eChapters

Introduction

According to the “Mutually Aided Cooperative Societies (MACS) Act” of 1995 or as a “Farmers Producer Corporation” (FPC) under the “Companies Act” of 2013, a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) is often a society or company made up of farmers who are actual producers of a specific crop or commodities. Depending on the demands of the producers and the demand potential to adopt a value chain approach to boost farmers' and producers' economic and social benefits, these organisations are established at the cluster, block, district, or state level. The Indian government, state governments, development organisations, and central institutions have recently placed a greater emphasis on farmer-producer firms. Many of the nations’ Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been aiding in the development of cooperatives and farmer-producer organisations.

Steps in formulation of FPOs

1. Preliminary Assessment and Need Identification

• Identify the group of farmers interested in forming an FPO.

• Conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs, resources, and aspirations of the farmers in the target area.

• Determine the type of products or crops that the FPO will focus on.

Introduction

Good quality seed plays an important and crucial role in deciding the performance of any crop. Availability of quality seed is one of the important factors for increasing the production and productivity of agriculture. Seed is the cheapest and most efficient input as compared to other inputs like fertilizer, pesticides, water etc. Timely availability of quality seed of the right variety/ hybrid in adequate quantity decides the strength and health of agricultural economy.

Seed has been defined in many ways. Botanically, seed is defined as “a mature fertile ovule”. Seed is also defined as “an embryo, a living organism, embedded in the supporting or food storage tissue surrounded by seed coat”. Seed is also defined as “any plant part (cuttings, corms, bulbs, rhizomes etc.) used for growing commercial crops”.

Seed a basic input in Agriculture, a carrier of new technology, a basic tool for secured food supply. Seed is a principal means to secure crop yield in less favorable production areas. Seed is an important medium for rapid rehabilitation of agriculture in cases of natural disaster.

Introduction

With the growing population, increase in demand, and per capita income, tremendous pressure is put on the supply side, pushing them to rely on unsustainable practices to meet this existing and future demand. Compromising on sustainability has not only been responsible for climate change but also other negative environmental externalities. The modern agricultural corporate structure known as agribusiness, which can introduce sustainable and innovative technology into the agricultural sector, would pave the way for achieving all the sustainability dimensions, viz., social, economic, and environmental. With this expanding agribusiness sector, farmers can create a win-win alliance that maintains environmental harmony and financial success. There seems to be a huge scope to achieve sustainability goals well in advance by exploring the pathways with the help of the agri-business sector.

As the global population continues to grow, there will be an ever-increasing demand placed on the agricultural industry to provide more food as well as other raw materials. It is anticipated that farmers will need to produce 70% more food than is currently cultivated to feed up to 10 billion people by the year 2055 (Alexandratos & Bruinsma, 2012). However, the situation is aggravated due to shrinking cultivated areas, depletion of natural resources, higher production costs, fewer farmers, and climatic changes. We are in the middle of a perfect storm of social, economic, and environmental pressures on the food supply around the world. Along with the increasing production and productivity, it has to be taken care of that the natural resources and environment are not exploited indiscriminately. Agriculture is both a threat to climate change and a possible way to stop it. Therefore, sustainability in agriculture is the only way forward. This commitment rests not only with the governments but with all the players in the agricultural supply chain. A holistic approach that concurrently tackles issues of environmental integrity, social equality, and economic prosperity is what we mean when we talk about sustainability. Over the course of the previous few decades, its significance to businesses operating in virtually all fields has grown substantially.

Introduction Insects are the largest group of individuals in the phylum Arthropoda. They are the most dominant species on earth, as they originated 480 million years ago. Insects account for damage to agriculture produced through pest incidence; they also render benefits through pollination services, reduction in pest population as natural enemies, and various other services. Utilisation of beneficial insects like silkworms, honeybees, and lac insects for their products was well known to Indian people way back. In the current chapter, opportunities for the utilisation of some of these beneficial insects for emerging businesses are discussed.

