The agriculture sector, despite contributing only 17-18% of the GDP and is the primary living source for nearly 58% of the Indian workforce. Seasonal migrations of labourers to the farms during sowing or harvesting is frequent as their moving to urban areas in search of work during non-seasons.
Despite the Government’s target of doubling the farm income by 2022, the sector will face challenges. India has 11 million hectares of cotton, a cash crop, which consume five to ten times water, more than we use in paddy cultivation, total acreage 43.86 m HA. India should limit conversion of fertile lands to cotton cultivation if it wishes to ensure food sufficiency and security to its billions.
The lockdown has restricted the movement of transport, despite farm products included in the green category. The sudden stoppage has come close to the rabi season, with many crops like wheat and grams in the harvestable stage. The farmers could be given an ad hoc access to non-dedicated mandis. The move will safeguard the perishable vegetables and other fruits. The return of many migrant workers to their native places too have impacted the farms, and a plan must be in place for their speedy return to help post-harvest operations.
Potato also holds an essential place in the farm sector with 52 m tonnes production. Uttar Pradesh leads with 30% share, and West Bengal comes a close second with 25% share. Surging production and lack of cold storages force the farmers to sell under distress, often fetching much below costs for their produce. The recurrence of dumping their produce by frustrated farmers must be duly addressed.
As a long term intervention, farm to kitchen modes must be evolved, to realise the best value for the farmers and generate employment with the help of e-commerce companies. The Government has permitted the fish, poultry and dairy to operate during the lockdown, which is a welcome initiative. However, the sector will be able to realise its potential only after the commencement of regular transport.
Agricultural products, valued at US$ 38 billion, are exported from India. Rice exports are currently banned because of COVID, which will resume in the future. Stable policies can further help grow this sector. Exports to the US require irradiation of fruits and vegetables, and India has very few units offering the facility. More irradiation units must be set up with the US as the target market. (EU and UK doesn’t accept irradiated products).
Failure of monsoon and weak infrastructure are the leading causes of most farmers’ woes. A nationwide exercise of one acre of a water tank, wherever water is scarce must be created per 20 acres of farms. Suitable legislation and compensation enable this, and the MNREGA funds help create of these assets will reduce the dependency on monsoon and allow farming activities stretching into the low water seasons.
I have refrained from suggesting the employment of heavy machinery, save the basic and essential ones in the farm sector, given its threat to rural jobs.
Agriculture sector, employing 58% of the Indian workforce is too crucial, and a post COVID plan must not merely be a continuity with the old form and style but create new hope and direction.
Jai Hind
Sampath Kumar
