"India Seeks Trained Talent For Optimal Production"

As the agricultural sector continues its evolution, the HR landscape within it also transforms. The year 2023 marked pivotal shifts and persistent challenges that demand careful consideration and proactive planning for HR professionals in the agriculture industry.

Notably, India emerged as the second-largest exporter of agrochemicals globally in 2022. Hence, in 2023 and for the years ahead, India’s outlook remains strong to be a global agrochemicals manufacturing hub because of government support, policy reforms, demand and innovation, prioritising R&D, capacity building on several products manufactured under the Make in India Mission or Atmanirbhar Abhiyan initiatives.

Given the Indian agrochemical industry has established world-class manufacturing facilities for agrochemicals during the past years, the industry also demands talent that is trained to achieve the desired production efficiencies, product efficacy, quality and competitive pricing.

During 2023, like most industries, the agricultural industry also grappled with the repercussions of technological advancements, sparking discussions regarding optimal working hours and the integration of AI. The introduction of AI necessitated change management within the industry, affecting talent acquisition processes and highlighting the imperative need to upskill the existing workforce for the adoption of evolving technologies.

Adding to these developments, Gartner's research emphasises a human-centric approach, providing individuals with greater control over their work and work environment, which ultimately boosts productivity. However, this approach requires rethinking of employer strategies. Undertaking such fundamentally transformative strategies demands strategic commitment, leadership, culture development, and the thoughtful application of technology.

The industry's heavy reliance on manual labour across diverse geographical areas necessitates tailored HR approaches. Balancing technological integration with the human touch in agricultural work remains a continual challenge. Hence, the necessity for adeptness in machinery operation and staying updated with technology advancements becomes pivotal. Many digital agri platforms offering farm services, agri-input commerce, market linkages, and farm advisory to bring about digital transformation and drive sustainability in agriculture created an integrated digital-first agri-ecosystem that are being built on shared economy models, and an active rural-gig economy workforce, thus challenging HR professionals in the industry to adapt to smart and efficient processes that can train, engage and retain the large rural gig workforce.

Additionally, attracting and retaining young talent to create a talent pipeline for middle management in the future is imperative, as it will add a new dimension to existing expertise and contribute to the accelerated growth of the company. This dynamic approach to talent acquisition aligns with the evolving landscape of the industry, ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable to technological advancements while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.