Insect farming

By 2050, there will be a 60% increase in the global need for proteins, driven by the unrelenting growth of the human population. What is very disturbing is that present protein manufacturing uses very unsustainable methods, in addition to this exponential increase. The ecosystem is under a lot of stress from traditional farming practices, which also contribute to the loss of already depleted wild fish species and water supplies. By 2050, there will be 10 billion people on the planet, and to feed them sustainably, new farming options such as insect farming will be necessary. Due to their rapid rates of reproduction and high protein content, insects are extremely simple to produce (Igini, 2022).

Introduction

Sericulture is regarded as a significant rural and cottage industry in India. It can generate more income in addition to agricultural crops. Although being viewed as a secondary occupation, sericulture may now be practiced on a large scale due to technological advancements. Since it provides a steady source of revenue, cocoon production and cultivation could be seen as a vital economic tool for the improvement of rural communities. It spreads its welfare-raising distributive impact both in the rural and urban sectors of society throughout its vertical process of production (from the rearing of silkworms to the fabrication of silk goods). Although farmers in rural regions engage in sericulture operations, most of the silk is produced in urban towns and cities through weaving. As a result, silk and sericulture are interconnected with both the agrarian and cottage industries, having a broad-based distributive effect on the creation of jobs and revenue. The employment generation pattern of the sericulture sector has been divided into two main categories by the Indian Sericulture Industry: 1) Direct employment, which includes mulberry cultivation, leaf harvesting, and silkworm rearing. 2) Indirect employment examples include reeling, twisting, weaving, printing, dyeing, finishing, and processing silk waste.

Introduction

Most of India's population, which lives in rural areas and is largely uneducated and unskilled, is unable to compete in the employment market generated by the expansion of the service industry. They are therefore reliant on the agricultural sector for their means of subsistence. Even in the modern era, the agriculture industry is still a significant source of employment, as it employs more than fifty percent of the labour force. The cyclical and seasonal character of unemployment is made worse by the fact that agriculture is inherently seasonal and that there are insufficient irrigation facilities.

A significant portion of the labour force used in agriculture is of a secretive character. Even though they provide the appearance of having a job, their marginal production is zero. Even if some of the younger people living in rural farm communities want to move away from primary agricultural production activities and towards secondary agricultural and agribusiness pursuits, it is possible that the current level of agricultural production will not be impacted in any way (Shivacharan et al., 2017). This led to a focus on seeing agriculture as a commercialization aspect for improving the economic aspects of the people who aspire to entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.

“Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services” (GFRAS) defines “Agripreneur ship as an entrepreneurship activity practiced by individual who aims to cre ate wealth by applying innovative skills within the agriculture industries”. As mentioned, agribusiness entrepreneurship is a relevant solution that may be implemented throughout the agricultural value chain.

Introduction

In 2030, 289 MT of food grain production will be needed in India, whereas 349 MT would be needed in 2050. India's agriculture is now facing several problems, including the well-being of farmers, deteriorating soil health, stagnant productivity, a declining water table, soil salinity, a decline in factor productivity, and the need to limit further expansion of irrigated land. The livelihoods of millions of small farmers are in peril because of ecologically destructive and unsustainable agricultural practices. Growing countries must increase their agricultural production systems to boost their economies, food supplies, and food and nutritional security (Gill et al., 2005). Previous research initiatives in Indian agriculture that focused on a single company were inadequate to ensure sustained increases in production. Among the f inest choices for low-income farmers is the integrated agriculture system (IFS). With IFS, several farm operations may be streamlined to increase productivity and income. Agricultural waste and trash are also recycled on the property. It is essential that farmers have a reliable source of income if they want to raise their living standards beyond the poverty level. To deal with the challenges of the current economic, political, and technological environments, it is vital to progress production or consistently raise output.

