The number of worker added to the rural workforce is not centrally maintained. However, as per Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the percentage of workers in the usual status engaged in agriculture and allied sector is given below:

Source: Annual Reports, Periodic Labour Force Survey, MoSPI. (2019-20 to 2022-23)

As per ‘NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS)’ conducted by National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development(NABARD), the percentage of agriculture households in reference agriculture year 2016-17 were 48% which increased to 56.7% in year 2021-22.

Agriculture is a State subject and Government of India supports the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Major schemes/programmes initiated by DA&FW to enhance overall income of farmers and remunerative returns in the agriculture sector are as under:

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)/ Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)

4. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)

5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

6. Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)

7. National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)

8. Namo Drone Didi

9. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

10. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

11. Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (Agri SURE)

12. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

13. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)

14. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

15. Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)

16. Rainfed Area Development (RAD)

17. Agroforestry

18. Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)

19. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)

20. Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)

21. National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)

22. Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)

23. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

24. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm

25. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds

26. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region

27. Digital Agriculture Mission

28. National Bamboo Mission

The Government is also implementing Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) with the objective to impart short term skill training (seven days duration) to rural youths and farmers in agriculture and allied sectors for upgradation of their knowledge and skills and promote wage/self-employment in rural areas. The component aims at providing short duration skill based training programs to rural youth including women farmers on agri-based vocational areas for creating a pool of skilled manpower. Recently, the STRY programme has been subsumed under Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) cafeteria.

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (Agri Infra Fund) helps to expand agro-based industries in villages by providing financial support and low-interest loans for developing infrastructure such as cold storage, warehouses, and processing units. The fund supports modem agricultural practices and technology adoption, boosting productivity and promoting diversification into various agro-based sectors aiming to transform rural agriculture, enhance market access, and improve the livelihoods of farmers. It encourages entrepreneurship among farmers, FPOs, and start-ups, creating job opportunities.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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 MG/KSR/RN

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