Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Pratishruti Behera, Manish Kumar Maurya, Rajesh Chintey, Dimpi Dutta and Nilakhi Das

Abstract:
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of over half of our country's population, thanks to modern and effective technologies. However, the advent of innovative technologies has inadvertently exacerbated income inequality within the farming community. These advancements tend to benefit semi-medium to large-scale farmers more than their small and marginal counterparts. In light of this, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set forth a vision to double farmers' income by the year 2022, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of our nation's independence. Doubling farmers' income by 2022 is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, but it is both necessary and achievable. This ambitious goal can be realized through various agronomic interventions, including crop diversification, the adoption of conservation agriculture practices, efficient utilization of nutrients and water resources, and the cultivation of region-specific improved crop varieties. Additionally, government programs aimed at supporting farmers in these initiatives play a crucial role in this process. The overarching objective of doubling farmers' income is to promote their welfare, mitigate agrarian distress, and bridge the income gap between farmers and those employed in non-agricultural professions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the strategies required to achieve this goal, outlining the steps and measures necessary to uplift the farming community and enhance their economic well-being.