Farming as a career choice? Yes, and right now agriculture needs youth!

Ploughing fields, planting seeds, harvesting, and cultivating crops, and still making more money than the conventional 9 to 5? Sounds nearly impossible, right?

For years, farming has seen the harsh realities of many farmers who put in all their effort to provide food for the entire nation, but in the end, failed to deliver the basic life essentials to their own families. However, we cannot ignore the fact that over the last two years, we have witnessed a tremendous wave of change in the farming sector. And this change is a result of the emergence of two important elements – modern machinery and advancement in technology. As per many reports, the Indian agriculture sector was among the few industries that did not suffer a hard blow during the tumultuous pandemic year. Moreover, it is expected to register a CAGR of 4.9% during the period (2022-2027).

Despite the advent of urbanization and industrialization, farming today nearly contributes one-fifth of our total GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Often referred to as the backbone of the Indian economy, it successfully offers employment opportunities to a lot of individuals in rural areas. Besides this, consistent improvement in this sector is heavily responsible for India becoming the fifth-largest economy in the world and taking small yet concrete steps to attain the second position in the in the coming years.

But, why is there a compelling need for boosting youth participation?
India has a massive share of youth in its total population, and this reserve of human resources and untapped potential can be extremely beneficial for the agriculture sector. Due to a lack of education and awareness, many Indian farmers are unable to adopt improved technologies and consume their benefits. Hence, it is only through continuous youth participation that we can rescue agriculture and make swift progress towards modernization.

Nonetheless, it all boils down to how the GenZs and millennials who only dream of securing a strong position in the corporate giants can ever pick farming as their career. Clearly, we cannot expect the youth to switch to farming overnight. Instead, we can start by addressing the three common fears that are known to hinder youth participation in agriculture – the seasonal nature of income, fear of risk, and lack of quick access to financing facilities.

Also, farming practices have evolved in recent years and so have the needs of the consumers. People all around the globe are gradually moving back to their roots in several aspects. They wish to embrace their heritage, age-old traditions, and simplistic surroundings, and above all, they now desire a healthier, more natural lifestyle. Growing your own food or paying more bucks for organic and chemical-free stuff is the new ‘cool mantra' to leading life, and a major credit for this transition goes to the Covid-19 pandemic. The unexpected trail of events that followed this disease made people more health conscious. Meanwhile, the subsequent lockdowns forced people to think out of the box, set up home gardens, and start their own little organic food ventures. And this is exactly why every modern-day visionary has ample business opportunities in this consumer market that have undergone a significant change.

Still looking for inspiration? These stories will not disappoint!
As per a report by India.com, Naman Bhurani, the founder of Vediko (an organic produce brand) completed his degree in business studies and then turned into an organic farmer and started his venture at the age of 21.

“It came as a surprise. When the lockdown first set in, we buckled down for a depressed demand and overall slow business. Much to my amazement, with each passing day the orders just came flowing in. Covid-19 had increased the focus on health and immunity. People started looking for healthier options in a bid to boost immunity. Organic was not just a luxury now but the need of the hour.”

Organic or not, if you are determined to explore unconventional career paths, then the story of this mother-son duo making Rs.40,000 a day will undoubtedly inspire you.

A report by Indiatimes states that Jithu and his mother Leena are producing around 100 kgs of mushrooms every single day with the help of their high-tech production unit and spawn testing facility in Pirovam, Ernakulam District, Kerala. What began as a hobby in a corner of their house has now become a flourishing business within just four years of its establishment. In simple words, nothing is impossible if you have the will and enthusiasm to succeed.

Jithu also provides mushroom farm training to interested farmers in order to help them start their own little ventures.