Introduction

The food processing sector is highly fragmented industry, it widely comprises of the following sub-segments: fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products, beer and alcoholic beverages, meat and poultry, marine products, grain processing, packaged or convenience food and packaged drinks. A huge number of entrepreneurs in this industry are small in terms of their production and operations, and are largely concentrated in the unorganized segment. This segment accounts for more than 70% of the output in terms of volume and 50% in terms of value. Though the organized sector seems comparatively small, it is growing at a much faster pace.

The food processing industry can be classified into three categories: organized (25%), small scale (33%) and unorganized (42%) (Source: FAIDA/ Minstry of Food Processing Industries). The share of food processing in total manufacturing is only 9% in India.

Abstract

The main objectives of this paper are to know the variability in sustainable growth of banks through the various advantages of the banks participation in commodity market along with identification of the possible strategies to more participation in Indian commodity markets by the banks. The data collected through the structured questionnaire from the 150 respondents. The SPSS 16.0 version was applied to derive the results. The techniques of frequency and the regression analysis applied to infer the results. The study found that 46.5 percent variation in sustainable growth was explained through the investment portfolio and hedging for commodity price volatility and also there was a significant difference between each other and higher returns through the diversified portfolio was more responsible towards the sustainable growth as a reason of banks participation in commodity market. The study also found that 98.7 percent of variation in sustainable growth was explained through the various advantages of the banks participation in commodity market and also found that increase in banks customer incomes was more favourable response towards the sustainable growth and it was followed the lower interest rates for borrowers and the lower volatility and also there was a significance difference from these variables to the dependent variables. It is suggested that there should be a appropriate training programmes of the bank officials to more participation in commodity market through the diversification of portfolio to increase the more returns.

1. Introduction

Social research refers to study of social trends, dynamics and principles existing between individuals and within societies. Professionals perform social research in order to better understand the social factors that motivate and influence human beings and to analyze how and why humans interact with each other, and thus create new knowledge and theories or tests and verify existing theories. The purposes of social research are manifold and can be classified as exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, community change / action and evaluative.

In the contemporary digital era, the agriculture sector is making use of the revolutionary power of internet marketing. As technology develops, farmers and agricultural businesses are implementing digital tools and strategies to enhance their marketing campaigns. The wider digital revolution of India’s agriculture sector depends on digital marketing. Since it employs and supports a sizable section of the population, India’s agriculture sector is essential to the country’s economy. The marketing and sales of agricultural products have rapidly changed since the transformation of digital technologies. Managing the customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India poses several challenges. This Chapter explores the importance of transformational technological advancements in the agriculture sector and how it is impacting customer preferences and the digital revolution in agricultural marketing.

Agricultural marketing in India enables the producers and the consumers to have a direct contact to buy and sell their products. But it is crucial to have a clear understanding on the consumer’s perceptions and preferences for the products who are the ultimate users as a better marketing strategy. The present marketing methods are much different from traditional ones, and can be even transformed by the use of data analytics, cutting-edge technologies, and data-driven insights by the Agri-marketers to perceive and interact with consumers. The success of a firm/business is greatly influenced by consumer perception and it is shaped by a number of elements, such as marketing initiatives, customer service, and product quality. Therefore, to have a positive perception of the consumers on the products, one should focus on the ideology and the working of their perceptions which helps to design and brand their products accordingly. The Indian agricultural marketing system is facing a wide range of issues, that prevents it from going global due to its in competitiveness in the export activities. Its high time to focus on innovative policies and strategies that support for the economic growth and the enhanced livelihoods of the various stakeholders in this system.

Abstract

Green is the ‘innovative’ word that has now evolved to become the soul of every market. This revolution has given a rise for the different kind of green activities in the normal course of life, be it personal or professional. Companies are trying to adopt green in their business activities, be it production; product; services; or packaging, consumers are also not behind for the perseverance of environment and natural resources. Consumers are day by day becoming more aware towards environmental issues, purchasing eco-friendly products, and adopting a green lifestyle. This paper examines the growing awareness of consumer towards green initiatives, products, campaigns run by the companies, and their attitude, and purchase intentions for the same. Therefore, the purpose of this research paper revolves around describing the present state of green activities in business era, and to know the awareness and attitude of consumer in Jodhpur city. 

