Revealing India’s actual farmer population

Synopsis: Various surveys put the total number of agricultural households at a different number. The actual number of farmers deriving a significant share of their income from agriculture only is far less and this has policy implications. Introduction The last Agriculture Census for 2015-16 placed the total “operational holdings” in India at 146.45 million. The… Continue reading Revealing India’s actual farmer population

India must shed obsession with ‘marginal farmers’. Their future lies outside farms — in dairy, poultry, food retail

Synopsis: Farming is best left to those who can do it well. Better fewer, but better. Introduction Recently National Statistical Office (NSO) Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households report was released. It throws up interesting data which can also be used to guide the agriculture policies for the future. What are the key findings of the Survey?… Continue reading India must shed obsession with ‘marginal farmers’. Their future lies outside farms — in dairy, poultry, food retail