Agricultural development is the goal of every economy of the world. What are the recent issues in agricultural sector that can lead to sustainable agricultural development in our world today.
Low carbon emission, carbon neutral or negative carbon agriculture are trending, as well as biofuels. Also, the bio/organic production is attractive. Green labeling, certifications, or tradeoffs of higher yield lower land use can be interesting topics. Adaption to climate change, forecasts impacts for local economies have significant new developments.
We have been considering micro-insurance issue for farmers. Climate change is a highly concerned issue that will take years or more to be minimized. So why not the financial intermediaries, such as; microfinance institutions, come forward to protect uncertainty for farmers.
Key concerns: A big concern presently has to be the instability around the world as it relates to country political environments. For agriculture to develop and survive it requires rational policies that remain predictable for much longer than one year time horizons. Another key issue will be to identify the factors that will increase agricultural productivity in your country - production practices, land tenure effects on farm size and management organization, use of the latest technologies (seed varieties, mechanization practices, disease control methods used, etc.), and proper long term policy with respect to finance and other government support for agriculture. Another issue of importance is to hold seminars for farmers to help them understand the global environment in which they operate and how it affects their business. Just a few thoughts.
The main challenges related to agriculture now are adapting to climate change. World population is growing rapidly. So it is another challenge to feed the growing population. It is also one of the challenge of agriculture. Other issues related to marketing of agricultural products. In India due to infrastructure bottle neck there are distress sell of agricultural products.
In my opinion, l will pin farmers' awareness or education through massive extension services which encompasses all facets of agriculture (ranging from skills of production, value addition to environmental protection), and strengthening of financial institutions for provision of support in time of need for farmers as the trending issues.