Secondary Agriculture: Benefits, Challenges and Way Forward for Country's Growth

By

 Secondary Agriculture: Its Contribution to Country's Growth


Secondary agriculture holds significant importance in India as it represents the crucial phase of value addition and processing in the agricultural value chain. This stage not only enhances the economic viability of the agricultural sector by providing additional income sources but also plays a pivotal role in rural development. The growth of agro-processing industries, gives India an opportunity to capitalize on the value inherent in its agricultural output, leading to increased employment opportunities and the development of ancillary services. 


Secondary Agriculture: definition, advantages, challenges


What is Secondary Agriculture?

 Secondary agriculture refers to the value addition and processing activities that occur after the primary cultivation of crops. In this stage, raw agricultural products undergo various processes to transform into finished goods, creating a diverse range of products such as processed foods, beverages, textiles, biofuels, and more. 

  By adding value to agricultural commodities, these processes ensure efficient utilization and commercialization of agricultural outputs so that it can contribute to employment opportunities and in development of a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. 


Difference between Primary and Secondary Agriculture 

Primary agriculture, often referred to as primary production, encompasses the initial stage of farming where raw agricultural products are cultivated and harvested directly from the land. This involves activities like crop cultivation, livestock farming, and fishing. In contrast, secondary agriculture involves the processing and transformation of these raw agricultural products into value-added goods. It includes activities such as food processing, manufacturing of agricultural products, and agro-based industries. 

While primary agriculture focuses on the production of raw materials, secondary agriculture contributes to the diversification and enhancement of these materials into various processed and refined forms. 

The distinction lies in the stages of the agricultural value chain, with primary agriculture being the starting point and secondary agriculture representing subsequent stages that add value and sophistication to the products derived from the land.
 
Primary and Secondary Agriculture


Benefits of Secondary Agriculture

1) Increase in Income

Farmers and agricultural communities can benefit from secondary agriculture as it provides them diversified income sources as the processing of raw products leads to higher-value end products, creating economic resilience. Farmers can earn more by selling processed or value-added products compared to selling their raw produce. With a range of processed products, farmers are also less vulnerable to price fluctuations, have access to larger customer base, are able to brand and market their products which ensures a stable source of income.


2) Reduce Seasonal Unemployment

The problem of seasonal unemployment, associated with agricultural activities, will also be reduced with secondary agriculture as the development of secondary agriculture require a skilled workforce which will lead to job opportunities, human capital development and the empowerment of individuals in rural communities. The setting up of agro-processing units will create job opportunities in rural areas, ranging from skilled positions in processing to ancillary roles in packaging, transportation, and marketing, thereby boosting local employment.


3) Rural Industrialization

Secondary agriculture plays a pivotal role in catalysing rural industrialization and transforming agrarian economies by fostering the growth of processing industries and value-added enterprises. The growth of secondary agriculture necessitates infrastructure development, such as processing plants, storage facilities, transportation networks and also encourages the adoption of advanced technologies and modern processing methods, which contributes to overall rural development. 


4) Women Empowerment

Secondary agriculture serves as a catalyst for women empowerment by providing them opportunities for economic participation, leadership roles, skill development, and the ability to contribute actively to the economic and social fabric of their communities. Women benefit from skill development initiatives, enhancing their capabilities and confidence, giving them chance to become agro-entrepreneurs. 


5) Environmental Sustainability 

Secondary agriculture plays a crucial role in fostering environmental sustainability by promoting efficient resource utilization, reducing waste, and integrating eco-friendly practices into the agricultural value chain. Through agro-processing and value addition, secondary agriculture helps in reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring that a larger percentage of harvested crops are utilized efficiently. The emphasis on processing and preservation also aligns with the principles of a circular economy, promoting the reuse and repurposing of agricultural by-products.



Challenges Faced by India in Secondary Agriculture


I. Lack of Trained Workforce: 

A shortage of skilled labour proficient in modern processing techniques and quality control measures hampers the growth of secondary agriculture enterprises. Insufficient awareness and training programs for farmers and entrepreneurs in agro-processing limits the availability of skilled workforce required for the sector’s growth and innovation.


