A Study on Development of Farmers : A Holistic Approach by Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd (GAIC)

Agriculture in Gujarat acts as a vital pillar of state’s economy as it provides food for the state, food for agro based industries and employment to rural folks. For promotion of agricultural activities in Gujarat, GAIC is set up by the government of Gujarat. The research highlights the supply as well as the demand perspective in relation to value based activities of GAIC. On supply side, such activities of GAIC, for the development of farmers in Gujarat, have been presented in the form of a case. While on the demand side, the study aims to explore the contribution of GAIC in the development of farmers by analysing GAIC’s operations related to agriculture. Demand side study empirically examines awareness and perceptions of farmers for the value addition by GAIC. Findings of this study suggest that there is a considerable gap as far as the awareness level of farmers is concerned towards the operations and facilities of GAIC. Finally, the paper concludes with few recommendations based upon the findings of the empirical research for strengthening the efforts of GAIC and thereby widening its reach for the benefit of maximum number of farmers in the state. The study recommends levying a considerable thrust on encouraging ‘Agripreneurship.’