Safe Spaces for Youth in Agriculture

"What have you thought about your future?" asked a teacher to his students. Replies came across with noise. One shouted- "Doctor!" followed by another-" Engineer, sir," Businessman! , Pilot and so on. Between the sounds among students, someone uttered- Farmer! Everyone in the class laughed. But why the laughter aroused? Is it because agriculture has an image problem or because many people think agriculture is not an attractive avenue of employment? The teacher made the class silent and asked -"Why do you want to be a farmer?" He smiles and answers softly- "I want to remove the hunger of people." A pin drop silence leaves the classroom.

Agriculture has safe spaces for youth in this modern world. A well -established farming has a bright future all around the world. The scientific progress, economic inventions, and binding international agreements are ongoing to enhance the sustainable farming; however, none of these approaches will succeed without buy-in from those who matter most – the farmers themselves; to be specific, young farmers. If young people are enthusiastic at agriculture, they could develop the leverage technology to revolutionize the field and improve the food and nutrition security; ultimately, this uplifts the standard of living.

It is said that one of the finest ways to be a billionaire is, by developing agriculture in such a way that hunger remains only in the dictionary and not in existence. What could be more meaningful than being a part of such a challenge? People in developed countries where agriculture is carried out in an efficient way are less likely to suffer from hunger, whereas in developing countries where agriculture is carried out in a primitive way, people are more prone to suffer from starvation. Hence, there lies a great safe space for youth as a scope in agriculture.

Agriculture directly matters to the future of development. It is more effective than other means to reduce poverty from any nation. Lots of research goes on every day to produce nutritious food as well as to maintain food security. Such researches need the young brain. There lies a massive extent in every of the part related to agriculture. It is economically and environmentally sustainable for today's youth.

Nowadays, agriculture-based education is rapidly increasing where the demand of young people is high so that they could play a vital role in flourishing new and innovative ideas. This brings a positive transformation to the agricultural sector. Moreover, modern agriculture unties the wider approach to employment. It offers career opportunities in research, breeding, environment, financial management, agriculture engineering, agri-business and many other technical areas for the youths.

Thus, necessitate of today lies in the fact that it is important to create safe spaces for youth in the world of agriculture. Otherwise, they can't contribute to agricultural development. Such safe spaces should ensure the dignity of youths regardless of their gender, caste, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation or cultural background. Whatever be the role, it should be such that youth can engage in activities as per their interest which lets them express their feelings and thoughts, freely.

Involvement in agriculture allows young people to deal with a range of challenges, from employability to entrepreneurship as well as safeguards the natural environment. This requires innovation, renewed dedication, determined action and of course, active participation of young people. Hence, it is important to fix youths in agriculture for the sustainable development of the nation with an assurance of the safe spaces.