Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drawn attention to the challenges encountered by the Global South in the agriculture sector. With over 2.5 billion people depending on agriculture for their livelihoods globally, the sector plays a significant role in the economies of many countries, particularly in the Global South.
Agriculture’s Global Significance
Agriculture is of global importance, providing a livelihood for over 2.5 billion people worldwide. In the Global South, it contributes nearly 30% to the GDP and accounts for over 60% of employment. This demonstrates the critical role agriculture plays in ensuring food security, poverty reduction, and economic stability in these regions.
Supply Chain Disruptions
One of the major challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly in the Global South, is supply chain disruptions. Inadequate infrastructure, poor transportation facilities, and inefficient logistics systems can hinder the smooth flow of agricultural products from farms to markets. These disruptions can lead to increased post-harvest losses, reduced market access, and decreased income for farmers.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change poses a significant threat to the agriculture sector, especially in the Global South. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events can adversely affect crop yields, livestock production, and overall agricultural productivity. Farmers in these regions, who heavily rely on rain-fed agriculture, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which can result in food insecurity and economic instability.
Unequal Access to Resources
Another challenge faced by the Global South in agriculture is the unequal access to resources. Smallholder farmers, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in these regions, often lack access to modern farming technologies, quality seeds, fertilizers, and credit facilities. This limits their ability to adopt sustainable and high-yielding agricultural practices, hindering their productivity and income potential.
Knowledge and Capacity Building
Enhancing knowledge and capacity building is crucial for addressing the challenges faced by the Global South in agriculture. Providing farmers with training and extension services can empower them with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices. Additionally, promoting agricultural research and development can contribute to innovations that improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the overall resilience of the agricultural sector.
