Agriculture

What is Precision Farming?

Context: Centre to invest Rs 6,000 crore in smart farming with AI, drones, and data to boost crop yields

Precision Farming

Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, is a modern farming management strategy that uses technology to observe, measure, and respond to variability in crops and fields. This approach aims to optimize agricultural production by tailoring farming practices to specific conditions within a field, thereby improving efficiency and sustainability.

application of Precision farming

Key technologies in precision farming include:

  • GPS and GNSS: These systems provide accurate positioning, allowing for precise mapping and management of fields.
  • IoT Devices: Sensors and connected devices gather real-time data on soil conditions, weather patterns, crop health, and equipment performance.
  • Drones: Used for aerial surveys, capturing high-resolution imagery and data for detailed field analysis.
  • Variable Rate Technology (VRT): Equipment like seeders and sprayers that adjust the amount of inputs (e.g., water, fertilizers) based on data collected.
components of Precision farming

Challenges Associated with Conventional Farming

  • Resource Inefficiency: Conventional methods often lead to overuse or underuse of resources like water and fertilizers.
  • Environmental Impact: Traditional farming practices can have significant negative effects on the environment, including soil degradation and water contamination.
  • Climate Vulnerability: Farmers relying on conventional methods are more susceptible to the impacts of climate change and weather unpredictability.
  • Limited Technological Integration: Conventional farming often lacks the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, drones, and IoT, which can enhance farming efficiency and sustainability.

Benefits of Precision Farming

  • Increased Efficiency: Utilizes resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides more effectively.
  • Enhanced Production: Improves both the quality and quantity of crop yields.
  • Sustainability: Helps in insulating farmers from climate change and other uncertainties.
  • Support for Farmers: Provides financial aid through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), including interest subvention of 3% on loans for technology adoption.
  • Collaboration with Experts: Plans to collaborate with countries like the Netherlands and Israel to incorporate advanced farming solutions.
  • Development Centers: Establishment of 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) to test and adapt technologies for local conditions.

Government measures to boost precision farming

  • Investment: The Centre plans to invest Rs 6,000 crore in the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme.
  • Coverage: The initiative will cover 15,000 acres over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29) and benefit around 60,000 farmers.
  • Current Infrastructure: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) supports projects related to smart and precision agriculture, offering loans for technological solutions in farm practices.
  • CoEs Expansion: The number of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) is expected to reach 100 in the next five years, complementing existing CoEs under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project.
  • Geographical Spread: PFDCs are established across various states and central agricultural institutions in India, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and others.

Reviving District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs)

Context: PTI reported that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to revive District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.

Establishment and Purpose

  • IMD set up 199 DAMUs in 2018 in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
  • Aim: Use weather data to prepare and disseminate sub-district level agricultural advisories.

Functions of DAMUs

  • Staffed by meteorologists and agricultural experts.
  • Utilized IMD weather data (rainfall, temperature, wind speeds) to create advisories.
  • Provided guidance on sowing, harvesting, fertilizer and pesticide use, and irrigation.
  • Delivered advisories in local languages twice a week through text messages, WhatsApp groups, newspapers, and in-person communication.
  • Offered early warnings for extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rainfall.

Impact on Farmers

Closure of DAMUs

  • Reasons for Shutdown
    • NITI Aayog misrepresented DAMUs' role and sought privatisation.
    • Claimed that agro-met data was automated, undermining the work of DAMU staff.
    • Suggested monetisation of advisory services, contrary to the free-of-cost model.
    • Reports indicated a lack of understanding about the role of DAMU staff and the benefits of the GKMS scheme.
  • Reactions and Concerns
    • February 2024: Gujarat-based Association of Agrometeorologists expressed deep concern about the shutdown, emphasizing DAMUs' role in climate resilience.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also advocated for the continuation of DAMU services.

Private Sector Alternatives

  • Current Landscape
    • Few private players offer weather advisory services.
    • Concerns about affordability for small and marginal farmers.
  • Challenges with Private Services
    • High costs: ₹10,000 per crop annually, with some subscriptions reaching ₹60,000-80,000.
    • Potential biases in recommendations, such as preferences for certain brands of fertilizers and pesticides.

Way forward

  • Revival Plans
    • IMD is considering reviving DAMUs under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme to continue supporting farmers effectively.

Introduction of the AgriSURE fund

Context: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare has launched AgriSURE Scheme which is a Rs 750 crore blended capital fund to finance startups and rural enterprises.

