Overview:

The ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA), originally established in 1924 as the Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums in Ranchi, Jharkhand, marks its centenary this year. Renamed in 2022, it operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, focusing on enhancing the value of agricultural products.

Understanding Secondary Agriculture:

Secondary agriculture encompasses the transformation of primary agricultural products into higher-value commodities and includes activities such as:

• Beekeeping
• Poultry farming
• Agricultural tourism

This sector plays a crucial role in converting agricultural produce, residues, and by-products into valuable goods for various uses, including pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications. Examples of secondary agriculture practices include:

• Extracting vitamins from grains
• Producing oil from rice bran
• Making jaggery from sugarcane
• Cottage industries for jams and pickles

Growth Potential: The sector is poised for growth due to:

• Increasing consumer demand for value-added products like ready-to-eat meals.
• The need for innovative uses of renewable agro-bio resources.
• The significant availability of agricultural byproducts.

Significance of Secondary Agriculture:

1. Environmental Sustainability: Proper utilization of crop residues can reduce waste and pollution.
2. Enhanced Farmer Income: Activities like beekeeping and lac culture provide additional revenue streams for farmers.
3. Value Addition: Processing agricultural products increases their shelf life and overall productivity.
4. Promotion of Cottage Industries: Supports rural economies and fosters technology adoption.

Challenges Ahead: Despite its potential, secondary agriculture faces several hurdles:

• The industry for high-value products from agricultural byproducts, such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, is still emerging.
• Small landholdings complicate the collection of crop residues.
• Limited research on suitable technologies hampers development.
• There is a lack of awareness among farmers regarding the processing of agricultural waste.

Conclusion

As ICAR-NISA celebrates its 100th anniversary, it remains crucial in shaping the future of secondary agriculture in India, addressing both challenges and opportunities to enhance sustainability and farmer livelihoods.