Youth Participation in Indian Agriculture: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Prospects

Agriculture has long been central to India’s economy, supporting food security and rural livelihoods. However, declining youth participation and an ageing farming population pose serious challenges to the sector’s future. This examines the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects of youth engagement in Indian agriculture using national reports, field-based case studies, and global experiences. Key constraints include unstable incomes, physical drudgery, limited access to land and credit, low social recognition, and outdated education and extension systems. Despite these challenges, evidence shows that agriculture can be a viable livelihood for youth when supported by technology, diversification, and entrepreneurial approaches. Successful examples from India and abroad highlight the role of skills, mentorship, and market access in reshaping youth perceptions. The article emphasises the need for systemic reforms to make agriculture youth-friendly, resilient, and economically sustainable.