What are the trends of food productivity in India? Give your opinion for sustainable food production system which can address food and nutritional security of India.

Trends of Food Productivity in India

India's food productivity has undergone significant shifts since independence, marked by periods of rapid growth and emerging challenges. The trajectory can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Post-Green Revolution Era (Mid-1960s onwards):

• Exponential Growth in Cereals: The Green Revolution, initiated in the mid-1960s, led to an unprecedented increase in the production of staple crops, particularly rice and wheat. This was achieved through the adoption of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and expanded irrigation infrastructure. India transitioned from a food-deficient nation to a self-sufficient, and even surplus, producer of these grains. Rice production reached a record 121.46 million tonnes and wheat 108.75 million tonnes in 2020-21.
• Regional Disparities: The benefits of the Green Revolution were largely concentrated in irrigated regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, leading to significant regional imbalances in agricultural development and productivity.
• Neglect of Other Crops: The strong focus on rice and wheat, often incentivized by Minimum Support Prices (MSP), led to a relative neglect of other essential crops like pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals.

2. Recent Trends and Emerging Challenges (21st Century):

• Slowdown in Yield Growth: While overall production continues to be high, the rate of increase in per-hectare yield for major cereals has shown signs of plateauing in many regions. This is attributed to factors such as declining soil health, overuse of chemical inputs, and groundwater depletion.
• Diversification towards Horticulture: There is a noticeable trend towards diversification into high-value crops, including fruits, vegetables, and floriculture. The horticulture sector is growing rapidly, accounting for nearly 24% of the total agricultural output, driven by changing dietary patterns and export opportunities. India's horticulture production hit a record high of 341.63 million tonnes in 2021-22.
• Impact of Climate Change: Climate change poses a severe threat to agricultural productivity. Erratic monsoons, droughts, floods, and rising temperatures directly impact crop yields. For instance, in 2022, an exceptionally hot March in India, accompanied by a 71% decrease in rainfall, resulted in a 10-35% decrease in crop yields. Projections indicate a 2.5-4.9°C temperature increase could decrease wheat yield by 41-52% and rice yield by 32-40%.
• Resource Depletion: Intensive farming practices have led to soil degradation, micronutrient depletion, and over-extraction of groundwater, particularly in the Green Revolution belt. Agriculture accounts for 80% of surface water utilization in India.
• Post-Harvest Losses: Significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage, processing, and transportation infrastructure continue to hamper overall food availability and farmer income.
• Increasing Organic Farming Adoption: India is witnessing a growing interest in organic farming, driven by health awareness and environmental concerns. As of March 2024, India had over 1.76 million hectares under organic farming, and 3.6 million hectares in conversion, ranking 4th globally in certified organic area. India also has the highest number of organic farmers globally (4.43 million as per Economic Survey 2022-23).

Opinion for Sustainable Food Production System to Address Food and Nutritional Security

To address the twin challenges of food and nutritional security sustainably, India needs to transition from a production-centric approach to a more holistic, resilient, and equitable food system. My opinion for such a system involves the following key pillars:

1. Crop Diversification and Promotion of Nutri-Cereals:

• Shift from Cereal Monoculture: Reduce over-reliance on rice and wheat by promoting cultivation of diverse crops, especially pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals (millets like Jowar, Bajra, Ragi). This would enhance dietary diversity, improve soil health, and reduce water footprint.
• Millets as 'Shree Anna': Leverage initiatives like the International Year of Millets (2023) and the Indian government's rebranding of millets as "Shree Anna" to boost their production and consumption due to their nutritional benefits and climate resilience (minimal water and land requirements).

2. Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA):

• Research and Development: Invest in developing climate-resilient crop varieties (drought-resistant, flood-tolerant, heat-tolerant) and livestock breeds suitable for changing climatic conditions.
• Precision Agriculture: Promote the adoption of precision farming technologies (IoT sensors, satellite imagery, AI, drones) to optimize resource use (water, fertilizers, pesticides), reduce waste, and improve crop yields by 10-15% and water use by 30-50%. The government's proposed ₹6,000 crore Smart Precision Horticulture Programme is a step in this direction.
• Agro-Advisory Services: Strengthen weather-based agro-advisory services to help farmers make informed decisions regarding sowing, irrigation, and pest management.

3. Integrated and Ecological Farming Systems:

• Integrated Farming Systems (IFS): Encourage the integration of crops, livestock, poultry, fisheries, and agroforestry on farms. IFS enhance nutrient recycling, provide diversified income sources, and improve farm resilience, reducing dependence on external inputs.
• Organic and Natural Farming: Scale up the adoption of organic and natural farming practices (e.g., Zero Budget Natural Farming - ZBNF, Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati - BPKP under PKVY). These methods improve soil health, conserve biodiversity, and reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. Sikkim's success as India's first fully organic state serves as a model.

4. Sustainable Soil and Water Management:

• Soil Health Management: Implement extensive soil testing and provide Soil Health Cards to farmers to promote balanced nutrient application and combat soil degradation. Focus on increasing soil organic carbon.
• Efficient Water Use: Expand coverage of micro-irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler irrigation) under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY - 'Per Drop More Crop'). Promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

5. Strengthening Value Chains and Reducing Losses:

• Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Develop robust post-harvest infrastructure, including cold chains, storage facilities, and processing units, to minimize colossal food losses (estimated at 4.6-15.9% for various crops).
• Market Linkages and Value Addition: Enhance market access for farmers through platforms like e-NAM and promote value addition to agricultural produce, increasing farmer income and consumer access to processed, nutritious foods.

6. Nutritional Interventions and Public Awareness:

• Biofortification and Food Fortification: Promote cultivation of biofortified crops (e.g., iron-rich rice, zinc-rich wheat) and mandate fortification of staple foods (e.g., salt, milk, edible oil) to address micronutrient deficiencies.
• Behavioral Change Communication: Launch campaigns to raise awareness about balanced diets, diverse food consumption, and healthy eating practices, especially targeting vulnerable populations.

7. Policy and Institutional Support:

• Farmer Empowerment: Ensure access to affordable credit, quality inputs, and agricultural extension services, especially for small and marginal farmers who constitute the majority.
• Research and Extension: Strengthen agricultural research and extension systems to develop and disseminate sustainable farming practices and technologies effectively.
• Integrated Policy Framework: Develop an integrated policy framework that links agriculture, environment, health, and nutrition objectives, ensuring coherence and synergistic outcomes.

By adopting these measures, India can build a resilient, productive, and sustainable food production system that not only ensures food availability but also guarantees nutritional security for all its citizens, while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.