About AgriSURE Scheme

AgriSURE Fund
  • AgriSURE stands for 'Agri Fund for Start-ups and Rural Enterprises'. This Fund aims to support innovative, technology driven, high-risk, high impact activities in agriculture and allied sectors.
  • AgriSURE aims to support start-ups and agripreneurs through investments in sector-specific, sector-agnostic, debt AIFs as well as direct equity support to start-ups working in agriculture and rural development sectors.
  • Registered as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund with SEBI.
  • Components of AgriSURE Fund: There are two components of AgriSURE fund:
    • AgriSURE - Fund of Fund Scheme (Rs 450 crore):
      • This component is designed to provide funding to Category I and Category II Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that make onward investments in Start-ups in preferred sectors of the fund. 
      • Eligible AIFs should be incorporated in India and can be investing in equity related instruments and/or debt securities.
      • The scheme will require sector agnostic funds to invest into the desired number of units and/or amount into preferred sectors of scheme.
      • The scheme can invest up to a maximum of 5% of the corpus of the AIF or Rs 25 crore in one AIF, whichever is lower. 
    • AgriSURE - Direct Scheme (Rs 300 crore):
      • This component is designed to make direct equity investments in early-stage start-ups focused on agriculture and rural development in India. These early-stage start-ups should be recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) and should be incorporated in India. 
      • The scheme can invest a maximum of Rs 25 crores in a single start-up, subject to AIF regulations.
      • The scheme will invest in equity, compulsorily convertible preference shares or other equity related instruments.
      • The scheme may reinvest in successful portfolio companies during subsequent funding rounds to
  • Total Corpus: Rs 750 crores. The total corpus of Rs 750 crores has contributed by the following:
    • Rs 250 crores to be contributed by Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.
    • Rs 250 crores to be contributed by NABARD.
    • Rs. 250 crores to be mobilized from banks, insurance companies and private investors.
  • Duration: The fund’s duration is 10 years from the date of inception which can be extended by two years.
  • Investment Manager: NABVENTURES Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD) will act as the fund manager for AgriSURE fund.
  • Target beneficiaries:

Benefits of AgriSURE fund

  • Encourage young entrepreneurs with innovative, technology-driven ideas and willingness to take high-risk, while engaging in high-impact activities in agriculture and Agri-tech.
  • Boost to opportunities available for efficient and more profitable forward and backward linkage systems in the rural space that help make the farm produce value chain system stronger, robust and more systematic by encouraging start-ups operating in these activities and bring in new entrepreneurs into this field of agri-business.
  • Attract more investment in agri and rural start-up ecosystem by making contribution to various Alternative Investment Funds.
  • Create an investment-friendly climate and accelerate growth of start-ups related to agriculture and allied activities and increase their investment absorption capacities.
  • Increase and sustain capital commitments to sector specific AIFs in order to enable them to provide equity support to Agri & Agri-tech start-ups engaged in serving farmers and FPOs/FPCs/Primary Cooperative Societies.
  • Increase average size and number of investments by Alternative Investment Funds in Agri & Agri-tech start-ups.
  • Provide liquidity to existing Agri & Agri-tech start-ups that are unable to upscale their business due to dearth of access to various kinds of financing like equity, debt instruments, etc.
  • Enlist more players in the farm related ecosystem for enabling FPOs/FPCs/ Primary Cooperative Societies to access latest automated farm processes and machinery through Agri tech Start-ups.
  • Create additional employment opportunities for the technically qualified rural and urban youth to look up to agriculture as a business opportunity.
  • Retain existing rural youth in agriculture and encourage the younger generation to take to agriculture by providing newer technologies, techniques and equipments at their doorsteps from time to time. 
  • Encouraging the urban youth to establish new Start-ups in the rural agricultural ecosystem to have a win-win situation for both young farmers and the urban entrepreneurs by working in their respective domains to benefit each other.

De-hyphenating rice – wheat

Context: Wheat is grappling with production challenges despite increasing consumption, while rice is experiencing a surplus issue, causing the two cereals to diverge significantly in their circumstances.

Scenario of wheat and rice production and export of India

  • Rice Surplus:
    • Export Data: India exported 21.21 million tonnes (mt) of rice in 2021-22, 22.35 mt in 2022-23, and 16.36 mt in 2023-24.
    • Stock Levels: As of August 1, 2024, rice stocks were at an all-time high of 45.48 mt.
  • Wheat Shortage:
    • Export Data: Wheat exports fell from 7.24 mt in 2021-22 to 0.19 mt in 2023-24, with a ban on exports since May 2022.
    • Stock Levels: Central pool stocks of wheat on August 1, 2024, were at 26.81 mt, the lowest in recent times.
  • Usually, rice stocks are below that of wheat at this time of the year. 
  • This is because wheat is harvested and marketed during April-June, whereas the main kharif rice crop comes in only from October.
  • The last three years have been unusual, with rice stock levels on August 1, at the tail-end of the crop marketing year, being higher than that of wheat.
Stock in central pool: top wheat producers top rice producers

Production constraints

  •  Rice:
    • Geographical Spread: Cultivated across 16 states including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and others. Grown in both rabi and kharif season
    • Water Dependency: Limited primarily by water availability, with Telangana significantly increasing its rice output due to improved irrigation and support prices.
  •  Wheat:
    • Geographical Concentration: Grown mainly in eight states, with the top four states (UP, MP, Punjab, Haryana) contributing over 76% of the output. Wheat has a single rabi cropping season.
    • Climate Sensitivity: Vulnerable to changing climate conditions such as shorter winters and fluctuating temperatures, affecting production.

