Schemes in Indian Agriculture and Rural Development: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

When we define the word "village," a picture emerges of an area where basic amenities of life such as roads, electricity, water, education, health, etc., are often lacking. Along with the absence of basic facilities, poverty, destitution, and unemployment in villages represent a complex problem that is emerging as the biggest obstacle to rural development. There are very few countries in the world where 74 percent of the population resides in villages. Thus, the rural population forms the foundation of the entire social and economic system of the country. Unless the more than 70 percent of the population living in villages is developed, India cannot achieve holistic development. For the comprehensive and sustainable development of the nation, rural development is not merely an administrative necessity but an essential condition. Rural development does not only mean agricultural development; it also means bringing about a qualitative improvement in the standard of living of rural people. This includes broader dimensions such as infrastructure—roads, electricity, water, health services, education, digital literacy, and economic self-reliance. The current government in India also appears serious about agricultural development. This research paper is based on the analysis of various aspects of rural development, as well as various government schemes for rural development, their impact, implementation, challenges, and solutions.