Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Agriculture
Context
India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 is closely tied to the transformation of its agricultural sector.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 24th August 2024
The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture
India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 requires a multifaceted approach, especially in the agricultural sector. As the centennial year of independence approaches, transforming agriculture through sustainable practices and technological advancements is crucial to ensure long-term productivity, environmental health, and food security for the nation’s growing population.
Imbalance in Agricultural Contributions
- Disparity in Employment and GDP Contribution:
- Despite engaging nearly 46% of the workforce, agriculture contributes only about 18% to the GDP.
- This imbalance highlights the need for structural changes in the agricultural sector to improve productivity and income.
- Lagging Agricultural GDP Growth:
- While overall GDP growth was 5.9% under the current government, agricultural GDP grew only by 3.6%.
- If current trends continue, agriculture’s share in GDP might shrink to 7%-8% by 2047, while still employing over 30% of the workforce.
- Low Productivity and Income Levels:
- The average productivity in Indian agriculture remains lower compared to global standards.
- This low productivity directly affects farmers’ incomes, which are significantly lower than those in non-agricultural sectors, leading to economic disparity and rural poverty.
Key Government Initiatives
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
- Launched in 2016, this scheme provides financial assistance for crop losses, covering 49.5 crore farmers and settling claims worth over ₹1.45 lakh crore.
- It is a vital component of agricultural risk management in India.
- Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM):
- Initiated in 2016, eNAM integrates markets through an electronic platform, enhancing market access for farmers.
- By September 2023, 1,361 mandis were integrated, benefiting 1.76 million farmers and recording trade worth ₹2.88 lakh crore.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):
- This scheme, launched in 2019, provides financial support to farmers, offering ₹6,000 annually to over 11.8 crore farmers in three instalments.
- Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme:
- The SHC scheme aims to optimize soil nutrient use and enhance agricultural productivity.
- Over 23 crore soil health cards have been distributed, providing farmers with crucial insights into soil health and nutrient management.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund:
- With a ₹1 lakh crore financing facility, this fund supports the development and modernization of post-harvest management infrastructure.
- Over 38,326 projects have been sanctioned, mobilizing ₹30,030 crore and creating employment for more than 5.8 lakh individuals.
- SVAMITVA Initiative:
- This initiative aims to ensure transparent property ownership in rural areas, enhancing land security and facilitating credit access for farmers.
- As of September 2023, over 1.6 crore property cards have been generated.
- Promotion of Millets:
- The government promoted the International Year of Millets in 2023 to encourage the production and consumption of nutritious coarse grains, addressing both health and agricultural sustainability.
Challenges in the Agricultural Sector
- Climate Change: Increasing climate variability and extreme weather events pose significant risks to agriculture, affecting crop yields and causing economic losses to farmers.
- Land Degradation:
- Continuous cultivation without adequate soil management has led to significant land degradation, impacting productivity and soil health.
- Issues like soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and salinization further exacerbate the problem, making it difficult to maintain sustainable agricultural practices.
- Market Access Issues:
- Farmers face challenges in accessing markets due to inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, and lack of reliable market information, affecting their income and livelihood.
- Limited access to competitive markets and poor post-harvest management also lead to significant crop losses and reduced profitability.
- Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of groundwater and inefficient irrigation practices have led to severe water scarcity in many agricultural regions.
- Fragmented Land Holdings:
- The prevalence of small and fragmented landholdings in India poses a significant challenge to the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
- Fragmentation limits economies of scale, reduces productivity, and makes it difficult for farmers to invest in advanced technologies and equipment.
- Low Investment in Research and Development: Inadequate investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) hampers innovation and the development of new technologies.
- Lack of Access to Credit and Financial Services:
- Many farmers, especially small and marginal ones, lack access to formal credit and financial services.
- This restricts their ability to invest in quality seeds, fertilizers, and technology, leading to lower productivity and profitability.
Way Forward for Developing Agriculture by 2047
- Enhance Investment in Research and Development (R&D):
- Increase public and private sector investment in agricultural R&D to develop innovative technologies, improve crop varieties, and promote sustainable farming practices.
- Focusing on biotechnology, precision farming , and climate-resilient crops can significantly boost productivity and sustainability.
- Promote Sustainable Farming Practices:
- Encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as organic farming, integrated pest management (IPM), and conservation agriculture.
- Providing incentives for farmers to adopt environmentally friendly methods will help maintain soil health, reduce chemical usage, and enhance long-term agricultural sustainability.
- Improve Irrigation Infrastructure:
- Expand the use of efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems to optimize water use and reduce dependence on monsoon rains.
- Strengthening water conservation initiatives and investing in modern irrigation infrastructure will ensure water availability and enhance crop yields.
- Facilitate Access to Credit and Financial Services:
- Improve access to formal credit and financial services for small and marginal farmers through better financial inclusion initiatives.
- Providing easy access to affordable loans, crop insurance, and financial literacy programs can empower farmers to invest in quality inputs and technologies.
- Strengthen Market Access and Infrastructure:
- Develop robust agricultural market infrastructure, including better roads, storage facilities, and cold chains, to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance market access for farmers.
- Expanding digital platforms like eNAM can further help farmers receive fair prices and reduce market distortions.
- Encourage Land Consolidation and Cooperative Farming:
- Promote policies that encourage land consolidation and cooperative farming to overcome the challenges of fragmented land holdings.
- Cooperative models can enable farmers to pool resources, achieve economies of scale, and access better inputs, technologies, and markets.
- Expand Crop Diversification and Value Addition:
- Encourage crop diversification to reduce dependence on a few staple crops and improve farmers’ income through high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and spices.
- Investing in value addition and agro-processing industries can enhance rural employment and boost agricultural income.
- Implement Effective Climate Adaptation Strategies:
- Develop and implement climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture.
- This includes promoting drought-resistant crops, improving early warning systems, and providing support for climate-smart agriculture practices.
- Rationalize Subsidies and Redirect Resources:
- Rationalize food and fertilizer subsidies and redirect savings towards agricultural innovation, research, and extension services.
- This reallocation can help in promoting sustainable practices, improving productivity, and ensuring long-term food security.
- Leverage Technology and Digital Agriculture:
- Harness the power of digital technologies, such as mobile applications, satellite imaging, and data analytics, to provide farmers with real-time information on weather, crop management, and market prices.
- Encouraging the use of technology can improve decision-making and enhance overall farm management.
Conclusion
Transforming Indian agriculture to meet the goals of 2047 requires a comprehensive approach involving sustainable practices, technological innovations, and strategic initiatives. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging opportunities, India can enhance farmer incomes, ensure food security for its growing population, and achieve inclusive, sustainable development.
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Related PYQ
Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2016]
Practice Question
With India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, discuss the challenges and opportunities in transforming the agricultural sector? [150 words]