Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable rural development in India and significance of crop diversification to boost farmers’ income in India?
Mainly Agricultural diversification helps to mitigate risk and income stability. It helps to reduce income fluctuation in the country and ensures a more consistent livelihood for farmers and agricultural diversification helps to manage water resources and soil fertility in the area. Using a different variety of crops, that have varied nutrient requirements and reduce the need for excessive fertilizers, helps to enhance soil fertility.
In India, diversification has occurred both across and within the crop, livestock, and forestry and fishery sectors. Within the agriculture, the share of output and employment in the non-crop sectors, i.e. animal husbandry, forestry and fisheries, has been gradually increasing. Diversification is essential because there is greater risk in depending exclusively on farming for livelihood and to provide productive sustain able livelihood options to rural people. Agricultural diversification is essential for sustainable livelihoods for the following reasons: It leads to shift of workforce from crop production to other allied activities like poultry, livestock, etc. and non-agricultural activities like food processing, tourism, etc. Agriculture Diversification refers to either a change in cropping pattern or the farmers opting for other non-farming options like poultry farming, animal husbandry, etc. This practice allows farmers to expand the production, which helps generate a higher level of income. Diversification offers a wider choice in the production of crops in the given area. The shift in cultivation from traditional, less-remunerative crops to higher-value crops leads to higher incomes for the producer. At the same time, cultivation of a variety of crops reduces risk.Crop diversification helps divide the risk posed by fluctuating market prices. If in one season the vegetables don't perform well, the farmer can sail through by the income brought in by the pulses that year and when both the crops get good price, there is also an opportunity to maximize the earnings. Crop diversification promotes the interaction of beneficial soil bacteria, interrupts the disease cycle, and reduces the quantity of weeds. Crop diversification boosts land-use efficiency and crop output by improving the physical and chemical qualities of soil. Crop diversification in the areas of certain tropical fruits and also a few vegetables also need support for both production and post-harvest handling in terms of their export opportunity. Accelerated growth in fruits and vegetables production is also required for improved nutrition of the country's population.
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