eChapters

Introduction

Agriculture is an important sector of Indian economy and it contributes about 17.4% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) for the year 2016-17 provides employment to over 54.6 % of the population. There has been a continuous decline in the share of agriculture and allied sector in GVA from 18.6% in 2013 14 to 17.4% in 2016-17. Falling share of agriculture and allied sector in GVA is an expected outcome in a fast growing and structurally changing economy. However since 54.6% of the population is still dependent on agriculture and engaged in improving the agricultural production and overall income. The agricultural production system required timely and adequate agriculture credit to fulfill farmers need. Agricultural Finance ensures provision of multiple types of services dedicated to support both on- and off-farm agricultural activities and businesses including input provision, production, and distribution, wholesale, processing and marketing.

Introduction

Poverty has been described as a situation of “pronounced deprivation in well being” and being poor as “to be hungry, to lack shelter and clothing, to be sick and not cared for, to be illiterate and not schooled. Poor people are particularly vulnerable to adverse events outside their control. They are often treated badly by institutions of the state and society and excluded from voice and power in those institutions.” Lack of access to resources is a unifying characteristic of poverty in all its manifestations. The poor lack ownership of or access to assets such as land, water, forest, dwelling units, credit, literacy, longevity, voice and capital-both physical and social. Those who are severely below the poverty line are largely involved in subsistence type activities for which they get exploitatively poor returns despite suffering extreme physical hardship and undertaking grave risks so as to earn a meager income. Since earnings are below even the margins of existence, expenditure and survival needs exceed income. This often results in the need to borrow small amounts of money at usurious interest rates of as much as 120 per cent per annum (Mehta, 1996) when borrowing is not possible, hunger is suffered. Their inability to change the power relationships results in scarcely available common resources (such as even drinking water) or public funds meant for poverty alleviation being misappropriated and diverted through manipulation by the locally powerful or corrupt. Since there are no mechanisms for grievance redressal this could result in social tension, despair or a combination thereof.

Introduction

Agriculture denotes as the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, where by farming of domesticated species creates food surpluses that enables people to survive and showing them the way of earning. Thus our country is enhancing agro-based industries. Industrial agriculture based on large scale monoculture, which is dominated by agricultural output. Hence it is the dynamically economic improvement of our country with the help of agriculture basing on modern information technology. Information technology means the latest version of information facilities like computer, mass media and Internet. Information technology (IT) or Information communication technology (ICT) is a broad subject concerned with technology and other aspects of managing and processing information.

Information technology contributes much to agriculture and rural development. It facilitates rural activities and provides more comfortable and also saves the rural life with equivalent services to those in urban areas such as provision of distance education, tele-medicine, remote public services, remote entertainment etc. IT initiates new agricultural and rural business such as e-commerce, real estate business for satellite offices, rural tourism, and virtual corporation of small-scale farms. It also supports policy-making and evaluation on optimal farm production, disaster management, agro-environmental resource management etc using tools such as geographic information systems (GIS). It also helps in improving farm management and farming technologies by efficient farm management, risk effective information or knowledge transfer etc realizing competitive and sustainable farming with safe products.

Agricultural Journalism

Journalism refers to the production and distribution of reports on recent events. The word journalism applies to the occupation, using methods of gathering information andutilizing literary techniques. Various forms ofjournalistic mediums include: print, television, radio, Internet and in the past: newsreels. The activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, ornews websites or preparing news to be broadcast. The difference between Farm journalism and general journalism.

Meaning and Definitions

Agricultural journalism refers to the specialized field of journalism focused on reporting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to agriculture, farming, rural development, and related topics. It plays a crucial role in educating and informing the public, policymakers, and stakeholders about the agricultural sector, its challenges, innovations, and contributions to society.

Here are a few definitions of agricultural journalism.

Introduction

India has made impressive strides on the agricultural front during the past three decades. Much of the credit for this success should go to the several million small farming families that form the backbone of Indian agriculture and Indian economy. Policy support, production strategies, public investment in infrastructure, research and extension for crop, livestock and fisheries have significantly helped in increasing the agricultural productivity, food production and its availability. Notwithstanding these achievements, producing additional food with limited land, and providing economic access to food at the household level for ensuring food security would continue to be a major challenge for the nation. India has experienced considerable changes in the crop mix, yield and production since the inception of the Green Revolution. The Green Revolution phase displayed a high yield growth per unit of input. The first post-Green Revolution phase (from late-1960s to mid-1980s) was marked by the continued growth in returns from land through the intensification in use of chemical inputs and machine labour. The second post-Green Revolution phase (beginning the mid-1980s) was characterized by high input-use and decelerating productivity growth. It calls for an examination of the issues related to the trends in agricultural productivity, particularly with reference to individual crops in recent years. In the present paper, the temporal and spatial variations in the productivity status of major crops in India have been analyzed using the TFPG estimates. Some policy measures have also been suggested for sustaining TFP of the crops.

