2. 2
Index
Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Overview---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
DAC -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
ICAR ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
NABARD -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Department of Fertilizers---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Crops----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Seeds ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
Plant protection---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
Agricultural Credit and Crop Insurance---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
Agricultural Marketing-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
Agricultural Trade------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Training for Farmers and Technicians----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Horticulture --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
National Resource Management-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Rainfed Farming System---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Cooperatives---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Drought Management----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
International Cooperation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11
Macro Management of Agriculture------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Information Technology -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Agricultural Census-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA)------------------------------------- 12
Historical Aspects-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Pre Independence Era---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Post Independence Era -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Focus – Northeast------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Socio-Political and Militant Turmoil------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Weather and Geography------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Jhum Cultivation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
3. 3
Major Crops and Achievements---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Export Development Fund for Northeastern Region -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Trade Promotion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Underutilized Horticultural Crops in Northeast Reigion----------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Major Schemes for Agricultural Development ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
National Resource Management Schemes-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas--------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) Scheme --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Rashtriya Kisan Vikas Yojna (RKVY) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
State-Wise List of Flagship Projects ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Focus - Central and Western ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Major Crops ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Overview --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Government Schemes---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Contract Farming----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Genetically Modified Seeds --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
BT-Cotton case------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Milk Co-Operatives -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
State Agriculture Universities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Irrigation Facilities---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Sardar Sarovar Project --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Social Aspects-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Farmer Suicides------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
Environment----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Technology ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
Economic Scenario-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Focus – North------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
The Green Revolution Impact------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Increase in Agricultural Production ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22
Increase in Per Hectare Yield------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Change in Attitude--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Enlargement of Production Function---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
4. 4
Impact on Employment--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Shift from Traditional Agriculture--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Significant Change in Cropping Pattern------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22
Prosperity of Farmers----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
Reduction in Import of Food grains------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 23
Major States of North India and a Brief about Them -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
Focus – South ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 25
Geography------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
Climate ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
Economy --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
Political Scenario----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
Telangana Movement----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
Irrigation---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
Graphs and Maps-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27
Growth Rates: GDP (overall) and GDP (Agriculture & Allied Sectors)---------------------------------------------------- 27
Composition of Output of Agriculture & Allied Sectors------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27
District-wise Levels of Agricultural Productivity--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
References ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
5. 5
Major
projects
Agricultural
GDP
as
%
of
GDP
of
India
Working
population
in
agriculture
Rural
reconstruction
project
by
Sh.
Rabindranath
Tagore
at
Shantiniketan
Marthandam,
set
up
by
an
American
agricultural
export
Gurgaon
experiment
Indian
village
service
Firka
development
scheme
55%
72%
Pre
Independence
High
yield
varieties
program
Multiple
cropping
program
Small
farmers
development
agency
Rashtriya
Krishi
Vikas
Yojna
Green
revolution
National
horticulture
mission
National
bamboo
mission
14.5%
58%
Post
Independence
Introduction
Agriculture roots in India since time unknown and
has also been alluded to in Vedas. Scientists also
claim it was widespread in India in circa 3000-5000
BC not only in Northern but also in Southern region
of the country. With agriculture being the most
primitive occupation in India, it is not surprising India
turned out to be the largest agrarian economy of
modern times.
We can understand the fluctuations in agriculture in
India by studying pre-independence and post-
independence eras. Table on the right gives a
comparison of states of agriculture pre and post
independence.
India has more than 58% of its population having
agriculture as primary source of livelihood. It is the
combined effort of both Central and State
Governments that has made possible the sustenance
of agriculture in this competitive and monetary profits
oriented environment in India. Agriculture sector has
undergone significant changes and has reduced from
30% of GDP in 1991 to 14.5% of GDP in 2011.
India’s agriculture sector has opened to exports
increasingly and this has raised the ratio of
agricultural imports and exports to agricultural GDP
from 4.9% in 1991 to 12.7% in 2011. Even then it is
lower as compared to the ratio of total imports and
exports to India’s GDP at 55.7%. Agriculture remains
the single largest sector anyhow.
All this being true we cannot face away from the fact
that the situation of agriculture in India is in ruins and
much more needs to be done.
This report aims at discussing and highlighting the
aspects relevant to agricultural scenario in India.
Also, the report aims at highlighting projects and
programs that are being poured in with INR 1000s of
crores every year and pondering over whether these
have been successful. Points mentioned thus far
have been elaborated further and have been related
to the current state of agriculture in India.
6. 6
Overview
To monitor, administer and manage such a huge
sector is the duty of Ministry of Agriculture, which has
following departments:
Department of agriculture and cooperation
(DAC) – headed by the Agriculture Minister
Department of animal husbandry, dairying and
fisheries
Department of agricultural research and
education (DARE)
These departments work in sync with other
departments and agencies for the sustenance and
upliftment of agriculture as an industry in India.
DAC
The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation
performs the following major tasks:
Coordination with state level agencies to
implement Central Sector Schemes
Through Administrative Vigilance Unit, ensures
clean and corruption free work environment
Through Public Grievance Redressal Cell,
addresses public grievances
Implementation of Right to Information Act
Through Directorate of Economics and Statistics,
procures economic and statistical data and
generates analytical inputs to better Agricultural
Economic Development Policy
National Food Security Mission
The mission aims at producing an excess of food
grains to meet the projected future consumption
requirement
Flagship programs
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna
Green Revolution in Eastern India
Saffron mission in J&K
National Horticulture Mission
National Bamboo Mission
Agricultural Credit
ICAR
ICAR is an autonomous organization under the DARE.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research provides
technical inputs for higher production of food grains.
ICAR has been serving this country for more than eight
decades and its scientists have contributed in
achievement of national self-sufficiency in food grains
and in diversified crop production.
NABARD
NABARD is the apex institution set up by GOI to
promote credit flow in agriculture and development
activities in rural areas. It refinances the institutions that
finance the rural sector. It also regulates the
cooperative banks and the RRBs.
Department of Fertilizers
The DoF ensures timely availability of fertilizers to the
farmers. DAC conducts demand assessment bi-
annually in consultation with State Governments and
DoF and under Essential Commodities Act (ECA) order
for fertilizers are issued by DoF.
Crops
Having been briefed about the colossal structure
erected by the GOI to support agriculture in India let us
now try to look at agriculture from farmers’ and
operational point of view. The Indian cropping season is
classified into two main seasons based on Monsoon.
Kharif : July - October
Rice
Maize
Rabi : October – March
Wheat
Barley
Increasing population and hence the increased
consumption of food grains demands for an increase in
the production of crops as well. Integrated Cereals
Development Programme (ICDP) is being implemented
along with other programs since October 2000 on 90 :
10 sharing basis between GOI and the State
Governments. ICDP is being implemented only in areas
7. 7
not covered under the NFSM.
Seeds
With land being a constant and population being on
rise the only option left to improve the productivity of
crops is to have suitable and better seeds. The
National Seed Research and Training Centre
(NSRTC), Varanasi has been providing the nation
with this research.
