Strategy for Doubling Income of Farmers in India

Agriculture continues to be a source of livelihood for majority of Indian population and contributed about 14 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country in 2014-15. The agricultural sector grew at a growth of around 3.7 per cent per year during 2004-05 to 2014-15 and the growth was quite impressive as compared to 2.3 per cent per annum during the previous decade (1995-96 to 2004-05). Despite this notable achievement, interest of farming community in agriculture is reported to be declining and consequently, agricultural workers, including cultivators and agricultural labourers, are moving away from agriculture. The shift is welcome provided these workers are productively and gainfully employed in other sectors. Studies have also reported that agrarian distress is increasing owing to low farm income and inequality in income between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors, which is a matter of concern. A number of initiatives have been taken up by the present Government to improve the performance of Indian agriculture. For the first time, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has set a target of “Doubling Farmers’ Income” by 2022. This goal has enthused and fueled motivation among the stakeholders and channelized the efforts in a holistic manner. All the major programs for agricultural development are revisited to attain this objective following a Seven-point Strategy. Several initiatives are being taken up by different institutions to address this challenge and as a policy think tank of ICAR, NIAP has come out with a comprehensive strategy for doubling farmers’ income. This policy paper highlights various aspects including issues in estimation of farmers’ income and opportunities of growth for income augmentation in the next couple of years. It also outlines the role of different approaches, viz. use of technology, post-harvest management and value addition, marketing and prices, and non-farm income. I am sure that this paper will serve as a reference material for understanding the policies and programs and channelizing the efforts to realize the vision of doubling farmers’ income within stipulated time frame.