India Lures Youth Back to Farming with Tech and Funding Push
Main Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — India has managed to reverse a long-standing trend of youth migration from agriculture by equipping young people with access to technology, funding, and grassroots-level support. The initiative is part of a broader national effort to reinvigorate rural communities and strengthen food security systems.
Speaking at the Jakarta Futures Forum 2025, Secretary of the National Education and Information System for Sustainable Societies (NEISSS), Chhavi Rajawat, said India has introduced targeted policies to engage youth not only in traditional agriculture but also in entrepreneurship tied to the sector. These policies include startup incentives, financial support, and widespread access to information technologies.
“When I say ‘promote,’ it includes providing funding for youth to pursue work in these areas, and I think that is very encouraging,” Rajawat told Investortrust.id on Wednesday, Aug 6, 2025, on the sidelines of the conference held at JW Marriott, Jakarta.
She noted that many young Indians, who once aspired to corporate jobs in urban centers, are now returning to their villages to pursue farming and rural enterprises.
Organizing the Agricultural Ecosystem
Rajawat emphasized the role of farmer-producer organizations in transforming India’s agricultural ecosystem. These collectives are now backed not only financially but also through access to technology and knowledge-sharing platforms, enabling farmers to collaborate more effectively.
“Previously, geographical constraints kept people from different states apart. Now, these organizations enable farmers—especially the youth—to learn from each other,” she said.
This has led to a resurgence of interest in farming, including among former private sector workers who are choosing to leave their jobs and return to agriculture.
Technology has played a vital role in this shift. As digital infrastructure expands and connectivity improves, rural youth—already adept at using technology—find it easier to integrate modern tools into their farming practices.
Policy that Listens to the People
In a separate panel at the Jakarta Futures Forum, Rajawat stressed the importance of grassroots voices in shaping national food policies.
“I represent the voice of the grassroots, especially farmers and those most affected by shifts in trade policy,” she said.
NEISSS, a nonprofit education initiative based in Soda village, Rajasthan, has worked closely with communities to integrate tech-based solutions into rural livelihoods. According to Rajawat, India’s national food security system now includes large-scale procurement and public distribution frameworks that are bolstered by agri-tech, logistics, and e-commerce.
She added that community-based distribution methodologies are key to ensuring nutritional equity, particularly in remote areas. “It’s not just about calorie intake, but about balanced nutrition as well,” she said.
Building Cross-National Collaboration
Rajawat underlined that food policy should not be dictated by dominant economic powers, warning against the use of trade as a tool of coercion.
“National food policy isn’t just a program. It’s a real struggle for survival,” she said. She called on Indo-Pacific nations to jointly develop collective protocols to tackle food insecurity.
India’s model, she argued, proves that digital systems—when designed to reflect real-world needs—can deliver both efficiency and inclusiveness. “If we integrate our distinct approaches as complementary strengths, we have a powerful reason to unite,” she said.
She also expressed hope that India’s agricultural breakthroughs, especially those centered on youth empowerment and tech integration, can serve as a blueprint for other developing nations.
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