In-Depth Summary
Farming remains the principal activity in the village, yet significant changes have transformed agricultural practices over the years. These advancements have enabled farmers to yield more crops per unit of land, a vital feat considering the limited and fixed nature of land resources. However, this increased production comes at a cost: greater pressure on land and natural resources.
New farming techniques require less land but demand significantly more capital. Medium and large-scale farmers can leverage their production savings to secure capital for subsequent seasons. In contrast, small farmers, who comprise about 80% of Indian agriculture, struggle to obtain necessary capital due to their smaller plots and lower yields, leading to a cycle of debt. Many of these farmers must also find supplemental work as laborers to support their families.
Labour, while abundant, is not fully utilized within agriculture since opportunities are limited. Consequently, laborers migrate to nearby towns and cities or seek non-farm employment. Currently, the non-farm sector in villages remains small, with only 24 out of 100 rural workers engaged in such activities. Although various non-farm activities exist, they employ only a few individuals each.
In the future, expanding the non-farm sector is essential, as it requires minimal land and can be initiated with available capital. Access to loans at low-interest rates will prove crucial for those without savings to launch non-farm ventures. Additionally, the presence of markets for selling goods and services is integral. Countries like India see inter-village interactions with neighboring towns and cities as viable markets for selling agricultural products. Enhanced transportation and communication will potentially increase non-farm opportunities in the village.