Developing value chains for rainfed production systems

Abstract

In rainfed agriculture, there is a need for adoption of new and emerging as well as established technologies for sustainable production and processing of food, fodder and other agriculture and allied commodities. Establishing robust value chains and better market access are few critical steps for enhancing income of smallholder farmers. Agro-processing centres form a very short value
chain. By facilitating employment and promoting rural entrepreneurship, agro-processing centres also contribute to rural development. There is an urgent need to implement several strategies to build robust value chains of rainfed agriculture produce. Small farm appropriate mechanization of pre-harvest agricultural activities and automated post-harvest management as well as valueaddition activities must be adopted. Infrastructure development, capacity building, policy support besides private sector engagement and adoption of sustainable practices are crucial in developing value chains in rainfed production systems.