In the past few years, India has moved to a higher economic growth trajectory as envisioned by the Government and our planners. Having achieved a higher growth trajectory, it is imperative that our growth process be such that its benefits reach all. Securing a better life for our citizens where each one can lead a life of dignity and fulfilment merits undivided attention in our development strategy. Equitable and inclusive growth is possible only when our rural population gets the opportunities to reap the benefits. Agriculture has to remain centre-stage in our nation’s economic thinking, making it attractive and rewarding. For India, farming is a living heritage, which we should protect and promote.

We must not be content with the achievements and success stories of the First Green Revolution, which has run its course. Instead, we must look at the challenges before us. Some of the structural weaknesses of the agriculture sector include low levels of public investment, exhaustion of yield potential of new high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, unbalanced use of fertilizer, low rate of seed replacement and low yield per unit area across almost all crops.