06 KOLKATA, THURSDAY 13 JUNE 2024 Vol.

CXXXXXVIII 139

Incorporating and directly descended from

Farm challenges A MEMBER
OF THE

ASIAN VOICES
THE FRIEND OF INDIA - Founded 1818
Multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration are crucial for improving the
Integrated
PM’s Grip effectiveness of policies and facilitating the widespread adoption of agricultural adaptation
technologies. Cooperation and collaboration among various stakeholders at different megapolises
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet announce-
ments reflect his style of coalition politics, under-
scoring his firm control over the government
levels are necessary for the smooth dissemination of these technologies next stage of

T reform
despite the BJP’s reliance on allies for a parliamentary he relationship between soil durability, and support sus-
majority. This move signifies not only a strategic decision climate and agriculture tainable farming methods. The

A
to maintain continuity in governance but also Mr Modi’s is closely interconnected government should enforce div- fter record rapid urbanization,
intent to steer India through a steady economic trajec- with worldwide process- erse soil management techniqu- China is moving to the next
tory amid the complexities of coalition dynamics. es. Even a minor alteration in es to achieve these goals. Cover stage with the development of
Retaining key ministers in pivotal portfolios such as climate can have detrimental crops are cultivated specifically integrated and coordinated
finance, home affairs, defence, and foreign affairs de- impacts on agricultural produc- to provide soil coverage during multi-city clusters. The Yangtze River
tivity and the production of agri- periods of inactivity, effectively Delta region is a case in point.
monstrates a clear message: stability and consistency cultural goods. While the contri- mitigating soil erosion. Further- To identify the best ways to advan-
are paramount. In a political landscape where frequent bution of agriculture to India’s more, implementing crop rotati- ce the integrated development of the
ministerial changes can lead to policy disruptions, Mr economy has been decreasing on in a methodical manner can Yangtze River Delta region, President
Modi’s decision to keep trusted figures in their roles is a over time, approximately 75 per enhance the equilibrium of soil Xi Jinping chaired a symposium in
calculated effort to ensure uninterrupted progress on cent of India’s population relies nutrients and decrease the need Shanghai in November 2023. Half a
crucial national issues. However, this firm grip on key on rural incomes. for fertilisers and chemicals, decade before that, the president had
ministries has not come without its challenges. The BJP’s Furthermore, India’s ability thus augmenting the content of championed an initiative that made
coalition partners, though awarded a modest five out of to ensure adequate food supply organic matter in the soil and the integrated development of the
30 cabinet seats, have been placated with ministries depends on the cultivation of improving its overall health. delta region a national strategy.
that, while important, do not overshadow the BJP's cereal crops and the enhanced Water management is cru- From the standpoint of develop-
yield of fruits, vegetables, and cial in conjunction with agricul- ment, I believe China has entered the
stronghold on critical portfolios. This distribution reveals milk to satisfy the needs of an tural policies and investments to next stage of reform and opening-up,
a delicate balance: acknowledging the allies’ contribu- expanding population with ensure the development of cli- essential to propel Chinese modern-
tions while ensuring the BJP’s core agenda remains increasing incomes. mate-resilient agriculture pro- ization. The Yangtze River is China's
unimpeded. The strategic allocation of ministries such Nevertheless, the Indian ag- holdings are fragmented, mean- practices. These practices shou- duction systems. Utilising a ble- longest waterway. Running more than
as civil aviation, food processing, steel, animal hus- ricultural sector encounters dif- ing that the average size of land ld focus on enhancing agricul- nd of regulatory, economic, and 6,300 kilometers, it encompasses a set
bandry, and small and medium enterprises to coalition ficulties due to severe weather owned by individuals is relative- tural productivity to meet global collective strategies is necessary of economic powerhouses and megac-
partners is a testament to Mr Modi's shrewd political phenomena such as floods, dro- ly small. This poses challenges and food security objectives, to effectively address groundwa- ities, including the provinces of Jiang-
acumen. These sectors, although critical, do not pose a ughts, heatwaves, and others, in adopting modern farming enhancing the resilience and ter sustainability. This is crucial su, Zhejiang and Anhui, and the
direct threat to the BJP’s control over broader national which have severely impacted techniques and achieving eco- adaptability of agricultural sys- because aquifers are the largest megapolis of Shanghai.
overall productivity. nomies of scale. tems to climate change, and water reservoirs worldwide and Between 2018 and 2022, the
