Significance of Agriculture Sector in Rural Areas

Dr. Radhika Kapur

Abstract

The main objective of this research paper is to acquire an understanding of agriculture

sector in rural communities. It is regarded as the primary occupation of the individuals and
both men and women are engaged in this sector to sustain their livelihoods. The main
objective of agricultural labourers is to enhance productivity and profitability. In order to
achieve this objective, they are making use of scientific, modern and innovative methods in
the production processes. With the use of technology and scientific methods, advancements
have been taking place in the production methods. On the other hand, there are small and
marginal farmers as well, who make use of traditional methods in enhancing productivity.
The main areas that have been taken into account in this research paper include, significance
of growth of the agriculture sector, agricultural diversification towards high value
commodities and rural development, and measures to improve agricultural productivity and
conditions of the farmers.

Keywords: Agriculture, Economy, Infrastructure, Livelihoods, Productivity, Rural

Communities, Rural Development, Technology

Agriculture renders a significant contribution towards the growth and development of

the country’s economy. It is directly and indirectly linked with the other sectors of the
economy and has the major objective of promoting overall growth and development of the
economy. More than 70 percent of the population of the country is residing in rural areas.
India is an agrarian economy and majority of the individuals are engaged in this sector for the
sustenance of better livelihoods. The economic contribution of agriculture towards Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of the country is declining with the economic growth that is taking
place within the country. Agriculture with its allied sectors is the largest livelihood provider
within the country. It has been found that three-fourths of the population residing in rural
communities is dependent upon agriculture and allied activities for sustenance of living
conditions. The allied activities include, animal husbandry, fisheries and so forth. The
contribution of the agricultural sector towards economic growth of the country is supportive
(Lone, 2014).
 After the middle of 1990s, the agriculture sector began to slow down in terms of
productivity of various cereals and overall progression. The major causes were decline in
demand for staples and weakness observed in Green Revolution. Further, there was an
increase in the demand of commodities, such as, fruits, vegetables, milk, meat and so forth.
Therefore, to sustain effective growth and development of the agriculture sector, it was
emphasised upon that it should involve the production of high value commodities, generation
of income and generation of employment opportunities. The primary role of agriculture is
observed as making provision of low priced commodities, which play an important part
towards the expansion of the industrial economy. It is considered to be an energetic and
leading sector towards economic development. This sector renders an indispensable
contribution in any strategy for economic growth, particularly for developing economies
(Lone, 2014).

The relationships between urban and rural economies is evolving and multi-
dimensional. The food is being provided to the urban population through the agriculture
sector. In the present existence, there has been use of modern and innovative methods and
technology in the agriculture sector and farming practices. The use of these methods and
technology are rendering a significant contribution in enhancing production and profitability.
The agricultural produce is sold through commodity markets, which are undergoing
transformation in recent years. In rural communities, the individuals are experiencing poverty
to a major extent. The agriculture sector contributes effectively in alleviating the conditions
of poverty, providing employment opportunities to the individuals and contributing towards
up-gradation of their living conditions (Lone, 2014).

Significance of Growth of the Agriculture Sector

India is predominantly a rural economy. Rural economy constitutes 46 percent of the

national income. In rural communities, the individuals are primarily involved in the
agricultural sector and farming practices to meet their livelihoods requirements. It is
estimated that despite the expansion of urbanization and industrialization, more than half of
the population is projected to be rural by 2050. Therefore, the growth and development of
rural economy and population are regarded as major aspects to promote the overall growth
and inclusive development of the country. Traditionally, agriculture is regarded as the prime
sector of the rural economy and rural employment. As per the 2011 census, 68.8 percent of
the country’s population and 72.4 percent of the workforce is residing in rural areas.
Agriculture employed 64 percent of the rural workforce, who were engaged in the production
of 39 percent of the total rural output, during the year 2011-2012. It is estimated that for
bringing convergence in the share of agriculture in total output and employment, 84 million
agricultural workers were required to be engaged in non-farm sectors in rural areas in 2011-
2012. This led to an increase of about 70 percent in non-farm employment (Chand,
Srivastava, & Singh, 2017).

