Setting Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN – from ending poverty and hunger to responding to climate change and sustaining our natural resources – lie at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. This presents a tremendous opportunity for India, given that almost 60% of our population is involved in agriculture and allied activities. The ability and willingness to transform the sector can have a far–reaching impact on a large chunk of our population.

Agriculture and allied activities contribute about 20.2% to our GDP (2020–21). With the government’s stated objective of doubling farmer income and aligning it to SDGs of sustainable agriculture, Indian Agriculture presents a very compelling and huge opportunity to become globally competitive.

The last 18–24 months have seen a significant focus on it. It looks like the sector is finally becoming mainstream, and all the vested parties and stakeholders – government (both central and state), corporates, financial institutions, NGOs, think tanks are aligned to achieving common goals.