8 States, 12 Days, 100+ Farmers: Insights into India's Agricultural Challenges Across Climatic Zones

June was an eventful month for The/Nudge Prize team working on the DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge. As part of the midline assessments round 1 (field visits) for 14 AgWater technologies participating in the challenge, we embarked on an eye-opening journey, exploring the diverse agro-climatic zones of India. We covered eight states—Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana—in just 12 days. Our primary focus was to assess the viability and potential of these innovations, but our travels were also driven by a deep desire to understand the agricultural landscape of India and the myriad challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Here, we share the experiences of Nisha Chawla and Sravya Jandhyala , shedding light on our journey.

Witnessing Innovation in Action

Our journey focused on evaluating the potential of the technologies participating in the challenge and understanding the breakthrough potential of the founders and teams behind these organizations in addressing water issues in Indian agriculture.

We observed fourteen technologies in action, including AgriRain Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. , ARMS 4 AI Pvt Ltd , BharatRohan Airborne Innovations , Censanext Systems (A Waycool enterprise), Centre For Environment Concerns - India , EF Polymer India Private Limited, Farms2fork Technologies - CultYvate , IndusTill FarmTech Pvt. Ltd. , Intech Harness Pvt. Ltd. , Oscillo Machines Private Limited , PhyFarm (Physiz Agtech Pvt Ltd), Manna Rivulis Irrigation , Sense it Out - SICCA , and VIRENXIA (Virentiatech). These organizations offer unique solutions aimed at enhancing agricultural water use efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

While our M&E partners? - @Ecociate Consultants led the assessments of these technologies, we interviewed over a hundred farmers to delve into their practices, belief systems, challenges, and experiments. We primarily engaged with farmers growing water-intensive crops such as sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and cotton. Their insights into the practical applications and impacts of these technologies were invaluable in understanding which solutions are most effective for smallholder farmers.?

Through this blog, we aim to share their perspectives on broader issues, such as the impacts of climate change, technology adoption, and the aspirations of the next generation. Here are a few key insights and learnings we gained from this experience:

1. Reevaluating Smallholder Definition

The official classification of a smallholder farmer as one with 2 hectares of land is an oversimplification. The financial well-being of farmers depends on factors such as irrigation and crop type. For example, a farmer with 2 hectares of irrigated land may be better off than one with 5 hectares of unirrigated land. Crop choice also significantly affects financial stability, with sugarcane farmers often faring better than paddy farmers on smaller plots.

2. Blending Traditional Practices with Data & Technology

Despite the availability of advanced sensors and advisory systems, farmers often rely on traditional practices due to a sense of familiarity and are cost-effective. One such practice is the 'laddoo test,' where farmers determine soil moisture by making a ball (laddoo) out of the soil. If the laddoo holds together, the soil has enough moisture; if it breaks apart easily, the soil is too dry. While this test provides some insight, it does not offer precise information on water needs based on crop type.

3. Labor Dynamics and Farm Digitization

Government policies have impacted labor availability, making it challenging for medium-holder farmers to hire laborers due to welfare programs. This has accelerated the adoption of automation in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where labor scarcity is a significant issue. Conversely, in Gujarat, farmers are reconsidering automation to maintain employment opportunities for laborers, highlighting the diverse labor dynamics across states.

4. Aging Farmer Population & India’s Food Security

The average age of an Indian farmer is 50, and the younger generation shows limited interest in agriculture. The labor-intensive nature of farming, coupled with diminishing financial returns, discourages youth from entering the field. This demographic trend poses a challenge to the sustainability of agriculture in India.

5. Impact of Climate Change

Farmers are acutely aware of the impacts of climate change but feel uncertain about how to address them. Unseasonable rainfall, worsening soil texture and fertility, and increased pest and weed infestations are just a few of the challenges they face. Some farmers resort to overusing water and fertilizers, which exacerbates the problem.

6. Diversified Income Sources

Farming is no longer the sole source of income for many households. In states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, agriculture alone cannot ensure financial stability, prompting farmers to seek alternative livelihoods or invest in their children's education. Unlike in Punjab, where smallholder farmers might still see farming as viable, elsewhere, the perception is shifting towards agriculture being an unsustainable livelihood.

Conclusion

Our field visits across India's diverse agro-climatic zones underscore the dynamic landscape of Indian agriculture. The innovative technologies we observed truly have the potential to revolutionize farming practices. However, understanding all the challenges faced by smallholder farmers cannot be achieved through a few interviews alone. The availability of electricity, for instance, is a problem that varies significantly across states, rendering many solutions ineffective in certain regions. Climate change is a pressing issue that has yet to be adequately addressed, and water scarcity presents similarly complex challenges. In Maharashtra, for example, some areas enjoy ample rainfall and face no water issues, while just 40 kilometers away, villages have suffered from drought for over a century. In regions where water is plentiful, there is often a tendency to overuse resources.

Our journey across these states has been extremely rewarding, offering us a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of our farmers. Their stories and experiences have reinforced the need for continued innovation and support to ensure the future of agriculture and water management in India. Solutions must focus on building farmers' capacity to take calculated risks, and base decisions on scientific data and methods. Only by understanding and responding to the diverse needs of farmers across India can we foster sustainable agricultural practices and support the future of farming in the country.