Diversification includes two aspects - one relates to change in cropping pattern and the other relates to a shift of workforce from agriculture to other allied activities (livestock, poultry, fisheries etc.) and non-agriculture sector. The need for diversification arises from the fact that there is greater risk in depending exclusively on farming for livelihood. Diversification towards new areas is necessary not only to reduce the risk from agriculture sector but also to provide productive sustainable livelihood options to rural people. Much of the agricultural employment activities are concentrated in the Kharif season.
But during the Rabi Work This Out Ø Visit one such alternative marketing system which farmers in your locality, or in the neighbourhood rural areas, use. How are they different from regulated market yards? Should they be encouraged and supported by the government? Why and how?
Discuss. Fig. . Jaggery making is an allied activity of the farming sector some possess dynamic linkages that permit healthy growth while others are in subsistence, low productivity propositions.
The dynamic sub-sectors include agro-processing industries, food processing industries, leather industry, tourism, etc. Those sectors which have the potential but seriously lack infrastructure and other support include traditional home-based industries like pottery, crafts, handlooms etc. Majority of rural women find employment in agriculture while men generally look for non-farm employment. In recent times, women have also begun looking for non-farm jobs (see Box .
). Animal Husbandry: In India, the farming community uses the mixed crop-livestock farming system — cattle, goats, fowl are the widely held species. Livestock production provides increased stability in income, food security, transport, fuel and nutrition for the family without disrupting other food-producing activities. Today, livestock sector alone provides alternate livelihood options to over million small and marginal farmers including landless labourers.
A significant number of women also find employment in the livestock sector. Chart . shows the distribution of livestock in India. Poultry accounts for the largest share with per cent Box .
: Tamil Nadu Women in Agriculture (TANWA) Tamil Nadu Women in Agriculture (TANWA) is a project initiated in Tamil Nadu to train women in