DAC also has following two PSUs for production of
quality seeds:
National Seeds Corporation
State Farms Corporation of India
Plant protection
Plant Quarantine is to prevent the introduction of
exotic pests, diseases and weeds through imports
and similarly prevent introduction of indigenous pests
and diseases through exports. Central Insecticides
Laboratory and State Pesticide Testing Laboratory
keep a quality check on the pesticides supplied to
farmers.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an eco friendly
approach being practiced to minimize the usage of
pesticides. It emphasizes on using bio pesticides and
pesticides of plant origin such as Neem formulations.
Agricultural Credit and Crop Insurance
Given the situation of farmers in India, the GOI has to
be mindful of flow of money to the farmers and has to
plan measures to ensure timely and adequate
availability of money to the farmers and at an
affordable rate. This is being taken care of by Credit
Delivery System through Regional Rural Banks
(RRBs), Cooperative Societies and Commercial
Banks. The network of this arrangement is vast
enough to cover almost all the villages in the country.
Following policy initiatives have been taken to ensure
adequate and timely flow of credit to the farmers:
Farm Credit Package announced in 2004 that
envisaged amount of credit to double in three
years
Simple documentation for agricultural loans
No frills accounts and simple overdraft facility
Lower rate of interest on agricultural loans up to
4% as compared to market rates in certain cases
Rehabilitation package to distressed farmers in
suicide prone regions
To prevent the farmers from unexpected losses the
DAC has come up with insurance packages for farmers
according to regional weather conditions. These
packages provide assistance to the farmers against
crop damage due to natural calamities, pests and
adverse weather conditions. DAC has following four
such Central Sector schemes:
National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS)
Pilot Modified National Agricultural Insurance
Scheme (MNAIS)
Pilot Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme
(WBCIS)
Pilot Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS)
These schemes have reached to about 20% farmers in
terms of cropped area in the country.
Insurance proposals to provide assistance to farmers in
case of Hailstorms in Himachal Pradesh and cloud
bursts in Maharashtra have also been finalized.
Agricultural Marketing
The primary objective of Agricultural Marketing is to
safeguard the interests of producer-sellers as well as
consumers. DAC administers the following bodies to
take care of Marketing:
The Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI),
Faridabad
Ch. Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural
Marketing (NIAM), Jaipur
Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC),
New Delhi
Functions of DMI
Grading and Standardization of Agricultural and
allied produce through Agmark
Encourage reforms in Agricultural Marketing
8. 8
Implementation of Central Sector schemes such
as development of marketing portals,
infrastructure, rural go-downs etc.
Training people in Agricultural Marketing
CCS NIAM offers specialized training, consultancy,
research and education in the field of Agricultural
Marketing. NIAM offers a two years program and
awards PGDABM at its completion.
SAFC’s mission is to generate income and
employment in rural areas by promoting private
investment in agri-business projects. RBI, SBI, IDBI,
EXIM Bank, OBC, NABARD, Canara Bank, NAFED
etc are its members.
Agricultural Trade
India has developed expertise in production of
certain produces such as cotton, basmati rice, oil
meals, eggs etc and is among the top 15 exporter of
agricultural products in the world.
During 2009 India exported produce worth USD 12bn
which accounted for 1.2% of total exports all over the
world.
During 2010 India exported produce worth USD 14bn
which accounted for 1.4% of total exports all over the
world.
India imports pulses, fruits & nuts, sugar etc.
Agricultural imports registered a decrease from
4.37% in 2010 to 3.5% in 2011.
Training for Farmers and Technicians
With ever increasing population it seems impractical
to not to think of technological support to increase
productivity. The Farm Machinery Training & Testing
Institutes (FMTTIs) located at various places in India
have been developed to train farmers, technicians
and retired defense personnel in operations,
maintenance, energy conservation and management
of agricultural equipments.
FMTTIs perform following activities:
Conducting tests on agricultural machines such
as tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps etc.
Demonstrating newly developed agricultural
equipments to at farmers’ fields
State Agro Industries Corporations (SAICs) have been
set-up as per GOI’s advice in 1964. 17 SAICs are in
place with equity participation from GOI and respective
State Governments. GOI is in process of transferring
shares to the respective State Governments.
Post Harvest Management is witnessing a thrust from
Ministry of Agriculture with schemes with total outlay of
INR 40cr. Under these schemes, technologies
developed by ICAR, CSIR and others will give boost to
primary processing, low cost scientific storage and
transportation of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane,
vegetables and, fruits and crop by-product
management.
Horticulture
Horticulture includes a wide range of crops such as
fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal plants and
plantation crops. India is the second largest producer of
vegetables after China and in a leader in production of
vegetables such as peas and okra. India also holds
second position in production of cabbage, cauliflower,
brinjal and onion and third position in production of
potato and tomato.
Various Centrally Sponsored schemes directed at
improving the state of horticulture in the country:
National Horticulture Mission (NHM) launched in
2006 covers all the states except the North-Eastern
states and the Himalayan states, which are
covered under separate missions aimed
specifically at these areas.
National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was initiated in
2007 with an initial outlay of INR 568cr to harness
the potential of bamboo crop. This scheme is being
implemented in 27 states. Under this scheme more
than 32,000 farmers and more than 5,200 field
functionaries have been trained in nursery
management and bamboo plantation.
National Horticulture Board (NHB) was established in
1984 with the main objective to promote commercial
horticulture industry. An outlay of INR 150cr was
9. 9
earmarked for NHB during 2010-2011.
Coconut Development Board (CDB) was established
in 1981 as a statutory body of GOI for overseeing
development of coconut production across the
country. INR 86cr was earmarked during 2010-2011
for this scheme.
National Resource Management
As per estimates from ICAR 37% of agricultural land
is affected by various kinds of land degradation by
water and wind erosion, water logging, mining and
industrial wastes. Natural Resource Management
Division (NRM) was set-up by DAC to prevent such
degradation of soil.
Various schemes and programs in existence to
ensure national resource management:
Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) is a
pivotal organization under DAC and provides
detailed scientific database on soil and land
characteristics to various states and departments
for planning and implementing programs relating
to soil and water conservation. This is a part of
Central Sector scheme.
Soil Conservation Training Centre organizes
medium and short duration training courses for
field functionaries and Project Officers engaged
in soil and water conservation programs. This is
a part of Central Sector scheme.
Soil conservation in the Catchments of River
Valley Project and Flood Prone River (RVP and
FPR) is a centrally sponsored program aimed at:
Prevention of land degradation in catchment
areas
Improvement of land capability in
watersheds
Prevention of soil loss from catchments
Reclamation and Development of Alkali and Acid
Soils (RADAS) is Centrally Sponsored Program
launched in 1985 aimed at developing alkali and
acid soils. This scheme is active in seven states.
Watershed Development Project in Shifting
Cultivation Areas (WDPSCA) is a State Plan
Scheme with Special Central Assistance with 100%
assistance. This scheme is being implemented in 7
states in North Eastern region. Since its inception
in 1992 till 2011 expenditure of INR 455cr has
incurred by this scheme.
Sodic Land Reclamation and Development Project
is being executed with the assistance from World
Bank in Uttar Pradesh. Outlay for this project was
estimated at INR 2000cr in 2009.
Crop Diversification Project is being executed in
Himachal Pradesh with assistance from Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Signed in
2010 the project is estimated to have an outlay of
INR 321cr.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
(NMSA) is under National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC). It seeks to address issues
regarding adaptation and mitigation strategies in
context of climate changes.
