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TRANSFORMATION TRENDS IN AGRICULTURE VIS-À-VIS AGRIBUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
TRANSFORMATION TRENDS IN AGRICULTURE VIS-À-VIS AGRIBUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Rin Rose Antony and Dr. Allan Thomas Kerala Agricultural University Agriculture is undergoing a huge transformation. In the past, agriculture was seen as a subsistence activity of farmers involving crop and livestock production. Today, agriculture has transformed as technology and market-oriented industry which extends from agricultural production to sophisticated agri-science, and agribusiness.Agricultural transformation is defined as a process that leads to higher productivity farms that are commercially oriented, which strengthens the link between farming and other sectors of the economy. The experience of the evolution of the agricultural sector over centuries tells us that the sector has evolved from being a basic food-gathering activity to an intensive production system due to population growth, increase in income, urbanization, technological revolution, and liberalization of international trade.The agricultural sector has tremendous potential for expansion of employment opportunities and consequently mitigating the levels of rural poverty. Agricultural transformation coupled with forward and backward linkages with industry is an emerging phenomenon (Chengappa, 2004). Achieving high growth is important. But, growth without inclusiveness and sustainability will not be useful. Agriculture transformation has to be viewed more holistically in terms of rural transformation and urban linkages. Hence there is a need to give a big push for Indian agriculture for transformation that helps in realizing farmers’ welfare. Credit Seminar Presentation of PG student Ms. Rin Rose Antony
