Open Forum

New Delhi, 16 September 2015

Agriculture In Dire Straits

LAB TO LAND, NEW REALITY?

By Dhurjati Mukherjee

How rosy is India’s agricultural sector? True, it is the largest milk manufacturer and the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables, rice, wheat and sugar-cane. If this gives satisfaction, juxtapose this with the fact that under-nutrition and malnutrition is one of the most acute problems facing the country.

Consequently, with one of the highest growth rate in population, an increase in food output has to keep pace by providing food to people. As it stands, with rising fruit prices, these are beyond the purchasing capacity of the poor and economically weaker sections on a sustained basis. As for milk, the less said the better. Even the lower sections of society cannot afford milk for the family, except possibly for children and that too not regularly.   

Meanwhile, India’s  foodgrains production in 2014-15 is likely to decline by 12.36 million tonnes from its 2013-14 production level when the country reported the highest ever production of over 265 million tonnes. The decline of nearly 4.6 per cent is attributed to a deficit monsoon, a trend continuing in the current year as well. This has not only affected the kharif crops but also unseasonal rains and hailstorms in February-March have damaged the rabi crops in over 14 States.

Undoubtedly, technology has helped in raising production and productivity over the years but the much-talked about Green Revolution was confined to two Northern States. Leading to agricultural experts talking of the need for a second green revolution, covering Eastern States where productivity is poor compared to national and international standards.  

Notably, the ‘lab to land’ approach has been in the air for more than two decades but now it appears that the Modi Government is seriously interested in turning this in to a reality. Towards that end, around 20,000 agricultural scientists will divide their attention between research and extension education next month to fulfill the Prime Minister’s dream of revitalizing the farm sector. 

The new mandate has been extended to 6000 scientists functioning at different Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) centres and over 15,000 scientists working with State agricultural universities under the recently launched programme called Mere Gaon Mere Gaurav (MGMG).

The scheme envisages scientists to “select villages as per their convenience, remain in touch with villages and provide information to farmers on technical and other aspects in a time frame through personal visits or on telephone”. 

Additionally, groups of four multi-disciplinary scientists would be constituted at these institutes and universities. The scientists are expected to perform the functions with the help of Krishi Vikas Kendras (KVKs) and Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), both mandated with extension work.

At the national level, the Assistant Director General (Extension) and principal scientists of Agricultural Extension of ICAR would be the nodal officers.  However, a section of scientists at the ICAR have stated that if the focus is shifted to extension work, research might suffer.

The Government reply is unequivocal: If research cannot be translated to the field and does not benefit small farmers, such academic research work has little or no value. It is plausible that arm-chair researchers do not want to exert themselves, observe grass-root problems and help the farming community with solutions, thereby aiding the process of productivity increase. 

Undeniably, the endeavour of reaching out to 20,000 select villages is a significant step taken by Prime Minister Modi. That he is aware of problems in the agricultural sector is well manifest in this decision which should go a long way in gearing up the requisite increase in production and productivity.

Besides, problems like plant diseases, putting the right amount of fertilizers and chemicals, saving the plant from infestation of insects etc. could be tackled if scientists render proper advice and guidance. Indeed, small and medium farmers who are unqualified and need this guidance would derive maximum benefit.

Arguably, even if 2000-3000 ICAR scientists and another 7000-8000 from the various State agricultural institutes and universities cooperate they would be of considerable help to the farming community. Given that KVKs are not of much help and in most areas are virtually defunct. Thus, this exercise could result in unexpected gains to farmers, who are facing various problems.     

Further, this attempt would help reach technology to villages where productivity levels are poor and need to be substantially increased. This way crop failures could be tackled as also the after-effects of drought and floods.  The IITs too are working in villages and their technology transfer programme could effectively change not just agricultural productivity but also other manufacturing activities in these areas.  

Clearly, reforming rural economy is the key for bringing much-needed transformation in the country. Basically, the agricultural sector has to be made viable which could substantially increase exports. Happily, the Government is making efforts in this direction.

Further, it hopes to append agro-based industries which have high potential, if marketed properly. Already, the Government has given a thrust to the khadi and handloom industry to ensure it caters to latest fashion trends to woo the young generation.       

In sum, there is realization that to upgrade the lives of the aam aadmi and make the country economically strong, the focus of attention has to shift to rural areas as villages are the lifeline of India.

Fingers are crossed that these initiatives taken by the Government to transform farming and the rural sector should yield results. But with a rider: There is sincerity in implementing the schemes taken up. The coming years will be crucial for the revival of the rural sector. ---- INFA

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)