When acquiring an understanding of the significance of growth in the agricultural

sector, it needs to be taken into account that the development of this sector should take place
in such a manner that it should prove to be beneficial to the individuals to a major extent. It
should make provision of food, fibre, and fuel to the population. The increase in productivity
should take place with the implementation of modern and innovative methods and strategies.
The increase in productivity should take place at a faster pace, as compared to the population.
In this sector, there is a need to impose limitations upon unfavourable effects and improve the
beneficial environmental impacts and cause reduction in the wastage of food supply chain. If
the governments are going to pursue the policies and programs that are designed to promote
green growth. In order to bring about desired outcomes, there is a need to put into practice the
measures and policies that can raise awareness, measure progress and identify the potential
opportunities and risks (Diakosavvas, 2016). At the same time, the need to bring about
changes and transformations within the agricultural practices more environmentally
sustainable has acquired prominence to a major extent. Apart from the need to adapt to
changes within the climatic conditions, the production processes need to be made more
advanced (Wiggins, 2016).

Agricultural Diversification towards High Value Commodities and

Rural Development

The difference between the number of new rural workers and the number of new job
opportunities that are created within the agricultural sector is expanding. Therefore, the rural
employment diversification within the agricultural sector towards high values enterprises and
non-agricultural sector has acquired significance over time. The Government of India has
given consideration and is concerned in terms of widespread poverty and unemployment in
rural areas. There has been implementation of various programs, including Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). There has been an increase in
the contribution of rural non-farm sector towards generation of income as well as
employment opportunities (Lone, 2014).

Diversification of rural agriculture towards high value crops or horticulture means an

increase in the population of high value engagement in horticulture and other activities. The
animal husbandry enterprises, dairy, poultry and livestock are contributing a significant part
in enhancing production and profitability. It is due to the fact that landless, marginal and
small farmers, usually consider rearing of livestock as an important economic activity.
Diversification of agriculture can be regarded as intensification and efficient use of
agriculture, which would lead to an increase in the demand for labour. This would lead to an
increase in rural wages and decline in food prices. This would cause a reduction in the
conditions of poverty. Generation of additional employment opportunities in rural
communities, where the human resources are abundant. It is crucial for the achievement of
widespread poverty and economic growth (Lone, 2014).

The horticulture sector can render a significant contribution to economic growth and
generates employment opportunities for rural individuals. The diversification of the
agricultural sector can affect both the structure and level of employment. Family labour is
substituted by hired labour and changes may take place in the level of labour input as well as
the distribution of labour by gender. When it is stated that the agricultural sector and allied
sectors contribute in alleviating the conditions of poverty, the major cause is, these sectors are
more labour intensive than the production of staple crops. Often horticulture production,
requires twice much and in some cases, even up to four times as much labour than the
production of cereal crops. Research has indicated that commercialization of rural economy
contributes towards effective growth and development (Lone, 2014).

In rural communities, primarily two aspects are vital. These are, land and human
resources. Land can be efficiently cultivated by the use of modern and technical methods. In
rural communities, there has been development of training centres, which are making
provision of knowledge to agricultural labourers and farmers in terms of technology and
scientific methods. Apart from making use of technology, scientific and innovative methods
in the agricultural sector, the rural individuals also are required to enhance their skills and
abilities in terms of other areas, which include, fisheries, rearing of livestock and so forth.
Apart from augmenting one’s skills and abilities in terms of various areas. The rural
individuals, farmers, agricultural labourers, and fishermen, also need to possess adequate
knowledge in terms of marketing strategies. Furthermore, they should be well aware in terms
of the regions, where they can move to market their products.

