Growth in agriculture would lead to development of rural areas as it leads to improvements in rural household incomes. This, in turn, will help increase purchasing power, thus leading to a virtuous cycle of increasing food intake, higher demand for food grains and better returns to farmers.

To enhance agricultural productivity, land development and irrigation are necessary. Land is a critically important national resource, the efficient use of which is vital for economic growth and development of rural areas. However, land is under tremendous pressure. There should be optimum utilization of land.

Efforts must be made to improve its quality and restore soil health through organic farming techniques. We have to produce more from the limited land available to ensure food security. But in doing so, we must always keep in mind that any food production and consumption policy must safeguard the integrity of natural eco-systems, which must not be compromised. Mahatma Gandhi had warned that, “trading in soil fertility for the sake of quick returns could prove to be a disastrous, short-sighted policy. It would result in virtual depletion of the soil.”

Rain-fed farming is like a gamble. To reduce risk, particularly during dry spells, protective irrigation will help. For this purpose, small structures like farm ponds, village tanks, nallah bunds and cement plugs are found to be effective. At the same time, the upkeep and de-silting of existing water bodies needs to be undertaken to enhance their water storage capacity. A climate literacy programme is needed for training of local-level climate managers to guide farmers on methods of maximising benefits of a good monsoon and minimising the hazards of a poor one.

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