Transforming Indian Agriculture – UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis – 26th June 2024 – Edukemy

Transforming Indian agriculture involves a comprehensive effort to modernize and enhance the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of farming practices across the country. India, known for its agricultural heritage, faces challenges such as fluctuating weather patterns, shrinking land availability, and the need to meet the growing food demand of its population. This transformation aims to integrate advanced technologies, promote sustainable farming techniques, improve irrigation and water management, and empower farmers with knowledge and resources. By modernizing agriculture, India seeks to increase crop yields, ensure food security, uplift rural livelihoods, and mitigate the environmental impact of farming practices, thus paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Tags: GS – 3, Economy– Direct & Indirect Farm Subsidies– PDS Buffer Stocks & Food Security – Agricultural Marketing

Context: 

• Recently,  Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and the Ministry of Rural Development. 

• His extensive experience as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, where he achieved a 7% GDP growth and 6.8% agri-GDP growth from 2005-06 to 2023-24, makes his appointment strategic. 
• The MoA&FW urgently needs to address key challenges in the agriculture sector, aiming for over 5% annual agri-GDP growth and prompt enhancement of farmers’ incomes.

Significance of Agriculture in India:

• Contribution to GDP:
  • The share of agriculture in the total Gross Value Added (GVA) of the economy has decreased from 35% in 1990-91 to 15% in 2022-23. This decline is due to the rapid expansion of the industrial and service sectors.
• Employment:
  • According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23, about 45.76% of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors.

• Food Security:
  • India is largely self-sufficient in staple food production, particularly rice and wheat.
  • It is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, spices, and has the world’s largest cattle herd (buffaloes). India also has the largest area under wheat, rice, and cotton.
  • India is the second largest producer of rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, farmed fish, sheep & goat meat, fruit, vegetables, and tea.
  • Government initiatives like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and food subsidy programs rely on agricultural production to ensure affordable food access to all citizens.
• Land Use:
  • Agricultural land in India constitutes a little more than 50% of the total geographical area in the country, the highest share of land use for agriculture in the world.
  • India has approximately 195 million hectares under cultivation, with around 63% being rainfed and 37% irrigated.
• Foreign Exchange:
  • Commodities like rice, spices, cotton, fruits, and vegetables are exported globally, generating revenue and balancing trade deficits.
  • In April-January 2024, the overall value of agricultural exports stood at USD 38.65 billion. In 2022-23, the agricultural exports from India were US$ 52.50 billion.

• Socio-Cultural and Environmental Sustainability:
  • Agriculture is integral to India’s cultural heritage and social fabric, shaping rural traditions, festivals, and community life.
  • Sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for preserving soil fertility, water resources, and biodiversity, promoting long-term environmental sustainability.

Key Challenges Related to the Farm Sector in India:

• Small Land Holdings:
  • The average size of operational holdings decreased from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16.
  • As per India’s Agriculture Census 2015-16, 86.1% of Indian farmers are small and marginal, with landholding sizes smaller than 2 hectares.
• Economic Hardships:
  • The average monthly income for a farmer’s household from all sources was approximately ₹10,218, according to a 2019 NSO report.
  • Small and marginal farmers frequently face challenges in accessing credit and financial services.
  • Over half of agricultural households were in debt as per the 2019 NSS survey.
• Soil Degradation & Water Scarcity:
  • Over-extraction of water for agriculture is depleting aquifers, making irrigation unsustainable in key regions.
  • Around 90% of India’s groundwater is used for agriculture.
  • Improper land use, excessive chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and inadequate soil conservation lead to soil degradation.
• Inadequate Agricultural Infrastructure:
  • Insufficient storage and cold chain facilities, inadequate rural roads, and limited access to markets contribute to post-harvest losses.
  • Infrastructure gaps add to production costs and limit farmers’ ability to fetch fair prices for their produce.
• Outdated Farming Practices:
  • Many Indian farmers still rely on traditional and outdated farming methods.
  • Limited access to information and modern techniques hinders the adoption of advanced farming practices.
• Market Volatility & Price Fluctuations:
  • Farmers often face price volatility due to a lack of effective market linkages, intermediaries, and price information.
• Skewed Policy Challenges:
  • The government’s provision of cereals at low prices through the PDS drives down the prices farmers get for their crops.
  • Skewed fertiliser subsidies promote indiscriminate usage, adversely affecting human health and environmental sustainability.
• Climate Change & Natural Disasters:
  • Erratic weather patterns, climate change, and natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and droughts pose significant challenges to India’s agriculture.
  • Rainfed rice yields in India are projected to decrease by 20% by 2050 and 47% by 2080 without adaptation measures.