Divergence in Consumption: Wheat vs. Rice

  • Wheat Consumption Trends: Current Consumption Levels:
    • Rural India: 3.9 kg per capita per month.
    • Urban India: 3.6 kg per capita per month.
    • Total Consumption: Approximately 65 million tonnes (mt) for a population of 1,425 million.
  • Forms of Wheat Consumption:
    • Whole-Grain Flour (Atta): Used for basic bread items like roti, chapati, paratha, and poori, as well as dishes like upma and rava kesari.
    • Semi-Processed Flour (Sooji/Rava): Coarse flour used in various dishes.
  • Processed Wheat Products:
    • Maida: Refined flour produced from wheat that has been stripped of its bran and germ.
    • Production: Involves grinding the endosperm of the wheat grain, filtering, and bleaching.
    • Uses: Key ingredient in bakery products (bread, buns, biscuits, cakes), convenience foods (sandwiches, noodles, pasta, pizza, momos, pav-bhaji), and sweetmeats (gulab jamun, jalebi).
    • Characteristics: Known for its fine texture, softness, and longer shelf life, but lacks dietary fiber, minerals, B vitamins, and proteins.
  • Consumption Trends:
    • Increasing Use of Processed Wheat: With rising incomes and urbanization, the consumption of wheat in processed forms like maida is growing.
    • Data Gaps: Exact figures for processed wheat consumption are not available, but the trend indicates a significant increase.
  • Rice Consumption Trends:Current Consumption:
    • Limited Innovation: Processing and convenience food innovations for rice have been relatively minimal.
    • Common Products: Includes traditional dishes such as idli, dosa, murukku, puffed rice (murmura), puddings, and biryani.
  • Consumption Dynamics:
    • Less Diversification: Unlike wheat, rice has not seen significant growth in processed forms or new food products.
    • Wheat: Increasing consumption, especially in processed forms like maida, driven by rising incomes and urbanization. Consumption is significant both in traditional whole-grain forms and processed products.
    • Rice: Consumption remains stable with limited diversification into processed products and convenience foods.

Policy Implications

  • Wheat Policy Considerations: Current Consumption Patterns:
    • South India: Wheat is a staple, consumed in some form at least once daily.
    • North India: Rice has not become as prevalent as wheat in South India.
  • Processing Infrastructure:
    • Roller Flour Mills (RFMs):
      • Quantity: Approximately 1,500 RFMs.
      • Capacity: Process 50 to 500 tonnes of wheat per day into products like maida, sooji/rava, bran, and germ.
    • Stone Chakkis:
      • Quantity: Numerous roadside and around 700 organized stone chakkis.
      • Capacity: Grind 50 to 300 kg of wheat per hour to produce whole atta flour.
  • Future Outlook:
    • Short-Term: India may need to become a wheat importer due to rising consumption and production challenges.
    • Long-Term Strategy:
      • Improve Yields: Focus on increasing per-acre wheat yields.
      • Develop Climate-Smart Varieties: Breed wheat varieties that can withstand changing climate conditions.
  • Rice Policy Considerations: Current Production vs. Consumption
  • Export Restrictions:
    • Export Ban: Current ban on exports of white non-basmati rice should be lifted.
    • Duties and Floor Prices:
      • Parboiled Non-Basmati Rice: Remove the 20% duty.
      • Basmati Rice: Eliminate the $950/tonne floor price on shipments.
  • Stock Management:
    • Action Required: Immediate policy changes are needed to prevent unmanageable excess stocks.
  • Wheat: Requires a shift in policy to address rising consumption and production issues, including improving yields and adapting to climate change. The trend suggests India may need to import wheat soon.
  • Rice: Needs policy adjustments to manage surplus, including lifting export bans and duties to balance production and consumption.

Cabinet Approves expanded scope of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

Context: Union Cabinet has approved the progressive expansion of scope of the 'Agriculture Infrastructure Fund' to make it more attractive, impactful and inclusive.

