New Delhi, December 20, 2024, ANN: The Federation of All India Farmer Association (FAIFA) marked Kisan Diwas 2024 with the release of its white paper titled “Indian Agriculture Outlook 2025”. The report released on Thursday, outlines strategies to enhance India’s agricultural sector through 2040, focusing on sustainable farming practices, improved digital infrastructure, and policy reforms. Kisan Diwas is celebrated on 23 December marking the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and the Kisan Leader, Chaudhary Charan Singh.

The white paper addresses critical issues such as low productivity, climate vulnerabilities, and fragmented landholdings that continue to hinder the sector’s progress.

FAIFA emphasized that more comprehensive measures are needed from government to realize Indian agriculture’s full potential.

For the 2025-2030 period, FAIFA advocates for increased private sector investment and streamlined market regulations. Looking further ahead, it recommends universal irrigation coverage and the adoption of precision agriculture technologies as key drivers for long-term growth.

FAIFA President Javare Gowda highlighted the importance of collective action, noting that the association has the backing of 180 farmer groups nationwide. “The success of these recommendations depends on the collective commitment of stakeholders,” he said.

Gowda also expressed concerns over a proposed 35% GST on tobacco, tobacco products, and aerated beverages, stating that it would severely impact farmers of cash crops such as tobacco and sugarcane.

FAIFA, based in Andhra Pradesh, represents farmers growing tobacco, chilli, groundnut, cotton, and oilseeds in states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
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