Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India's journey from a food-deficient nation to a food grain surplus economy is a remarkable testament to agricultural innovation and policy interventions. The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s, dramatically increased food production, particularly of wheat and rice. While initially focused on addressing widespread famine, India now faces the challenge of managing surplus food grains. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) plays a crucial role in procurement, storage, and distribution. This answer will analyze the reasons behind this surplus and examine the governmental measures implemented to safeguard these vital resources, acknowledging the associated complexities.
Reasons for Food Grain Surplus in India
Several factors have contributed to India's food grain surplus:
- The Green Revolution (1960s-1970s): Introduction of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, increased irrigation, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides significantly boosted production. This initial phase laid the foundation for sustained surpluses.
- Expansion of Irrigation Facilities: Significant investments in irrigation infrastructure, including canals, dams, and groundwater extraction, have reduced dependence on rainfall and enabled multiple cropping patterns. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, about 35% of the cultivated area is irrigated.
- Increased Fertilizer Use: India is one of the largest consumers of fertilizers globally. While this has contributed to higher yields, it also raises concerns about environmental sustainability (discussed later).
- Improved Agricultural Practices: Adoption of modern farming techniques, including mechanization and precision agriculture, has enhanced efficiency and productivity.
- Government Support Policies: Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for various crops incentivize farmers to increase production, leading to surpluses.
- Favorable Climate Conditions: While variable, periods of favorable monsoon conditions have consistently supported higher yields.
Government Steps to Save Food Grains
The government has implemented various measures to manage and preserve the food grain surplus. These can be broadly categorized into procurement, storage, and distribution.
Procurement
- Food Corporation of India (FCI): Established in 1965, the FCI is the nodal agency for procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains. It procures grains, primarily wheat and rice, at MSP from farmers.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government announces MSPs annually for various crops, ensuring a guaranteed price for farmers and encouraging increased production.
Storage
- Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) & State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs): These agencies maintain a network of warehouses for storing food grains. However, a significant portion of storage still relies on covered godowns and traditional storage methods, leading to losses.
- Private Warehousing: The government encourages private investment in warehousing infrastructure to augment storage capacity.
- Modern Storage Techniques: Efforts are underway to promote modern storage techniques like hermetic storage (using airtight containers) to reduce spoilage.
Distribution
- Public Distribution System (PDS): The PDS distributes food grains at subsidized rates to vulnerable sections of the population. It’s a crucial mechanism for preventing wastage and ensuring food security.
- Fortification of Food Grains: The government is increasingly focusing on fortifying wheat and rice with essential micronutrients to improve nutritional value.
- Export Promotion: When domestic demand is met, the government encourages exports to reduce surplus and earn foreign exchange.
| Factor | Pre-Green Revolution (1960s) | Post-Green Revolution (Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Levels | Low, insufficient to meet demand | Surplus, exceeding domestic needs |
| Seed Varieties | Traditional, low-yielding varieties | HYV seeds, genetically modified varieties |
| Irrigation | Rainfed agriculture dominant | Increased irrigation coverage |
| Fertilizer Use | Minimal | High, leading to environmental concerns |
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the successes, managing the food grain surplus presents challenges:
- Storage Losses: Significant losses occur due to inadequate storage facilities, pest infestations, and improper handling. Estimates suggest losses of 2-3% annually.
- Environmental Impact: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has led to soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- Price Volatility: Fluctuations in global markets can impact domestic prices and affect farmer incomes.
- Diversification Needs: Over-reliance on rice and wheat has neglected other nutritious crops.
Future directions should focus on:
- Improving Storage Infrastructure: Investing in modern, climate-resilient warehouses.
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging organic farming, integrated pest management, and water conservation techniques.
- Diversifying Crop Production: Promoting cultivation of millets, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Strengthening the PDS: Improving efficiency and transparency in distribution.
Conclusion
India's transition to a food grain surplus nation is a remarkable achievement, driven by the Green Revolution and sustained government support. However, the challenge now lies in effectively managing this surplus while addressing environmental concerns and ensuring nutritional security. Investing in modern storage infrastructure, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and diversifying crop production are crucial steps towards a more resilient and equitable food system. The focus should shift from simply maximizing production to optimizing resource utilization and promoting a balanced diet for all.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.