New Categories under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

The expansion of scope of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund aims at expanding the scope of eligible projects and integrate additional support measures to foster robust agricultural infrastructure ecosystem.

  • Viable Farming Assets: All eligible beneficiaries of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund for creation of infrastructure under 'viable projects for building community farming assets'.
  • Integrated Processing Projects: Inclusion of integrated primary secondary processing projects in the list of eligible projects under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. However, standalone secondary projects would not be eligible and would be covered under schemes of Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
  • PM Kusum Component-A: Allow convergence of Component A of PM-KUSUM with AIF for farmer/group of farmers/Cooperatives/Panchayats. The alignment of these initiatives aims to promote sustainable clean energy solutions alongside the development of agriculture infrastructure.
  • NABSanrakshan: Extension of AIF credit guarantee coverage of FPOs through NABSanrakshan Trustee Company. This expansion of credit guarantee options is intended to enhance financial security and creditworthiness of FPOs, thereby encouraging more investments in agricultural infrastructure projects.

About Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

  • AIF is a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. 
  • AIF aims to mobilise a medium-long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects relating to post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets through incentives and financial support.
  • Funds: AIF aims to provide Rs 1,00,000 crore will be provided for funding agriculture infrastructure projects at farm-gate & aggregation points PACS, FPOs, SHGs and their federations, JLGs, Cooperatives and their federations, Agriculture entrepreneurs, start-ups etc.
  • Impetus for development of farm gate & aggregation point, affordable and financially viable post-harvest management infrastructure.
  • Components of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme
    • Interest Subvention Cost
    • Credit Guarantee Cost
    • Administration Cost of PMU
  • Eligible Projects:
    • Post Harvest Management Projects like supply chain services including e-marketing platforms, warehouse & silos, cold storages & cold chain, packaging units, assaying units, logistic facilities, ripening chambers, farm residue/waste management infrastructures & primary processing activities.
    • Community farming assets like organic inputs production, compressed biogas, bio-stimulant production units, infrastructure for smart & precision agriculture, purchase of drones, sensors, blockchain & AI in agriculture, remote sensing & IOT, nursery, tissue culture, seed processing, custom hiring centre, farm/harvest automation, solar pumping system (PM-KUSUM- A, B & C), spirulina production, sericulture processing units, honey processing, supply chain infrastructure for clusters of crops etc.

National Seeds Corporation

Context: The National Seeds Corporation (NSC) has initiated the onboarding of its area and regional offices on an online marketplace to ease access to quality seeds and planting materials online.

About National Seeds Corporation

  • National Seeds Corporation Ltd. (NSC) was established in March-1963 to undertake production of Foundation and Certified Seeds.
  • NSC is a Schedule 'B'-Miniratna Category-l company wholly owned by the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. 
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.
  • It also has 48 area offices, 11 regional offices, and five farms across the country. 
  • NSC sells seeds and planting material of 80 crops–38 field crops and 42 horticulture crops.
  • Apart from seeds, some of the NSC offices are also selling indoor and outdoor plants online, such as aglaonema (lipstick plant), snake plant Haiti, golden pothos (money plant), peace lily, aloevera, and ashwagandha on the platform, where anyone can order.
  • Implications: The move to onboard the NSC offices will enable and encourage farmers to buy certified and quality seeds. It would also help to increase the seed replacement ratio of major field crops.

Legalisation of MSP

Context: The committee constituted by the Government on minimum support price (MSP) to examine the feasibility of granting greater autonomy to the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), and to explore ways to make it more scientific, as well as to provide suggestions for offering a legal guarantee to MSP, held six meetings in the two years since July 2022.

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

  • It is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to ensure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices.
  • Announced by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs at the beginning of the sowing season for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
  • Price fixed by Government of India to protect the producer farmers against excessive fall in price during bumper production years. They are a guaranteed price for farmer’s produce from the Government.

Coverage of Commodities:

  • 7 Cereals: Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Jowar (Sorghum),
  • Bajra (Pearl Millet), Barley and Ragi.
  • 5 Pulses: Gram, Tur, Moong, Urad and Lentil
  • 7 Oilseeds: Groundnut, Rapeseed/ Mustard, Soybean, Sesamum, Safflower, Niger seed.
  • 3 Commercial Crops: Copra, Cotton, Raw Jute (Sugarcane covered under FRP)

Present Status of MSP: 

Presently, MSP does not enjoy statutory recognition. This means that, 

  • No obligation on the Government to purchase all the commodities for which MSP is declared. 
  • No obligation on the Government to pay MSP to the farmers. 
  • No obligation on the private sector to purchase commodities at MSP. Private sector can purchase below MSP. 