The Key Initiatives Related to Agriculture:

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):
  • Launch Date: February 24, 2019
  • Objective: Provide financial support to farmers.
  • Key Features: Direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to all landholding farmer families, paid in three equal instalments.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
  • Launch Date: January 13, 2016
  • Objective: Provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure.
  • Key Features: Low premium rates for farmers, covers risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest, and ensures timely settlement of claims.
• Soil Health Card Scheme:
  • Launch Date: February 19, 2015
  • Objective: Promote soil health management practices.
  • Key Features: Provides soil health cards to farmers with information on soil nutrient status and recommendations for fertilisers and amendments.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY):
  • Launch Date: July 1, 2015
  • Objective: Enhance water availability and use efficiency in agriculture.
  • Key Features: Focuses on creating new water sources, improving existing ones, and promoting micro-irrigation techniques.
• e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM):
  • Launch Date: April 14, 2016
  • Objective: Create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
  • Key Features: Integrates existing APMC markets through an online platform, facilitates better price discovery, transparency, and competition.
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture:
  • Launch Date: 2014-15 (as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change)
  • Objective: Promote sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Key Features: Focus on climate-resilient practices and technologies, efficient use of natural resources, conservation agriculture, and organic farming.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
  • Launch Date: 2015
  • Objective: Promote organic farming.
  • Key Features: Provides financial assistance for organic farming inputs and certification, encourages group farming and the formation of clusters.
• Digital Agriculture Mission:
  • Launch Date: 2021
  • Objective: Leverage technology to improve agricultural practices and productivity.
  • Key Features: Focus on digital infrastructure, data management, and services for farmers, promotes the use of AI, IoT, blockchain, and drones.
• Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP):
  • Launch Date: September 2020
  • Objective: Provide integrated services to farmers.
  • Key Features: Combines various agricultural services and schemes into a single digital platform, offers market information, weather updates, and advisory services.
• National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A):
  • Launch Date: 2010
  • Objective: Implement ICT-based solutions for better governance in agriculture.
  • Key Features: Develops databases and information systems for agriculture, provides online services to farmers, enhances the efficiency of government schemes and programs.

Source: IE

FAQs

1. Why does Indian agriculture need transformation?

Indian agriculture needs transformation to address several challenges such as increasing productivity to feed a growing population, adapting to climate change impacts like erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, reducing dependency on traditional farming methods that may be resource-intensive, and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

2. How can technology help transform Indian agriculture?

Technology can play a crucial role in transforming Indian agriculture by providing farmers with access to information about weather forecasts, market prices, and best agricultural practices. Tools like precision farming, drone technology for crop monitoring, and soil health management systems can help optimize resource use and increase productivity.

3. What are sustainable farming practices, and why are they important for Indian agriculture?

Sustainable farming practices focus on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing productivity. Practices such as organic farming, integrated pest management, conservation tillage, and water-efficient irrigation techniques help preserve soil fertility, conserve water resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring long-term agricultural viability.

4. How does agricultural policy impact the transformation of Indian agriculture?

Agricultural policies influence factors like subsidies, pricing mechanisms, infrastructure development, and research and development initiatives. Effective policies can encourage investment in modern agricultural technologies, improve market access for farmers, promote crop diversification, and provide support for sustainable farming practices, thereby accelerating agricultural transformation.

5. What role can individuals play in supporting the transformation of Indian agriculture?

Individuals can contribute by supporting local farmers and buying locally grown produce, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices in their communities, promoting awareness about the importance of agriculture and its impact on food security and the environment, and participating in initiatives that aim to improve rural livelihoods and agricultural sustainability. By making informed choices and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable farming, individuals can play a significant role in driving positive change in Indian agriculture.

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