Introduction Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on rainfall, with nearly 60% of cultivated land classified as rainfed areas. These regions often face erratic rainfall, poor soil fertility, low productivity, and higher vulnerability to climate shocks. Farmers in rainfed areas encounter income insecurity, crop failure, indebtedness, and rural distress, which affect livelihoods and the overall…
Introduction India’s agriculture and rural economy heavily depend on water availability and watershed management, especially in rainfed regions, which constitute nearly 60% of cultivated land. Inadequate water management leads to soil erosion, low productivity, and rural distress. To address these challenges, the Government of India launched the Neeranchal Watershed Management Programme (NWMP) in 2018 as…
Introduction Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, employing nearly 50% of the population and contributing significantly to GDP and rural livelihoods. Despite its importance, Indian farmers have long faced challenges such as low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, market volatility, debt burden, and climate-related risks. To address these issues, the Government of India established the…
Introduction Agriculture continues to be the backbone of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and food security. Recognizing the need for accelerated agricultural growth, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2007–08. This scheme is a centrally sponsored program aimed at enhancing investment in agriculture and allied sectors, promoting…
Introduction The North Eastern (NE) and Himalayan regions of India are endowed with unique agro-climatic conditions that are highly favorable for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants. Despite this potential, horticulture in these regions has remained underdeveloped due to poor infrastructure, limited technology access, and inadequate marketing facilities. To address these…
Introduction Bamboo, often referred to as the “green gold” of India, is a versatile and fast-growing plant that offers economic, ecological, and social benefits. Its applications range from construction, furniture, handicrafts, and paper production to environmental restoration and carbon sequestration. Recognizing its potential, the Government of India launched the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) to promote…
Introduction Horticulture plays a pivotal role in India’s agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to nutrition, employment, and rural income. India is blessed with diverse agro-climatic zones suitable for a wide range of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and plantation crops. Despite this potential, the horticulture sector faced challenges such as fragmented farms, post-harvest losses, inadequate irrigation, and…
Introduction Food security is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development and economic stability. In India, with a growing population exceeding 1.4 billion, ensuring availability, access, and affordability of food is a key national priority. To meet this challenge, the Government of India launched the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to increase production of rice, wheat,…
Introduction Food processing plays a pivotal role in India’s agricultural and economic development. India, being an agrarian economy with a large population, produces a diverse range of agricultural commodities, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, and spices. However, a significant portion of produce is lost post-harvest due to poor storage, inadequate processing infrastructure, and lack…
Introduction A commodity futures market is a financial marketplace where participants trade standardized contracts for the future delivery of commodities such as agricultural products, metals, and energy resources. Unlike spot markets, where commodities are traded for immediate delivery, futures markets allow producers, consumers, and investors to lock in prices for delivery at a later date….