Need For Legalisation of MSP

  • Promote crop diversification: Only three to four crops (mainly wheat, paddy and cotton and at times some pulses), were being procured at MSP while the remaining crops were being procured at much below the MSP. Hence, absence of any dependable or assured market mechanism of procurement-purchase for crops on the MSP in most parts of the country discourages efforts towards crop diversification. 
  • Income security for farmers: Legalising MSP would guarantee farmers a minimum income, helping them cover costs and reduce financial distress that reduces the farmer suicides.
  • Stability in agriculture: A legal MSP can provide stability and predictability in agricultural income, encouraging farmers to invest more in agriculture.
  • Modernise agriculture: It aligns with the national interest by formalizing and digitizing commodity transactions, supporting the government's goal to modernize agriculture.

Challenges and concerns:

  • Adverse impact on economy: Higher costs of procurement due to a statutory MSP will increase the food prices, leading to inflation in the economy. Higher prices of commodities would adversely affect exports of agricultural commodities.
  • Financing needs: According to some estimates, if the Government were to procure all the 23 crops at MSP, it would amount to half of the Government's Budget.
  • Unsustainable food grain management policy: The Food subsidy bill has already become quite unsustainable at around Rs 2 lakh crores. The excess procurement of food grains by the FCI has led to surplus buffer stocks leading to higher storage costs and wastages. Legalisation of MSP would further worsen the scenario.
  • Administrative challenge: Lack of government machinery to procure all crops that are under the MSP system.
  • Violation of WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA): Legalisation of MSP would further violate the limit on the subsidies under AoA and it can be challenged by other countries. India's quest for Permanent solution on public stockholding could be in jeopardy.
  • Promote inequality: Only 6 percent of farmers are able to benefit from the MSP. Similarly, most of the Rice and Wheat are sourced from states such as Punjab, Haryana, MP etc. Hence, legalisation of MSP could worsen socio-economic inequality and promote regional disparity.
  • Environmental cost: Encourage farmers to grow more rice and wheat leading to further environmental problems.
  • Adverse impact of Government's intervention: In any free-market economy, the price of any goods and services produced in the country must be decided by market forces and not by the state. As highlighted by Eco Survey 2019-20, Government's intervention, sometimes though well intended, often ends up adversely affecting the market. For example, the regulation of prices of drugs through the DPCO 2013, has led to an increase in the price of a regulated pharmaceutical drug vis-à-vis that of a similar drug whose price is not regulated.

Conclusion:

  • Better marketing infrastructure: Improving agricultural marketing infrastructure, including e-NAM, to ensure better prices for farmers.
  • Insurance schemes: Strengthening crop insurance schemes to protect farmers against price volatility and natural calamities.
  • Progressively increase the number of crops eligible for MSP:  To encourage crop diversification and lessen the dominance of rice and wheat. This will offer farmers more choices and promote the cultivation of crops that align with market demand.
  • Price deficiency payment schemes: Government compensates farmers for the difference between average prices in major mandis and the MSPs. (NITI Aayog).

Case study: Haryana's Bhavantar Bharapai Yojana government pays a fixed compensation against the produce sold below minimum support price (MSP)

Pink Bollworm (PBW) Menace and Project San-Vardhan

Pink Bollworm (PBW) Menace

  • PBW pests have severely damaged cotton crops over the past 3-4 years.
  • Example: Farmer in Fazilka district destroyed his cotton crop due to PBW infestation.

Pink Bollworm

  • Pink Bollworm is considered possibly the most destructive pest on cotton worldwide. 
  • It is native to India but is now found in nearly all the cotton-growing countries of the globe.
  • Description: The larvae have distinctive pink bands, and the larval stage, is the most destructive and identifiable stage. The adults are small moths about 3/8 inch long. 
  • Threat:
    • Adults lay eggs on cotton bolls; once hatched, the larvae burrow into the developing fruits (bolls) of cotton plants, eat the seeds and damage the fibres of the cotton. 
    • The damage affects both the weight and quality of the harvested bolls containing the lint fibre and seeds inside, thus, reducing both the yield and quality.
    • When the larvae mature, they cut out the boll and drop to the ground and cocoon near the soil surface. 
    • The larvae can also survive in the seed after the ginning process and if the seed is not fumigated, they will emerge from the stored seed the next spring.

Apart from cotton, they can also attack hibiscus and okra.

What are the measures taken in this regard? 

  • CREMIT Technology
    • Deployment: (Haryana) and Fazilka/Bhatinda (Punjab).
    • Objective: Eco-friendly population control through "Insect Family Planning" by disrupting mating of PBW.
    • Mechanism: Uses synthetic sex pheromones to confuse male moths during mating season, reducing PBW incidence.

