For high growth to benefit all, turn new leaves in agriculture

February 6: In the past few years, India has moved to a higher economic growth trajectory as envisioned by the Government and our planners. Having achieved a higher growth trajectory, it is imperative that our growth process be such that its benefits reach all. Securing a better life for our citizens where each one can lead a life of dignity and fulfilment merits undivided attention in our development strategy. Equitable and inclusive growth is possible only when our rural population gets the opportunities to reap the benefits. Agriculture has to remain centre-stage in our nation’s economic thinking, making it attractive and rewarding. For India, farming is a living heritage, which we should protect and promote.

We must not be content with the achievements and success stories of the First Green Revolution, which has run its course. Instead, we must look at the challenges before us. Some of the structural weaknesses of the agriculture sector include low levels of public investment, exhaustion of yield potential of new high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, unbalanced use of fertilizer, low rate of seed replacement and low yield per unit area across almost all crops.

New policy initiatives are needed for the revival of agriculture. Some of the measures requiring attention include improving management of land and water resources, timely supply of quality inputs, easy and efficient access to credit at affordable interest rates, better post-harvest management, besides enhancing knowledge and skills of farmers, traders and other stake-holders involved in agri business. The revival of agriculture in the country also includes bridging the substantial yield gaps existing in the states. This requires localised, state-specific strategies based on local agro-climatic conditions and constraints.

Growth in agriculture would lead to development of rural areas as it leads to improvements in rural household incomes. This, in turn, will help increase purchasing power, thus leading to a virtuous cycle of increasing food intake, higher demand for food grains and better returns to farmers.

To enhance agricultural productivity, land development and irrigation are necessary. Land is a critically important national resource, the efficient use of which is vital for economic growth and development of rural areas. However, land is under tremendous pressure. There should be optimum utilization of land.

Efforts must be made to improve its quality and restore soil health through organic farming techniques. We have to produce more from the limited land available to ensure food security. But in doing so, we must always keep in mind that any food production and consumption policy must safeguard the integrity of natural eco-systems, which must not be compromised. Mahatma Gandhi had warned that, “trading in soil fertility for the sake of quick returns could prove to be a disastrous, short-sighted policy. It would result in virtual depletion of the soil.”

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