has been shifting from traditional flowers to cut flowers for export purposes. The liberalization of economy since 1991-92 has given an impetus to the Indian entrepreneurs for establishing export oriental floriculture unit under controlled climatic conditions.

Commercial Floriculture is one such scheme implemented by Government with the objectives of improve production and productivity of traditional as well as cut flowers through availability of quality planting material and transfer technology, improve human resource capabilities for growing flowers scientifically, promote production of off season and quality flowers through protected cultivation as well as improve on farm post harvest handling of flowers. State Governments have set up separate departments for promotion and development of the sector in their respective States.

Aromatic and Herbal Plantations

Medicinal, herbal and aromatic plants constitute a large segment of the flora, which provide raw materials for use by pharmaceutical, cosmetic, fragrance and flavor industries. They have been used in the country for a long time for their medicinal properties. India is considered as a treasure house of valuable medicinal and aromatic plant species. It has 15 agro-climatic zones, 47000 different plant species and 15000 medicinal plants. About 2000 native plant species have curative properties and 1300 species are known for their aroma and flavors. The Indian systems of medicines, popularly known as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha drugs are of great demand in the country. It has identified 1500 medicinal plants, of which 500 species are mostly used in the preparation of drugs.

The medicinal plants contribute to cater 80% of the raw materials used in the preparation of drugs. The effectiveness of these drugs mainly depends upon the proper use and sustained availability of genuine raw materials.

Further, India presents a great investment and business opportunity in the herbal sector, with the prospects of the country emerging as a global leader in the field. In recent times, there has been an enlightened awareness among the citizens of the country about the natural advantages that this country is endowed with. Herbal Tea is one of the most commonly used aromatic herbs, which has its own importance. It is gaining popularity due to its multipoint effects. The thrust area is to develop the disease-specific herbal tea. All this proves that India has one of the richest plant medical cultures in the world. There exists innumerable opportunities in the various segments of aromatic, medicinal and herbal plantations. Various efforts, both at the Central and State level, have been actively undertaken to attract significant investments into the sector and promote entrepreneurial activities therein.

Plantation Crops

Plantation crops in India are considered to be the main segment of the horticulture crops. They are the mainstay of agrarian economies in many States and Union Territories (UTs) of the country. They play an important role in the agricultural and industrial development of the country as a whole. They contribute a significant amount to the national exchequer and country's exports by way of excise and export earnings. They also provide direct and indirect employment to large number of people in the country, and thus tries to supplement the poverty alleviation programmes, especially in rural sector.

Plantation crops constitute a large group of crops. The major plantation crops include coconut, areca nut, oil palm, cashew, tea, coffee and rubber; and the minor plantation crops include cocoa. India is the largest producer and consumer of cashew nuts.

But, in India, plantation crops have been continuously facing the problem of lack of investment and depressed yields, and are in great need of modernization. Their total coverage is comparatively less and they are mostly confined to small holdings.

Spices

Spices are one of the main horticulture crops, which are used for flavoring and seasoning the food substances. It is basically defined as vegetable products or mixtures thereof, free from extraneous matter, used for imparting aroma in foods. Due to liberalization of Indian economy, the spices industry of India has grown very rapidly. It is a source of livelihood and employment for large number of people in the country, especially for rural population. India is known as the home of spices and produces a wide variety of spices like black pepper, cardamom (small and large), ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili, etc. It is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices and spice products. Out of the 109 spices listed by the ISO, India produces as many as 75 owing to its varied agro climatic regions. Almost all the States and Union Territories (UTs) of the country grow one or the other spices.

Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Animal Husbandry and Dairying is a State subject and the State Governments are primarily responsible for the growth of the sector. Dairying has become an important secondary source of income and employment for millions of rural families. The Indian Dairy Industry acquired substantial growth momentum from 9th Plan onwards, achieving an annual output of 97.1 million tones of milk during 2005-06. India's milk output during the year 2006-2007 reached the level of 100.9 million tones (provisional). This has not only placed the country on top in the world, but also represents sustained growth in the availability of milk and milk products for the burgeoning population of the country.

Fisheries

The 'fisheries and aquaculture sector' is recognized as the sunshine sector in Indian agriculture. It stimulates growth of number of subsidiary industries and is the source of livelihood for a large section of economically backward population, especially fishermen, of the country. It helps in increasing food supply, generating adequate employment opportunities and raising nutritional level. It has a huge export potential and is a big source of foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Over the years, fisheries' industry is emerging and rapidly growing. This covers both capture and culture including inland and sea, aquaculture, gears, navigation, oceanography, aquarium management, breeding, processing, export and import of seafood, special products and by-products, research and related activities. There exists several investment opportunities in the sector for the entrepreneur’s world over.

Sericulture

Silk is a way of life in India. Over thousands of years, it has become an inseparable part of Indian culture and tradition. No ritual is complete without silk being used as a wear in some form or the other. Sericulture and Silk Textiles Industry is one of the major sub-sector comprising the textiles sector. Sericulture is an agro-based cottage industry. Sericulture refers to the mass-scale rearing of silk producing organisms in order to obtain silk. Sericulture is one of the most labor intensive sectors, combining activities of both agriculture (sericulture) and industry. India is ranked as the second major raw silk producer in the world.

It is the only one cash crop in agriculture sector that gives returns within 30 days. Sericulture emerged as an important economic activity, becoming increasingly popular in several parts of the country, because of its short gestation period, quick recycling of resources. It suits very well to all types of farmers and exceptionally for marginal and small land holders as it offers rich opportunities for enhancement of income and creates own family employment round the year.