Collaborative Initiatives

  • Project San-Vardhan (Cotton You Can Trust)
    • Purpose: Promote CREMIT technology in Punjab and Haryana.
    • Focus: Ensure sustainable cotton farming by reducing dependence on insecticides.

San Vardhan is a holistic approach to tackle the PBW issue, including package of practices of agronomy, nutrients, etc. It will also enable traceability of the produce. This is currently being implemented across 2,000 acres in three districts of Punjab and Haryana with about 500+ cotton farmers being trained on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).

Policy Advocacy

  • Demand for BG-III Cotton Seeds
    • Request: Punjab Agriculture Minister seeks approval of next generation Bollgard-III cotton seeds.
    • Reason: Current BG-II seeds vulnerable to pests; BG-III seeds expected to offer better pest resistance.
    • Advocacy: Urges Union Agriculture Minister to expedite approval to combat ongoing pest attacks effectively.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

  • Example: Farmer shift from cotton to moong due to PBW damage and lack of irrigation machinery.
  • Need: Access to resilient seeds and sustainable pest management technologies to safeguard crops.

Way Forward

  • Emphasize adoption of innovative technologies like CREMIT.
  • Accelerate approval and adoption of BG-III cotton seeds to enhance crop resilience against pests.
  • Promote sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term viability of cotton farming in the region.

Choosing the right track to cut post-harvest losses

Context: India’s post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹ 1,52,790 crore annually, according to a Ministry of Food Processing Industries 2022 study.

What are post-harvest losses?

  • The post-harvest system should be thought of as encompassing the delivery of a crop from the time and place of harvest to the time and place of consumption. 
  • The expression "post-harvest losses" means a measurable quantitative and qualitative loss in a given product. These losses can occur during any of the various phases of the post-harvest system.
  • From the harvest onward, then, the grain undergoes a series of operations during the course of which quantitative and qualitative losses can occur.

What is the present status of India’s high post-harvest losses?

  • India’s post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually, according to a Ministry of Food Processing Industries 2022 study.
  • The biggest loss is from perishable commodities, which include livestock produce such as eggs, fish and meat.
  • During the export of perishables, approximately 19% of food is lost.

What are the causes behind India’s huge post-harvest losses?

Direct Causes

  • Premature harvest result in lower quality and quantity.
  • Poor threshing: Inefficient separation of grain from stalks results in loss of produce.
  • Insufficient drying lead to spoilage and mold growth.
  • Insufficient cleaning-> contamination and quality degradation.
  • Bird, Rodent, and Insect Attacks
  • Improper storage conditions 
  • Poor handling and transportation can lead to physical damage and loss.

    Indirect Causes

    • Inadequate capital: Farmers often lack the financial resources to invest in modern equipment, storage facilities and modern machinery for harvesting, threshing, drying, and cleaning.
    • Lack of professionalism: Limited access to training and education on best post-harvest practices.
    • Lack of Organization: Fragmented supply chains and lack of coordination among stakeholders.
    • Social Constraints: Issues such as land fragmentation and small farm sizes affect efficiency.
    • Economic Constraints: Market inefficiencies and price volatility impact farmers' ability to invest in post-harvest technologies.
    • Political Constraints: Inadequate policy support and lack of investment in agricultural infrastructure.

      Why we should reduce post-harvest losses?

      • To maintain the quality of the product.
      • To increase the agro-export potential.
      • To double the farm income.
      • To ensure food security in the country.
      • To reduce price volatility.
      • To reduce the waste and make agriculture environment friendly.

      A report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) using the life cycle perspective, estimated about 3.3 G tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions due to food that was produced but not eaten, without even considering the land use change

      What steps should be taken to reduce Post harvest losses?

      • Investing In adequate storage facilities
        • India’s tropical climate can be bad news for the quality of perishable crops, and there need to be proper climate-controlled storage facilities as well as cold-storage facilities. 
      • Ensuring appropriate harvesting methods at the right stage
        • when the produce has completed its natural growth and is all set for harvesting. It is also important to use the most suitable harvesting methods to prevent losses from premature or delayed harvesting.
      • Effective handling and transportation to reduce damage
        • as the majority of the losses take place during the transportation stage. Rough handling can also cause damage to the crops. They should be properly packed for better protection, ventilation, and labeling. This along with choosing the right vehicle and other tools can go a long way in preserving the produce during transportation.
      • Following the process of sorting & grading for better quality control
        • There need to be higher standards for post-harvest handling and grading. This helps in identifying damaged or low-quality produce, following which the produce can be sorted, which is essentially the removal of bad crops from healthy ones. The continuous check on quality control invariably helps in reducing post-harvest loss.
      • Upgradation of grain drying equipment
      • This assistance encompasses a range of options, including the provision of basic materials like tarpaulins and covers, as well as more advanced grain drying equipment and shelters that offer protection against rainfall. By enabling farmers to access improved drying solutions, we can effectively reduce food losses and improve overall grain quality.

