Indian Agriculture: Challenges, Priorities and Solutions
Empowerment of Rural Women and Youth Retention as Drivers of the Agricultural Economy
In recent years, the recognition of rural women and youth as drivers of the agricultural economy has increased worldwide. Their empowerment and participation in agriculture are crucial for achieving sustainable development, food security, and economic growth. Despite constituting a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce, women often face obstacles such as limited access to resources, education, financial services, and decision-making opportunities. Overcoming these barriers and promoting gender equality can unlock the untapped potential of women in agriculture. Similarly, the active involvement of youth in agriculture is vital for its sustainability and future growth. With a substantial population of young people residing in rural areas, their participation can revitalize rural economies, promote innovation, and drive technological advancements. However, challenges like the perception of agriculture as less remunerative, limited access to education and training, and migration to urban areas for better job opportunities hinder youth engagement in farming. Creating an environment that attracts and retains youth in agriculture is essential, enabling them to contribute their skills, innovation, and enthusiasm. This chapter aims to draw a picture of the need and scope of empowering women and retaining youth in the agriculture sector, evidenced by the current status of their involvement and contribution to Indian agriculture. The reasons for disinterest from the system and sources side also regressed to find suitable entry points for the empowerment actions. Additionally, we discuss alternative livelihood possibilities as a strategy for their empowerment and the necessity for methodological progress to evaluate the level of empowerment attained. We also make some policy recommendations to achieve the target.
