Agricultural Productivity in India and GM Crops

Syllabus
GS Paper III – Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country.

Context
India’s agricultural productivity has lagged behind other countries, leading to a relatively low contribution to the national economy over the years.

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Agricultural Productivity in India and GM Crops

Introduction

India’s agricultural sector has been grappling with stagnant productivity for decades, despite the potential of technologies like GM crops. While countries like China, the US, and Brazil have significantly improved their agricultural yields, India’s progress has been slow. This is largely due to the persistent misinformation and resistance to GM technology. If India were to embrace GM crops, it could potentially revolutionize its agriculture sector, increasing yields and reducing costs, but these advancements are hindered by unfounded fears and misconceptions.

Agricultural Productivity

Agricultural productivity is a measure of the efficiency of agricultural production systems. It is calculated as the ratio of agricultural output to agricultural input. This metric assesses how effectively land, labor, capital, and other resources are utilized to produce agricultural goods.

Significance of Agricultural Productivity

• Food Security: High agricultural productivity is crucial for ensuring food security for a growing population.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Efficient agricultural practices can help conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact.
• Economic Growth: Increased agricultural productivity can boost rural economies, create jobs, and contribute to overall economic growth.
• Energy Security: Agricultural residues can be used to produce biofuels, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Export Potential: Higher agricultural productivity can enhance India’s export capabilities and improve its trade balance.

India’s Agricultural Productivity: A Persistent Challenge

• Low Yield Rates: India’s agricultural yields lag significantly behind global standards.
• Stagnant Crop Production: Over the past two decades, there has been minimal progress in crop production.
  • Cotton: Yield has remained stagnant at around 450 kilograms per hectare.
  • Soybean: Yield has shown modest improvement, increasing from 1006 kilograms per hectare to 1200 kilograms per hectare.
  • Pulses: Yield has increased marginally, from 625 kilograms per hectare to 776 kilograms per hectare.
• Disparity with Global Standards:
  • India’s cotton yield is significantly lower than China’s.
  • India’s maize yield is much lower than the US.
  • India’s soybean yield is substantially lower than Brazil’s.
• Economic Impact:
  • Despite employing a large portion of the workforce, agriculture contributes a relatively small share to India’s GDP and exports.

Hindering India’s Agricultural Productivity

Structural Challenges

• Fragmentation of Land Holdings: Small and marginal landholdings limit the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies.
• Monsoon Dependency: A significant portion of Indian agriculture relies heavily on unpredictable rainfall, making it vulnerable to droughts and floods.
• Limited Irrigation: Insufficient irrigation infrastructure restricts the ability to cultivate crops during dry seasons.

Technological Barriers

• Low Adoption of High-Yielding Varieties: A lack of awareness and high costs hinder the adoption of advanced seed technologies.
• Imbalance in Fertilizer Use: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers can deplete soil fertility and reduce long-term productivity.

Infrastructural Constraints

• Outdated Yield Forecasting: Inaccurate weather forecasting hampers planning and decision-making in agriculture.
• Subsistence Farming: Small-scale farming practices limit the potential for commercialization and productivity enhancement.
• Inadequate Storage Facilities: Post-harvest losses due to poor storage infrastructure significantly reduce agricultural output.
• Limited Access to Quality Seeds: Quality seeds play a crucial role in boosting crop yields, but access to them remains a challenge for many farmers.

Harnessing Biotechnology: The Promise of GM Crops

• Enhanced Pest Resistance: GM crops are engineered to resist pests, reducing crop damage and increasing yield.
• Climate Resilience: GM crops can tolerate harsh weather conditions, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures.
• Extended Shelf Life: GM crops are often developed to have longer shelf lives, reducing post-harvest losses.
• Increased Yield Potential:
  • GM crops have the potential to significantly boost agricultural output.
  • India could experience a substantial increase in crop production, potentially doubling or tripling yields.
• Reduced Input Costs: GM crops can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, leading to lower production costs and higher farmer incomes.