Abstract
Government initiatives to boost agricultural exports are critical for driving economic growth, promoting rural development and enhancing food security. This paper provides an overview of the importance of such initiatives from various perspectives including economic growth, rural development, trade balance, food security, foreign investment, global competitiveness and environmental sustainability. It examines the strategic steps involved in government efforts, including policy formulation, market research, product development, infrastructure development, trade facilitation, export promotion, financial support, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, the paper highlights common government initiatives implemented worldwide to enhance agricultural exports, such as trade agreements and negotiations, export promotion programs, market diversification efforts, quality and safety standards compliance, infrastructure development, financial support mechanisms, research and development investments, branding and certification promotion, sustainability and environmental stewardship and capacity building and training. Additionally, the advantages of government initiatives in boosting agricultural exports are discussed, including expanded market access, increased competitiveness, market diversification, better quality and safety standards, infrastructure development and financial support. However, the paper also acknowledges several limitations of these initiatives, including policy inconsistency, bureaucratic red tape, lack of coordination, limited access to finance, infrastructure deficiencies, market access barriers, environmental and social concerns and dependency on external factors.
Keywords: Government Initiatives, Economic Growth, Rural Development, Trade Agreements, Export Promotion and Market Diversification

3.1. Growth Analysis

Growth and development analysis of plants provides information related to influence of various factors either negative or positive on plant growth. The basic idea of this analysis is the estimation of crop growth at various stages and finally towards the yield. It will help us to understand the performance of a genotype as well as impact of agronomic practices on the crop at any stage of growth and also on final yield. This would also identify the factors responsible for high yield and thereby provide the basis to tailor agronomic practices. The most common parameters used in growth analysis are leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and leaf area duration.

Introduction

An agricultural project is defined as an investment activity where financial resources are expended to create the capital assets with an anticipation of benefits over time. In other words, it is an activity where money is spent to realize the expected returns and requires planning, financing and implementation as a unit. In fact, the whole complex of activities using resources to gain benefits constitute the agricultural projects. The agricultural project may include projects such as irrigation, dairy, poultry, piggery, rural credit, social forestry, land reclamation/leveling, rural development projects, etc. Moreover, the dividing line between an “investment “ and a “production” expenditure is an agricultural project.  For instance, the fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, etc. are called investments where returns are realized over the service period of asset. Likewise, the plantation of fruit crops though constitute an investment yet the paddy transplanting as production expense, i.e., the difference exists in time span to grow plants.

Role of Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises

Engage in promotion & development of MSME’S in the country through framing proper policies and schemes.
Implementing policies and schemes through its attached office DC, MSME, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi. 

Government Schemes and Incentives

Learning Objectives

1. Overview of Government schemes and incentives for promotion of entrepreneurship.
2. Overview of Schemes Applicable for Agriculture Startups
3. Focus on Agriculture in G20 countries under India’s Presidency in 2023
4. Role of Venture Capital Investments

Weed management practices are evaluated for its efficiency in terms of effective control of weeds and economics of control measures through various indices under sole crop situation as well as intercrop situation.

6.1. Indices for Sole Crop Situation

The absolute effect of particular method or a chemical in reducing the weed competitions and increasing the crop productivity are measured effectively by various indices. The comparisons of weed control methods are usually based on the yield, weed population and weed dry matter from the control as well as treated plots.

The word “Credit” is derived from a Latin word “Credo”, meaning “I Believe”. The Latin verb “credere” means “to repose confidence in”. Note that borrowing is a function of ability to command capital or services currently with a promise to repay it in future i.e. obtaining certain amounts of money as loan to be rapid as specified in the Agreement between the concerned parties. Credit means the ability to command other peoples’ capital in return for a promise to repay at some specified time in future. It is therefore the combination of the “ability to borrow” and “willingness to borrow”.