Why is agriculture diversification for sustainable …

The agricultural diversification implies diversification of crop production and shifting of agricultural workforce to other allied activities such as livestock, poultry, fisheries, etc and non-agricultural sector. Diversification of crops implies production of a diverse variety of crops rather than 1 specialised crop.  Diversification is essential because there is greater risk in depending exclusively on farming for a livelihood and to provide productive sustainable livelihood options to rural people. Most of the agricultural employment activities are concentrated in the Kharif season while during the Rabi season it becomes difficult to find gainful employment in areas lacking in irrigation facilities.
Therefore, expansion into other sectors is essential to provide supplementary gainful employment and in realising higher levels of income for rural people to overcome poverty and other problems. A substantial portion of Indian farming is dependent on the vagaries of monsoon, making it a risky affair to rely upon solely. Accordingly, the need for diversification is required to enable the farmers to earn from other alternative non-farm occupations. Also, agriculture being overcrowded cannot further generate employment opportunities. Therefore, the prospects of the non-farm sectors should be opened up in rural areas to provide job opportunities This lessens the excess burden on agriculture by reducing disguised unemployment.