Presentation

An Livelihoods in Agriculture

State of India’s Livelihoods (SOIL)The 4P ReportNew Delhi, November 17, 2010

The Livelihood School

In Agricultural Production we are doing well

Have reached food sufficiencyIn Groundnut, Buffalo milk: Top in WorldIn Paddy, Wheat, Cow Milk we are Number Two

The Livelihood School

But Livelihoods in Agriculture are not something to be proud of

50% of the people, who produce food for the whole country, get only 17% of the national incomeWhile share of agriculture is only 1.2% of GDP in USA, only 0.6% people depend in it

The Livelihood School

Why?Inadequate growth of non-farm employmentProductivity StagnantPrices Stagnant (except little correction in 2009)Costs are Up Cost of Inputs Cost of Labor Cost of living

Increasing risks in agricultureAgriculture is Non-remunerative for most crops

The Livelihood School

Why?

60%+ land still not irrigated: Poor qualityCash crops affecting food securityDistribution of food-grains in a messImport or Produce : A tough choiceFeminization and Aging of agricultureBooming micro-finance: Increased cost without commensurate increased return

The Livelihood School

Positive changesMany large multilateral programsImproved investment environmentMarket efforts of coming closer to producersRecovery of retail industryAlternate Implementation Model (AIM) for PPCP: Blurring boundariesThere are also emerging markets for social services

The Livelihood School

Policy environmentNew environment of good governanceFarmer-centric policy: National Commission on Farmers

Regionalized agricultural policyFocus on employment generationFocus on Convergence. Policy Attention on Food Security, on Financial Inclusion and Inclusive GrowthIncreased concerns about climate-induced vulnerability

The Livelihood School

ChallengesBalancing interest of Labor-Farmer-ConsumersManagement of food-related inflationIntroduction of BT Crops: food and non-foodDistress at farmer level causing increasing number of suicidesManagement of increasing risks in agricultureDiverting agricultural land for development of infrastructure and industry

The Livelihood School

Steps we need to take…

Invest into improving the quality of natural resources: land, water, forestsFacilitate migration from agriculture to non-farm activitiesDevelop technology for rainfed small holding farmersBuild on the MF movement to transform it into a Credit Plus movement

Presentation

An

Thank you…