Agriculture which fulfils the food and nutritional requirement of our entire population, is an essential component of Indian economy. It contributes 19% to the gross domestic product of the country. Fisheries, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairy farming, poultry and milk production are allied sectors of agriculture. These sectors provide raw material to the industrial sector also. At present all allied sectors don’t contribute more than 14% to the farmers income. Therefore, Indian farmer is primarily dependent on its income from agriculture produce.
As per survey conducted by the Punjab Agriculture university, a farmer in Punjab as well as other parts of India effectively works only for 70 days in a year. The rotation of wheat-rice plantation has provided him more non-working days. Moreover small land holdings has made the farming less economical. Farm machinery including tractor & other equipment’s are not optimally utilized. Therefore, allied activities will not only create extra income for the farmer but also save his machinery by utilizing it properly.
Following main allied sectors can be helpful in ameliorating the financial plight of the farmer :
1) Livestock sector:
An important sub sector of agriculture not only provides nutrient -rich food products, agriculture manure, domestic fuel, hides and skin but also a source of regular income for farming communities. This sector employs about 8.5% of Indian population, contribute 4.3% of GDP and 29 % of total agriculture GDP. Over the years, the Livestock sector is loosing its sheen in rural Punjab depriving the farming community of its additional income. During last twenty years, rural area of Punjab has seen alarming reduction in livestock population. Apathy of banking sector and less incentives by the centre /state governments has made this sector less popular among farmers.
2) Fisheries sector:
Another important allied activity which can generate more income for farmers is fisheries. It has been identified as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of number of subsidiary industries. The blue revolution of the country has stagnated over the last decade. The government of India and state governments has to come forward with more incentives as it is expected to play a significant role in the economy in the near future.
3) Horticulture sector:
This sector compromise of wide variety of crops from vegetables like potato, tomato etc. fruits like mangoes, banana, apples etc. to flowers, nuts, spices, medicinal plants. Being more profitable than agriculture, this sector can emerge as a major driver of growth and provide employment opportunities in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. National Horticulture Mission need to come forward to encourage small farmers for creating regular income by providing more financial incentives.
4) Poultry sector:
A part of livestock sector ,poultry can provide yearlong regular income to farmers. India has vast resources for poultry which play a vital role in improving the socio- economic conditions of rural masses. The central as well as state governments should initiate financial incentives for setting up poultry units in each village for engaging the rural youth and providing them a regular source of income. Apart from setting up new poultry farms, modern transport vehicles as well as cold storage infrastructure would give boost to the poultry sector.
5) Sericulture & honey bee keeping:
Rearing silkworm on mulberry and non-mulberry plants for the production of silk and bee keeping for pure honey is another important sector for augmenting the income of farmers. Despite serious challenges to Sericulture and bee keeping, this sector is emerging as very popular in North India. Mustard and other crops being under heavy pesticides create lot of quality problems in honey production. Banking and other financial institutions need to encourage small farmers to take up this activity as it involves low cost of production.
These major allied agriculture sectors, if promoted by the government will not only provide year long work for the farmer but also good income for his respectful survival. Rural youth, if kept busy in these allied activities, will keep itself away from drug menace and other antisocial activities.
1. Farmers with less than five acres of land be not allowed paddy/ wheat crops cultivation.
2. Farmers with less than fives acres of land ONLY be entitled to free electricity.
3. Division of further agriculture land be not allowed among family members.
4. Fishery is not profitable for Punjab as fertile land will be converted into non- fertile Agro activities which is difficult to redo.More over fish market is not organised and prevalent in Punjab except among migrant labours.
5. Horticulture need to be encouraged with support of Central and State Govt.Those having lesser land be encouraged to plant medicinal plants and Govt should provided interest free loans for five years till the plants are grown up to the yield that too loan be spread out to 5-10 years. Vegetable markets in cities be organised on the line of Apni Mandi by providing farmers space and vendor zones.
6. Live stock needs to be encouraged, as it is Punjab is deficient of milk and thus encouraging illegal chemical milk production.
Punjab needs to establish a butcher house in each district and make arrangements to export meat/ beef. For this State Govt direct involvement is needed. It has to be at large scale with Govt participation. Farmers with less than five acres be encouraged by providing them loans free of interest for 10 years and repayment to start after five years.
Central Govt or world bank can be involved in it.
6. Poultry should be encouraged by small farmers on collective cooperative basis and Govt provide funds/ loans as expressed above. No unit should have less than 1,00,000 eggs to be profitably viable. Loans should be provided against infrastructure and feeds for first five years. Govt needs to create infrastructure for storage and transportation.
ALL ABOVE IS POSSIBLE ONLY IF LOCALS ARE ENCOURAGED AND EMPLOYED RATHER THAN MIGRANTS.