Rainfed Farming System
Rainfed Farming depends upon the rainfall and
accounts for 55% of land spread across the country. It
is complex, diverse and risk prone. To harness losses
due to vagaries of monsoon various programs have
been initiated.
National Watershed Development Project for
Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) has been subsumed in
Macro Management of Agriculture since 2001
Rainfed Area Development Project (RADP) is
subsumed in Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna since
2011 on pilot basis with an outlay of INR 250cr.
Integrated Watershed Management Program in
assistance with World Bank is being implemented
in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Assam.
Uttarakhand Decentralized Watershed
Development Project
Himachal Pradesh Mid-Himalayan Watershed
Development Project
Assam Agricultural Competitiveness Project
Watershed Development Fund (WDF) was established
by the Union Government in 2000 with a total cost of
10. 10
INR 200cr, which includes INR 100cr by DAC and
INR 100cr by NABARD.
Cooperatives
The objective of cooperative societies is to improve
the living and working conditions of rural people and
reduce the disparity between the rural poor and the
rural rich and also between the rural and urban
regions. To achieve these objectives cooperation
division is implementing the following two Central
Sector Schemes:
Restructured Central Sector Scheme for
Cooperative Education and Training is being
implemented by GOI since third five year plan
through National Cooperative Union of India
(NCUI) and National Council for Cooperative
Training (NCCT). Few points worth making note
of:
GOI provides 100% grant to NCUIs
During 2011 more than 1.9lac people were
trained by NCUIs
NCCT imparts training through its 5
Regional Institutes of Cooperative
Management (RICMs), 14 Institutes of
Cooperative Management and Junior
Cooperative Training Centers (JCTCs)
JCTCs are funded by the State/Union
Governments and are assisted by Central
Sector Scheme
4 women development programs are in
place to ensure more participation of women
in group activities and improve their socio-
economic condition
Restructured Central Sector Scheme for
assistance to NCDC Programmes for
Cooperative Development is a program aimed at
development of the cooperatives. The GOI
implements this plan through National
Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
Activities of NCDC are provided subsidy by GOI
and the loans are arranged by NCDC through its
own sources.
DAC and NCDC along with the State Governments
are providing financial aids to develop storages and
cold storages in rural areas across India to address the
problem of storage of produce.
DAC and NCDC are also implementing Integrated
Cooperative Development Projects (ICDPs) in select
districts in rural areas with a view of providing a
package of services to rural communities. The outlay of
these projects is of the tune of INR 270cr.
With their increasing size, cooperatives are becoming
inefficient in absence of professional management.
Also, because of the changing market conditions and
increasing competition farmers are unable to get
appropriate remuneration for their produce. Price
Support System (PSS) is being implemented by DAC to
help farmers get remuneration for their produce through
NAFED.
Market Intervention System (MIS) is being implemented
by DAC to help farmers getting appropriate
remuneration in case of perishable produce and in
cases of bumper crop creating glut in the market
leading to price fall.
Drought Management
To reduce the losses because of droughts water
storage in reservoirs is monitored by Central Water
Commission (CWC). DAC also keeps a watch on
monsoon data from IMD.
State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) help DARE and
Krishi Vikas Kendras (KVKs) to assess the weather
conditions and prepare contingency plans in case of
eventualities.
District Contingency Plans are prepared and circulated
by Central Research Institute for Dryland Areas
(CRIDA) in consultation with State Governments and
SAUs.
State Governments concerned are responsible for relief
measures in case of calamities and natural disasters.
The funds are available with the State Governments in
form of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). GOI
contributes to this fund as following:
For 8 general states – 3 : 1
For 11 special category states – 9 : 1
11. 11
In 2011, Karnataka Government declared drought in
23 districts and sought more than INR 2600cr in
assistance from National Disaster Response Fund
(NDRF). The Government of Andhra Pradesh also
declared drought in 22 districts in 2011 and sought
similar assistance.
International Cooperation
International bilateral and multilateral deals are
struck to improve infrastructure, quality, processes,
equipments etc. and also for arranging for funds for
poor and developing nations. India is a part of
International Community at various platforms and
various agricultural cooperation programs from
developed nations. Following are few International
Organizations that participate in agriculture
development:
Food and Agriculture Organization of United
Nations (FAO)
Trust Fund of FAO for Desert Locust in Eastern
Region
Regional Network on Development of
Agricultural Cooperatives (NEDAC)
Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD)
Asia and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC)
World Food Program of the United Nations
DAC is the nodal contact point in GOI for FAO and
World Food Program.
India avails services from FAO time to time in form of
training, equipments, consultancy and material.
Projects currently under implementation with
assistance from FAO are:
Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem
(BOBLME)
Investment Priorities and Policy Options for
Accelerating Growth in India
Animal Identification and traceability Mechanism
for India
Though, Department of Economic Affairs acts a a
nodal point in externally aided multilateral and
bilateral projects DAC is the nodal point for projects
being implemented with assistance from World Bank.
These projects are related to watershed development
and soil and water conservation (NRM).
India is in bilateral agreements with Kazakhstan,
Netherlands and USA among others. India is also in
multilateral agreements being a part of IBSA, BRICS
and G-20.
Macro Management of Agriculture
Agriculture and its development are state subjects
however to supplement the efforts of State
Governments a number of Central Sector and Centrally
Sponsored Schemes are being implemented.
Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) is a Centrally
Sponsored Scheme to ensure that central assistance is
spent on focused and specific activities for the
development of agriculture. MMA scheme was revised
in 2009 to make it more efficient by removing
redundancies. The role of MMA was redefined to avoid
overlapping with other schemes.
Amounts provided in Budget Estimates for MMA:
2010-2011 – INR 1000cr
2011-2012 – INR 780cr
Information Technology
IT is being considered the tool for future in helping out
farmers and improving their condition. IT is being
implemented at village level to provide farmers with
correct information through correct advisors.
National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture
(NeGPA) has been introduced during the eleventh
5 year plan to achieve rapid development in
agriculture through rapid and timely information
disbursement to farmers. Information available on
various channels will be integrated and clubbed
and will be provided via Internet Kiosks and SMSs.
First phase of the project is being implemented for
a sum of INR 227cr.
Agricultural Information System is a Central Sector
Scheme, which is being implemented by DAC to
promote e-Governance in agriculture at the centre
and to provide support to States/UTs for the same.
Kisan Call Centers are a part of this scheme. 80
12. 12
portals have been developed so far and links to
all these have been provided on the Farmers’
Portal. Few important portals are:
SEEDNET
DACNET
AGMARKNET
RKVY
NHM
NFSM
Agricultural Census
Census is done to gather various important facets of
agriculture periodically. In India census is done in
following three phases:
Number and area of operational holdings
Detailed data on agricultural characteristics of
holdings from select villages
Data on input use patterns are collected from
selected holdings of selected villages
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA)
This scheme was started by Central Government in
2005 to guarantee a minimum of 100 days of
employment to the adult members of the household
in rural India at a minimum wage of INR 130 per day.
If the government is unable to provide minimum
employment it delivers the salary at houses of these
people. The outlay of this scheme in 2010 was INR
40,000cr.
