In India agriculture is probably the most important industry that drives the nation. Every household in the country has some history of farming and agriculture and our traditions are rooted in it. Our festivals, calendars and mathematics are a result of this tradition. Our diverse religions, cultures and cuisines are a result of this. We have our spices today because of agriculture.

The land is fertile and the climate in our country is perfect for a wide variety of crops and vegetations. It is also suitable for a large variety of game, dairy, poultry, animal husbandry and fisheries. From the cold north to the warm and humid south we have so much variety in flora and fauna that agriculture naturally became our identity. This is one of the reasons why the land was so coveted in the past and was invaded constantly by foreign kingdoms. This is also the reason why we have a huge diversity in culture, religions and cuisine. Diversity is our true strength no matter what anybody has to say. India was a melting pot before melting pots were a thing.

Our agricultural traditions have carved our science and the progress we have made as a nation in the form of Green Revolution and White Revolution.

Green Revolution accelerated crop agriculture in the country and White Revolution helped accelerate and scale dairy production all over the country. This helped to feed millions of people who were on the brink of starvation caused by famine and poverty. Providing essential nutrition in dire times. These revolutions have also boosted exports and imports giving the nation’s economy a much needed boost.

When the Brits left, survival had become difficult as they left the nation shattered and broke. The nation was struggling so people turned to agriculture and adapted to vegetarianism in some parts. Now we have a population which is 40% vegetarian. That is nearly 600 million people.

Our calendars and mathematics are influenced by agriculture and our traditional calendars are more accurate at predicting the weather than our news channels. We have based our agricultural systems on planetary movements thereby getting accurate results on the weather and the type of crops to farm. Our harvest seasons are based on these calendars and are accurately represented each year. Its not a miracle when you see offerings of seasonal fruits to gods during festivals at the right time every year. Its calculated and developed as such. This is something that needs to be revived because it is dwindling in all honesty.

Like any tradition there are good and bad things that emerged from agriculture. The caste system, oppression of women, debt and poverty, resistance to necessary modern innovation, overdependence on a single type of crop because it is profitable, dependence on monsoon, low yields caused by a lack of modern tools and techniques, deforestation and soil erosion caused by excessive farming and systemic vulnerability because some farmers look at it strictly as a cultural way of life and not as a commercial resource are some of the bad aspects of agriculture. Certain traditions like dowry and unfair inheritances have also emerged from agriculture.

These need to be addressed and are being addressed through education and government programs. To be fair there is a long way to go.

The impact agriculture has had on our lives and the benefits we get from it are immense. It has shaped our outlook of the real world and it has shaped our hospitality. It has shaped our topography and language and most importantly our diets. There is no escaping from it and all the more reason to embrace it. Agriculture is to date the best tradition of our country. It is in our blood, it is an emotion.