In recent years, a discernible shift in cropping patterns has unfolded as a consequence of changing agricultural priorities and evolving dietary preferences. The emphasis on certain crops has become a pivotal force driving these transformations, and one notable trend in this regard is the renewed focus on millets production and consumption. Traditionally considered as neglected or minor crops, millets are gaining prominence due to their numerous ecological and nutritional benefits. Governments, agricultural experts, and environmentalists have increasingly recognized the resilience of millets in adverse conditions, such as drought and poor soil fertility, making them a sustainable alternative in the face of climate change. Moreover, millets are nutritionally rich, boasting high levels of protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients, aligning with the global push for healthier diets.
This emphasis on millets is not merely confined to agricultural policies but has also extended to dietary recommendations and consumer behavior. The promotion of millets aligns with a broader goal of diversifying food sources and promoting food security. As a result, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences, with an increasing number of individuals incorporating millets into their regular diets. The rise in awareness regarding the health benefits of millets has spurred demand, further encouraging farmers to cultivate these crops. This dual-sided emphasis, both at the production and consumption ends, has induced a positive feedback loop, altering the traditional cropping patterns as farmers respond to market demands and policy incentives. In essence, the recent emphasis on millets is emblematic of a broader trend reshaping cropping patterns, driven by a confluence of ecological sustainability, nutritional awareness, and evolving consumer choices.
Tag: Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country -different types of irrigation system.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, the definition of cropping pattern.
- Body,
- Justify how emphasis on certain crops brought changes in cropping patterns.
- In the second part of the answer, elaborate on millets production and consumption.
- Conclude answer with importance of millets.
Answer:
Cropping pattern is the proportion of area under various crops at a point of time. The cropping patterns of a region are mainly influenced by the geo-climatic, socio-economic, historical and political factors. . The cropping pattern determined by:
- Rainfall,
- Climate,
- Temperature,
- Soil type and
- Technology.
In India, after the Green Revolution and consequent emphasis on food security led to emphasis on certain crops especially rice and wheat cultivation. This emphasis on certain crops led to changes in cropping patterns.
How emphasis on certain crops brought changes in cropping pattern:
- Green Revolution: It was started to fulfill food security of India and it gave emphasis on wheat and rice. Paddy, wheat, cotton and sugarcane form a dominating cropping pattern of Indian agriculture due to the Green Revolution. Also, increased profit from sugarcane crops, and cotton is a profitable crop for farmers.
- Government Policy: Every year the government announces Minimum support price for 23 crops but most of MSP has been given to Paddy and Wheat which encouraged farmers to grow these crops and give lesser emphasis on other crops like millets, left behind.
Thus, cropping patterns in India have gone under constant change without taking into consideration the conditions of local climate or local Agro-climatic conditions. The gain in wheat production has come up at cost of millets and sorghum, as wheat is considered superior to them and the focus of famers and government to increase the production of the wheat remained throughout decades.
Millets:
Production:
- Millets grow well in dry zones as rain-fed crops, under marginal conditions of soil fertility and moisture and are stable yielders.
- About 30 million acres in India fall under millets.
- Millets are grown in about 21 States and major impetus is being given on its production in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.
- Millets are the superfoods for the present and future; their short growing season (65 days) makes them commercially sound.
- Incentive through hiking MSP: The government hiked the MSP of nutri-cereals, which came as a big price incentive for farmers. From 2014-15 to 2020 MSPs for ragi has jumped by 113 per cent, by 72 per cent for bajra and by 71 per cent for jowar.
Consumption of Millets: After the green revolution there is increased demand in wheat and rice and people changed their dietary habits. But soon people realized lifestyle related diseases and again started shifting towards consumption of millets.
- Promoting as nutri-cereals
- The first strategy from a consumption and trade point of view is rebranding millets as nutri-cereals.
- Various state governments now started distributing millets like Raagi, Bajara, Jowar etc. to improve nutrition among people especially among poorer sections of the society.
Conclusion
There is an unmet demand for rice and wheat which is met by millets. If consumers see millets as a solution to lifestyle disorders, producers have realized that it requires less inputs and is an economically viable option if marketing avenues are created. Thus, millets are very significant in our daily food consumption. Though wheat and rice are significant, nutritional value and protection of soil fertility is limited. These both conditions give more weightage on millet production and consumption for a better future. As the government plans to promote the production, distribution and consumption of millets India can be on a progressive track of reduction in rural poverty and hidden hunger.
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