In the agricultural sector, the major areas that need to be taken into account are, seeds,
fertilizers, insecticides, cropping techniques, irrigation methods, use of modern, innovative
and scientific methods to enhance production, seed production, seed processing, system of
crop intensification, organic farming, weather parameters, crop-weather advisory and so
forth. The farmers and agricultural labourers need to possess adequate knowledge and
information in terms of these areas, so they could generate productive outcomes and enhance
their living conditions. Within the agricultural sector, the major areas that need to be taken
into consideration to bring about development of rural areas have been stated as follows:

Soil and Water Conservation – In the case of soil and water conservation, the main
aspects that need to be taken into consideration are, soil types, soil fertility, fertilizers, soil
erosion, soil conservation and watershed management (National Bank for Agriculture and
Rural Development, 2016).

Water Resources – In making provision of water resources to augment agricultural

productivity, the major aspect that needs to be taken into account are, irrigation management,
types of irrigation, sources of irrigation, crop-water requirement, command area
development, water conservation techniques, micro-irrigation, use of irrigation pumps, and
major, medium and minor irrigation (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development,
2016).

Farm and Agriculture Engineering – Farm and agriculture engineering involves the
utilization of technology such as, sources of power, mechanical and electrical, wind, solar,
biomass, bio fuels, water harvesting structures, farm ponds, watershed management, agro
processing, controlled and modified storage, perishable food storage, go-downs, bins and
grain silos (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, 2016).

Plantations and Horticulture – In plantations and horticulture, the individuals

involved need to put into operation proper methods and techniques. The main areas included
are, cultivation, gardening, propagation, market gardening and truck farming. The job duties
in plantations are regarded as hazardous, but individuals need to possess adequate knowledge
and information to generate productive outcomes.
 Animal Husbandry – Animal husbandry is regarded as one of the vital occupations of
rural individuals. In this case, they are involved in rearing of farm animals to produce
products such as, milk, eggs, meat, wool, fibre and so forth. The individuals need to possess
adequate awareness in terms of the aspects that are needed to carry out this task effectively,
such as fodder, classification of breeds of cattle and so forth.

Fisheries – The individuals, who are residing near water bodies and rivers adopt
fisheries as the means to sustain their living conditions. In this case, they need to possess
adequate awareness in terms of significance of fisheries within the country, market demands,
common terms pertaining to the production of fish and the essential strategies and
approaches, which need to be put into operation.

Forestry – The rural communities are dependent upon forests to meet their needs and
requirements. In case of health problems or illnesses too, they obtain herbs and medicinal
plants from the forests. Obtaining food items from forests is common, such as, fruits,
vegetables, and so forth. In this way, they are able to fulfil their nutritional requirements.
Hence, to fulfil their needs and requirements, they need to put into operation the ways that are
needed to preserve forests.

Natural Environmental Conditions – Preservation of the natural environmental

conditions are considered essential in all communities. For this purpose, it is vital for the
rural individuals to possess adequate awareness in terms of various aspects. These are,
curbing various forms of pollution, i.e. air, water and land, planting more trees, spreading
greenery, keeping the water bodies clean, not dumping any types of waste materials in the
water bodies as well as on the roads and streets. The industries and factories should curb the
emitting of gases, which may cause air pollution.

Ecology and Climate Change – In rural communities, primarily in the agricultural

sector and farming practices, the climatic conditions render a significant contribution in
enhancing productivity. For instance, the regions, which obtain adequate rainfall have more
agricultural productivity as compared to the regions, which experience less rainfall. The
changes taking place in the climatic conditions have a major effect upon agricultural
productivity.

Agricultural Extensions – In the agricultural extensions, the main areas that need to be
taken into consideration are, significance and role, methods of evaluation of extension
programs, and role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the dissemination of agricultural
technologies (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, 2016).

