Agricultural Diversification - Types, Need, Challenges
Agricultural diversification includes shifting planting patterns or transferring agricultural labor to non-agricultural enterprises. Continue Reading to learn more!
Izhar Ahmad15 Nov, 2023
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Farmers may boost productivity via agricultural diversification, which raises revenue levels. Differentiating between food and non-food crops, standard and garden crops, as well as high-value and low-value crops, are examples of shifting agricultural practices. Technological advancements, alterations in consumer preferences, modifications to trade and governmental regulations, and advancements in infrastructure, including transportation and agriculture, are the main drivers of this variety.
Types of Diversification
There are mainly two types of agricultural diversification:Crop Production Diversification- Horizontal Agricultural Diversification
Crop production diversity includes changing cropping patterns, showing a shift from a single-cropping system to a multi-cropping system. Essentially, this change involves going from growing food grains to cash crops. The main aim is to support a move from subsistence farming to industrial farming. In India, peasant farming mainly focuses on grains like rice, wheat, and corn. Implementing a multi-cropping method allows farmers to reduce depending on a limited set of crops, allowing the growing of a varied range. Encouraging farmers to grow various crops is crucial, not only for income growth but also for reducing the farming risks linked with crop price changes and weather failures.Diversification of Productive Activities- Vertical Agricultural Diversification
Essential diversity includes sending workers toward different output routes, either within agriculture-related activities or non-farm sectors. Non-farm work gives different ways for safe living, leading to increased earnings for farms. Non-farm activities cover various areas, with some showing dynamic links beneficial to healthy growth. These include food preparation industries, agro-processing businesses, and tourists. Certain areas, such as traditional household-based businesses such as crafts, ceramics, and handlooms, on the other hand, show potential but lack infrastructure and sufficient support, resulting in survival and poor production possibilities.Looking for the Best Commerce Coaching?
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Non-farm Activities in Rural Areas
The possibility for non-farm work in rural India is huge, spreading various industries, as described below. Livestock - This includes breeding, growing, and caring for farm animals to receive food or raw materials (such as meat, milk, wool, and skin) for business use. Over 70 million country farmers receive their income from animals. Additionally, farmers utilize animals for hauling and bringing farming inputs, with cows often employed for traditional digging methods. Horticulture - Horticulture pertains to the growing of yard crops, including fruits, flowers, and veggies. India serves as a major supplier of foods like bananas, mangoes, and maize overseas. This field employs nearly 19% of the country's workers. Fisheries - Fisheries cover actions like catching, sorting, selling, and sharing fish, shrimp, clams, crabs, and other marine and river species. Coastal states such as Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala play a vital part in providing fish nationally and sending them to other countries. This industry adds 1.9% to the Indian GDP, with a notable number of women workers, showing possibilities for women's development. Dairy - The dairy industry involves the rearing of cattle like cows, goats, buffaloes, and sheep for milk production. This process includes receiving, keeping, and sharing milk, along with making by-products such as butter, raw milk powder, and ghee.Need for Agricultural Diversification
The rise in demand for high-value foods in India offers a chance for farmers to try different crop combos. Additionally, several strong reasons make diversification a good choice for small and poor farmers in India. These reasons include: Climate Resilience - Diversification serves as a practical method for mitigating the effects of harsh weather, providing protection against food losses in impoverished regions. Diversification of Employment - Given that approximately half of India's employment is linked to agriculture, diversification opens up new job possibilities for rural areas beyond traditional farming practices. Income Enhancement - Opting for variety is a guaranteed way to boost income, allowing farmers to lead more relaxed lives. Export Opportunities - Particularly in the case of non-farm goods, diversification provides major export opportunities due to their unique qualities. India has appeared as a famous supplier of different farm goods to multiple countries, adding to the total economic growth.Advantages of Diversification
The advantages of adding diversification into farming methods are described below. Mitigating Risk: Diversification works as a risk reduction technique, protecting farmers from the full loss of resources in case bad weather conditions hamper food production. Increased Production and Income: Cultivating multiple crops in a limited area leads to a big boost in production, resulting in a significant increase in income for farmers. Additional Employment Possibilities: Given the overcrowding in the Indian farm industry, agricultural diversification makes room for additional employment possibilities in rural places. Enhanced Soil Fertility and Pest Control: Crop diversification plays a crucial part in improving soil fertility and effectively controlling pest incidences, adding to sustainable and better farming practices. Positive Impact on Rural Employment and National Economy: The increase in rural employment has a direct effect on the overall national economy, given that agriculture holds a main place in India's economic sectors.Challenges to Agricultural Diversification
- Dependence on monsoons limits diversity in areas with unpredictable rains.
- Inadequate facilities prevent the keeping and selling of diverse goods.
- Resistance to change among farmers restrains the acceptance of new crops or methods.
- Money issues limit farmers' ability to invest in diversity.
- Fluctuations in prices and market risks pose problems for diverse crops.
- Small land plots make it difficult to adopt various cropping patterns.
- Limited access to current farming methods hinders diversity efforts.
- Inconsistent policies may not properly support or encourage diversity efforts.
Agricultural Diversification FAQs
What is diversification of crops in agriculture?
Diversification of crops in agriculture refers to changing the variety or types of crops cultivated on a piece of land, promoting a shift from a single-crop system to a multi-crop system.
What is meant by diversified farming?
Diversified farming involves engaging in various agricultural activities beyond traditional crop cultivation, such as livestock rearing, horticulture, and other non-farm ventures.
Why is agricultural diversification essential for?
Agricultural diversity is crucial for risk reduction, increased revenue, job creation, soil fertility improvement, and overall economic development.
What is the role of agricultural diversification in India?
In India, agricultural diversification plays a vital role in mitigating climate risks, expanding employment beyond traditional farming, boosting income.
What are the 2 major types of diversification?
The two major types of diversification are crop production diversification, involving changes in cropping patterns, and productive activities diversification, which includes engaging in non-farm ventures.
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