Introduction

Agriculture sector is currently at the crossroads, which is evident in terms of higher nutritive food requirements juxtaposed with growing population. Food production faces multiple challenges due to frequent occurrence of natural calamities, sudden rise in temperature, increase in occurrence of disease and pests leading to both pre and postharvest crop loss. Alarming decrease in fertility status of high and medium land soils of Odisha due to formation of hard clay pan below 4-6” of soil depth has resulted in slowing down of nutrient mineralization by the soil microorganisms within the soil. Crop production stress is further aggravated due to steady decrease in availability of cultivable land with the advent of urbanization, which concurrently reduced the number of dedicated agricultural households. It has been estimated that production of all food grains and horticultural crops needs to be doubled at farmer’s level in order to feed the growing population of the world failing which there will be food crisis by2050.

Abstract

India ranks in the world’s five largest producers of over 80% of agricultural produce items. Processing of agricultural produce generates substantial amount of crop residues which can have tremendous value to farmers. However, a large portion of the residues is burned on farm primarily to clear the field from straw and stubble; which affects the environment, soil health and crop yield.The conversion of crop residues to eco-friendly and valuable product like biochar is need of the hour. Biochar is an organic amendment which slowly releases C in the soil, and is stable over the years. Various applications of biochar like reduction in greenhouse gases emission, sequestering C in the soil, increasing crop yield, used as combusting fuel and livestock feedmakes it a promising candidate for sustainable agriculture and environment.

The term agriculture is derived from the Latin words ager or agri meaning soils and cultura means cultivation. Agriculture is the art, science and business of crop production. It encompasses all aspects of crop production, livestock farming, fishery and forestry. Agriculture is the conversion of solar energy into the chemical energy. Crop production is the conversion of environmental inputs like solar energy, carbon dioxide, water and nutrients in soil to economic products in the form of human or animal food or industrial raw materials.

Agriculture is a science, an art and business of crop production

Agriculture is a science of farming. Scientific principles are employed to find ways of making it as efficient as possible. Through scientific principles plants and animals are transformed genetically and most favorable environment is provided to harvest higher yields of good quality with least expense of energy. The scientific principles of various branches viz. soil science, genetics and plant breeding, entomology, plant pathology, microbiology, agricultural engineering etc. were employed in agriculture. Agriculture like any other science is a body of truths synthesized and systematized and arranged in such a way as to show the operation of general laws and principles.

Agriculture is an art which embraces knowledge of the way to perform the operation of a farm in a skillful manner. The physical and mental skills are involved in agriculture. The skills may be acquired through years of experience viz. ploughing, stacking hay bundles, handling animals, sowing seeds, transplanting, driving a tractor etc. Mental skills are those involved in decision making for example when to plough the land, selection of appropriate crops, seed selection etc.

Agriculture is a business which is no longer a way of living or subsistence agriculture, where production is intended to meet the home requirements. Agriculture is intended to earn more income. Land, labour, capital are judiciously used. Like in any industry the farming industry should forecast the demand, tailor the production with demand to earn more profits. It involves processing, value addition, transportation, packing and storage in scientific way. Knowledge of employee and employer relationship or human resource management, export and imports, taxation, customs, tariffs and trade are required. All these aspects demand business knowledge in addition to the production and managerial skills. Traditional agriculture is no longer relevant for success in agriculture. Commercial agriculture or corporate farming, agribusiness development corporations demand entrepreneurs in agriculture rather than technologists alone.

Agriculture

The term agriculture is derived from Latin word ager or agri meaning soil and cultura meaning cultivation. Agriculture is a broad term encompassing all aspects of crop production, livestock farming, fisheries, forestry etc. Agriculture is a branch of applied science and is the art of farming including the of cultivating the soil for producing crops and raising livestock. There are three main spheres of agriculture-geoponic meaning cultivation in soil, hydroponic meaning cultivation in water and aeroponic meaning cultivation in air.

Agriculture is a productive unit where the gifts of nature like land, light, water and temperature are integrated into a single primary unit that is crop plant which is indispensable for human beings. The secondary productive units of agriculture are animals including livestock, birds and insects which feed on the primary units and provide concentrated products such as meat, milk, wool, eggs, honey, silk and lac.

Introduction

Indian economy is basically an agrarian economy. In spite of all challenges and difficulties faced over the years, the sector still serves as the lifeblood of the nation, by standing as the major source of livelihood for over half of the population by guaranteeing food security for its teeming millions. A significant contribution to the GDP of the nation is still ensured by the agriculture sector. The development of a nation highly centres on its primary agriculture sector and Indian economy have a much diverse dependence on the agriculture sector in terms of its growth and development. The nation straightaway necessitates a tremendous shift entirely to sustainable agricultural practices in its development trajectory.

