Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Indian agriculture has historically been characterized by low productivity and dependence on monsoon rains. However, over the decades, technology has played a pivotal role in transforming the sector, albeit in phases. The ‘transitional role’ signifies how technology hasn’t been a singular disruptive force, but rather a series of incremental changes building upon each other. From the introduction of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) during the Green Revolution to the current wave of digital agriculture, technology has continuously reshaped farming practices, impacting production, post-harvest management, and market access. Understanding this evolution is crucial for formulating effective agricultural policies.
The Pre-Liberalization Era: The Green Revolution (1960s-1980s)
The initial transition was marked by the Green Revolution, focused on increasing food grain production. This involved:
- HYVs: Introduction of High Yielding Varieties of wheat and rice, developed by Norman Borlaug.
- Irrigation: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure, particularly canals and tubewells.
- Fertilizers & Pesticides: Increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
This phase significantly increased food grain production, making India self-sufficient. However, it also led to regional disparities (Punjab, Haryana, Western UP benefited disproportionately) and environmental concerns like groundwater depletion and soil degradation.
The Post-Liberalization Phase: Mechanization & Diversification (1990s-2010s)
Economic liberalization brought about a new wave of technological changes:
- Mechanization: Increased adoption of tractors, harvesters, and other farm machinery, improving efficiency and reducing labor dependence.
- Hybrid Seeds: Development and use of hybrid seeds for various crops, boosting yields.
- Horticulture & Animal Husbandry: Technology facilitated diversification towards horticulture (fruits, vegetables) and animal husbandry, increasing farmer incomes.
- Remote Sensing: Initial use of remote sensing for crop monitoring and yield estimation.
This period saw a shift from solely focusing on food grains to diversifying into higher-value crops. However, access to these technologies remained uneven, particularly for small and marginal farmers.
The Current Phase: Digital Agriculture & Precision Farming (2010s-Present)
The current phase is characterized by the integration of digital technologies:
- Precision Farming: Utilizing GPS, GIS, and sensors to optimize resource use (water, fertilizers, pesticides) based on real-time data.
- e-NAM: The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) launched in 2016, aims to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
- Mobile Apps: Numerous mobile apps providing farmers with information on weather forecasts, market prices, and best agricultural practices (e.g., Kisan Suvidha, AgriMarket).
- Drones: Use of drones for crop monitoring, spraying pesticides, and assessing crop health.
- AI & Big Data: Application of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics for predictive agriculture and supply chain management.
- Blockchain Technology: Emerging applications of blockchain for traceability and transparency in agricultural supply chains.
This phase promises to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve farmer incomes. However, challenges remain in terms of digital literacy, internet connectivity in rural areas, and data privacy.
| Phase | Key Technologies | Impact | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Revolution | HYVs, Irrigation, Fertilizers | Increased food grain production, self-sufficiency | Regional disparities, environmental degradation |
| Post-Liberalization | Mechanization, Hybrid Seeds, Remote Sensing | Increased efficiency, diversification, higher incomes | Uneven access, limited reach |
| Digital Agriculture | Precision Farming, e-NAM, Mobile Apps, Drones, AI | Enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, improved market access | Digital literacy, connectivity, data privacy |
Conclusion
Technology has undeniably played a transformative, yet transitional, role in Indian agriculture. Each phase has built upon the previous one, addressing existing challenges while introducing new complexities. While the current digital agriculture phase holds immense potential, bridging the digital divide, ensuring data security, and promoting inclusive access to technology are crucial for realizing its full benefits. A holistic approach, combining technological advancements with supportive policies and farmer education, is essential for sustainable and equitable agricultural development in India.
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.