Why Livelihood
According to World Bank data, the global poverty rate has fallen steadily over the last 25 years. However, India is still grappling with the critical challenge of rural poverty that impacts millions of Indians. Over two-thirds of India’s population still lives in rural and semi-rural areas, where there is a daily struggle to earn enough from farm-related activities to feed the household. Families in rural areas find it tough to break out of the cycle of poverty, primarily because a majority of Indian agriculture-based incomes continue to be dependent on the monsoons. Additionally, poor soil conditions, minimal use of modern farming methods, lack of systematic irrigation facilities, absence of post-harvest facilities and sustainable market linkages combine to put farm-based income generation capabilities in jeopardy.
Youth comprise one-third of the Indian population which in turn constitutes a major part of the country's labor force. A country like India which has a huge young population can reap better benefits from the demographic dividend if its youth are better skilled and employable. It is important to channelize the energy of the underprivileged youth in the right direction to help in the country's economic development and nation building.