Though, the scheme was intended for public good it
is being criticized for delays in payment of dues
because of inherent corruption and corrupt officials.
The scheme is also criticized for the quality of work
assigned as task to the needy. The nature of work
done under MNREGA does not provide an
opportunity to the workers to improve their skills and
also, because of the use of unskilled labour the
canals and dams built are of poor quality.
13. 13
Historical Aspects
Agriculture is by no means a new thing to India.
Since the days of Indus valley civilization and even
before that we have been cultivating food. Indian
agriculture began in circa 9000 BCE as a result of
early domestication of crops and animals and
cultivation of plants. Due to this settled life soon
followed with implements and techniques being
developed for agriculture.
The agricultural phase in India can be broadly
divided into pre and post independent India.
Pre Independence Era
Few Indian commercial crops—such as rice, indigo,
opium and Cotton—entered the global market under
the British Raj in India. The second half of the 19th
century did see some increase in land under
cultivation and the agricultural production expanded
at an average rate of about 1 percent per year.
Extensive irrigation by canal networks made Punjab,
Narmada valley, and Andhra Pradesh centres of
agrarian reforms.
The British regime in India did supply the irrigation
works but rarely on the scale required. Community
effort and private investment soared as market for
irrigation developed. Agricultural prices of some
commodities rose to about three times between 1870
- 1920.
Post Independence Era
From that we have come to know the facts that, India
is the world's largest producer of ginger, cashew
nuts, milk, coconuts, fruits, turmeric, sapota,
banana, black pepper and pulses. India is the second
largest producer of wheat, groundnut, sugar, fish,
and vegetables in the world. Also, India is the third
largest producer of rice and tobacco, the fourth
largest producer of coarse grains, the fifth largest
producer of eggs and the seventh largest producer of
meat.
All that has been made possible by special programs
were undertaken to improve food and cash crops
supply after the independence. The Grow More Food
Campaign (1940s) and the Integrated Production
Programme (1950s) have been critical in focusing on
food and cash crops supply respectively. The
government has taken care that the Five-year plans of
India are oriented towards agricultural development.
Land reclamation, land development, mechanization,
electrification, use of chemicals such as fertilizers in
particular, and development of agriculture centric
schemes have helped the sector tremendously. The
many production revolutions initiated from 1960s
onwards included Green Revolution in India, Yellow
Revolution (oilseed: 1986-1990), Blue Revolution
(fishing: 1973-2002) and Operation Flood (dairy: 1970-
1996) etc.
Also after the economic reforms of 1991, significant
growth was seen in the agricultural sector, which was
by now benefiting from the earlier reforms and the
newer innovations of Agro-processing and
Biotechnology.
14. 14
Focus – Northeast
Indian Northeastern region comprises of the seven
sister states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and, Tripura and
Himalayan state of Sikkim. The 3.9cr people here
constitute only about 3.8% of the total population of
India (2001 census). Over 68% of this population
lives in Assam alone. The population density varies
from 13 per sq. km in Arunachal Pradesh to 340 per
sq. km in Assam.
Although little land is available for settled agriculture,
the economy in all the sister states is agrarian in
nature. The inaccessible terrain has made
industrialization difficult in the region. Jhum (shifting
cultivation) is practiced by a few indigenous groups
of people along with settled cultivation.
Even though the region is gifted with most diverse
weather, flora and fauna problems such as
insurgency, unemployment and lack of infrastructure
the region is lagging behind the other states in terms
of development.
Socio-Political and Militant Turmoil
Constituent states have been a part of India since
British rule but have been in turmoil because of
social and political aspects ever since. South Tibetan
region that makes up most of the land governed by
Arunachal Pradesh is claimed by China. It was the
reason for Sino-Indian war in 1962. Though the war
ended in 1963 by UN’s intervention, relations
between China and India degraded.
The region has been facing impediments in
administration and management from various local
militancy groups such as ULFA, KLNLF, UPDS,
HPC, ANVC etc. demanding freedom, separate state
etc. since 1970s. This persisting unrest has lead to
underdevelopment of the Northeastern states
socially, economically and also agriculturally.
With certain militant groups surrendering in recent
times and of efficient military operations continuing
for long the scenario has improved in recent times
and with increase in aid and focus from GOI the
economy has seen a boost.
Weather and Geography
Northeast India has a predominantly humid sub-tropical
climate with hot and humid summers, severe rains and
mild winters. Apart from west coast of India, this region
also has some of the Indian sub-continent's last
remaining rain forests, which rear diverse flora and
fauna and several important crop species.
The region's high rainfall averaging around 10000mm
and above creates problems of eco system, floods and
high seismic activity. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim
witness mild summers and snowy winters.
Owing to the diverse agro-climatic and geographic
conditions 54% of the total geographical area lies under
forests, 17% under agriculture and rest lies unusable.
The area under agriculture tends to be very less
because of the physiographic features of the region
with the land having more than 15% slope, undulating
topography, degraded and eroded soils, and
inaccessible terrain.
Continuous deforestation in the region because of
shifting cultivation, firewood, and timber collection is
posing a serious threat to natural resources and is
resulting in poor soil-health and environmental
degradation in the hills.
Jhum Cultivation
Jhum cultivation also known as Shifting Cultivation is
the predominant method employed in agricultural
activities in the tribal regions in Northeast India. In
Jhum cultivation, a forest area near village is cleared;
trees are cut to stumps and burnt. This land is then
used for sowing seeds. This land is used for farming for
2-3 years and then a new forest is chosen for farming.
In earlier times, with less population density, this was a
feasible technique but, with increasing population
density and more and more devastation of forests and
soil erosion Jhum has become a concern for the
authorities.
Major Crops and Achievements
The major crops in this region are tea, coffee, rubber,
rice, corn, wheat, millets, oilseeds and pulses.
Assam is the largest producer of tea in India. Northeast
15. 15
region is also world’s largest tea growing region. It
produces around 53% of total tea produced in India.
Rice accounts for 92% of total food grains produced
in the region.
Sectors with potential growth prospects in
Northeastern region are Ornamental Fish Culture,
Composite Fish Culture, Dairy Farming, Rabbit
Farming, Pig Farming, Poultry and Duckery,
Cultivation of Aromatic plants, Ornamental
Horticulture and Orchids Production for export.
Export Development Fund for Northeastern
Region
Northeast cell of Department of Commerce takes
care of the developments related to export in
Northeastern states. As per recommendation from
the then Prime Minister, EDF-NER was set-up in
2000. Major projects undertaken in Northeastern
region under EDF are:
Project for setting up unit for processing large
cardamom in Sikkim by Parvatiya Vikas
Sansthan. It received an assistance of INR
76lac.
Project for creation of Integrated Trade
Information and Stay Facility Center for traders
in Manipur. Total outlay of project is INR 3.7cr
of which INR 1.85cr has been granted as
assistance.
Project for establishment of Bamboo Park to
promote export of Bamboo from Tripura. Total
outlay of the project is INR 25cr of which INR
14cr has been granted as assistance.
Trade Promotion
Assam Trade Promotion Organization was formed to
run the Maniram Dewan Trade Center, which was
inaugurated in 2009. The project envisages
promotion of trade from Northeastern region.
