Agriculture

Write Up on Agriculture

Introduction:

Agriculture is an important component of the developing economy. It’s the basic occupation for Indian people. Farming is nothing but cultivating the land and growing food grains and commercial crops. In Indian scenario Agriculture is major livelihood opportunity for the rural population.

Description of Module:

            Mr Shrikanth and Dr. M B Pattansheti from AME foundation taught the agriculture module. The following topics were covered in the module Agriculture scenario, history of Agriculture, India’s exports and development farming. To get a clear picture of agriculture, instructors showed us some videos and also conducted a debate. Through debate I had a better understanding of rural economy and Industrial economy.

Agriculture scenario in India:

 In India total Agricultural geographical area is 328 million hectare. Total area for cultivation is 140 and irrigated area is 30 million hectare. Population dependent on agriculture are 1100 million. India is 2nd largest country in the world to produce Rice and Wheat and also India is largest milk producing country. In exporting rice India takes first position but cereals is least exported product.

After Green revolution in agriculture (1960) and Milk revolution in 1980 India’s farming system is developing. And technologies are developing such as mechanization, macro and micro irrigation, chemical inputs like pesticides, fertilizers, hybrid seeds and green house cultivation.  Agriculture production happens throughout the year irrespective of seasons.

Through videos we understood the impact of pesticides, how to use them and when

The Rural Scenario:  Rural population is facing lots of problem like food and nutritional security, poverty, illiteracy, health and sanitation. Now day’s rural communities are migrating to urban places because farmers are losing their soil fertility and also increase in the cost of production. This situation leads to low net income to farmers. To change the perception of the farmers, they need support from developmental professionals. LEISA is one of developmental tool for agriculture. LEISA means Low External Input for Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainable agriculture means proper utilization, conservation and managing the local natural resources for current and future generation. LEISA means step towards organic farming focusing on small and marginal farmers and dry land regions. LIESA aims at improving and stabilizing productivity of the farming system. The major problems in dry farming are moisture tress during critical crop growth stages, poor fertility of soil and mono cropping practices. LEISA project is implemented through FFS and natural resources management to promote dry land farming. FFS means Farmers Field School. It’s an informal education here farmers participation is most important they learn through practically experiencing things. The objective of the FFS is to develop the farmer’s skill.

Integrated farming system and livestock:

Regeneration and proper utilization of local resources with Integrated management. Integrated management means crop management nutrient management, pesticide management, livestock management, natural resource management and Income generation activities.

In our field visit we went to Kurdikeri we met the FFS and discussed about agriculture.

Challenges for agriculture:

Agriculture has lot of challenges to face like depends on Monsoon, market prices, health hazards by chemical pesticide, etc.

Key points:

Ø  Sustainable agriculture

Ø  Livelihood opportunities

Learnings:

Ø  Importance of agricultural sector.

Ø  This module helped us to understand the present situation of farmers

Ø  Sustainable agriculture module is very essential to improve the agriculture  in India

Ø  Agriculture provides livelihood opportunities to the villagers.

 

 

References/ source

By instructors Mr.Shrikanth and Dr. M B Pattanshetti  from AME Foundation