Discuss the key challenges hindering agricultural productivity in India and propose effective measures to enhance sustainability and efficiency in the sector. (200 words) 📍INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, employing over 40% of the workforce but contributing less than 18% to GDP. Despite being a major food producer, low productivity and sustainability concerns hinder the sector’s potential. 📍 Challenges Hindering Agricultural Productivity ✅ Land Fragmentation: Small and scattered landholdings reduce mechanization and economies of scale. ✅ Dependence on Monsoon: Only around 50% of cultivated land is irrigated, making farmers vulnerable to erratic rainfall. ✅ Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemical fertilizers and monoculture depletes soil fertility. ✅ Low Investment in R&D: Limited research funding restricts the adoption of high-yield and climate-resilient crops. ✅ Market Inefficiencies: Middlemen dominate supply chains, leading to low farmgate prices and high consumer costs. 📍 Measures to Enhance Agricultural Productivity ✅ Land Consolidation: Encourage cooperative farming and land pooling to enable efficient mechanization. ✅ Improving Irrigation: Expand micro-irrigation (drip & sprinkler) and watershed management to ensure water-use efficiency. ✅ Strengthening R&D: Increase investment in crop diversification, biotechnology, and precision farming. ✅ Revamping Agricultural Marketing: Expand e-NAM, FPOs, and direct farmer-market linkages to ensure fair pricing. ✅ Promoting Sustainable Practices: Boost organic farming, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture for long-term sustainability. 📍 Conclusion A holistic approach integrating technological innovations, policy reforms, and sustainable practices is crucial. Enhancing farmer incomes and food security will ensure resilient and efficient agricultural growth in India. 🌱🚜