Technology Transfer and Skill Development towards Improved Livelihood in Rural India

Abstract

India looses about 2000 farmers every day and more than two crores farmers left agriculture over the past two decades. This scenario will have very serious implications on the future of Indian agriculture and food security. Youth in India comprise more than 50 per cent of the population both rural and urban and hence, play important role in agriculture development. Migration of farmers and youth, h, leaving agriculture to urban are as for seeking job happens in a alarming magnitude. Bringing profitability in agriculture through appropriate livelihood options is one among the better propositions to attract and retain farmers and youth in agriculture. Keeping skill development as a major strategy of the re-oriented agricultural extension system, is a best strategy for engaging the farmers, youth and farm women in profitable livelihood ventures and thereby enhancing the rural standard of living. This paper discusses about the on-going and new initiatives to attract youth in to agriculture. This paper also discusses about the status and barriers of promoting entrepreneurship in Indian agriculture and policy interventions needed to promote entrepreneurship in agriculture