Underutilized Horticultural Crops in Northeast
Reigion
These, UUHCs, are the crops that are not widely
used and not produced commercially. Since most of
these have high nutrition value these have scope for
development. Northeast region has plethora of UUHCs
because of its widely varied geographic and weather
conditions. These UUHCs are of export quality and
hence, are capable of generating high profits from
export, which can boost the regional economy.
UUHSs also have medicinal values and have a scope
to serve far more meaningful purpose than is being
currently thought of.
Wastelands in Northeastern region can be put to better
use keeping in mind the growing requirement and
present day needs.
Major Schemes for Agricultural Development
Seeds Programmes are in progress in
Northeastern states to improve productivity and
cultivated crop quality and provide financial support
to the farmers in transportation of seeds and crops.
Establishment and Development of Seed
Banks to ensure availability during peak time
Transport subsidy on movement of seeds to
Northeastern states. 100% reimbursement of
the difference in road/rail transport cost is
provided by GOI under this scheme. Also,
100% reimbursement of the transportation cost
incurred to transport seeds from headquarters
to concerned regions is done by GOI.
Establishment of Agricultural Technology
Management Agencies (ATMAs). The cost has
been estimated at INR 50cr.
Setting up Mass Media Support Centers such as
Kisan Vani Stations. The cost has been estimated
at INR 11cr.
Establishment of Agri-Clinics and training of
unemployed candidates to produce more diploma
holders in agriculture and allied activities. The
estimated outlay for the scheme is INR 2.5cr.
Establishment of Kisan Call Centers. This scheme
envisages free service to all farmers over phone.
This is a Centrally Sponsored scheme.
Establishment of Extension Education Institutes
(EEIs), which will provide education to middle level
functionaries. The cost of this project is estimated
to be INR 1cr.
16. 16
Under Agriculture Mechanization, training on
farm machinery is being imparted to farmers and
other beneficiary groups. Approximately 800
personnel are being trained under this scheme.
Estimated cost of this scheme is INR 2.9cr.
Under Agriculture Mechanization,
demonstrations of newly developed technologies
and machines are being done. Outsourcing of
training is being done to reach masses and
increase the span of reach. The equipments
being demonstrated include horticultural
equipments. Cost incurred on this scheme till
date is INR 3.8cr.
Under Post Harvest Technology and
Management, distribution of PHT equipment and
training is taking place. Cost of this project is
estimated at INR 5cr.
National Resource Management Schemes
Watershed Development Projects in Shifting
Cultivation Area (WDPSCA). This program is
under Special Central Assistance to State. Cost
of this project is estimated at INR 50cr.
Soil Conservation in Catchments of River Valley
Project and Flood Prone River (RVP and FPR).
This is a Centrally Sponsored Program. Cost of
this program is estimated at INR 21cr.
Reclamation and Development of Alkali and Acid
Soils (RADAS). This is a Centrally Sponsored
Program. Cost of this program is estimated at
INR 2.14cr.
Total central funds provided to Northeastern states
under NRM Scheme in 2011 were estimated at INR
74cr.
National Watershed Development Project for
Rainfed Areas
Work has been done in all related activities and
central fund provided to Northeastern states under
this project is estimated at INR 47cr.
Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA)
Scheme
During 2011 a sum of INR 146cr has been spent on
MMA schemes in Northeastern states out of which INR
130cr has been granted by Central Government.
Expenditure done in these states is 16% of total
expenditure in all the states under MMA scheme and
the contribution from centre to these states is 16.7% of
the contribution to all the states.
Rashtriya Kisan Vikas Yojna (RKVY)
During 2011 a sum of INR 429cr has been spent under
RKVY in Northeastern states, which is 6.4% of
nationwide expenditure on RKVY.
State-Wise List of Flagship Projects
Arunachal Pradesh
Area expansion by land terracing for paddy
Development of way side market sheds for
fruits and vegetables
Development of commercial fish farms
Assam
Installation of electrically operated shallow
tube wells
Establishment of Organic agriculture produce
Agricultural Mechanization through use of
power tillers
Manipur
SRI paddy cultivation
Micro irrigation and development of ponds for
water irrigation
Meghalaya
Construction of dams
Horticulture hubs
Fisheries
Nagaland
Pigs and poultry development
Horticulture development
Sikkim
Development of Green houses
Integrated Farming System (IFS) for
sustainable agriculture
17. 17
Tripura
SRI paddy cultivation
Pineapple cultivation
Development of demonstration unit on
piggery
18. 18
Focus - Central and Western
Central and Western India consists of Madhya
Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Since
this area covers a large part on India with tropic of
cancer passing thorough midway, this region
consists of drought ridden areas to areas of Western-
Ghats with heavy rainfall.
Major Crops
Madhya Pradesh
Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Jowar, Gram, Tur, Urad,
Moong, Soyabean, Cotton, Sugarcane, Potato,
Onion, Garlic, Papaya, Banana, Mango
Gujarat
Wheat, Bajra, Rice, Maize, Groundnut, Mustard,
Sesame, Pigeon Pea, Green Gram, Gram,
Cotton, Sugarcane
Maharashtra
Mangoes, Grapes, Bananas, Oranges, Wheat,
Rice, Jowar, Bajra, Pulses, Groundnut, Cotton,
Sugarcane, Turmeric, Tobacco
Rajasthan
Bajra, Juar, Gram, Wheat, Barley, Maize,
Groundnut
Overview
Madhya Pradesh is a primarily Kharif crop growing
state with Kharif crop occupancy of 53%. Rabi crops
have occupancy of 45% out of total cropped area in
the whole state. Agriculture plays an important role in
state’s economy as around 80% of population lives in
rural areas, with their income dependent on
agriculture. 42% of land is cultivable out of which
12.5% of land is irrigated.
Even though Gujarat has lesser area than Madhya
Pradesh, it has shown a high growth in agriculture
during 2000 - 2010. It has value of output per hectare
above INR 6250 with Saurashtra part crossing INR
10200 mark, which is higher than overall country
standard. It is the largest producer of Tobacco,
Castor, Isabgul and second largest producer of
sesame seeds, cotton and groundnut in the country.
Gujarat surpasses other states in terms of
productivity with highest productivity in Mustard,
Castor and Cotton in the country.
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of
Maharashtra. Apart from principal crops, the state has
huge areas under fruit cultivation. Per capita income of
people has gone up in recent decade, but the major
contributing factor to this is the development of urban
cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nasik and Nagpur. Condition
in rural areas have remained more or less the same,
and in some case, worsened.
Rajasthan primarily depends on agriculture and tourism
which acts as a base for its economy. Nearly 80% of
population resides in rural area and are largely
dependent on agriculture as the source of their
livelihood. Though being the biggest state in India,
Rajasthan suffers from irrigation problems due to hot
and dry weather. A state where 22.5% of state’s GDP
comes from agriculture; only 20% of total cultivated
land is irrigated. The rest relies on very uncertain
monsoons.
Government Schemes
Since around 60% of population is directly or indirectly
dependent on agriculture, various measures have been
taken by the government of India and state
governments to safeguard the agriculture industry.