Measures to Improve Agricultural Productivity and Conditions of

the Farmers

The measures that need to be put into operation to bring about improvements in
agricultural productivity and conditions of agricultural labourers and farmers have been
stated as follows:

Efficiency in Marketing of Agricultural Products – In India, rural communities are in

an underdeveloped state, as compared to urban communities. In rural areas, the individuals
are residing in the conditions of poverty and backwardness. They are unaware of modern and
innovative methods, as a result of which, they are unable to experience an increase in
productivity. When individuals, belonging to rural communities are engaged in the
agricultural sector and farming practices, then apart from possession of adequate knowledge
in terms of the production processes, they need to generate efficiency in the marketing of
agricultural products. Agricultural marketing needs to focus upon four main goals. First, the
agricultural labourers and farmers should get fair prices, which are clearly emerging out of
the market forces. Second, market margins and increase in prices should be within the
acceptable limits. Third, the entire process of marketing should be farmer oriented and
provide the producer required marketing freedom as envisaged in the new APMC Act.
Finally, the infrastructural facilities should be upgraded in a well-organized manner (Lone,
2014).

Infrastructure Development – In rural communities, major focus need to be paid upon

development of infrastructure facilities. These include, roads, transportation,
telecommunications, water supplies, power supplies and so forth. In order to bring about an
increase in the agricultural production, the development of infrastructure facilities is regarded
indispensable. When the agricultural labourers and farmers need to market their produce, then
they are required to transfer to other regions. They also need to make use of technology to
generate awareness in terms of market demand and other strategies and approaches. One of
the aspects that is of utmost significance is, lack or underdevelopment of infrastructural
facilities, especially roads and means of transportation can cause damage to the crops and
other produce. Therefore, it is vital to pay adequate attention towards the conditions of roads
and means of transportation. Improvements in water supplies would enable them to put into
operation, irrigation methods in an appropriate manner and overall infrastructure
development would lead to progression within their living conditions.

Financial Resources and Credit – Financial resources are regarded to be of utmost

significance. Agricultural labourers and farmers need finances to put into practice, modern
and innovative methods, tools, machinery, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and so
forth into the agricultural production methods. Research has indicated that landless and
marginal farmers need to undergo detrimental effects, as they do not possess sufficient
financial resources. In most cases, the conditions of poverty are severe among them and they
are unable to obtain two square meals per day. On the other hand, wealthy farmers, who
possess land are able to put into operation scientific methods and technology to enhance
productivity and profitability. Therefore, it is vital for them to possess sufficient financial
resources to augment production. In the present existence, attention has been paid towards
upgrading the conditions of the farmers and agricultural labourers. There have been
implementation of programs and schemes that are supporting them through making provision
of financial resources and credit. The availability of credit would render a significant
contribution in improving rural economy.

Training and Other Facilities – The facilities, such as animal husbandry, rearing of
livestock, fisheries, preservation of the environment and so forth are important aspects within
the rural economy. In some cases, individuals are involved in two or more sectors, with the
main purpose of supplementing their income. With the provision of training and other
facilities in rural areas, these individuals are able to obtain adequate knowledge and
information. When they would be able to augment their skills and abilities, then it is apparent,
they would be able to enhance production. Research has indicated that farmers and
agricultural labourers have the major objective to augment production and sustain their living
conditions. When there are establishment of training centres and other facilities, then they get
enrolled in them, pursue the programs and acquire efficient knowledge. The training centres
primarily focus upon providing training in terms of usage of technology, and modern and
innovative methods. The possession of knowledge provides them pleasure and contentment
and they are able to upgrade their living conditions.

Promoting Environment Sustainability – Agriculture is based upon the integrated use

of natural resources. These include, water, soil, climate and biological diversity. The
integration of agriculture with the other aspects of land management and conservation of the
ecosystem is considered vital for the promotion of both environmental sustainability and
agricultural production. The natural resources should be accessible primarily to the
individuals, belonging to deprived, marginalized and socio-economically backward sections
of the society. When these individuals are residing in destitute conditions and are struggling
to make ends meet, then it is vital for them to generate awareness in terms of the measures to
promote environment sustainability. In the agriculture sector too, farmers and agricultural
labourers should secure rights to land, water and other generic resources (Agriculture, n.d.).
In order to accelerate agriculture production and to make effective use of this sector towards
promoting employment opportunities and economic growth, the rural individuals and
particularly farmers and agricultural labourers need to implement measures to promote
environment sustainability. Crucial measures include, keeping the environment clean,
alleviating various forms of pollution, curbing deforestation and so forth.

