Experts’ Speak - Protect Our Livelihood
The entire MSP framework needs a revisit — not in the direction of making it legal but freeing up prices of products as also its major inputs such as fertilisers and power. In fact, land markets also need to be opened up, starting with land lease markets. A highly regulated land market, and pricing of inputs and some outputs (rice and wheat), with massive procurement, is leading to huge inefficiencies in the system. 
A new model of holistic collective farming offers a beacon of hope. This innovative approach aims to pool fragmented landholdings, empower small farmers through collective efforts, and ensure sustainable, profitable farming practices. The holistic collective farming model is not just an economic initiative; it is a vision for social transformation Recently, the Centre approved expansion of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme to extend financial assistance for creation of viable community farming assets and integrated post-harvest management infrastructure. Though the scheme has been implemented since July 8, 2020, it is saddled with certain challenges at the ground level. Regenerative agriculture (RA) improves soil health by promoting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, restoring entire agricultural ecosystems, and thus goes beyond sustainability… Many successful RA farms exist across the country, despite Green Revolution. They have demonstrated resilience to erratic weather patterns…These are exemplars, despite their small size, because of their signalling effect…Exemplars must be enhanced, in their depth, breath and coverage, establishing a scientific basis for RA and creating a critical mass for transformation. Digitisation of agriculture has to go way beyond just identifying farmers. It needs to know what crops they are growing, whether they are insured or not, how much fertilisers they are using, what is the status of their soils, and whether they are also receiving food subsidy (free rice and wheat) etc. What is needed is a triangulation of various data sets related to agriculture, which are fragmented today, into a common agri-stack. The Budget 2024-25 sets the stage for significant advancements in the agricultural sector, but the true test lies in its implementation. The government’s ability to address the underlying issues — such as digital literacy, climate resilience, and equitable access to resources — will determine whether these initiatives can deliver on their promise of fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth. The road to 2047 presents both challenges and opportunities for Indian agriculture. By embracing sustainable practices, leveraging technological innovations, and implementing strategic initiatives, India can enhance farmer incomes, meet the food demands of its growing population, and achieve inclusive, sustainable development. In Shivraj Singh Chauhan, India finally has an agriculture minister who, like Sharad Pawar in the previous United Progressive Alliance dispensation, has both understanding and passion for the sector. He's well-equipped to deal with two primary challenges that Indian agriculture faces today - climate change (especially heat waves and irregular rainfall patterns) and making farming remunerative in order to retain talent in the countryside India must move to high-value agriculture (poultry, fishery, dairy, fruits and vegetables) with a value chain approach, from plate to plough — a demand-driven system. For that we need to think of policies and institutions through which our farmers can access pan-India markets, and even export markets on a regular basis, be it through cooperatives or farmer producer organisation (FPOs) on digital commerce platforms (like eNAM or ONDC) or though contract farming with large processors, retailers, and exporters. Precision agriculture not only boosts yield but also contributes to the long-term health of the soil, extending farmland fertility. This practice, which demands a more precise application of inputs, results in lower costs for farmers. Simultaneously, enhanced productivity and improved crop quality enable farmers to command higher incomes.