People in the age group of 15-24 seem to prefer pursuing studies rather than working on farms. This is evident from the number of youth working on farms declining by 14 million in the last decade (2001-11).
Speaking at a national meet on ‘Attracting farm youth sustainable agriculture' organised by University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore and Indian Society of Extension Education, Prof Abhijit Sen, Member of Planning Commission, said, “There were 47 million youth engaged in farming according to the 2001 census. But this has declined to 33 million according to the latest census of 2011.”
“So now crops up a question to us as to what are rural youth doing other than agriculture, after a closer look at the NSSO data, we see youth are staying back in education,” he added. The total number of rural youth (in the age group 20-25) pursuing studies has doubled in the last six years. The NSSO data of 2009-11 show there are 60 million in education compared with 30 million during 2004-05.
“Now looking at the scenario developing in rural areas, opportunities need to be created in both farm and non-farm sector for them as they have stayed away from agriculture on an average for five years,” said Prof Sen. “With rural youth getting educated it is time for us to device a strategy/plan as to how to create a system to use them productively and utilise their expertise and knowledge while pursuing education to strengthen the rural economic fabric,” he said. He further said, “It is here the question arises as to where in agriculture do we absorb them and also explore private investment in rural areas especially the processing, storage and other local needs.”
Offering his solution to creating opportunities in rural areas, Prof Sen said, “Both public and private investment should be tapped for it will boost farm productivity.”
“The private sector should also take advantage in creating storage facilities through public-private partnerships. This will effectively handle food storage and enhance farmers' income than distress sale,” he explained.
Delivering keynote address, Dr R Dwarakinath, former vice-chancellor UAS-Bangalore, said, “Community Development Programmes should be strengthened and farmers should be prepared to face changes which are sweeping the country.”