Promoting Agricultural Sustainability – For the purpose of achieving agricultural

sustainability, the important measures that need to be taken into consideration are,
implementing policies for land and water resource management, protection of biodiversity,
development of infrastructure, use of modern and innovative methods and strategies in the
agricultural sector and farming practices, implementing strategies on institutional market
reforms, reduction of tariffs and phasing out of possible control of the commodities are
regarded as vital aspects that particularly farmers and agricultural labourers need to be aware
of. Sustainability of agriculture though can be observed within the framework of different
agro-climatic zones (Agriculture, n.d.). For the achievement of agriculture sustainability, it is
indispensable to make use of suitable technologies. When the agricultural labourers are
making use of suitable technologies, then they would be able to perform their tasks and
activities in a well-organized manner. For instance, in arid regions, production experiences
setbacks, as water is the major necessity. Therefore, through the use of modern irrigation
methods, individuals will be able to improve the production processes.

Formulation of Rural Development Plans – In rural areas of the country,

improvements need to be brought about not only in the agricultural sector and farming
practices, but also in other sectors. These include, education and training, infrastructure,
roads, transportation facilities, housing accommodation and so forth. In order to improve
agriculture productivity and conditions of the farmers, it is vital to ensure, all the major
facilities and resources are available to them. When there is just one adult male member
within the households, then women also get employed in the agriculture sector. It has been
found that majority of the agricultural labourers are women. One of the major setbacks of
rural development plans is shortage of financial resources. Therefore, it is necessary to
provide adequate financial resources for integrated rural development plans, programs and
schemes. The rural development plans, programs and schemes should focus upon capacity
building, development of social and economic infrastructure, human resource development
and local governance. Another major aspect that needs to be taken into consideration is,
farmers and agricultural labourers should be well-equipped to cope up with problems and
challenges.

Promote Equitable Distribution and Access – The transition that has taken place from
the utilization of traditional methods to machine-intensive technologies and scientific
methods has rendered an indispensable contribution in enhancing productivity and improving
the standards of farmers and agricultural labourers. When it is stated, promote equitable
distribution and access, then it is primarily in terms with food and grains. In rural
communities, the problem of malnutrition is prevalent, especially among women and
children. This problem is giving rise to health problems and diseases. When individuals,
particularly children will not receive adequate diet and nutrition, then certainly they would
experience impediments within the course of their effective growth and development.
Therefore, it is important to increase the availability of food in communities, particularly
where there is an increase in the rate of malnutrition. When there will be increase in the
availability of food and promotion of equitable distribution and access, then there would be
decline in transportation costs. The individuals would also be able to acquire income-earning
opportunities (Agriculture, n.d.).

Augmenting Food Security – Food security is a physical, environmental, economic

and social issue. Food is regarded as an essential requirement of all human beings. It not just
involves production, but access as well. On the other hand, processes, policies, outputs, and
technologies are put into operation in augmenting food security. The concept of food security
needs to be made more comprehensive. The main purpose of this measure is to ensure that
individuals, particularly belonging to deprived, marginalized and socio-economically
backward sections of the society are able to obtain adequate diet and nutrition. Special
attention needs to be paid towards women and children. In the agriculture and allied sectors,
individuals are engaged in the performance of manual tasks. In order to carry out manual
tasks, they need energy, which they obtain from the consumption of adequate diet and
nutrition. Consumption of adequate diet and nutrition, not only leads to effective growth and
development of the individuals, but also enables them to achieve their desired goals and
objectives in an appropriate manner.

