Harvesting Progress: Bridging gender gaps and embracing innovation in Indian agriculture – Punjab and Bihar

Agriculture, a pivotal force in India’s economy, faces challenges like unpredictable weather and market fluctuations. To overcome these hurdles, the adoption of modern farming technologies is crucial for sustainable development. The government has been actively promoting natural farming through initiatives like Bharatiya Prakritik Addressing the Gender Gap in Agriculture  To bridge the gender gap in agricultural extension services, the “Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms,” commonly referred to as Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), has made provisions to ensure the active participation of women in farming. Under the ATMA guidelines, Women’s Food Security Groups are promoted to enhance household food and nutritional security. Farm Women’s Food Security Groups (FSGs), with a target of at least two groups per block annually, receive support for training, publication, and access to inputs, amounting to Rs. 10,000 per group. These FSGs also serve as “Model Food Security Hubs,” fostering activities like kitchen gardening, backyard poultry, goat rearing, animal husbandry, dairying, and mushroom cultivation. Moreover, ATMA guidelines mandate that 30% of beneficiaries should be women farmers or farm women. Allocation of at least 30% of resources for programs and activities is required for women farmers and women extension functionaries. The governance bodies at various levels, such as the ATMA Governing body, Block Farmer Advisory Committee (BFAC), State Farmers Advisory Committee (SFAC), and District Farmers Advisory Committee (DFAC), ensure adequate representation of women. A Gender Coordinator oversees the implementation of these guidelines and ensures the flow of benefits to women farmers. Empowering Women in Agriculture Initiatives  Under ATMA, women also serve as farmer friends in villages, supporting innovative activities. Additionally, the Central Sector Scheme of Agri. Clinics and Agri. Business Centres (AC&ABC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare provides 44% subsidy to women beneficiaries, while others receive 36%. The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), serving as the nodal organization and knowledge repository for Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padh Factors Influencing Adoption of Modern Farming Technologies  The adoption of modern farming technologies by farmers is influenced by a myriad of factors, including socioeconomic conditions, geographical variations, the type of crops grown, and the availability of irrigation facilities. Socioeconomic factors such as income levels, education, and access to credit play a significant role in determining farmers’ ability to invest in modern technologies. Similarly, geographical factors such as soil type, topography, and climate influence the choice of technologies suitable for a particular region. Furthermore, the type of crops grown also dictates the adoption of specific technologies, with different crops requiring different cultivation methods and machinery. Additionally, the availability and reliability of irrigation facilities significantly impact the adoption of technologies geared towards improving water efficiency and crop productivity. Government Initiatives to Promote Modern Farming Technologies  The Government of India has initiated several programs to modernize the agricultural sector, recognizing its vital importance. Among these, the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization stands out for its promotion of modern farming technologies, including drones, to enhance productivity. Through incentives and support, farmers are encouraged to invest in mechanized equipment, boosting efficiency across the board. Another significant effort is the National e-Governance Plan for Agriculture (NeGPA), which harnesses Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, and Blockchain to revolutionize Indian agriculture. State governments receive funding under NeGPA to implement digital projects aimed at enhancing farm management, decision-making, and market access through cutting-edge Additionally, the “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” component under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR) fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture. By offering financial support to startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions, the government aims to address challenges faced by farmers and allied sectors, promoting technological advancement and agricultural growth. Advancements in Agricultural Mechanization: Punjab and Bihar Initiatives  Since 2014-15, Punjab and Bihar have witnessed significant advancements in agricultural mechanization, thanks to the funds released under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization. Punjab received a total of Rs. 111.43 crores, facilitating the distribution of 12,666 agricultural machinery on subsidy. Additionally, the state established 1,256 Custom Hiring Centers/Hi-Tech Hubs and Farm Machinery Banks, enhancing accessibility to mechanized farming equipment. This initiative has not only augmented agricultural productivity but has also contributed to the modernization of farming practices in Punjab. Similarly, Bihar has made notable strides in agricultural mechanization with the release of Rs. 94.93 crores during the same period. This funding facilitated the distribution of 28,559 agricultural machinery on subsidy, along with the establishment of 1,035 Custom Hiring Centers/Hi-Tech Hubs and Farm Machinery Banks. These endeavors have played a crucial role in boosting the efficiency and productivity of farming operations in Bihar, thereby improving the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to the overall agricultural development of the state. Moreover, both Punjab and Bihar have been proactive in embracing technological advancements in agriculture through projects sanctioned under the NeGPA. Punjab’s initiatives include the development of digital algorithms for crop growth monitoring and precision irrigation, while Bihar has focused on digital package practices for major crops and automation techniques in irrigation. These projects underscore the states’ commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security for their populations. Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author’s own.