The Vice President’s address underscored a timely and urgent call to transform India’s rural economy by harnessing the untapped potential of agricultural industries. His emphasis on training rural youth to become agripreneurs, rather than job-seekers migrating to urban centres, is not just a policy recommendation-it is a national imperative. India’s agricultural sector supports over 60percent of its population but contributes only around 18percent to the GDP, reflecting a stark imbalance between population dependence and economic productivity. A primary reason is the lack of supportive structures for value addition, processing, and marketing of agricultural produce. By focusing on the development of small-scale associated agricultural industries-such as food processing units, cold storage facilities, logistics chains, and rural packaging hubs-the Government can create sustainable livelihood avenues and increase farm income multifold.
Agripreneurship is the key to unlocking the vast potential hidden in India’s villages. Rather than viewing farming as a subsistence activity, it must be seen as a foundation for rural enterprises. Educated youth from farming families can lead this transformation by venturing into agro-based startups, supported by modern technology and Government assistance. Small-scale industries such as fruit and vegetable processing, dairy product manufacturing, herbal and medicinal plant processing, and compost production not only help in value addition but also create local employment opportunities. A small tomato processing unit can produce ketchup, puree, and dried products, all of which have high market demand. Similarly, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, and floriculture require modest capital but yield significant returns.
The Vice President rightly highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence in transforming rural systems. AI is already making a substantial difference by enabling precision farming, predictive analytics for weather and crop yields, automated irrigation systems, and supply chain optimisation. AI-driven mobile apps now offer farmers real-time advice on crop selection, pest management, and soil health, democratising access to information that was once limited to experts. For young entrepreneurs, AI tools can significantly lower the barrier to entry by providing insights into market trends, buyer preferences, and price forecasting. With digital literacy improving and smartphones becoming ubiquitous even in remote villages, the integration of AI in agribusinesses is both feasible and transformative.
The Government has already laid down a solid foundation through schemes like the Prime Minister’s Kisan Samman Nidhi, Startup India, and various Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres initiatives. What is needed now is a targeted policy approach to support small-scale value-addition enterprises. Direct subsidies should be aligned with credit facilities, skill development programmes, and mentorship initiatives for aspiring agripreneurs. Schemes like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises offer critical support, including credit-linked subsidies and technical assistance. The challenge, however, lies in awareness and access. Localised awareness drives, facilitated through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Panchayat-level training programmes, must be stepped up to bridge this gap.
The perception of farmers as mere food producers (Annadata) must evolve to recognise them as wealth creators (Bhagya Vidhata). Rural youth should be encouraged to dream big-of becoming exporters, innovators, and industrialists-not merely as job applicants in cities. Universities, agricultural institutes, and NGOs have a crucial role to play in fostering this mindset shift through entrepreneurship boot camps, success story showcases, and incubation support. Moreover, digital marketplaces and e-commerce platforms now allow even small-scale producers to directly connect with urban consumers, bypassing exploitative middlemen and ensuring fair prices. This has been exemplified by the success of Farmer Producer Organisations, which combine the bargaining power of many small farmers into a single strong entity.
India stands at a crucial juncture where rural rejuvenation is no longer a choice but a necessity for inclusive growth. Empowering youth through agripreneurship can stem the tide of urban migration, reduce underemployment, and revive rural economies with dignity and purpose. With the integration of AI, improved infrastructure, and proactive Government support, rural India has all the ingredients needed to flourish. The seeds of change have been sown-it is time we nurture them into a thriving future.
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