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

Reasons for Food Grain Surplus

Several factors have contributed to India’s food grain surplus:

• The Green Revolution (1960s-1970s): This pivotal period witnessed the introduction of HYV seeds, particularly for wheat and rice, coupled with increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. This resulted in a significant increase in agricultural productivity.
• Government Policies: The government played a crucial role through:
  • Minimum Support Prices (MSPs): Ensuring a guaranteed price for farmers incentivized production.
  • Procurement Policies: Government agencies procuring food grains at MSPs created a demand and encouraged farmers to grow these crops.
  • Subsidized Inputs: Providing subsidized fertilizers and irrigation made agriculture more affordable.
  • Public Distribution System (PDS): The PDS created a stable market for food grains, further bolstering production.
• Increased Irrigation Facilities: Expansion of irrigation networks, including canals, tube wells, and tanks, reduced dependence on rainfall and enabled multiple cropping patterns.
• Improved Agricultural Practices: Farmers adopted modern agricultural techniques, including mechanization and improved soil management practices.

Food Grain Production Trends in India

India has witnessed a substantial increase in food grain production over the years. The following table summarizes the production trends:

Year	Total Food Grain Production (Million Tonnes)
1950-51	50.5
1960-61	64.4
1970-71	108.4
1980-81	154.4
1990-91	179.3
2000-01	198.3
2010-11	251.9
2021-22 (Estimate)	314.4

^{Source: Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (Knowledge cutoff: Data available up to 2022)}

Key Observations:

• Significant growth in production post-Green Revolution.
• Rice and wheat remain the dominant food grains.
• Production has plateaued in recent years, raising concerns about future growth.

Food Grain Consumption Trends in India

Consumption patterns have also undergone changes:

• Rising Per Capita Consumption: Improved income levels have led to increased per capita consumption of food grains, particularly rice and wheat.
• Shift in Dietary Preferences: While food grains remain a staple, there's a gradual shift towards more diverse diets, including fruits, vegetables, and processed foods, especially in urban areas.
• Regional Variations: Consumption patterns vary significantly across regions due to differences in income, culture, and availability.
• Impact of PDS: The PDS has played a vital role in ensuring access to food grains for vulnerable populations, although its effectiveness has been debated.

Challenges Associated with Food Grain Surplus

Despite the success, the surplus poses challenges:

• Storage and Wastage: Inadequate storage infrastructure leads to significant post-harvest losses.
• Price Volatility: Fluctuations in market prices can impact farmer incomes.
• Regional Imbalances: Over-reliance on rice and wheat has led to nutritional imbalances in some regions.
• Environmental Concerns: Intensive agriculture practices have resulted in soil degradation and water depletion.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

The government is focusing on diversification of crops, promoting organic farming, and improving storage and transportation infrastructure under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana (PMKSY). There's also a push for value addition and processing to reduce wastage and enhance farmer incomes.

Case Study: Punjab's Green Revolution Punjab was the epicenter of the Green Revolution. While it led to unprecedented food grain production, it also resulted in groundwater depletion and soil degradation due to intensive irrigation and fertilizer use. This highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Question: What is the significance of Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) in maintaining food grain surplus? Answer: MSPs act as a price floor, incentivizing farmers to produce food grains. This guaranteed price encourages increased production and helps maintain a buffer stock, contributing to the overall surplus. Name: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana (PMKSY) Description: A centrally sponsored scheme aimed at improving irrigation infrastructure, enhancing water use efficiency, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Year: 2015 Term: HYV (High-Yielding Variety) Content: Seeds that are genetically modified or selectively bred to produce significantly higher yields compared to traditional varieties. Content: India's food grain production reached a record high of 314.4 million tonnes in 2021-22. Source: Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India Term: PDS (Public Distribution System) Content: A government-run system that distributes essential commodities, including food grains, to consumers at subsidized prices through a network of fair price shops. Content: Post-harvest losses of food grains in India are estimated to be around 10-15%. Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (Knowledge cutoff: Data may vary)