Retention Index: A Measure to Quantify the Retention of Rural Youth in Agriculture

Retention of rural youth in agriculture in rural areas has become an inevitable phenomenon in our country. The rural youth population of India is slowly deserting their origin and swarming toward the urban areas. This has several implications for the future of Indian agriculture and India’s food security. Experts felt that there is a need to retain rural youths in agriculture because they can play a significant role in ensuring food security if they are encouraged to involve in agriculture farming. Having an insight into the rationale behind the retention of rural youth in agriculture is hence crucial. Bearing in mind this point of view, a study was conducted among 300 rural youths with an agricultural background. The retention of rural youth has been studied by developing a suitable measurement methodology that quantifies their retention in agriculture. The Retention Index was developed and the composite Retention Index worked out was 73.00. On the basis of the results of retention index these indicators are very important in the development of projects or programmes by policymakers, development agencies and extension functionaries should consider these indicators while preparing and planning programs or projects for the development of rural youth.