Reinforcement of Extension and Capacity Building Mechanisms – The reinforcement

of extension and capacity building mechanisms in the agriculture sector is required to focus
upon increase in the productivity of food and fibre. When they would be strengthened, then
farmers and agricultural labourers would be able to perform their job duties in an appropriate
manner and generate desired outcomes. This needs to be carried out in an economically and
environmentally sustainable manner. When the extension and capacity building mechanisms
are put into operation, one of the major aspects that needs to be taken into consideration is,
they do not impose any detrimental effects upon the farmers and agricultural labourers. It is
important to organize education, extension, empowerment and skills development activities
on the basis of intensification, diversification and value addition of farming practices. The
formation of partnerships aimed at reinforcing the knowledge base and bringing about
improvements in the dissemination of information. These include, farm to farm technical
assistance programs. Furthermore, public and private partnerships can be strengthened to
bring about improvements in the agricultural methods and techniques (Agriculture, n.d.).

Promote Awareness and Education Activities – National policies and planning should
recognize that generation of awareness and promotion of education activities among the
individuals would be able to render a significant contribution in promoting sustainable
growth and development of the agriculture sector. In the development of all national program
activities, it is vital to take into consideration, public awareness. National strategies should
identify the objectives and strategies for public awareness and define target audience and
tools for public outreach. Non-government organizations are rendering a significant
contribution in augmenting public awareness. In the agriculture universities, there are long-
term and short-term courses in terms of sustainable agriculture. There is generally
apprehensiveness among the public regarding the consequences of agricultural technology. In
other words, rural individuals normally feel apprehensive in terms of implementation of
technology and scientific methods in the production processes. It is important to organize
public information programs and public discussions that would assist in sharing of pertinent
information of agricultural and biological scientists with the public (Agriculture, n.d.).

Application of Research, Science and Technology – In the present existence, research,

science and technology have been rendering an indispensable contribution in all areas.
Research plays an important part in monitoring, evaluation and bringing about improvements
in the non-farm efforts. It should be implemented in a participatory and collaborative manner
to promote interaction between rural individuals and research institutions. The involvement
of research institutions is considered essential, whenever appropriate. Well-designed
information technology packages should be developed that could assist in the marketing
information network, monitoring of weather, pests and diseases, and could be a storehouse
for various farming practices and technologies. When the farmers and agricultural labourers
are educated, then they are able to acquire an efficient understanding of scientific methods
and technologies in a manageable way. It is vital to design the farming systems to enhance
productivity. The important technologies that are used in the agricultural sector include,
biotechnology, information and communication technology, GIS mapping, space technology,
renewable energy technologies, such as, solar, wind, biomass, biogas and management and
marketing technologies (Agriculture, n.d.).

Recognizing the Value of Agriculture Biodiversity – In recognition of the value of

agriculture biodiversity, there should be formation of registers. These registers would help in
the formulation of policies and practices, which would enable the individuals to carry out
tasks and activities in a well-organized manner. It is vital to recognize the intrinsic value of
biological diversity and of its economic, social, scientific, educational, cultural and aesthetic
significance. Small number of species makes provision of nutritional requirements globally.
These are carried out either through cultivation or harvesting. Most of the under-utilized
plants have the potential for more widespread use, and their expansion could render an
effective contribution towards food security, agricultural diversification and income
generation. This is particularly within the areas, where cultivation of major crops is
economically marginal. A time-bound program is required to list, catalogue and classify the
vast agro-biodiversity of the country. Major emphasis is put upon conservation of the
indigenous breeds and species (Agriculture, n.d.).

