Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Context: Briefly introduce India’s historical reliance on food imports in the 1960s.
- Current Status: State the transformation to becoming a net food exporter, with export figures highlighting this change.
Section 1: Historical Background
- Net Food Importer (1960s): Mention food import statistics from 1960-61 (3,747 thousand tonnes of cereals).
- Current Export Figures: Highlight recent export statistics (USD 24.8 billion in 2021-22 for agricultural and processed food).
Section 2: Reasons for Transformation
- Green Revolution
- Fact: Introduction of high-yielding crop varieties and modern farming techniques.
- Example: Wheat yield per hectare increased from 850 kg to 2,281 kg (Source: Agricultural Ministry, 2020).
- Improved Infrastructure
- Fact: Investments in irrigation, warehousing, and transportation.
- Example: Bhakra Nangal Dam construction in 1963 improved productivity in Punjab and Haryana (Source: Irrigation Department, 2021).
- Supportive Government Policies
- Fact: Introduction of minimum support prices (MSPs) and subsidized fertilizers.
- Significance: These policies incentivize farmers to increase production (Source: Ministry of Agriculture, 2019).
- Technological Advancements
- Fact: Mechanization and precision farming practices.
- Example: Increased use of tractors and combine harvesters improved efficiency (Source: Agricultural Research Journal, 2020).
- Crop Diversification
- Fact: Shift from traditional staples to high-value crops.
- Example: India’s significant export of mangoes and spices .
- Emergence of Agribusiness
- Fact: Growth of agribusinesses adding value to agricultural products.
- Example: Success of companies like Amul and Patanjali in domestic and international markets (Source: Business Review, 2021).
- Globalization and Trade Liberalization
- Fact: Integration into the global economy and WTO compliance.
- Significance: Opened international markets for Indian agricultural products (Source: Economic Survey, 2020).
Section 3: Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the key factors that facilitated India’s transformation.
- Future Outlook: Briefly mention the need for ongoing efforts to sustain this agricultural success amidst challenges.
Model Answer
Introduction
In the early 1960s, India was heavily reliant on food imports, bringing in approximately 3,747 thousand tonnes of cereals in 1960-61. However, by 2000-01, this dependence had drastically reduced to just 69.9 thousand tonnes. Today, India stands as a net food exporter, with agricultural and processed food product exports reaching USD 24.8 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22. This remarkable transformation can be attributed to several key factors.
Reasons Behind the Transformation
1. Green Revolution
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s and 1970s, introduced high-yielding crop varieties and modern farming techniques. This led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity, particularly in wheat, where per-hectare production rose from 850 kg to 2,281 kg during its early phases.
2. Improved Infrastructure
Investment in agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems and transportation networks, has facilitated efficient production and distribution. The construction of dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam in 1963, has notably enhanced productivity in states like Punjab and Haryana.
3. Government Policies
Supportive government policies, including minimum support prices (MSPs) and subsidized fertilizers, have incentivized farmers to boost food grain production. These measures provide a safety net for farmers, encouraging investment in agriculture.
4. Technological Advancements
Advancements in agricultural technology, such as mechanization and precision farming, have improved productivity and reduced post-harvest losses. The increased use of tractors and combine harvesters has expedited farming operations.
5. Crop Diversification
The diversification of crops beyond traditional staples to high-value crops, including fruits and vegetables, has significantly boosted agricultural exports. For example, India is a major exporter of mangoes.
6. Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness
The rise of agribusinesses has added value to Indian produce. Companies like Amul in dairy and Patanjali in processed foods have successfully penetrated both domestic and international markets.
7. Globalization and Trade Liberalization
India’s integration into the global economy through trade liberalization and adherence to WTO norms has opened international markets for its agricultural products, facilitating exports.
Conclusion
India’s evolution from a net food importer to a net food exporter is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its agricultural sector. However, to sustain these achievements, India must address challenges such as climate change and shifting global dynamics.
India’s transformation from a net food importer in the 1960s to a net food exporter is the result of several key factors:
These factors combined have enabled India not only to achieve food security but also to emerge as a major player in the global food market, transitioning from being a food importer to an exporter.