Various Government measures taken in recent years to
promote and safeguard the agriculture industry are:
Contract Farming
Genetically Modified seeds
Dairy Co-operatives
State Agriculture Universities
Irrigation facilities
Contract Farming
The concept of contract farming is not new in India, its
existence dates back to the British rule when farmers
produce would go directly to British industries. Contract
farming is a concept where companies instead of
buying agriculture products from mandis, buy it directly
from farmers on contract basis. The farmer gets into a
contract with company to produce and sell specific crop
in a specific time period. The quality standard of the
crop is decided beforehand. In recent years, many
19. 19
organizations have come forward for contract farming
as it reduced transportation costs and removes
intermediaries from the supply chain. The farmers in
return are able to get better selling price for their
produce.
Genetically Modified Seeds
Genetically modified seeds have been promoted to
fulfil the various interests of farmers like reduction in
usage of pesticides and better yield. GM seeds are
available in market which have resistance to certain
pests or diseases or have better yield per hectare.
GM crops were introduced to lower the cost of
production but instead it has resulted in increased
costs, as we can see in the case of famous BT-
Cotton case.
BT-Cotton case
In March 2002, Mahyco, a Mumbai based company
which has 27% stake in US multinational Monsanto,
introduced three BT cotton seeds in the Indian
market. The BT cotton seeds were approved by the
Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) for
cultivation in south and central India.
BT cotton seeds were introduced to combat bullworm
– cotton pest. This GM plant produces a toxin which
kills bullworm but is ineffective against other pests.
The idea was to reduce the amount of pesticides
used by an average cotton farmer and increase his
profits.
But this idea backfired because of market
manipulation and inflated costs on BT cotton seeds.
Because of high costs of seeds, the cost saved by
reduction in usage of pesticides was nullified. For a
hectare, the cost of BT cotton farming is around INR
1450 as compared to INR 725 per hectare for normal
seeds.
Moreover, in order to avoid pest to develop
resistance to toxin produced by the BT cotton, the
farming had to be done in combination with the
normal cotton plants. This practice of using BT cotton
with normal cotton is practiced successfully by US
farmers. But lack of knowledge and inability to set
aside a part of already a very small land for normal
cotton farmer, led to the improper use of the GM crop.
Clearly this technology was not meant for poor farmers
with small land.
Much of the suicides of the farmers in India, especially
in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra is blamed on BT
Cotton, which increased the cost of farming and
increased debts on already debt ridden poor farmers.
Milk Co-Operatives
The world famous Indian dairy co-operative, Amul, is
one of the leading players in dairy products in India.
Based at Anand, Gujarat, Amul was formed in 1946
which today is jointly owned by 3.03 million milk
produces in Gujarat.
Amul is the world’s largest producer of milk and milk
products. It is responsible for the onset of White
Revolution in India. In Madhya Pradesh, the milk co-
operative is famous in the name of Sanchi. These milk
co-operatives provide employment to millions of rural
population and unify them. The milk co-operatives work
on less margin-high produce model.
State Agriculture Universities
State Agriculture universities (SAUs) are public
universities that are targeted towards agriculture sector.
The SAUs are focussed towards teaching, research
and extension in agriculture. Initially, the SAUs were
established with technical cooperation from United
States Land grant universities. After Independence, it
was decided to deal agriculture education separately
from technical education, since agriculture is plays a
big role in Indian economy. Hence, SAUs were
established dealing in specialized education related to
agriculture.
Irrigation Facilities
India is an agrarian country but a large part of country
depends on monsoon for irrigation. Since monsoons
have proved to be quite uncertain, this has resulted into
to droughts or floods in various years. Being an
agrarian economy, a drought or flood deeply affects the
economy. Hence, to reduce the dependency on the
monsoon, for irrigation, building of dams and canals is
one of the prime objectives of state and central
20. 20
governments.
Sardar Sarovar Project
In recent years, Gujarat state has seen a high
productivity in agriculture, thanks to Sardar Sarovar
Project. Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on Narmada
River and irrigates around 18,000 sq. km. of land
spread over 12 districts in Gujarat. The dam also
provides flood protection.
Sardar Sarovar project is one of the most
controversial projects, as its environmental impact
was widely debated and criticized. The project has
been a centre of controversy and protest since
1980s. The protest, led by Medha Patkar, was based
on the fact that building dam displaces a large sum of
people and affects their live hood. Argument in
favour of the dam is that the benefits outweigh the
costs of human displacement substantially. Without
dam, the long term cost and impact would be much
greater than what it is with dam.
With the implementation of 600 MW solar power
plant and Sardar sarovar project, both power and
water requirements of a large region of farmers have
been solved. Hence Gujarat has seen a phenomenal
agricultural growth of 9.6%, which has been three
times more than the national average.
Social Aspects
In past decade, a shift of workers has been seen
from agriculture to non-agricultural occupations. This
is because of economic disparity between agriculture
and non agricultural jobs. Considering Madhya
Pradesh, where 77% of working force engaged in
agriculture contributes 40% to the NSDP, mere 14%
of working force engaged in services contributes
39% share in NSDP of the state.
Nearly 60% of land holdings are under small and
marginal farmers. Most small land farmers continue
to use traditional methods of cultivation and have
remained, by and large, untouched by modern
agricultural processes.
Various socio-economic factors like debt, difficulty of
farming in semi-arid regions, poor agriculture income,
absence of alternative income and absence of
counselling services have resulted into farmer suicides.
Farmer Suicides
Farmer suicides are a major concern in agriculture
sector. The most infamous region, Vidarbha region of
Maharashtra, reported to have 1,044 suicides in year
2006 – that is one suicide every eight hour. The worst
hit states in terms of farmer suicides are Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Madhya
Pradesh.
Vidarbha region of Maharashtra was hit worst because
in international markets, the developed nations
subsidised their cotton farmers which made Vidarbha’s
cotton uncompetitive in world markets. Though Indian
government initially promised to increase the minimum
rate for cotton by INR 100, but then reduced minimum
support price further. This resulted into more famer
suicides that were under debt and huge losses.
Environment
Central and Western India covers area of Deccan trap
which is a part of Peninsular India. The region consists
of Alluviam, Deccan trap, Vindhyan series and
Gondwana system. Reddish yellow clay is found in
alluvial flat of the Narmada valley, and volcanic rocks in
Deccan trap. Desert area is found in Rajasthan where
as marsh areas in Kachh region of Gujrat.
Central region enjoys cool and breezy in central parts,
extreme in northern region and humid in the western
and southern areas. Monsoon extends from June to
September. Though, western parts experience enough
rainfall, western region of Rajasthan and Kachh region
of Gujarat remains relatively dry. Eastern Rajasthan
though enjoys rivers and lush green cover, with plentiful
seasonal crops. Due to harsh climatic conditions in
Rajasthan, cattle rising are important for survival. Even
in areas with tube wells for irrigation cattle rising has
become a norm.
Technology
As seen in the map below, except Gujarat, other three
states namely Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Maharashtra, have low output per hectare in terms of
rupees. The prime reason for this is usage of traditional
21. 21
farming methods even today. The green revolution
almost did not touch Madhya Pradesh since mid-60s.
The crop output is continued to be characterised by
weather induced year-to-year fluctuations, in dryland
rainfed areas.
Rajasthan follows a similar pattern of farming. Even
today, centuries’ old method of ploughing of fields by
using bulls is used. Tractors are rented to plough
field some times during time of harvest.
