In a country where agriculture has been the backbone of communities for generations, a growing concern is now casting its shadow over its future. The younger generation, who once followed in the footsteps of their parents as farmers, are increasingly turning away from agriculture as a viable career choice. This shift poses a significant threat to the food security of the nation, as well as the cultural and economic fabric of rural communities.

Jiten Pator, a youth from one of the project villages under Amsoi Gaon Panchayat, Raha Block, Nagoan district in Assam, voices the sentiments shared by many of his peers: “Working as hard as our parents did on farms is difficult. Sometimes, despite our parents’ best efforts, nothing comes from the field for them. We consider jobs other than agriculture when such scenarios occur frequently.”

The farming population in India is ageing and the new generation is disinterested in pursuing agriculture as a career says the Input Survey 2011-12 (released in 2016) by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. This poses a serious challenge for the future of food production and security in India.

This disinterest in agriculture is not limited to one region; it echoes across the country. India’s youth population, with more than half of the nation’s 1.4 billion people under the age of 25, is at a crossroads. Despite the abundance of young individuals, a dwindling number are choosing agriculture as their primary source of livelihood.

For the youths from the FARM IV project villages in northeastern India, agriculture is perceived as a risky endeavor. Uncertainty looms over crop yields due to diminishing water supplies, and even if a harvest is successful, there’s no guarantee of a market. In search of stability and better economic prospects, many young people are leaving rural areas to seek employment in metropolitan centers. This shift, coupled with an aging farming population, raises alarming concerns about the future of agriculture in the region.

However, amidst this backdrop of changing aspirations, there are inspiring stories of resilience and success. Two young farmers, Mr. Umesh Pator, 24, and Mr. Jackson Bordoloi, 22, both hailing from Marjong village, Amsoi Gaon Panchayat, Nagoan district, Assam, have defied the trend. They have been actively engaged in agriculture for the past four years, supporting their families through their hard work and dedication.

These enterprising young farmers have demonstrated that agriculture can indeed be a viable and lucrative career. Cultivating a variety of crops, from paddy to vegetables, on less than one acre of land, they manage to earn between 6,000 and 7,000 rupees per month. Their savings are equally impressive, amounting to 3,000 to 4,000 rupees per month, thanks to the food they grow and the livestock they rear. By keeping country hens and maintaining a fish pond, they ensure a regular supply of non-vegetarian meals.

Jackson Bordoloi’s words encapsulate their dedication: “You must genuinely commit to and be passionate about agricultural pursuits. Making a half-hearted effort won’t work or yield the intended results.”

Their success has not gone unnoticed. Encouraged by their example, Caritas India’s FARM program stepped in to inspire other young farmers to embrace agriculture. A plot was designated for cropping activities, and a youth group of 10 farmers was formed. They decided to cultivate 500 lemon saplings on nearly 0.33 acres, taking into account the elephant corridor region. Additionally, they planted 500 apple berries on another piece of land, totalling almost 0.33 acres.

Witnessing the success of these youth, Prabin Minz, Field Program Associate Guwahati Gana Seva Society (GGSS) said: “I was quite moved by how these two young people were demonstrating to others that patience and a willingness to put in the necessary time and effort will pay off.”
Further, these young farmers plan to launch a poultry farm specializing in country chickens. These activities offer these young individuals not only a chance to secure a regular income but also the opportunity to rekindle their interest in farming. The program ensures they receive extensive support and guidance from experienced senior farmers in their village.

In a region where more than 98% of households rely on agriculture as their primary source of income, and most of them are small or marginal farmers, Caritas India’s FARM program, in collaboration with Guwahati Gana Seva Society (GGSS), strives to rejuvenate interest in agriculture among the youth. Through this organization of young farmers, FARM program aims to support these budding agriculturalists and set an example for other young people who wish to pursue careers in agriculture.

In the face of shifting trends, these young farmers offer a new hope, demonstrating that with dedication, hard work, and the right support, agriculture can remain a thriving and sustainable profession for generations to come. Caritas India’s FARM program, through its peer-to-peer learning approach, is playing a pivotal role in sowing the seeds of change and rekindling the passion for agriculture among India’s youth. This strategy can help young people develop a favorable perception of farming and this evidence-based promotion can encourage other youth into agriculture.