The global farming industry is witnessing a new trend: ‘the surge of youth in agriculture’. Being celebrated as “young farmer movement”, it’s a new phenomenon where GenZs are now entering the workforce and so many of them are harboring interest to follow a future rooted in farming. GenZs are post millennials, born roughly between 1997 and 2012. They’re growing up in a world of climate shock – bigger than before – and are actively engaging in conversations around sustainability. They’re the new pioneers of change and what they do today, will shape years of future that’s yet to arrive.
Dr. Parvinder Singh Gahlaut, the visionary behind India Potash Limited, says, “At a global level, the youth is stepping up and embracing farming as a profession. It’s important because agriculture as an industry now needs fresh minds to come up with more innovative solutions.”
GenZs, as compared to the generations before, have stronger intent to lead a sustainable lifestyle. They’re the ones who’re building more awareness to be environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. They check labels of every brand they buy, call out when it harms the environment, promote eco-friendly lifestyle and are fighting the traditional practices harming the environment. Thus, farming as a career option meets their inherent need of building a sustainable ecosystem.
Another reason why globally youth is keen on pursuing farming is because of their need to be “Self-sufficient”. Farming is a means to control one’s own livelihood and with locally grown food being a priority, it also meets their desire for the same. They’re more conscious of every bite and bit they’re consuming, and following the practice of farming where they can control the quality of food, makes farming a reliable profession to them. They’re also tired of the typical hustle of city life and are gradually embracing the idea of slow life in smaller cities. They’re migrating more towards the places where they can be closer to nature and earn livelihood through means that are beyond their 9-5 cubicles.
However, as much as it’s being embraced globally, in India, the course of the young farmer movement is very different owing to multiple factors. First being that agriculture is perceived as a low prestige and low income profession. Secondly, there’s a lack of awareness about the possible career options which not only offer reputation, but also financial stability. Despite that, the access to land and other resources remain a challenge for those who wish to begin their journey in this sector.
But with the introduction of Agri tech in the Indian farming landscape, things are gradually evolving. As per records, over 1300 startups practicing technology in agriculture have seen growth. From AI and machine learning to adoption of drones, they’ve incorporated several technological ways to enhance productivity. Even government schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) offer grants that can help build the tech infrastructure in agriculture. These measures do play a significant role in strengthening the young farmer movement in India.
Dr. PS Gahlaut, the voice of sustainability from India Potash Limited, shares, “We’re one of the nations with the strongest and largest youth population. We have more than 50% of our population under the age of 25. Which is why it’s important to support them to pursue agriculture. If led in the right way, such a massive population can cause great revolutions in the farming sector.”
Agriculture today offers various spaces for the youth to build their careers in. It not only includes crop production or livestock, but also agripreneurship – where they can address the growing demand for organic production of goods. With rising demand of exotic produce, they can also build strategies for niche markets in farm produce. The digitization of farming has also unlocked various doors to employment in the field. With precision agriculture and digital farming tech, youth can use their qualification and skills in tech and science to evolve agriculture as a sector. They can be a part of smart farming, learn drone tech, data science for farms and fields and so on. To support this, institutions like Indian Council of Agricultural research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and many other organizations offer training programs to impart the necessary skills needed to practice tech in agriculture.
Many young Indians have been successful in their agro-ventures as well. For instance, Aibono (founded by Vivek Rajkumar), India’s first AI powered aggregator of fresh produce, with its seed-to-plate platform has brought revolution in the $250 billion fruit and vegetable industry. Another Indian agro-startup- Kheyti has brought alive the idea of “Greenhouse in a box” where they save water and make yields which are seven times higher. It’s not only great in productivity, but so cost efficient.
But these are only a few examples from many. With the force that India has, an empowered young farmer movement has so much more potential. Indian youth can be game changers and revolutionize agriculture and farming in ways that are sustainable, innovative and cost efficient. Rise in awareness of the potential of agriculture as a career, investment in the training, provision of resources and other support, and promotion of digital tools and tech can catalyze the journey and incentivize the young minds to join the revolution.
Dr. PS Gahlaut, who’s known for his groundbreaking contribution in sustainability, also remarks, “The youth is like the crop. We must nurture them if we want a better yield for tomorrow. The future in agriculture is promising, and it’s on all of us to keep building it.”