Agriculture and Related Policies – It is vital to develop and strengthen policies and
practices, which have the major objective of promoting sustainable agriculture. In order to
promote sustainable agriculture and rural development, the implementation of policies and
programs are essential. Governments need to take into consideration the aspects of adoption
of policies and programs, in terms of extension, training, pricing, distribution of inputs,
development of infrastructure, credit and taxation, incentives for crop diversification and the
formation of the markets for bio-diverse food crops. Another aspect is, including standards
for the labelling of foods, which allow for the highlighting of use of non-standard varieties of
crops. The policies should focus upon land reforms, input and output pricing, investment in
irrigation, infrastructure and insurance, legislation for biodiversity, geographic appellation,
varietal protection and rights of farmers. The land rights should be well-defined.
Furthermore, there is a need to ensure equal access to land, water and other biological
resources. These rights are considered imperative particularly for women, indigenous
communities and other individuals residing in poverty (Agriculture, n.d.).

Creation of Favourable Economic Climate – Agriculture is regarded as a profession

which does not generate sufficient income for the individuals involved in it. The major causes
for this are, unfavourable price regimes and low value addition. The situation is likely to be
exacerbated in the wake of the integration of agriculture trade into the global system, unless
immediate corrective measures are formulated. For the augmentation of sustainable
agriculture, the key pillars are, favourable economic environment and supportive public
management system. The major issues that need immediate attention are, capital inadequacy,
lack of infrastructural support, and demand side constraints, such as controls on movement,
storage and sale of agricultural products and so forth. These have an effect upon the
economic viability of the agriculture sector. These issues need immediate attention. In India,
the agriculture sector should have a certain degree of autonomy and flexibility in determining
agricultural policies. The determination of agricultural policies takes place with the main
purpose of bringing about increase in productivity, augment income levels, reduce
vulnerability to market fluctuations, ensuring stability to prices and so forth (Agriculture,
n.d.).

Ensure Participation at All Levels and Protection of Rights – National programmes

are increasingly confronted with policy, legal and institutional issues related to ownership,
intellectual property rights, exchange, transfer and trade of agricultural resources.
Participatory processes and involvement of various stakeholders can help in finding answers
to such concerns. Towards this, it is crucial to develop a framework for a unified national
program to bring about improvements in the diverse efforts within the country to deal with
such issues and concerns. The policies and programs in terms of food and agriculture
activities should involve public and private enterprises and companies, non-governmental
organizations, and communities and individuals, belonging to agriculture, environment and
development sectors. The role of indigenous and local communities in conserving, collecting,
improving and sustainably using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture needs to be
acknowledged. Furthermore, there is a need to recognize local and community-level
initiatives and participation in programs (Agriculture, n.d.).

Conclusion

Within rural communities, agriculture is regarded as one of the major areas for
employment and sustenance of better livelihoods opportunities for the individuals. Majority
of individuals are acquiring employment opportunities in this sector. In this sector, the
individuals involved need to possess efficient knowledge and skills to enhance production
and profitability. They need to be aware of modern and innovative methods and strategies,
required to be put into operation. Within the agriculture sector, the major areas that need to be
focused upon to bring about development are, soil and water conservation, water resources,
farm and agriculture engineering, plantations and horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries,
forestry, natural environmental conditions, ecology and climate change and agricultural
extensions. In rural communities, farmers and agricultural labourers are getting enrolled into
training centres to acquire efficient knowledge and generate awareness in terms of scientific
methods that need to be put into operation to augment production and effectiveness.

The measures to bring about improvements in agricultural productivity and conditions

of farmers are, efficiency in marketing of agricultural products, infrastructure development,
financial resources and credit, training and other facilities, promoting environment
sustainability, promoting agricultural sustainability, formulation of rural development plans,
promote equitable distribution and access, augmenting food security, reinforcement of
extension and capacity building mechanisms, promote awareness and education activities,
application of research, science and technology, recognizing the value of agriculture
biodiversity, agriculture and related polices, creation of favourable economic climate and
ensure participation at all levels and protection of rights. There have been implementation of
policies and programs, which need to be recognized in an appropriate manner, primarily by
the rural individuals, who are engaged in the agriculture sector and farming practices. Apart
from bringing about improvements in the production processes, the farmers and agricultural
labourers need to ensure that they make use of scientific, modern and innovative methods to
bring about improvements in their living conditions.
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