Government Policies and Initiatives

Several significant initiatives have been taken in recent years by the Government in order to reverse the downward trend in agricultural production. Some of these important initiatives include:

Bharat Nirman
National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme
National Horticulture Mission
Expansion of Institutional Credit to Farmers
Establishment of the National Bee Board
Establishment of the National Rainfed Area Authority
Establishment of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
Watershed Development and Micro Irrigation Programmes
Reforms in Agricultural Marketing and Development of Market Infrastructure
Revitalization of Cooperative Sector
Agro-business Development through Venture Capital Participation by the Small Farmer Agro-business Consortium
Reform and Support for Agriculture Extension Services.
National Food Security Mission.
Develop support services including provision for seeds, irrigation, power, machinery and implements, fertilizers and credit at affordable prices in adequate quantity for farmers.
Provide appropriate price and trade policy mechanisms to enhance farmers’ income.
Provide for suitable risk management measures for adequate and timely compensation to farmers.
Complete the unfinished agenda in land reforms and to initiate comprehensive asset and Aquarian reforms.
Pay explicit attention to sustainable rural livelihoods.
Make India a global outsourcing hub in the production and supply of the inputs needed for sustainable agriculture, products and processes developed through biotechnology and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Areas of Improvement

Undoubtabely, Government of India has made various fruitful efforts, through finance, irrigation, subsidies, at as discussed above. Scope of Growth in Agricultural and Allied sectors has also increased. But Social, Educational and political structure of the nation has kept us far behind, where we could have been. I believe in spite of neglecting this sector, and promoting industrial sector, Government should give maximum emphasis in Five-year plans on it. This can be the only bypass, through which nation can solve many of its troubles.

Although Indian Agriculture has come a long way, there are certain implications that have to be addressed for national and nutritional security. Our population is expected to be 1.4 billion by 2020. The increasing population, coupled with growing income will generate increased demand for food grains and non-food grain crops. Therefore, Indian agriculture has to achieve a higher growth rate targeted at 4 per cent per annum on a sustainable basis. Acceleration of growth of this sector will not only push the overall GDP growth upwards, it would also make the growth more inclusive.

The long-term policy framework at broad sect oral level needs to be strengthened and focused on improving inter- and intra-sect oral linkages. In addition, there is a need to build an outcome oriented perspective in the implementation of public programmes in the area of irrigation, fertilizers, use of high-yielding varieties of seeds, extension support for facilitating adoption of improved practices, and market access.

Avaibility of land

Since increase in net sown area has flattened out, further increase in agriculture production needs to come through an increase in gross cropped area (multiple cropping), coverage of area under irrigation and improvement in the productivity levels. Practice of sanctioning fertile land for industries like tata motors should be strictly prohibited. As establishment of such industries can be done in non-fertile land like in Tamil nadu and Andhra Pradesh. There are acres of land lying baron in those areas.

When land is provided to mines for mining of ores, as far as I know they are not returned back to farmers for agricultural produce. This practice is continuously decreasing the land use patterns in India. Many families who have got agricultural land from their ancestors. But have shifted their profession to service sector, keeping un ploughed land for the sake of family honor. Such land should be ceased and given to poor or landless farmers. Just as it happened during land reforms after independence.

Promoting agricultural produce and technology

Including agricultural economics as a subject in schools as a foundation course would also add upon encouraging youths to make their career in agriculture.

Making agriculture financially more earned would help them to motivate towards this field.

Indian agriculture also has to diversify into high-value crops, raise productivity, restore soil health and enhance the application of modern technologies including biotechnology. Strengthen the bio-security of crops, farm animals, and fish and forest trees for safeguarding the livelihood and income security of farmer families and the health and trade security of the nation.

Adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies is inadequate, hampered by ignorance of such practices, high costs and impracticality in the case of small land holdings. Role of Food processing Industry, which is the main central agency of the Government responsible for developing a strong, and vibrant food processing sector should be increased and given high priority. It has been set up with a view to create increased job opportunities in rural areas, enable the farmers to reap benefit from modern technology, create surplus for exports and stimulate demand for processed food. The ministry of food processing industry should conduct training camps, workshops frequently in various divisions to encourage youngsters towards development of agricultural entrepreneurship

Changing pattern of financial support

While public investment in agriculture may not have kept pace with the requirements of the sector, food and fertilizer subsidies have supported the agriculture sector. There may be a need for better targeting of these subsidies with a view to optimize the resource allocation and returns there from. Instead of giving loans, farmers should be given equipments, as loans are usually utilized for fulfilling family needs, and finally government has to excuse the amount of loan. The pattern of financial loan should necessarily be changed. Farmers should be given agricultural commodities, as per their need, instead of cash. As the monetary amount is utilized for fulfilling other social and family needs. This has resulted to increase in agricultural debt.

Involving young generation in agriculture

Youth employment policies should be integrated with other policies regarding youth such as educational, training and investment policies. There is lot of baron lands lying over this can be ploughed by unemployed, in spite of giving them berozgari bhatta. This will make them divert towards this field instead of crime. Human resource development of the persons engaged in agriculture is necessary not only to have greater penetration of better technology but also because new skill sets would be necessary to enable underemployed labor in this sector to get absorbed in other fast growing sectors. Government should introduce measures that can help attract and retain youths in farming and processing of farm products for higher value addition by making it intellectually stimulating and economically rewarding.

Conclusion:

Few state of India has recently over gone the elections. The prominent and big leaders delivered their speeches. But to my surprise none discussed about agriculture. Only industrial development was discussed and priorities. It is shameful for us to purchase vegetables and Rs 100/ kg and above. Being a agriculturist nation, at least food supply should never slow down. The nation can achieve self subsistence and sustainable growth only through uplifting Agriculture. Instead of opening various technical Colleges, some changes must be made towards agricultural education. Policies regarding non sale of Agricultural land for Commercial purpose must be set up. ADOPT AGRICULTURE TO SAVE THE NATION.

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