Young people growing future crops from the soil

October 1, 2025 43 Views

When 28-year-old Joginder of Nathwana village in Bikaner district of Rajasthan sets out for the fields early in the morning with his tractor, everyone in the village looks at him with amazement, and he becomes a topic of discussion, especially among the youth. After completing his MBA from a prestigious institute in the capital Jaipur, Joginder chose his ancestral farming practice in the village instead of working in a company. He incorporated new ideas and new technology into traditional farming, which led to better harvests in his fields.

Indeed, over the past several decades, young people have been drawn away from rural farming to urban jobs, metro life, and the glitz of cities. But now, a shift is once again evident. Some young people are returning to villages and farming, or at least seeing farming as a respectable, technical, and profitable career option. If this trend takes off in Rajasthan’s rural areas, its social, economic, and humanitarian impact will be far-reaching. This will not only increase harvests but also enhance village self-esteem, family security, and the quality of local life.

First, it’s important to clarify: “What percentage of youth are attracted to farming?” There are no accurate figures available. Different studies have measured this in different ways. Some have measured only “interest,” while others have measured actual “participation” or adoption of self-employment. One study reported an interest rate of approximately 79.8% among youth. This means that many young people say they are interested in farming, provided they receive the right training, resources, and opportunities.

At the same time, research focused on Rajasthan has shown that there is considerable district-wise and activity-wise variation. In some districts, youth are more actively engaging in crops, agricultural logistics, and agri-business, while participation remains limited in others. This clearly indicates a gap between “interest” and “practical return,” and policy, training, and market access can mitigate this. In fact, when youth turn to farming, the first and most significant impact is on the family and community. Today, many families have elderly farmers, but if young people return after learning about farming, modern technology, and agri-business, the combination of the elders’ experience and the youth’s new technologies will have a visible impact on farming. This will also slow the trend of migration.

If young people in a village in the Bikaner region adopt small lawns and improved crops by introducing agricultural technology (solar pumps, drip irrigation, insect-monitoring apps) into farming, both farm yields and market values ​​can increase, and families’ economic security will be significantly enhanced. The greatest human benefit of such change is the return of both work satisfaction and social identity. Youth gain not just a job, but a purpose. In a state like Rajasthan, where drought-risk and geographical inequalities prevail, innovation will become another major advantage for youth agriculture.
 
Youth can adopt new technologies, direct-to-consumer channels through social media, value-addition (such as fruit processing, beverage making), and other models. Recent state and central government policies and schemes also emphasize technology and skilling. This increases youth training and entrepreneurship opportunities, allowing farming to move from a “difficult stage” to an “attractive occupation.” For example, Rajasthan has announced projects related to agri-tech and solar energy, and youth skill centers that support youth-focused initiatives.

When many rural youth flee cities for false promises of employment, it not only leads to economic failure but also increases isolation and psychological stress. Returning to farming means repairing relationships, rebuilding social support, and realizing that their hard work is linked to the village’s survival and nutritional security. This boosts self-esteem and helps combat depression and isolation. However, this sector is not without its challenges. This challenge is especially exacerbated by geography in a desert region like Rajasthan.

 
Land limitations, water scarcity, market access during times of crisis, and a lack of initial capital can demoralize young farmers. Therefore, for real change, policymakers, financial institutions, and local panchayats must work together to develop models that provide leased land, shared equipment, microfinance, and market linkages. It’s also crucial to provide science-based training and marketing education so that young people see agriculture as a “gri-business,” not just farming.

If youth in rural Rajasthan turn to farming, it will not only lead to economic development but also to the cultural and social revitalization of the villages. Various studies show that many young people are interested in farming, but to make it practical, they need technology, training, finance, and market guarantees. If the government and society work together to combine the youth’s energy, traditional knowledge, and modern technology and ensure access to local markets, then the youth of Rajasthan will not only grow crops but can also succeed in creating a sustainable, respectable, and prosperous future for themselves and their communities. There is a need to connect and guide youth with government-run agricultural schemes.
(These are the personal views of the author)

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