      Foxnuts (Makhana)

      Context: Foxnuts (makhana) are in demand as a ‘super snack’, with its prices soaring in domestic and international markets since 2019. 

      About foxnuts (Makhana)

      About foxnuts (Makhana)
      • It is commonly known as prickly waterlily, makhana, or Gorgon plant, and is the only extant member of the genus Euryale.
      • It is an aquatic plant, requiring ponds, shallow lakes, or waterlogged fields for cultivation.
      • Fox nut fruit is a berry, large, round, spongy tree consisting of 20-25 small black seeds which are processed into the final edible product i.e. makhana.
      • It is a labour-intensive crop.

      Climatic conditions: 

      • Grows well in humid to sub-humid conditions with an air temperature of 20°C-35°C, relative humidity of 50-90%, and annual rainfall of 100-250 cm.
      • It is an obligate self-pollinated, seed-propagated plant.

      Traditional cultivation practices: 

      • Cultivation, collection, and puffing are hereditary traditional practices of the Mallah community in Bihar.
      • These practices are passed down through generations and performed by experienced workers.

      Cultivation cycle: 

      • Sown during the Kharif season, which coincides with the onset of the monsoon in India, typically from June to July. The monsoon rains provide the necessary water levels for the aquatic environment in which Makhana grows.
      • Flowering and fruiting occur from May and continue up to October-November.
      • Collection of seeds from the pond bottom starts from August onwards.

      Production: 

      • Found in southern and eastern Asia. India contributes to 80% of the world’s demand.
      • Bihar produces about 90% of the country’s total production.
      • Commercial cultivation in India is mainly limited to the northeastern part, particularly in the northeast of Bihar.

      Benefits: 

      • Seeds are low in saturated fats, calories, sodium, and cholesterol, and high in minerals like magnesium.
      • It has a low glycemic index compared to other carbohydrate foods like rice, bread, etc., at around 55, making it beneficial for people with heart diseases and diabetes.
      • Possesses excellent antioxidant properties.
      • Believed to possess aphrodisiac properties. Leaves contain an alkaloid ‘drummine’ responsible for anti-rheumatism activity.
      • All plant parts are reported to have tonic, astringent, and de-obstruent properties.
      • Considered a wonder crop that can ensure food and economic security for poor and marginal farmers.
      • Along with aquaculture, it can increase the productivity of marginal wetlands in Bihar.

      Government support: 

      • Approved under the Union government’s One District One Product scheme. Subsidies are provided to food processors for branding, marketing, and developing infrastructure.
      • In 2022, Bihar's Mithila Makhana was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag by the union government. 

      Filling the voids in farms

      Context: In the recently formed NDA cabinet under Modi 3.0, Shivraj Singh Chouhan's appointment to head both the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and the Ministry of Rural Development is a strategic move. 

      During his tenure, Madhya Pradesh achieved impressive economic growth, with an overall GDP growth rate of 7% annually and agricultural GDP growth rate of 6.8% per annum from 2005-06 to 2023-24. 

      This growth surpassed national averages significantly, demonstrating his effective leadership in fostering inclusive development.

      Challenges and Strategies Ahead

      • Enhancing Agricultural Productivity Amid Climate Change
        • Chouhan faces the critical challenge of boosting India's agricultural GDP growth to over 5% annually while increasing farmers' incomes. 
          • Increasing expenditure on agricultural R&D and extension services to at least 1% of agri-GDP.
          • Promoting resilient farming practices and heat-resistant crop varieties to mitigate climate risks.
          • Implementing water-efficient technologies to ensure sustainable water use ("more crop, per drop").
      • Reforming Agricultural Markets and Trade Policies
        • To improve farmers' access to global markets and ensure fair prices for their produce, Chouhan must advocate for:
          • Revising policies that hinder export opportunities, such as lifting bans on exports like onions and easing restrictions on rice exports.
          • Collaborating with other ministries to establish efficient value chains for high-value agricultural products, leveraging private sector partnerships and models like the AMUL cooperative.
      • Overhauling Fertiliser Subsidy Policy
        • A significant structural reform Chouhan should pursue is the transfer of the fertiliser subsidy from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers to MoA&FW:
          • Directly transferring fertiliser subsidies to farmers' accounts to empower them in choosing fertiliser types.
          • Gradually freeing fertiliser prices while promoting the use of bio-fertilisers and natural farming methods.
          • Implementing digital fertiliser coupons to facilitate this transition and reduce environmental impact.

