The majority of the population of Kabirdham District, Chhattisgarh, lives in rural areas and keeps their head high with age-old traditions where farming runs deep, nurtured by past generations. However, a concerning trend is emerging: the waning interest of the young in pursuing farming as a sustainable livelihood. According to the 2011 Census, 2,000 farmers give up farming every day, so the question arises, ‘Who will carry forward this primary activity of human civilization?’. The youth of Kabirdham District have long been the backbone of agriculture, contributing to its vitality and richness. Yet, economic instability, societal issues like farming not being seen as a respected profession, the desire of parents, limited resources and a lack of exposure to contemporary farming practices pose as barriers for the youth to take up agriculture and its allied activities as a noble profession.
“Aj kheti kisnai korne se chokra ko chokri nahi mil raha hai, kitna pita mata kasta mai hai aap ko pata nahi pata sir,” (“Young boys are not getting girls to get married to if they are engaged in farming, and sir, you may not know how many parents are in pain as their sons are not getting married”) was a comment from a farmer in Kabirdham District during an interaction. The echoes of these challenges ripple across the region, impacting not just young farmers but also the cultural heritage and economic fabric of entire communities. It is essential to understand that agriculture isn’t merely a sector; it carries with it an untraceable legacy based on tradition and sustenance. However, the hurdles faced by young farmers threaten its continuity. Low income, outdated techniques, and a shortage of exposure to sustainable practices have led existing young farmers to view farming as a necessity rather than a choice. Despite these challenges, we must explore opportunities to recognize the potential of youth in revitalizing agriculture. Young energy, new perspectives, and innovation can breathe new life into traditional practices. To leverage this potential, we must bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern advancements.
So, the empowerment of young farmers is necessary, and for that, they must understand their current struggles, document Indigenous Technological Knowledge (ITK) that aligns with contemporary farming techniques, and mobilize towards sustainable agricultural practices. Economic gain is one half of the empowerment process, and it can also be visualized differently, where preserving heritage, nurturing communities, and ensuring food security for future generations must be the other half. It’s about transforming discontent into enthusiasm, offering a future where agriculture isn’t just a necessity but a thriving and sustainable venture.
We must take action to embark on a journey of empowering the young minds shaping the future of agriculture. It would be a testament to the potential of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the resilience of those committed to sustaining our agricultural legacy. We are not only sowing seeds, but also cultivating a future interwoven with prosperity, sustainability, and the enduring spirit of agriculture.
Reference:
Jitendra. “How to Inspire India’s Youth to Take up Farming?” DownToEarth, 31 Jan. 2017, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/how-to-inspire-india-s-youth-to-take-up-farming-56849.
