Agriculture sector problems

Indian Agriculture sector playes a important role in Indian economy. Agriculture

and allied sector employes 54%of the total work force. As per Economic survey
agriculture sector contributed 18.8% to the total Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2021-
22 & grew at 3.9%.

But Indian agriculture sector plaged with many problems -

1. Problems with land -

- In recent decade the land under agriculture has been reduced. It was around 160
million ha. in 2010-11 but reduced to 157 million ha. in 2015-16.
- there is also the problem of fragmentation of the land holding - the increasing
population and division of land among heirs led to decreasing in land holdings.
- small lands are less productive so less profitable.

2. Irrigation problems -
- India is the 2nd largest country in terms of land under irrigation but it
comprises of only 1/3rd of the total cultivable area.
- more than 50% of the land under cultivation depends on rain.
- the recent climate changes are causing monsoon uncertain, unpredictable which is
creating further problems.

3. Unsustainable practices -
- due to green revolution, subsidised fertilizers & electricity from government,
MSP centering around wheat and rice led to several problems like
- monocroping
- soil degradation
- depleation of ground water etc.

4. lack of mechanisation
- majority of the farmers are small and marginal hence they lack the financial
resources to buy the farm machinaries.
- small sized farms are not economicall feseable to mechanise.

5. over dependence on agriculture

- as per 2011 census, 54% of the workforce employed in this sector.
- but there is a problem of surplus of labour force or disguised unemployment.
- hence they are not productive.

But agriculture sector playes a vital role in Indian economy by ensuring food &
nutritional security. Providing Income support to 70% of the rural household.

During the COVID 19 pandemic when all other sector was facing slowdown it was
agriculture sector which stood up, contributing 20.1% to GVA in 2020-21 higest
among all other sector. This shows that agriculture is still the backbone of Indian
Econmy.