Discuss the reasons for food grain surplus. Describe food grain production and consumption trends in India.

Reasons for Food Grain Surplus in India

The shift from scarcity to surplus is attributable to a confluence of factors:

• The Green Revolution (1960s-1970s): This initiative introduced High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, significantly boosting wheat and rice production. The impact was particularly pronounced in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Increased Irrigation Facilities: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure, including canals, dams, and groundwater exploitation, has reduced dependence on rainfall and enhanced crop yields.
• Fertilizer Consumption & Availability: India is one of the largest consumers of fertilizers globally. Subsidies and increased availability have contributed to higher yields.
• Government Policies: Various policies like Minimum Support Prices (MSP), procurement, and storage mechanisms have incentivized farmers and ensured a stable supply chain. The Public Distribution System (PDS) also plays a vital role in consumption patterns.
• Technological Advancements: Continued research and development in agricultural technologies, including precision farming and biotechnology, have further improved productivity.
• Improved Farm Management Practices: Farmers have adopted better farming techniques, including crop rotation and integrated nutrient management.

Food Grain Production Trends in India

India’s food grain production has witnessed a substantial increase over the years. Here's a breakdown:

Year	Food Grain Production (Million Tonnes)
1950-51	50.5
1966-67	80.4
2019-20	149.61
2020-21	154.39
2021-22	163.73

Source: Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GoI (Knowledge cutoff: May 2023)

Key Observations:

• Rice and wheat remain the dominant food grains produced.
• Production has increased consistently, although growth rates have slowed in recent years due to factors like climate change and water scarcity.
• Coarse cereals (jowar, bajra, ragi) production has relatively stagnated.

Food Grain Consumption Trends in India

Consumption patterns are evolving due to changing demographics, urbanization, and income levels.

• Shift in Dietary Preferences: There’s a gradual shift from cereals to pulses, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, especially in urban areas.
• Urban vs. Rural Consumption: Rural areas still heavily rely on cereals, while urban consumption is more diversified.
• PDS Impact: The PDS continues to be a crucial factor in ensuring food security for the vulnerable population.
• Food Processing Industry: Growth of the food processing industry is impacting consumption patterns and reducing wastage.

Statistics:

• Per capita food grain consumption in India is approximately 113 kg per year. (Source: FAOSTAT, Knowledge cutoff: May 2023)
• The share of cereals in the average Indian diet has declined from 61% in 1960 to around 44% in 2020.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the surplus, challenges remain:

• Regional Imbalances: While some regions benefit from surplus, others face food insecurity.
• Environmental Concerns: Intensive agriculture practices lead to soil degradation, water depletion, and pollution.
• Storage and Wastage: Significant food grain wastage occurs due to inadequate storage facilities and inefficient supply chains.
• Climate Change: Erratic rainfall and extreme weather events pose a threat to agricultural production.

The government’s focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, improving storage infrastructure (like the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2006), and strengthening the PDS is crucial for ensuring food security and addressing the challenges.

Case Study: Punjab's Green Revolution and its Consequences

Title: The Punjab Paradox

Description: Punjab, the epicenter of the Green Revolution, initially achieved remarkable success in food grain production. However, over-reliance on rice and wheat cultivation led to groundwater depletion, soil salinity, and increased pesticide use. The region now faces an ecological crisis and declining agricultural profitability.

Outcome: The Punjab government is now promoting diversification towards crops like maize, fruits, and vegetables, alongside efforts to improve water management and promote organic farming. This case study highlights the need for a more balanced and sustainable approach to agriculture.