In a rapidly changing world, agriculture continues to serve as the backbone of India’s economy, particularly for its rural population. However, as India advances, so must the agricultural sector, which is evolving beyond traditional methods into a more sustainable, resilient, and profitable industry. President Droupadi Murmu’s recent address at the centenary celebrations of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) in Ranchi highlighted an often overlooked yet critical component of agricultural progress: secondary agriculture.
Secondary agriculture refers to value-added processes and by products derived from primary agricultural activities. It involves transforming raw materials into higher-value goods, whether by converting agricultural waste into usable products, promoting cottage industries such as lac production, or integrating related activities like poultry farming, beekeeping, and agro-tourism into the farming ecosystem. The focus on secondary agriculture ensures that every aspect of farming, from waste to crop by products, becomes an income-generating opportunity for rural farmers.
By focussing on the efficient use of resources and converting waste into valuable products, secondary agriculture promotes sustainable practices that protect the environment while simultaneously increasing farmer incomes. For instance, agricultural waste-often seen as an environmental burden-can be transformed into organic fertilisers, biofuels, or even packaging materials. Such innovations not only reduce waste but also create new income streams for farmers. Developing value-added products from agricultural by products, such as lac-based cosmetics or fruit and vegetable coatings to extend shelf life, offers a prime example of how farmers can diversify their income and reduce post-harvest losses. However, the gap between raw and processed lac is staggering-where raw lac may fetch between ?100-200 per kilogram, processed lac can bring in up to ?3,000 per kilogram. By supporting the establishment of more lac processing units and improving the processing capacity of farmers, India can significantly enhance the income of rural producers. NISA has made commendable strides in promoting the commercial growth of lac, natural resins, and gums. Its research has led to the development of innovative products such as lac-based paints and cosmetics, as well as natural coatings to extend the shelf life of agricultural produce. Furthermore, as more small-scale processing units are established in rural areas, they can provide employment opportunities for local populations, reducing the need for rural-to-urban migration in search of work.
To unlock the full potential of secondary agriculture, investment in technology, skill development and innovation is critical. By equipping farmers with modern tools and techniques, India can improve the efficiency and profitability of its agricultural sector. Self Help Groups (SHGs) can play a pivotal role in promoting secondary agriculture at the grassroots level. SHGs empower rural communities by fostering collective action, improving access to credit, and enhancing skills through shared knowledge and resources.
By recycling agricultural waste and reducing the need for chemical inputs, secondary agriculture helps mitigate the environmental footprint of farming. The production of organic fertilisers from crop residues reduces reliance on chemical fertilisers, which can deplete soil health and pollute water sources. In addition, secondary agriculture promotes resource efficiency by making full use of crops, from root to leaf. This is particularly important at a time when agricultural inputs such as water and land are becoming scarcer due to climate change and population growth.
As India strives to achieve its goal of doubling farmers’ incomes, secondary agriculture offers a practical, scalable solution to rural poverty. To realise this vision, however, coordinated efforts are required from multiple stakeholders. The Government must provide the necessary policy support, including subsidies for setting up processing units and incentives for sustainable practices. Research institutions like ICAR-NISA should continue to innovate and disseminate knowledge to farmers. Private industry must also play a role by investing in rural infrastructure, supply chains, and markets that support the sale and distribution of value-added agricultural products. Finally, farmers and rural communities must be empowered through education, skill development, and access to credit. It’s a mission for all stakeholders.
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