The low consumption of fertilizer is also liked to low
yield in this region. In 1996-97, per hectare
consumption of fertilizer was only 39.2 kg, as
opposed to 76.87 and Punjab average of 158.4 kg
per hectare.
Information Technology is playing a major role in
agriculture sector. It has been proved that a well
informed farmer is able to bargain better for his
produce in the market. In the year 2000, ITC Limited,
a large Indian company began an initiative called e-
Choupal in Madhya Pradesh. Internet kiosks were
set up in villages, where farmers were provided with
prices offered to them in local markets and prices
offered by ITC for soybean. The farmer had the
choice to either sell his produce to ITC or in the local
market.
The result of this initiative was immediate increases
in soybean price. It also resulted into minimization in
price dispersion across the market. The farmers were
benefitted with increased competition amongst their
buyers, whereas ITC was benefitted by low transport
costs and elimination of intermediaries from the
supply chain.
Economic Scenario
The economy of Central and Western India largely
depends on the agriculture sector. More than 80% of
the people in this region depend on agriculture sector
for their livelihood, directly or indirectly. The
agriculture sector contributes around 45% to the
Madhya Pradesh’s economy. The region also gets its
revenue from forest products. Various kinds of forest
products range from teak wood, salwood to
bamboos.
The per capita income of Maharashtra is USD 1660 in
2010 which is much higher than national average of
USD 1219. But this high per capita is of the result of IT
revolution and Mumbai being financial capital of India.
Remaining Maharashtra still has per capita income
lower than national average, which directly reflects the
plight of farmers in the region.
Gujarat’s State Domestic Product (SDP) has been
rising continuously in past few years. From 1994 to
2002, SDP has grown at an average rate of 12.4% per
annum. The per capita GDP of Gujarat is 2.5 times of
the average GDP of the country. The rural economy of
Gujarat is majorly dependent on animal husbandry.
Gujarat alone produced 6.09 million milk and 385
million eggs in the year 2002-03.
22. 22
Focus – North
The Green Revolution Impact
Green Revolution is the name given to increase in
productivity of agricultural products because of
technological advances and hybrid seeds. Green
revolution started in India in 1963 and was initiated
by Dr. Borlaug, who brought hybrid seeds to India.
Effects of Green Revolution are visible to everyone
as India has become self sufficient in terms of
agricultural products.
Increase in Agricultural Production
The biggest impact of Green revolution and its main
objective was to increase the agricultural production
in India to make it self-sufficient in food grain
production.
Wheat was the top priority and its production has
seen a monumental rise after the green revolution.
The production of wheat jumped from 11.0 million
tonnes in 1960-61 to 55.1 million tonnes in 1990-91.
In 2001-02 it stood at 71.8 million tonnes.
Similarly, the production of rice which was just 34.6
million tonnes in 1960-61 has increased to 83.1 in
2001-02.
Talking about cash crops like sugarcane, significant
changes can be seen. Production rose from 100
million tonnes in 1960 to 300 million tonnes in 2001.
Oilseed production was also recorded at 20.5 million
tonnes in 2001-02.
Increase in Per Hectare Yield
The use of modern technology helped in increasing
the yield per hectare. In case of wheat, the yield per
hectare jumped from 850 kg in 1960-61 to 2281 kg
per hectare in 1990-91 and again to 2770 per
hectare in 2001-02.
Also the yield per hectare of groundnut was recorded
7.45 kg in 1960-61 which increased to 1065 kg per
hectare in 2000-01. Similarly, yield per hectare of
sugarcane increased from 60 tonnes per hectare in
1960-61 to 65 tonnes per hectare in 1990-91 to 67
tonnes per hectare in 2001-02.
For rice, the yield per hectare was 1740 kg in 1990-91
as opposed to 1013 kg per hectare on 1960-61. In
2001-02, the yield of rice was recorded to be 2086 kg.
Change in Attitude
Modern technology brought a turnaround in the lives of
the Indian Farmer. They were exposed to such new
techniques for the first time. This helped create an
attitude of acceptance and use of latest technology for
farming in the minds of Indian farmers. Agriculture was
turned into an Industry rather than just a source of
livelihood.
Enlargement of Production Function
The new agricultural strategy (green revolution) has
proved that we can produce much more from the
existing resources. The reason is very simple that'
fertilizer provides us with an exceptional tool to boost
production.
Impact on Employment
New agricultural strategy is followed by the application
of water, vast use of fertilizer and other inputs. With
agriculture, comes the industries dependant on
agriculture. Hence the associated industries have
created a requirement of large volumes of
transportations, food processing and marketing. This
has resulted in generation of additional employment in
both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
Shift from Traditional Agriculture
Green revolution has helped India to break away from
old and outdated traditional practices. It has helped in
introduction of latest and modern technology. This has
resulted in increased productivity both in terms of per
unit land, and per unit of man. Further adoption of high
yielding variety of seeds, irrigation and fertilizers has
increased the production to a record level.
.
Significant Change in Cropping Pattern
Green revolution has not only increased the productivity
but has also changed the cropping pattern. Pre-green
revolution period, we had only two main crops via.
wheat and maize. But post green revolution, new
23. 23
cropping pattern has emerged in the country.
Oilseeds, cereals, pulses and other commercial
crops are now one of the choices of new farmers.
Prosperity of Farmers
With increased productivity, green revolution has
resulted into higher revenues and profits. The
standard of living of and average farmer has
increased considerably. Agriculture has become a
lucrative occupation.
Reduction in Import of Food grains
Self-sufficiency in food grains has resulted in
considerable decline in imports of food product.
According to M.L. Dantwala, "Green Revolution has
given a breathing time. Consequently, there will be
relief from the anxiety of food shortage and the
planners will concentrate more on Indian plans."
Major States of North India and a Brief about
Them
Haryana is primarily an agricultural state.
70% of residents are involved in
agriculture. Wheat and rice are the major
crops. Haryana is self-sufficient in food
production and the second largest
contributor to India's central pool of food
grains. The main crops of Haryana are
wheat,
rice, sugarcane, cotton, oilseeds, pulses,
barley, maize, millet etc.
Out of total area, 86% is arable, and out of
that 96% is cultivated. Haryana is one of the
most significant contributors to the Green
Revolution in India in the 1970s that made
the country self-sufficient in food production.
It has Asia’s biggest agricultural University -
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana
Agricultural University which is located
at Hisar and has contributed in agriculture
sciences.
Haryana is rich in cattle and dairy products.
The National Dairy Research Institute at
Karnal is Asia's largest and oldest dairy.
The Central Institute for Research on
Buffaloes at Hisar is focussed in development
of new breeds of cattle through scientific
methods and propagation of these breeds
through embryo transfer technology.
The Murrah – a breed of water buffalo found in
northern region of India is world-famous for its
milk production.
Punjab with only the 1.5% geographical area
of country produces 22 percent of the Wheat,
12% of the Rice and 12% of the cotton in the
country. Punjab is the largest producer of
wheat in India.
Agriculture contributes nearly 45% to the state
domestic product of Himachal Pradesh.
Agriculture is the main source of income as
well as employment in Himachal.
Approximately 93% of the state population
depends upon agriculture.
