The agricultural sector forms the backbone of India’s economy, serving as the largest source of livelihood for a substantial portion of the population. With its rich diversity and vast landscapes, India has become a global leader in agricultural production, from grains to dairy. This sector sustains livelihoods and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. However, the sector’s potential has been constrained by various challenges, including unorganized and informal employment, technological gaps, and the recent disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To truly understand the dynamic interplay between skill development, entrepreneurship, and the agricultural sector’s evolution, let us delve into the article and explore the myriad opportunities that await.
Skill2Jobs – Agriculture Sector: Employment and Entrepreneurship
Did you know that India is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses and jute, and ranks as the second largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, groundnut, vegetables, fruit and cotton?
Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is the largest source of livelihoods in India, where 70 percent of the rural households still depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihood, with 82 percent of farmers being small and marginal. Jobs and career opportunities in agriculture are unorganized and informal because of the nature of this sector.
Impact of technology on agriculture
Digital technologies are helping the agriculture sector in general and farmers in particular with production, monitoring and planning. Through technological advancements in agriculture, farmers are able to improve their yields, conserve resources and identify areas of their fields that need attention.
The five disruptive agriculture technology trends in 2021 are:
- IoT
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- AI/ML and Data Science in Agriculture Technology
- Blockchain
- Automation
Click on the link to learn more about entrepreneurship and employment in the agriculture sector: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/skill2jobs-agriculture-sector-employment-and-entrepreneurship/
Skill development and entrepreneurship promotion in the agriculture sector
India’s agricultural sector has shown resilience amid the adversities of COVID-19 induced lockdowns. The COVID-19 crisis has also exposed the vulnerability of India’s agriculture, supply chain, food markets, and availability of labour.
We interacted with Dr. Satender Arya, CEO, Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) to understand the challenges of the agriculture sector, how ASCI has continued skilling amidst the ongoing crisis, the impact of technology, and the need to reskill and upskill the existing workforce among others.
Jobs in Agriculture and various subsectors
The agriculture sector in India, being its primary sector, is the biggest employer of the country. In 2017 it employed about 43% of India’s population. The agriculture sector is currently offering jobs is several subsectors such as field crop cultivation, plantation crop cultivation, bee keeping, poultry farming, dairy farm management, farm machinery, equipment and manufacturing, research and development, logistics and many more. To know more about job roles, check out the Qualification Packs (QPs) and National Occupational Standards (NOS) formulated by ASCI.
Here are some of the major sub-sectors of the agriculture sector with many opportunities:
- Agri-Crop Production
- Animal Husbandry, Poultry and Dairy Farm Management
- Forestry and Agroforestry
- Production Horticulture
- Post – Harvest Supply Chain Management
- Seed Industry
Click on the link to know popular job roles and skills required in some of the major sub-sectors of the agriculture sector: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/jobs-in-agriculture-and-various-subsectors/
In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, skill development stands as a beacon of progress. It empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of modern farming, seize technological opportunities, and contribute to the sector’s growth and resilience. As India continues to lead in agricultural production, it must also lead in development a skilled workforce that can harness the potential of tradition and innovation. Through skill development, we secure the livelihoods of millions and propel the agriculture sector toward a future of sustainability, efficiency, and prosperity.
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