Public and Private Organizations Involved in Promotion of Farming-Based Livelihood Opportunities

1. Introduction

Agriculture and allied sectors in India form the backbone of the rural economy. The promotion of farming-based livelihood opportunities involves the combined efforts of public (governmental) and private (non-governmental and corporate) organizations.

These institutions aim to:

• Improve productivity and income of farmers.
• Encourage diversification and value addition.
• Promote entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Ensure sustainable and climate-resilient livelihood options.

Together, they work in the fields of research, extension, credit, marketing, infrastructure, training, and entrepreneurship development.

2. Public Organizations Promoting Farming-Based Livelihoods

Public organizations include Government Ministries, Departments, Boards, and Research Institutions that plan, implement, and monitor livelihood programs.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)

• Role: Formulates national agricultural policies, implements schemes, and supports states in program execution.
• Key Divisions:
  1. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) – Implements schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PMKSY, RKVY.
  2. Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) – Coordinates with ICAR for research and education.
  3. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) – Promotes dairy, poultry, and livestock-based livelihoods.
• Institutions under MoA&FW:

• • ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
  • NCOF (National Centre of Organic Farming)
  • NHB (National Horticulture Board)
  • CDB (Coconut Development Board)
  • NABARD (for credit linkage)

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

• Establishment: 1929 (HQ: New Delhi)
• Role: Apex national body for agricultural education, research, and extension.
• Functions:
  • Develops new technologies, high-yielding varieties, and farm models.
  • Implements programs like Farmers FIRST, MGMG, KVKs, ARYA, and NICRA.
  • Operates 700+ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) providing on-farm demonstrations and training.
• Impact: Directly links science and technology with farmers for livelihood enhancement.

NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)

• Established: 1982
• Role: Apex financial institution for rural credit, development, and livelihood promotion.
• Major Programs:
  1. Producer Organization Development Fund (PODF): Promotes Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
  2. Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF): Demonstration of innovative livelihood models.
  3. Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS): Self-employment in dairy sector.
  4. Tribal Development Fund (TDF): Supports the Wadi Model (horticulture-based livelihood).
  5. Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF): Supports efficient water use systems.
  6. Livelihood Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP): Skill training for rural women and SHGs.

Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)

• Objective: Enhance rural income, employment, and infrastructure through integrated development.
• Major Schemes:
  1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): 100 days of wage employment and water conservation works.
  2. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Promotes SHGs and rural entrepreneurship.
  3. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Improves connectivity for marketing of farm produce.

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

• Schemes:
  1. National Livestock Mission (NLM) – Enhances livestock productivity and feed development.
  2. Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) – Strengthens dairy infrastructure.
  3. Blue Revolution / PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – Promotes aquaculture, fish processing, and value addition.

National Horticulture Board (NHB)

• Objective: Promote integrated development of the horticulture sector.
• Functions:
  • Provides financial assistance for cold chains, pack houses, and market infrastructure.
  • Implements MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) for fruits, vegetables, floriculture, and plantation crops.

State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)

• Role: Education, research, and extension at the state level.
• Functions:
  • Conduct adaptive research for local conditions.
  • Provide technical support to State Departments of Agriculture.
  • Organize farmer training programs and demonstrations.
• Example:
  • GBPUAT (Pantnagar),
  • ANGRAU (Andhra Pradesh),
  • PAU (Punjab),
  • TNAU (Tamil Nadu).

Other Government Boards and Agencies

3. Private Organizations in Promotion of Farming-Based Livelihoods

Private organizations play a vital role in agribusiness development, input supply, contract farming, value chain management, and technology dissemination. These include corporates, NGOs, cooperatives, and social enterprises.

• Agribusiness Companies

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

NGOs contribute through community mobilization, training, and capacity building.
Examples:

1. BAIF Development Research Foundation – Promotes dairy, watershed, and Wadi models in rural areas.
2. PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action) – Focuses on rural women’s livelihood and SHG-based enterprises.
3. SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) – Empowerment of women through micro-enterprises.
4. MYRADA – Promotes participatory watershed management.
5. DHAN Foundation – Works on microfinance and water resource management for farming families.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Cooperatives

• Definition: Collective of small and marginal farmers for input purchase and output marketing.
• Supported by: NABARD, SFAC, and State Governments.
• Role in Livelihoods:
  • Ensures better bargaining power and economies of scale.
  • Facilitates access to credit, inputs, and technology.
  • Promotes value chain integration and processing.
• Examples:
  • Amul Dairy Cooperative (Gujarat)
  • HOPCOMS (Karnataka)
  • Mahagrapes (Maharashtra)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives

Private companies implement CSR programs focused on rural development and sustainable livelihoods.

• Examples:
  • ITC’s Mission Sunehra Kal: Watershed and livelihood programs.
  • Hindustan Unilever Foundation: Water resource conservation.
  • Tata Trusts: Promotes agri-entrepreneurship and skill development.
  • Reliance Foundation: Farmer support and rural education.

4. Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors (PPP Models)

• Objective: Combine public sector’s policy and infrastructure with private sector’s efficiency and investment.
• Examples:
  1. eNAM Platform: Collaboration with Agri-Tech startups for digital marketing.
  2. Contract Farming Models: Partnerships between agri-firms and farmers (e.g., PepsiCo, ITC).
  3. Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC): Joint initiative of MANAGE, NABARD, and private entrepreneurs.
  4. Dairy Cooperatives: Government policy support and private market operations.

5. Role of Institutions in Farmer Capacity Building

Impact of Public and Private Organizations

• Strengthened rural economy and self-employment.
• Enhanced access to finance, inputs, and markets.
• Improved agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Encouraged youth participation through agri-startups.
• Developed cooperative and inclusive growth models.