Explain the various types of non-farm production activities in rural areas.

Various types of non-farm production activities in rural areas : Following are various types of non-farm production activities in rural areas :

1. Animal Husbandry : Animal Husbandry is the most important non-form area of employment in India. It is also called live-stock farming. Poultry, cattle, and goats/sheep are important components of live-stock farming in India. It provides increased stability in income, food security etc. Milk production in the country has increased by more than four times between 1960-2002. Meat,eggs,wool and other by products are also emerging as important productive sectors for diversification. Live-stock farming in India is an important source of employment for women. However live-stock sector is not free from problems. Though the number of live-stock is very impressive but its productivity is quite low as compared to other countries.

2. Fisheries : Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are the principal states in India where fisheries is an important source of livelihood in the rural areas. The fishing community in India depends almost equally inland sources and marine sources of fishing. All the sources are called 'water bodies' The fishing community calls the 'water bodies' as the 'mother' or 'provider'. In India after progressive increase in budgetary allocation and introduction of new technologies in fisheries and aquaculture, the development of fisheries has come a long way. Despite a significant segment of rural population engaged in fisheries, this sector contribute merely 2% to GDP. A large share of fish-worker families are poor. Fishing community faces many problems such as rampant unemployment, low per capita earnings, absence of mobility of labour to other sectors, a high rate of illiteracy, indebtedness etc.

3. Horticulture: Horticulture crops include fruits, vegetables, flowers etc. Over times there has been a substantial increase in area under these crops. These crops play a vital role in providing food and nutrition, besides providing opportunities for employment. Economic condition of many farmers engaged in horticulture has improved. Presently, India is a second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. We are emerging as leading producer of mangoes, bananas, coconuts, cashewnuts etc. For enhancing the role of horticulture,more investments should be made in infrastructure like electricity, cold storage systems, marketing linkages etc.

4. Other alternate livelihood operation i.e. Information Technology : Information technology revolutionalised many sectors in the Indian economy. lt plays a very significant role in acheiving sustainable development and food security. It has potential of employment generation in rural areas. It has ushered in a knowledge economy. It has also a positive impact on the agriculture sector. With the help of it, the quality and quantity of crops can be increased.