Agriculture Problems

Problems in Agriculture which is called as backbone of our Country.

Slow agricultural growth is a concern for policymakers as some two-thirds of India’s people depend on rural employment for a living. Current agricultural practices are neither economically nor environmentally sustainable and India's yields for many agricultural commodities are low. Poorly maintained irrigation systems and almost universal lack of good extension services are among the factors responsible. Farmers' access to markets is hampered by poor roads, rudimentary market infrastructure, and excessive regulation."
—World Bank: "India Country Overview 2008"

1) Population Pressure:

Due to increase in Population demand for land has increased. Every bit of land has been brought under the plough. Even the hill slopes have been cut into terraces for cultivation.

2) Inadequate Irrigation Facilities:

By and large the irrigation facilities available in India are far from adequate. So for half of the total area under food crops has been brought under irrigation and the remaining half is left to the mercy of monsoon rains which are erratic in time and space.

3) Depleted Soils:

With deforestation the sources of maintaining natural fertility of soil has been drying out. Lack of material resources and ignorance of scientific knowledge have further depleted the soils of the natural fertility. Earlier only animal waste was enough to maintain soil fertility.

4) Storage of food grains:

Storage of food grains is a big problem. Nearly 10 per cent of our harvest goes waste every year in the absence of proper storage facilities.

5) Farm Implements:

Most of the farmers are poor and do not have enough resources to purchase modern farm implements and tools. This hampers the development of agriculture.