Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development

During the past decade, the rural areas of India have experienced a continuous migration of young individuals to urban centers. This situation is both serious and alarming, as it has resulted in a significant vacuum in the villages. It has been noted by numerous enlightened individuals that the migration of rural youth has transformed the villages into virtual retirement homes, causing talented farm youth to shy away from farming. The book addressed in this text covers a range of issues, including the youth-concept, the characteristics and interests of rural youth, their aspirations; the role of rural youth in natural resource management; the use of ICTs and rural youth; various extension approaches and strategies; the SHGs and group approaches; the mobilization of rural youth; gender issues and women empowerment, and successful case studies on farm youth. The book is divided into several major subheadings, including farm youth in agriculture, capacity building of rural youth, entrepreneurship among rural youth, rural youth and information communication technology, women in agriculture, rural youth in integrated farming, leisure time utilization by rural youth, and case studies on rural youth.