The main cereals of the state are maize, rice,
wheat and barley. Even though the state is
deficient in food grains, the other spheres of
agricultural production such as seed
potato, ginger, vegetables, vegetable
seeds, mushrooms, chicory
seeds, hops, olives and fig are popular in the
state. Seed potato is mostly grown in
Shimla, Kullu and Lahaul areas. Special efforts
are being made to promote cultivation of crops
like olives, figs, hops, mushrooms, flowers,
pistachio nuts, sarda melon and saffron.
Fruit cultivation is one of the reasons for
prosperity of the state. The land and climate is
suitable for fruit cultivation in this area Fruit
cultivation does not add to the problem of soil
erosion. Moreover its employment potential is
more than conventional farming. The yield
per acre in terms of income is also much
higher. Apple farming produces the maximum
income. Fruit business in the state is of around
INR 300cr annually. The state has also earned
the name of the Apple State of India.
Land husbandry initiatives have improved
agricultural yields and productivity and raised
24. 24
the standard of living. Examples are,
the Mid-Himalayan Watershed Development
Project, which includes the Himachal
Pradesh Reforestation Project (HPRP) and
the world’s largest clean development
mechanism (CDM) undertaking.
25. 25
Focus – South
South India consists of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Kerala states including union
territories such as Lakshadweep and Puducherry. It
occupies 19.31 percent of total India’s area.
Geography
South India lies in peninsular Deccan Plateau. It is
surrounded by sea from three sides with Arabian Sea
in the west, Indian Ocean in the south and Bay of
Bengal in the east. Hence it enjoys a long coast line
and fisheries play an important role in economy.
Apart from coastal areas, the region consists of two
mountain ranges, the Western and the Eastern
Ghats, and a plateau heartland. These mountain
ranges are a source of important rivers such as
Godaveri, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Kaveri and Vaigai.
Climate
South India experiences a very tropical climate with
monsoons playing a major part. Most of the rainfall is
brought by South-West monsoons. Rainy period
extends from June to October. A large part of Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka experiences a distinct dry
season from October to May, when there is not much
rainfall. Temperature reaches above 40 degree
Celsius in summers.
Economy
In past three decades, the economies of south Indian
states have registered high growth rate, even higher
than national average growth rate. During 1960s
alone, Kerala achieved economic growth above the
national average. The per capita net state domestic
product of southern India is Rs. 27,028 which is
higher when compared to national average of Rs.
23,222.
Agriculture is a major source of income for over 48
percent of South India’s population. Much of the
south India’s agriculture is dependent on monsoons
which have proven quite uncertain in past few
decades. Prime crops cultivated in this region are
Paddy, Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Pulses, Sugarcane,
Cotton, Chilli, Ragi, Areca, Coffee, Tea, Vanilla,
Rubber, Pepper, Tapioca, Cardamom and Coconut.
Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of rice in India.
70 percent of coffee production comes from Karnataka.
Coconut is grown in abundance in coastal areas form
where, it is supplied all over India. Cash crops like tea,
coffee, vanilla, rubber and spices are cultivated on hills.
Political Scenario
After Independence, the Nizam of Hyderabad was
forced to amalgamate his state into India. Andhra
region was a part of Madras presidency, which became
free as India got Independence. The people of Andhra
feared that most of the jobs will be taken by Tamils who
were more educated and had greater access to
opportunities. In 1952, Potti Sriramulu, agitated a
hunger strike for making a separate state for Andhra
people with Madras as capital. Though later, Indian
government decided to keep Madras as capital of Tamil
Nadu. Andhra was formed in 1953.
Andhra needed a capital which could compete with
Madras. Hence, a new movement was started which
stated that states should be formed based on linguistic
lines. This meant that Andhra should be merged with
Telangana and Hyderabad city should be made capital.
In 1953, the States Reorganization Commission was
appointed. Though SRC was not in favour of merger of
Hyderabad state with Andhra state, on November 1956,
both states were merged to form Andhra Pradesh. TO
safeguard the interest of Telangana, a Gentlemen’s
Agreement was signed stating provisions for the
Telangana people.
Telangana Movement
Since 1960s, a demand of separate Telangana state
has resulted into protests, deaths and hunger strikes.
People in favour of a separate Telangana State feel
that plans, agreements and assurances from the
legislature have not been honoured. This has resulted
into an exploited, neglected, backward Telangana as
compared to rest of Andhra Pradesh, with Hyderabad
as only an exception.
Telangana issue has intensified in recent years
because of river water distribution scheme. Krishna
River, a major river of Andhra Pradesh, provides water
26. 26
for irrigation to a large part of the region. Two
reservoirs, namely Srisailam and Nagarjunsagar
made on Krishna River channelize water though
canals for irrigation. Both of these reservoirs lie in
Telangana region. People of Telangana say that the
water should not be channelized to the coastal
Andhra region for paddy cultivation, at the expense
of their irrigation water whereas the rice-bowl of
Andhra Pradesh, the delta region, needs water in
June and July for paddy cultivation. This has
intensified the separate Telangana voice. People in
support of separate Telangana claim that with
separate state, the water scarcity problem within the
region will be solved, power will be ample and on the
whole, the state will grow.
Irrigation
Irrigation has been a major agenda in South India
politics. Agriculture sector of Karnataka is
characterised by vast arid regions and drought prone
areas. A large share of land relies on monsoon for
irrigation. Because of this, the farmers have no other
option, but to grow low value-high risk crops.
Andhra Pradesh faces a similar agriculture profile.
Because of this, canal irrigation becomes of prime
importance. In past, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
have entered into disputes pertaining to water.
Andhra Pradesh objections on over usage of water
by Karnataka, height of Almatti Dam built on Krishna
River and construction of Paragodu barrage on the
Krishna River are some of the cases.
27. 27
Graphs and Maps
Growth Rates: GDP (overall) and GDP (Agriculture & Allied Sectors)
Source: http://www.agricoop.nic.in
Composition of Output of Agriculture & Allied Sectors
1990-1991 2009-2010
Source: http://www.agricoop.nic.in
29. 29
References
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National Agricultural Annual Report 2010 – 2011
State of Indian Agriculture 2011-12
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/node/27187
Soil health management under hill agroecosystem of North East India - A paper from the journal Applied and
Environmental Soil Science
http://www.icarzcu3.gov.in
Annual Zonal Report for Northeast
http://www.ncap.res.in
http://www.planningcommission.nic.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp/wgagriNE.pdf
http://commerce.nic.in
Annual Reports 2009, 2010, 2011
http://www.gbpihedenvis.nic.in/html/vol13_1/UNDERUTILIZED.pdf
Report on Underutilized Horticulture Crops in Northeast India
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_India
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Development Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi March, 2010
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India.
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Ramakrishnan, October 2005
Information, Direct Access to Farmers, and Rural Market Performance in Central India, By Aparajita Goyal,
American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 2 (July 2010): 22–45
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Competition & Competitiveness of Indian Corporate, IIML and IIMK
Madhya Pradesh Development Report, Planning Commission of India, 2011
Rajasthan Development Report, Planning Commission of India, 2006
Maharashtra Development Report, Planning Commission of India, 2011
http://www.advanceagriculturalpractice.in/w/index.php/Main_Page
http://agri.gujarat.gov.in/
