Hindu Editorial Analysis : 18-January-2024
India’s agriculture sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting approximately 55% of the population. Recognized globally, India boasts the world’s largest cattle herd, significant areas planted with various crops, and top rankings in milk, pulses, and spice production. However, the sector faces multifaceted challenges requiring innovative minds like MS Swaminathan.
The Green Revolution and MS Swaminathan’s Role:
- The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s, transformed Indian agriculture with technology adoption.
- MS Swaminathan, a key figure, aimed to alleviate poverty and malnutrition through high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of cereals.
- Introduction of Mexican wheat varieties in India, suggested by Swaminathan, led to a doubling of wheat production during droughts.
MS Swaminathan’s Strategy and Caution:
- Swaminathan’s masterful strategy during droughts involved importing seeds, significantly boosting foodgrain output.
- He warned against the risks of mono-cropping, anticipating pathogen and pest attacks.
- Cautioned against unscientific tapping of underground water, emphasizing the need for sustainable farming practices.
Current Issues in Indian Agriculture:
- Food Inflation:
- Despite increased production, food inflation remains a challenge, affecting the affordability of essential goods.
- Crop Productivity:
- Factors like fragmented landholdings, low farm mechanization, and insufficient investment hinder crop productivity.
- Environmental Hazards:
- Overproduction of crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane contributes to groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and air pollution.
- Overutilization of Fertilizers:
- Excessive fertilizer use, driven by subsidies, leads to ecological damage, soil infertility, and unhealthy soil conditions in states like Punjab.
- Manures, Fertilizers, and Biocides:
- Long-term cultivation without soil replenishment results in soil exhaustion and low productivity.
- Irrigation:
- Despite being the second-largest irrigated country, only one-third of India’s cropped area is under irrigation, impacting agricultural output.
- Conventional Cultivation Methods:
- Large-scale mechanization coexists with traditional, manual farming practices in many regions, limiting efficiency.
- Agricultural Marketing Challenges:
- Inadequate marketing facilities force farmers to rely on local traders, often resulting in unfavorable prices for their produce.
Why In News
India needs more visionary minds like MS Swaminathan to address the pressing issues faced by Indian Agriculture, driving innovation and sustainable solutions for the future.
MCQs about The Role of MS Swaminathan and Current Challenges in Indian Agriculture
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What was the primary aim of the Green Revolution in India under the guidance of MS Swaminathan?
A. Increase agricultural exports
B. Introduce high-yielding varieties (HYVs) to alleviate poverty and malnutrition
C. Implement organic farming practices
D. Promote traditional farming methods
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During the back-to-back droughts in 1965-66 and 1966-67, what initiative did MS Swaminathan take to boost foodgrain production in India?
A. Increased import of luxury crops
B. Advocated for reduced farming areas
C. Imported Mexican wheat varieties’ seeds
D. Introduced water conservation programs
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What environmental challenge arises from the overproduction of crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane in India?
A. Reduced air pollution
B. Groundwater replenishment
C. Soil degradation and air pollution
D. Increased biodiversity
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Why does the overutilization of fertilizers in India, as mentioned in the essay, pose a significant problem?
A. It leads to reduced crop yields
B. It causes excessive government spending
C. It results in ecological damage and soil infertility
D. It promotes organic farming practices
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