Question

Why is there an urgent need in rural India, where agriculture is a major source of livelihood, to diversify into allied productive activities?

• A. There is greater risk in depending exclusively on farming for a livelihood.
• B. To provide supplementary gainful employment during off-seasons such as Rabi.
• C. The agricultural sector is already overcrowded.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above.

The need for diversification arises from the fact that there is greater risk in depending exclusively on farming for a livelihood. Diversification towards new areas is necessary not only to reduce the risk from the agriculture sector but also to provide productive sustainable livelihood options to rural people.
Much of the agricultural employment activities are concentrated in the Kharif season. But during the Rabi season, in areas where there are inadequate irrigation facilities, it becomes difficult to find gainful employment. Therefore expansion into other sectors is essential to provide supplementary gainful employment and in realising higher levels of income for rural people to overcome poverty and other tribulations.
Also, agriculture is already overcrowded, a major proportion of the increasing labour force needs to find alternate employment opportunities in other non-farm sectors.