Indian Express Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : Role of Agriculture in Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047
GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy
Role of Agriculture in Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047
Historical Context
- Pre-Independence India: Over 75% population in extreme poverty (1947).
- Great Famine: 1.5-3 million deaths due to starvation (1943).
- Population Explosion: Rapid population growth in 1960s posed food security challenge.
- Green Revolution: Introduced in late 1960s, saved India from famine.
Comparison with China
- Early Reforms: China initiated economic reforms in 1978, focusing on agriculture.
- Higher Agri Output: China produces double the agri value than India despite less cultivated land.
- Market Support: China provides higher market price support (PSE) to farmers than OECD countries. India’s PSE is negative.
India’s Agri Growth
- Moderate Growth: Agri-GDP grew by 3.6% on average from 2004-05 to 2023-24.
- Food Security Achieved: Sufficient to feed growing population (below 1% annual growth).
- Net Exporter: India exports rice, marine products, spices, buffalo meat.
- Import Dependence: Primarily on edible oils and pulses.
Pulse Production Challenge
- Rising Imports: Pulse imports may reach 8-10 million tonnes by 2030 (demand: 40 million tonnes).
- Low Resource Intensive: Pulses require less water and fertilizer.
- Policy Recommendation: Subsidize pulse cultivation like rice to achieve self-sufficiency.
- Environmental Benefits: Improved soil health, water conservation, reduced GHG emissions.
Way Forward: Food to Nutrition Security
- Policy Measures: Agri-R&D, irrigation, land lease markets, value chain development.
- Sustainable Food Security: Address challenges posed by climate change.
- Nutrition Focus: Tackle child stunting (35% of children under 5).
Key Points
- Agriculture is crucial for poverty alleviation and economic growth.
- India has made progress but lags behind China in agri productivity and support.
- Pulse production and nutrition security are major challenges.
- Policy interventions are essential for a robust and sustainable agri sector.
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