QUES . Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER 3 250 words 15 marks
HINTS:
Cropping pattern refers to the proportion of land under cultivation of different crops at different points of time. The cropping patterns are affected by changes in agrarian policy, availability of agricultural inputs, improvement in technology, consumption patterns, market conditions, etc.
Changes in cropping pattern in India due to consumption patterns
֍ In the past area under millet cultivation reduced as their consumption was substituted by cereals(rice/wheat) due to a rise in income, increased availability through PDS, penetration of their diversified value-added products, ease of preparation and short cooking time. Now area under cereals is gradually shrinking due to dietary transition towards more protein and mineral-rich foods resulting in increased cultivation of pulses. For example, transition from cereals to higher-nutrition crops like the cultivation of pulses in Rajasthan.
֍ The rising demand for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables in urban areas due to changing dietary habits and lifestyles has led to a shift to horticultural crops. For example, cultivation of exotic fruits like avocados and kiwis in Himachal Pradesh.
֍ Shift in demand for organic products, especially fruit and vegetables in cities, due to increased awareness in consumers led to increased areas of cultivation of organic crops. For example, Sikkim has embraced fully organic farming in response to the growing consumer preference for organic products. The share of net area under organic farming in India increased from 0.9% in 2016 to 3.9% in 2022.
֍ The rise in processed food consumption, driven by busy lifestyles, has boosted crops like potatoes and tomatoes in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, etc., as they serve as essential raw materials for products such as potato chips and tomato ketchup.
֍ The demand from textile and sugar industries has led to an increase in the cultivation of cash crops like cotton and sugarcane.
֍ Increased health consciousness has generated a demand for healthier oils like olive and jojoba in regions like Rajasthan. Similarly increased dairy consumption has led to a growth in fodder crops like maize and sorghum.
Changes in cropping pattern in India due to market conditions
֍ There has been an increased cultivation of commercial crops due to favourable export potential after LPG reforms. Area under foodgrains in the gross cropped area declined by 11% and was replaced by crops like oilseeds, fruits and vegetables and non-food crops in the last three decades. Cotton cultivation in the Punjab region despite the soil of Maharashtra and Gujarat is well suited for it, is a typical example of the impact of market conditions on cropping pattern.
֍ Changes in imports, such as a decline in oilseed imports from Southeast Asia, have spurred increased oilseed production in India, with production growing by nearly 43% from 2015-16 to 2020-21.
֍ New marketing arrangements like contract-farming between corporations/traders and farmers resulted in crop diversification and the introduction of new crops in many regions. E.g., Chicory farming in Punjab; Gherkins in Andhra Pradesh; Potato in Gujarat.
֍ Demand in industries has created opportunities for farmers to grow non-food crops with market potential.
֍ Government intervention in marketing like MSP support and Procurement policies changed cropping patterns in favour of cereal crops.
֍ Government subsidy support to sugar mills for procuring cane from farmers at FRP resulted in excessive sugar production. Area under cultivation of sugarcane in India almost doubled from 1990-91 to 2020-21.
Conclusion
These changes in cropping pattern reflect the adaptability of Indian agriculture to evolving consumer preferences and market demands. However this dynamic relationship between consumption, markets, and cropping patterns also underscores the need for responsive agricultural strategies to ensure food security and economic growth in India.