Despite its undeniable significance and praised role, Indian agriculture currently faces multifaceted challenges, which significantly restrict the production and productivity level of the sector as a whole and the farmers in particular. Its high time that the Indian agriculture sector, which stands as the backbone of the nation needs to go through a looming transformation. The industry 4.0 revolution is a vibrant platform for the sector to make a complete transformation. The traditional face of the sector will transform towards a modern makeover by taking up technological advancement and digitalisation. The wider transformative opportunities will ensure a return of the Indian agriculture sector to the forefront in the nations growth and development.

Introduction
In India, the government policy regarding the import and export of processed fruits is primarily regulated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which requires exporters to register with them to export notified processed food items, including processed fruits, and implement various export promotion schemes to facilitate this trade; the overall goal is to boost the export of agricultural and processed food products through the Agriculture Export Policy (AEP).
1. Key features ofAgriculture Export Policy (AEP)
i. Governing body: APEDA, established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
ii. Registration required: All exporters of processed fruits are required to register with APEDA to export their products.

Introduction

The emergence of the green revolution highlighted the significance of agricultural communication. Its strategy and attitude were modified to reflect the priorities of contemporary agriculture. Earlier attempts at agricultural journalism drew their power mostly from agricultural extension rather than journalism or mass communication. The primary objective was to provide farmers with a collection of techniques authored by scientists or subject matter experts about a variety of crops. Due to the lack of synergy between journalism and extension, agricultural journalism stalled for many years..

Abstract
India, with 70% of its population reliant on agriculture, faces a challenge in rural development due to a modest 3.64% agricultural growth rate against a target of 4%, lagging behind the 7-8% growth in manufacturing and services. This disparity leaves rural communities unable to fully benefit from national economic progress. Promoting agripreneurship is a vital strategy to harness rural resources, enhance livelihoods, and achieve balanced economic development. Opportunities abound in agricultural inputs, farming technologies, output processing, and allied sectors like dairy, poultry, horticulture, and sericulture. However, challenges such as limited awareness, weak entrepreneurial culture, poor infrastructure, and insufficient government focus hinder progress. Strategic interventions in these areas can unlock the potential for sustainable rural growth and economic inclusivity.
Keywords: Agripreneurship, Rural Development, Agriculture, Economic Growth, Farming Technologies, Agricultural Inputs, Dairy Development, Horticulture, Infrastructure Challenges, Sustainable Development
 

Abstract
With India’s population projected to reach 1.7 billion by 2050, increasing food grain production by 5.5 million tonnes annually is critical to meet food demands. Despite agriculture engaging over 60% of India’s workforce, it is often perceived as low-tech and unprofitable, dominated by small family farms. Recent economic liberalization, changing consumer preferences, and stringent regulations have spurred agripreneurship, fostering innovation and market-driven enterprises. Success stories from Maharashtra, such as Shri Arun Wandre’s bamboo cultivation venture, Ms. Kavita Bidwe’s agri-input supply center, Shri Prashant Madghe’s Krishi Doot extension services, AgroStar’s mobile-commerce platform, Dnyaneshwar Bodke’s floriculture group, and the organic farming venture of Satyajeet and Ajinkya, highlight how entrepreneurial approaches can transform agriculture into profitable, sustainable businesses. These cases underscore the potential of agripreneurship to enhance rural livelihoods, strengthen the economy, and address challenges like lack of awareness, poor infrastructure, and inadequate institutional support.
Keywords: Agripreneurship, Organic Farming, Rural Development, Food Security, Innovation, Maharashtra, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Agriculture, Market Linkages, Demographic Dividend

In India, the agricultural research and technology generation are supported in five agro-ecosystems, viz. irrigated agro-ecosystem, arid agro-ecosystem, rain-fed agro-ecosystem, coastal agro-ecosystem and hill & mountainous agro-ecosystem. Each system with its varied socio-economic and agricultural features, demands appropriate technologies to augment the productivity of various enterprises with sustainable development and economic returns. Unfortunately, the conventional development efforts, which often follow “top-down” approaches in planning and implementation, don’t address the constraints and developmental potentials of farm household systems in a comprehensive way. To overcome these shortcomings, reversal of approach, i.e. from “Top down” to “Bottom up” is recommended. This can be achieved through site-specific assessment and refinement of technologies with farmer’s participation where the farmers of different agro-ecosystems have right to plan, implement and own their developmental projects (Johnkutty et al., 2001).

Introduction

Agriculture is one of the important pillars of the Indian economy. According to a report from FICCI, about 54 percent of Indian population depends directly on agriculture and it accounts for around 17.3 percent of GDP (FICCI, 2018). In the last two decades, powered by the Government policies and strong engagement of the industry and institutions, agriculture is rapidly evolving into agribusiness in terms of approach and structure. Transformation of Agriculture to Agri-business is one of the important strategies where enterprising farmers practice profitable agriculture.

