By Ayushi Jain
India ’ s agricultural future hinges on embracing new technologies , fostering public-private partnerships , and streamlining regulations
By Ayushi Jain
As India looks to secure its agricultural future , one crucial area stands out : accelerating innovation to increase productivity . With more than half of India ’ s population dependent on agriculture , achieving rural prosperity requires a shift from increasing production towards productivity , and this can only be achieved through the accelerated adoption of innovative technologies . In the face of climate change , resource depletion , and increasing demand for biofuels and food , innovation is the key to ensuring agricultural self-reliance .
For years , India ' s focus has been on production — measuring success by the volume of crops harvested . However in today ’ s world of water scarcity , soil degradation , and unpredictable weather , this model is unsustainable .
Dr Paresh Verma , Executive Director & Chief Executive of Shriram Bioseed Genetics , aptly explains the scenario , " We cannot achieve our goal of Viksit Bharat unless we increase productivity and ensure rural prosperity . The future of Indian agriculture depends not on how much we grow , but how efficiently we grow it .”
Harnessing new technologies
“ While India has been successful in producing more food for its growing population , natural resources are under immense pressure . Crops like rice , wheat , cotton , and corn are vulnerable to climate change , with erratic weather patterns threatening yields and farmers ' livelihoods . Rice , in particular , is highly sensitive to climate change , and we are seeing more erratic weather patterns that drastically affect productivity ," opines Dr A . K . Singh , Former Director of ICAR-IARI .
This is where new technologies come into play . Genetic innovations can enhance crop resilience and ensure higher yields in difficult conditions . Seeds are the vehicle through which these genetic advancements are delivered to farmers . However , bringing new seed varieties to market is a slow process , often taking seven to ten years due to regulatory hurdles .
AgriTech
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