QUES . From being a net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 250 words, 15 Marks
1960 के दशक में शुद्ध खाद्य आयातक से, भारत विश्व में एक शुद्ध खाद्य निर्यातक के रूप में उभरा। कारण दीजिए।
HINTS:
India is one of the largest agricultural product exporters in the world. In 2022-23, the agricultural exports from India stood at US$ 52.50 billion. During 2021-22, the country recorded US$ 50.2 billion in total agriculture exports with a 20% increase from US$ 41.3 billion in 2020-21.
Green Revolution boosted agricultural productivity through the adoption of high-yielding variety seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides and better irrigation facilities. It led to significant increase in the production of food grains in the areas of Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and coastal deltas of Andhra Pradesh. This made India sufficient in food production.
Government initiatives like subsidies on seeds, power and fertilisers, crop insurance, minimum support prices and formation of Food Corporation of India for mandatory procurement of cereals from farmers have incentivised farmers and boosted production.
Indian agriculture has diversified from staple cereals to high-value commercial crops like oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, dairy, poultry etc. in response to rising domestic and export demand.
Widespread canal irrigation in alluvial rich areas of northern and coastal areas has brought more area
under cultivation leading to increase in overall production. Irrigation cover has been increased from 18% of cropped area in 1950-51 to 48% in recent times. This has lowered the dependency on monsoon and also, ensured water availability in drought-prone regions.
Slowdown in population growth rate leading to surplus produce which could be exported.
Improved infrastructure like roads, rail, warehouses, cold storages etc have reduced post-harvest losses.
Better agronomic practices and extension services have helped disseminate advanced techniques among farmers.
Agro based industries promoted value addition as well as strengthened the forward linkages with
foreign countries.
Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), setting up of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, etc. have increased marine food exports.
Mechanisation of agriculture such as the use of tractors, power tillers, harvesters etc. improved farm productivity.
After the economic reforms and WTO agreement the government has followed liberal export policies.
Government schemes like SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) which has now been renamed as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) and Mega Food Parks have promoted food processing, value addition and exports.
Also various other government initiatives like land reforms, agriculture export policy, National mission for sustainable agriculture, etc. all have reformed the agriculture sector and ultimately increased the food exports.
Thus, through sustained enhancements in irrigation, infrastructure, crop diversification, supportive policies and export promotion over decades, India has become a leading agri-exporter. However, climate change, increasing food prices in the domestic markets and land degradation are emerging as big threats.
