Future of farming in India

[nvedwan]

This is a perceptive article by one of India's most astute commentators on agricultural issues, about the challenges that will increasingly confront farmers in the coming time. The contract farming being promoted as a panacea by the government is only going to benefit a small section of large farmers, leading to the immiseration of the majority. Can we afford not tohave farming as a profitable(or at least viable) enterprise? How will the population presently engaged in farming be accommodated? Do we have millions of jobs waiting in the urban areas (the so-called "pull" factor, which was instrumental in decreasing the population enagaged in agriculture in America)? Does a thriving service economy obviate the need for a robust manufacturing sector, which can provide broad-based growth, in large numbers, as opposed to the former's narrow impact? To name just one potentialy diastrous consequence, the rural to urban migration is expected to run into tens of millions of people over the next decade or so. With our urban infrastructure already inadequate or crumbling, how are these people going to be accommodated (endless slums)? Are we heading for a Latin American-style situation where the rich will lead sequestered lives in high-security enclaves--surrounded by masses seething with anger and discontent-- under perpetual threat of abduction for ransom (not that it doesn't exist as of now) and being able to venture out only under protection (by personal bodyguards). What will be the consequences for social harmony? One "solution", which is already being implemented is to contain these socio-economic centrifugal forces, by raising the banner of Hindutva. So, will we see strengthening of fascist forces, bent on demonizing the "other"(muslims/christians), as a counter to the fissiparous tendencies?

Devinder Sharma's writings can be found on http://www.indiatogether.org/opinions/dsharma/ where you can access intelligent discussions of agriculture-related issues--ranging from the impact of WTO, to the consequences of western subsidies on Third World farmers. A true spokesperson of India's (and Third World) farmers.

[anilkc]

In theory the policy is attractive, but its the implementation which will determine the real face of future. Farming like any other business has to be profitable to survive. But, however u implement, the number of people directly engaged in farming will definitely reduce, bcos for profits u need eficeinecy, which will lead to more mechanised farming. But, it will also open up related services which will absorb some of them but not all.
The final soltn to all problems is to decress overall population and eat more !!

[saharawat]

There is only one reason for all problems - population

[palsaniya]

Here problem of Water!!!!
Rajasthan....mega re mega....
we hv 800 beega land but due to lack of water, using only 100 beega......:)....700 no use...i hope one mega will persist n water hi water................

[mukesh_rana80]

hello neeraj bhai sahab !
it's nice to read about Devinder Sharma's views ,but it is not the only truth.there r some marits in govt. policy also , contact farming is also good and WTO and bitechnology can also help in development of agriculture !
please try to read about govt. policies, and market driven agriculture also and show the whole picure to jatland members ,not only one aspect as always highlighted by Devinder Sharma.
regards
mukesh rana

[anilkc]

The India of today is still largely agriculture-driven, in that a majority of its people are dependent on agriculture. How can India develop? We need to understand the process of development, and in the case of India, also rural India and poverty. These are complex topics –......read on at:

http://www.samachar.com/tech/fullstory.html

[anilkc]

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