Indian Agriculture Case Study

1. Introduction

Human civilization began with agriculture. Food security and the socio-economic status of a country, is dependent on agriculture. It has also played an essential role in developing India, growing upto 3% each year in the last four decades. It currently accounts for 13.9% of country’s national gross domestic product and employs half the Indian population, mainly in the rural areas which account for 68% of the country’s population. Indian agriculture has around 9% of world’s arable land and 4.2 % fresh water (NAAS, 2009). India contributes 8% of global agriculture domestic product supporting 18% of world’s population. In addition to favorable solar energy, the country also receives about 3 trillion m3 of rain water and is continuously

To achieve a higher production, the current policy is emphasized on attainment of modern agricultural practices, improvising irrigation systems and processes, and development of policies for steady investments in technology development, provisions of agricultural credit and subsidies for the growth of Indian agriculture (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development

The world production of tomato was estimated to be 163.9 million metric tons (FAO, 2013). The production in Asia and Africa accounts for approximately 65% of global tomato production. India is the second largest producer of tomato after China with 18.2 million metric tonnes production in 2013 (Horticulture statistics-2014, GOI). Tomato has become an important dietary component for its high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It has high content of lycopene, an oxidant that reduces the risks associated with several cancers and neurodegenerative diseases (NCPAH). Tomato is also a common raw material in food industries, generating a source of income for the farmers. Tomato fruits are eaten in a variety of ways, as salads or cooked in sauces, soup, meat and dishes. They are also processed to make pure juices and ketchup. Canned and dried tomatoes are economically important processed products. Tomatoes have a rich content of potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin A (USDA 2009). It also contains ‘Lycopene’, an antioxidant known not only for its an anti-cancerous activity, but also its activity in lowering the risk of prostate cancer ( Ilic, D et al.,