India’s Cautious Approach to GM Crops

• Research and Development:
  • India has been actively involved in GM crop research since 1986, with institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the forefront.
  • Significant breakthroughs have been achieved, such as the development of GM mustard by Dr. Deepak Pental.
• Regulatory Framework: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) oversees the regulatory approval process for GM crops in India.
• Commercialization: GM Bt Cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.
• Challenges and Opposition:
  • Public concerns and misinformation have hindered the adoption of GM crops in India.
  • Outdated regulations and bureaucratic hurdles have slowed down the approval process for new GM crops.
• Global Perspective:
  • Countries like China and the US have successfully utilized GM technology to boost agricultural productivity.
  • India’s reluctance to embrace GM crops has limited its potential to achieve similar levels of agricultural output.

Read more about GM Crops

Strategies to Revitalize Indian Agriculture

• Dispelling Misconceptions: Promote public awareness campaigns to debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding GM crops.
• Highlighting Benefits: Emphasize the potential benefits of GM crops, such as increased yields, pest and disease resistance, and improved nutritional value.
• Streamlining Regulations: Simplify regulatory procedures for the approval and commercialization of GM crops.
• Incentivizing Innovation: Provide incentives to researchers and companies to invest in agricultural research and development.
• Supporting Farmer Training: Organize training programs to educate farmers about modern agricultural practices and technologies.
• Investing in Irrigation: Expand irrigation facilities to reduce dependence on rainfall and ensure year-round agriculture.
• Improving Storage Facilities: Build modern storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses and maintain quality.
• Strengthening Rural Infrastructure: Develop rural roads, transportation networks, and market linkages to facilitate the movement of agricultural products.
• Promoting GM Crops: Encourage the adoption of GM crops through rigorous scientific evaluation and public engagement.
• Precision Agriculture: Implement precision agriculture techniques to optimize resource use and enhance productivity.
• Digital Agriculture: Utilize digital technologies to monitor crop health, weather conditions, and market trends.

Conclusion

India’s agricultural sector, despite its potential, has been hindered by various factors, including low productivity, dependence on monsoon, and limited access to modern technologies. While GM crops offer a promising solution to address these challenges, their adoption has been hampered by regulatory hurdles and public concerns. To unlock the full potential of Indian agriculture, it is imperative to create a conducive environment for innovation, invest in research and development, and promote the responsible use of biotechnology. By embracing modern agricultural practices and addressing the underlying issues, India can ensure food security, improve rural livelihoods, and contribute to global food production.

Reference: TT

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Related PYQ

How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? [UPSC CSE – 2019 Mains]

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Practice Question

Discuss the challenges faced by Indian agriculture in achieving higher productivity. How can the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops contribute to addressing these challenges? What are the potential risks and benefits associated with GM crops? [250 words]

Guidelines for Answering the Question

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the significance of agriculture in India and the challenges it faces.
2. Challenges in Indian Agriculture:
   • Discuss the factors hindering agricultural productivity, such as low yield, poor soil health, inadequate irrigation, and dependence on monsoon.
3. Potential of GM Crops:
   • Explain how GM crops can address various challenges like pest resistance, drought tolerance, and increased yield.
   • Highlight specific examples of successful GM crop implementation in other countries.
4. Risks and Concerns:
   • Discuss potential environmental and health risks associated with GM crops.
   • Address concerns about the impact of GM crops on biodiversity and food safety.
5. Regulatory Framework:
   • Explain the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring the safety and efficacy of GM crops.
   • Discuss the need for a robust regulatory framework to balance innovation and risk.
6. Way Forward:
   • Suggest measures to promote the adoption of GM crops, such as public awareness campaigns, farmer training, and supportive policies.
   • Emphasize the importance of scientific research and continuous monitoring to address potential risks.
7. Conclusion: Summarize the key points and reiterate the potential benefits and challenges of GM crops.

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