India is an agricultural country, with nearly 60% of its land dedicated to agriculture. However, only about 40% of this land is considered suitable for high-yield farming, limiting the overall output. While agriculture employs a large portion of the population, it faces challenges in productivity due to fragmented plots, outdated practices, and inadequate access to modern tools.
Agricultural productivity, the measure of output from a given amount of land, has remained low in India. Factors such as small land sizes, water scarcity, and limited access to technology all play a role in keeping productivity below potential. Increasing productivity is key to ensuring food security, improving farm income, and strengthening the economy.

Major Causes of Low Productivity

Small Land Plots
Many farmers in India own small and separated plots of land. These small plots make it challenging to use large modern farming machines like tractors and harvesters effectively. Farmers on small plots often have to rely on manual labor or outdated tools, which reduces their productivity and efficiency.

Dependence on Rain
Most Indian farmers depend heavily on seasonal rains for watering their crops. While around 40% of farmland has irrigation facilities, the remaining 60% relies entirely on rainfall. This dependence means that in dry years or droughts, crops fail or produce lower yields. Additionally, without consistent water sources, farmers cannot plant multiple crops in a year, reducing overall production.

Old Farming Techniques
Many farmers continue to use traditional tools and methods passed down over generations. Without access to modern farming techniques, high-quality seeds, or effective fertilizers, these farmers struggle to increase their productivity. Advanced machinery like rice transplanters or harvesters is either unavailable or unaffordable, making it difficult for farmers to improve their crop yields.

Lack of Loans and Credit Access
Access to loans and financial support is essential for farmers to invest in good-quality seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools. Unfortunately, many farmers do not have easy access to credit or loans due to complex bank requirements or high interest rates. This lack of funds prevents them from improving their farming practices and infrastructure, ultimately limiting productivity.

Soil Degradation
Continuous farming without replenishing the soil’s nutrients can degrade soil quality over time. This means that even with the same amount of effort, crop yields decline. Overuse of certain fertilizers and pesticides also harms the soil. Healthy soil is essential for productive farming, and without proper care, soil degradation becomes a significant issue.

Limited Research and Support
India has limited funding for agricultural research and advisory services, which means farmers have less access to new and effective farming techniques. Without support in terms of research or practical advice, farmers may not learn about more efficient ways to farm, which could improve their yields and make their practices more sustainable.

Solutions to Low Productivity

1.Combine Small Farms
Combining small farms into larger plots can help farmers use advanced machinery, saving time and labor. Land consolidation policies allow farmers to work together in cooperatives or under land leasing models, making it easier to use equipment that improves efficiency and yield.

2.Better Irrigation
Expanding irrigation systems ensures that farmers have a stable water supply even during dry seasons. Government programs, like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), promote efficient methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation. With reliable irrigation, farmers can grow multiple crops throughout the year, significantly increasing productivity.

3.Quality Seeds and Fertilizers
Access to high-yield seeds and quality fertilizers can boost crop productivity. Modern seeds are bred to be resistant to pests and weather changes, and good fertilizers provide essential nutrients to crops. Additionally, agricultural extension programs can train farmers on the effective use of these resources, ensuring higher crop quality and better yields.

4.Easy Access to Credit
Programs like the Kisan Credit Card make it easier for farmers to get loans at low interest rates, enabling them to invest in essential supplies like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. With accessible credit, farmers can afford to improve their farming practices, increase productivity, and enhance their income.

5.Improve Soil Health
Regular soil testing helps farmers understand what nutrients their land lacks and choose the right fertilizers to restore its productivity. By taking better care of their soil, farmers can ensure that their land remains fertile, leading to better crop yields over time. Initiatives for sustainable farming also help prevent long-term soil degradation.

6.More Research and Advisory Services
Investing in agricultural research helps develop new farming techniques and technologies tailored to local needs. Extension services can then provide this knowledge directly to farmers, educating them on the latest methods and tools for improving productivity. With access to ongoing guidance, farmers can stay updated on best practices and adopt innovations that improve yield and reduce waste.

Government Support for Agricultural Machinery and Insurance

To help farmers afford modern machinery and protect them against crop losses, the Indian government provides subsidies and insurance schemes.

Government Subsidies for Agricultural Machinery

The government offers subsidies that make it easier for farmers to afford essential tools like rice harvesters, combine harvesters, and rice transplanters. Here’s how these subsidies help:

Cost Savings: Subsidies reduce the initial cost of equipment, helping farmers save money.

Increased Efficiency: Modern equipment allows farmers to save time and labor, boosting productivity.

Better Crop Quality: Using advanced machinery can improve yield quality, increasing farmers’ income.

Popular subsidy programs include:

Tractor and Power Tiller Subsidies: These enable farmers to purchase essential machines for plowing and tilling.

Custom Hiring Centers: Small-scale farmers can rent machinery at a low cost, making it easier to use modern equipment without the need to buy it.

Crop Insurance for Farmers
Weather, pests, and other factors can severely impact farming. Government insurance schemes help farmers manage these risks by compensating them for crop losses.

Major Crop Insurance Programs:

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): This scheme protects farmers against crop losses due to natural events like droughts and floods, offering financial support when crops are damaged.

Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS): This insurance covers farmers in cases where weather changes, such as too much or too little rainfall, harm crop growth.
These insurance schemes help reduce financial risks for farmers, making it easier for them to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.

Conclusion
Improving productivity in Indian agriculture is essential for farmers’ incomes and the country’s food security. By addressing challenges like fragmented landholdings, limited irrigation, and access to credit, farmers can achieve higher crop yields. Government support through subsidies on equipment and crop insurance schemes provides essential resources and protection for farmers.
A strong foundation of policies, credit availability, land tenure security, and investment in research can build a more productive agriculture sector in India. With the right support, farmers can look forward to better yields, improved income, and a more secure future for themselves and the country.