Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and supports the livelihoods of a large proportion of the population. A significant share of India’s workforce is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and allied sectors such as livestock, fisheries, and horticulture. However, agriculture in India is highly sensitive to climatic conditions because it relies heavily…
Introduction India’s agricultural success story is inseparable from fertilisers. From the early years of food shortages to becoming one of the world’s largest producers of cereals, fertilisers have played a decisive role in raising crop productivity and stabilising rural livelihoods. Today, India ranks among the largest consumers of fertilisers globally, reflecting both its vast farming…
Introduction NITI Aayog — India’s premier policy think tank — has published a series of analytical reports envisioning long-term transformation pathways for India. Two interconnected visions are central: These reports explore alternate scenarios, policy levers, economic trajectories, climate action pathways, and the interplay between development and sustainability. The goal is to inform policymakers, planners, civil…
Introduction Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, employing nearly 50% of the workforce and contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. Despite its central role, farmers often face low productivity, crop losses due to pests and diseases, climate-related challenges, and market uncertainties, leading to a precarious standard of living. In recent decades, biotechnology has emerged…
Introduction Water scarcity is a persistent challenge in many parts of India, particularly in drought-prone and semi-arid regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. These areas experience erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration, low groundwater recharge, and over-dependence on monsoon rains, resulting in water stress for agriculture, livestock, and…
Introduction Agriculture has always been the backbone of India’s economy, society, and culture. It not only provides food security but also employment to nearly half of India’s workforce. Over the years, India has witnessed several agricultural revolutions—the Green Revolution, White Revolution, Blue Revolution, and more. Among these, the concept of the Evergreen Revolution stands out…
Introduction Water is the lifeline of agriculture, and efficient irrigation is crucial for enhancing crop productivity, farmer income, and food security. India, with its vast agricultural landscape, is heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall, which is often erratic and unevenly distributed. To address water scarcity, optimize irrigation, and ensure sustainable agricultural growth, the Government of India…
Introduction Irrigation is a cornerstone of India’s agricultural development and food security. Efficient irrigation infrastructure ensures timely water availability, improved crop yields, and enhanced rural livelihoods. Despite India having a large network of canals, reservoirs, and tanks, many irrigation projects were slow to complete due to resource constraints, delays in funding, and technical challenges. To…
Introduction Water is one of the most critical resources for agriculture, and India, being heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall, faces significant challenges in efficient water management. A large proportion of India’s cultivated land suffers from water scarcity, over-extraction of groundwater, and inefficient irrigation practices. To address these issues, the Government of India launched the National…
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…