      Conclusion

      Shivraj Singh Chouhan's appointment as the head of MoA&FW and Ministry of Rural Development is pivotal in addressing the rural distress evident from recent electoral setbacks. His track record in Madhya Pradesh demonstrates a proactive approach to agricultural growth and rural prosperity. By focusing on innovation, market reforms, and sustainable practices, Chouhan can play a transformative role in realizing Prime Minister Modi's vision of doubling farmers' incomes and ensuring robust rural development across India.

      Evolution of Agricultural Governance in India

      Context: Since gaining independence, India has seen its approach to agricultural management evolve significantly, marked by a transition from a unified Ministry of Food and Agriculture to a splintered set of specialized ministries. This detailed analysis delves into the historical trajectory, examines the current fragmented structure, and explores the benefits of a more integrated approach to agricultural management in India.

      Historical Evolution of Agricultural Governance in India

      Consolidation and Early Successes

      • During India's early years of independence, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was a consolidated entity under the leadership of significant figures such as Rajendra Prasad and later, ministers like C Subramaniam and Jagjivan Ram.
      • Subramaniam, in particular, played a pivotal role in initiating the Green Revolution by facilitating the import of high-yielding wheat seeds from Mexico (Sonora 64 and Lerma Rojo 64A), setting up the Agricultural Prices Commission, and founding the Food Corporation of India. These steps were crucial for establishing minimum support prices and enhancing crop procurement.
      • Under the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the ministry expanded to include community development and cooperation in 1966, and in 1974 Ministry of Irrigation was merged with it, reflecting a holistic approach to agricultural needs including water management.

      Period of Fragmentation

      • However, from the mid-1970s onwards, the ministry began experiencing fragmentation.
      • Separate ministries were created for fertilizers (December 1975), rural development (August 1979; it was initially called rural reconstruction), irrigation(January 1980), and food & civil supplies (February 1983), each splitting from the original agricultural ministry.
      • This trend continued with the establishment of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries(1988) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce(1986), further dispersing the focus and responsibilities once held by the Ministry of Agriculture.
      • The various statutory commodity boards for spices, rubber, coffee, tea and tobacco also function under the Ministry of Commerce. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) are, likewise, under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change respectively.
      • The recent establishment of an independent Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in 2019 and a Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 under the Narendra Modi-led government marked further segmentation.
      • Today, the Ministry of Agriculture handles fewer direct responsibilities, with key areas like fertilizers, water management, and genetically-modified crop regulations being managed by other ministries or specific governmental bodies.

      Impacts of Fragmentation

      • Spread of Responsibilities: Today, essential functions like the management of fertilizers, irrigation, MSP procurement, and agricultural research are scattered across multiple ministries and departments. For Eg- Marketing and MSP procurement of food grains and cotton are with FCI and CCI that report to other ministries.
      • Challenges Posed by Fragmentation: This dispersal leads to coordination problems, policy inconsistencies, and inefficiencies in addressing the comprehensive needs of the agriculture sector. For instance, policies on water management are disconnected from those on crop cultivation, leading to suboptimal outcomes

      Comparative Analysis with the USDA Model

      • USDA’s Integrated Approach: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a contrasting model where a single federal agency responsible for
        • Public policy on farm production and land conservation, food, nutrition, research, marketing, foreign trade and rural development (which extends to supporting entrepreneurship, housing and utilities) in that country.
        • It is headed by a single secretary (read minister) of agriculture, who reports directly to the US President.
        • The USDA also works with two other agencies – the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency – for regulating GM crops based on science and safety of the final product for human, plant and animal health.

      Proposals for Structural Reform in India

      Reintegrating Agricultural Functions

      • Consolidated Ministry Proposal: Proposing a reconsolidation of agricultural functions under a single ministry which would oversee all aspects, from soil health to crop insurance and rural development.
      • Advantages of Reintegration: This approach would streamline decision-making, improve policy coherence, and enable the government to more effectively address broad issues such as sustainability, farmer welfare, and climate resilience.

      Policy Recommendations

      • Enhanced Political and Administrative Will: Effective reform would require strong leadership and a commitment to overhaul the existing structure, akin to the political support seen during the era of Shastri
      • Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with farmers, agricultural scientists, and industry experts to ensure that the restructured ministry is responsive and tailored to the diverse needs of India’s agricultural sector.

      Conclusion: The evolution of India's Agriculture Ministry reflects broader trends in government administration, where specialization often leads to fragmentation.

      While this can increase focus on specific issues, it may also complicate coordination and dilute overall effectiveness in sectors that inherently require integrated approaches.

      Revisiting the structure and function of the Agriculture Ministry could enhance its efficiency and impact, making it more responsive to the current challenges faced by Indian agriculture.