II. Infrastructure Deficiencies:

Insufficient infrastructure, including processing units, cold storage, transportation, access to modern technologies and credit facilities impedes the efficient growth of secondary agriculture. These absentees hinder the efficiency and competitiveness of secondary agriculture enterprises. Limited credit facilities becomes a challenge, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises who often struggle to have access to affordable credit to invest in modern technologies and scale up their operations. Difficulties in establishing effective market linkages and distribution channels also constrain the growth of processed agricultural products, limiting the market reach of secondary agriculture enterprises.


III. Financial Constraints: 

Agro-processing often requires investment in modern technologies for efficient and scalable operations and financial constraints can act as a challenge  for the adoption of these technologies, limiting productivity and competitiveness. Some enterprises may face challenges such as market limitations, or insufficient support for expansion due to financial constraints. An enterprise’s research and development activities for product innovation and process improvement can also get hampered as it requires financial investment to innovate and stay competitive. Financial constraints act as a barrier to the growth, efficiency, and resilience of secondary agriculture, impacting its overall contribution to economic development and sustainable agricultural practices. 



Way Forward

  • More skill development programs should be implemented to train and enhance the capabilities of the workforce engaged in agro-processing. This includes raising awareness about the processes, training in modern processing techniques, quality control, and efficient management practices. 


  • More focus should be given to facilitate affordable credit sources through low cost loans, financial incentives, subsidies, and grants to agro-processing enterprises which cater specifically to the needs of agro-processing units and encourage them to invest in modern technologies, infrastructure, and workforce development.


  • More policies should be formulated which support the growth of secondary agriculture and improve their market access, facilitate infrastructural development, enhance organisational capacities and create agro-processing clusters. 


By creating an enabling environment for the growth of secondary agriculture, India can harness it’s potential to facilitate rural development, employment generation, and increase the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector. The synergy between agriculture and industry in rural areas, driven by secondary agriculture, can not only boost income levels but also fosters overall economic development, leading to more resilient and sustainable rural communities.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Organic Farming: Definition, Advantages and Disadvantages

By
Image
Organic Farming and it's Pros and Cons for a Country's Development   Organic farming, an agricultural approach rooted in sustainable practices, emphasizes natural methods to cultivate crops and raise livestock. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farming contributes to cleaner ecosystems, reduced soil erosion, and protection of water sources. Additionally, organic practices often lead to healthier produce with fewer chemical residues, positively impacting public health. However, organic farming comes with challenges such as lower yields, higher initial costs, and potential market uncertainties. Balancing the advantages and disadvantages requires careful consideration of economic, environmental, and social factors to ensure a resilient and sustainable agricultural system for the country. What is Organic Farming? Organic farming is an agricultural approach that prioritizes environmentally sustainable and natural practices to cultivate crops and raise livest...
Read more

Importance of Groundwater Conservation: How we can conserve groundwater

By
Image
  Ways Through which People and Government can Conserve Groundwater   With climate change being a reality, the importance of conserving groundwater has increased manifold as conserving groundwater is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. As a finite resource, groundwater plays a vital role in providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, and maintaining ecosystems. With increasing demands and environmental challenges, understanding the importance of groundwater conservation is essential for ensuring water security, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding future generations against the threats of water scarcity.  Situation in India :  Groundwater depletion in India is a major concern because it is the primary source of drinking water.  According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) of India, approximately 70% of the total water used in India is from groundwater sources. However, the CGWB also estimates that around 25% of the country's total groundwa...
Read more

Importance of controlling food wastage: Reasons for Wastage and Ways to Control it

By
Image
  Importance of Controlling Food Wastage: Reasons for Wastage and Ways to Control it The importance of controlling food wastage cannot be overstated in our modern world where resource conservation, environmental sustainability, and global food security are of paramount importantance. Food wastage not only represents a significant economic loss but also has far-reaching implications for the environment and the well-being of communities worldwide. Why Food Waste Management is Important? In a world where resources are finite, controlling food waste becomes an essential component of building a more resilient and equitable food system for present and future generations. Controlling food wastage is crucial for several reasons: 1. Resource Conservation - Producing food requires significant resources such as water, energy, and agricultural land. By minimizing food wastage, we conserve these valuable resources, contributing to environmental sustainability. 2. Reduced Greenhouse Gas ...
Read more