India has become the third largest startup ecosystem hub. India is home to highest number of unicorn startups after US and China with 26 unicorns out of 250 plus total unicorns globally. At a time where with the increasing population and demand for better quality and higher quantity of food. India currently has more than 49,000 plus startups, 1500 plus investors, 250 plus incubators, and 26 unicorns (NASSCOM, Srivastav, 2018). The Indian startup ecosystem is ranked at number 37 and the global ranking of its top three cities are Bengaluru, New Delhi and Mumbai for the year 2018. In 2020, Bengaluru again continued its title “silicon valley of India” (Spews, 2021).

In a bid to double the farmer’s income by 2022, the Government of India is continuously looking for ways to boost agricultural production, food processing and marketing avenues through the integration of latest technologies and innovations; thus creating a huge scope for food and agritech startups in the country (Balaji, 2018). Many agritech startups in India are mainly in marketplace segment where e-commerce companies provide fresh and organic fruits and vegetables procured directly from farmers. Very recently many startups have come up providing innovative and sustainable solutions for farmer’s problems. Startups have provided solutions such as biogas plants, solar powered cold storage, fencing and water pumping, weather prediction, spraying machines, seed drills, vertical farming, etc (Sachitanand, 2018). EM3 Agriservices offers farming services and machinery rentals to farmers on a pay-for-use basis.

Northwestern Himalayan region is spread between 28°43^'-37°05^'N latitude and 72° 40^'-81°02^' E longitude covering an approximate area of 33 million ha. The major natural resources of western Himalayas are water, forests, floral, and faunal biodiversity. Although there is wide spectrum of farming systems diversity in the region, yet there are quite a few commonalities viz. crop diversity, including mixed cropping as well as crop rotation of subsistence nature rather than commercial nature of agriculture, maintenance of soil fertility through natural processes. The variability in agroclimatic conditions in the hilly regions of India due to geographical location and climatic conditions require micro planning for assuring sustainable agricultural production. Introduction of horticultural crops is more recent phenomenon and it has penetrated the traditional farming systems of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and central Himalayan region for commercial benefits than the local consumption. Climatic conditions are optimal for growth of many food, medicinal and other commercial crops and live stock occur in these hills and the need is to exploit these opportunities for economic upliftment of the region, without degradation of natural resource base, therefore a long term development approach for sustainable farming system in these hills must have an eye on conservation farming for developing various production systems since this is a highly fragile system. The agriculture including livestock continues to be the dominant sector despite the fact that the area is exposed to adverse and harsh geophysical and agri-silviculture conditions. Strategies by planting fodder trees or grasses in the waste/ degraded lands (representing 7.9, 9.8 and 11.5% of the geographical area in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, respectively), is needed for enhancing the fodder production. In addition, farm spaces on terrace risers and improved crop production technology coupled with integration of agroforestry will help in bridging the gap between demand and supply of the fodder. The indigenous agroforestry systems such as homestead (kyaroo), plantation crop combinations, scattered trees on farm lands/field bunds and bamboo grove are practiced by the farming community. The land management operations are predominated by different indigenous agroforestry practices which have proven potential and hold promise in alleviating the poverty among rural masses of this hilly region. The agroforestry systems provide unique opportunity for integration of different components in the farming systems, which help to optimize the ecosystem functioning and better management of land, water, and biological resources. These systems need to be further improved with suitable technological interventions considering the local population need, so that the socioeconomic status of the farming communities uplifted. Experiences gained in managing natural resources through well-tested agroforestry systems have been shared in this chapter.

Agronomy is a branch of applied science deals with the principles and practices of field crops production and management of soil for higher productivity. The term Agronomy is derived from Greek word agros meaning field and nomos meaning to manage.

Norman (1980) defined Agronomy as the science of manipulating the crop environmental complex with dual aims of improving Agricultural productivity and gaining a degree of understanding of the process involved.

In recent times, Agronomy has assumed newer dimensions and can be defined as ‘A branch of Agricultural science that deals with the methods which provide favourable environment to the crops for higher productivity’.

Introduction

The finance sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological advancements, with artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology at the lead of innovation. AI, characterized by its capacity to analyze vast datasets, recognize patterns, and take data-driven decisions has revolutionized various industries, including finance. On the other hand blockchain technology, initially popularized by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has arose as a disruptive force in finance, offering decentralized, transparent and secure transactional systems.

The integration of AI and blockchain technology holds immense promise for the finance sector, offering new avenues for efficiency, transparency, and risk management. By combining the analytical power of AI with the security and transparency of blockchain, financial institutions can streamline operations improve customer experiences, and mitigate risks more effectively. However realizing the full potential of this integration requires a nuanced understanding of its complexities, challenges, and opportunities.