policies. Instead, they offer regional allies a platform to
Therefore, it is crucial to Insufficient mechanisation reducing greenhouse gas emissi- play a vital role in supporting ir- Yangtze River Delta region's GDP grew
drive development in their respective states, thus secur- enact policies that focus on is evident in the agricultural ons to mitigate climate risks. rigated agriculture in important at an average annual rate of about 5.5
ing their continued support without ceding substantial enhancing overall agricultural sector, where traditional meth- India must adopt a multidi- production areas. percent, accounting for 24 percent of
power. This approach aligns with the BJP's broader productivity, expanding diversi- ods and tools such as sickles and mensional approach to address Water policies encompass the national total ~ the region's GDP
objective of economic momentum and job creation. By fication, and encouraging sus- wooden ploughs are still predo- challenges related to climate water allocation systems that exceeds that of Japan's.
maintaining continuity in the leadership of crucial min- tainable agricultural practices. minantly utilised. There is a change by implementing a div- can effectively manage water Recently, Tesla inaugurated its
istries, Mr Modi aims to foster a stable environment India’s agriculture sector en- need to transition from tradi- erse set of adaptation strategies, demand and supply in response new megapack battery factory in
conducive to economic growth. The allies, while seem- counters a multitude of chal- tional approaches to contempo- in addition to adopting climate- to variations in precipitation. Shanghai, which highlighted the US
ingly acquiescent to this arrangement, have been grant- lenges. The adverse consequen- rary methodologies in order to resilient practices. Technologies Policy formulation involves carmaker's increasing investment in
ces of climate change include enhance production on a large for Adaptation refer to the utili- the development of strategies China amid intense competition.
ed the opportunity to leverage their ministerial posi-
the occurrence of extreme weat- scale. Inadequate agricultural sation of technology to decrease and guidelines to address adapt-
tions for regional development, a crucial factor in main- her events such as droughts, flo- marketing infrastructure results susceptibility or improve the ation principles at various levels,
taining coalition harmony. Leaders of the allied parties, ods, heatwaves, and coastal in- in farmers being dependent on ability to withstand the effects including local, regional, nation-
like Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party and undation. local traders and intermediaries of climate change. al, and international. These poli- Among other industrial ecosystems,
Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United), are seasoned politi- These events have resulted to sell their produce, often at In the field of agriculture, cies aim to ensure that the fact- the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region
cians adept at navigating the intricacies of coalition pol- in a decrease in crop yield, prices that do not reflect true technologies for adaptation refer ors that contribute to successful is a major automobile production base,
itics. Their public acquiescence and private negotiations reduced productivity in live- value. As per the Ministry of Ag- to the process of identifying and adaptation are replicated across and a hub of new energy vehicles
highlight a pragmatic understanding: supporting the stock, and have caused millions riculture and Farmers Welfare, if evaluating agricultural practices different scales. Past experiences (NEVs), including a variety of electric
BJP's central agenda while ensuring their states benefit of people to fall into a cycle of adaptation meas- and technologies with agricultural adaptation vehicles. With chip and software
from the alliance. This dynamic, while complex, under- poverty and food insecurity. In ures are not adopt- that improve over- technologies have revealed spe- sourced from Shanghai, batteries from
India, a rise in temperature of ed, rainfed rice all productivity, cific requirements for effective Jiangsu, die-casting machines from
scores the transactional nature of coalition politics 1.5° C and a decrease in precipi- yields in India are food security, and policies and recommendations Zhejiang, an NEV factory in the YRD
where regional aspirations are balanced against nation- tation of 2 mm result in a reduc- estimated to de- resilience in spe- to facilitate the successful impl- region can reportedly acquire all the
al imperatives. Mr Modi's chosen strategy to manage tion in rice yield ranging from 3 crease by 20 per cific agro-ecologi- ementation of these technolo- auto parts within a four-hour drive.
this coalition reflects his understanding of the nuances to 15 per cent. cent in 2050 and cal zones and far- gies in adapting agriculture to From microchips to large aircraft,
of Indian politics. By retaining control over key min- Soil fertility is reduced due 47 per cent in 2080 ming systems. Mu- climate change. and cloud computing to artificial intel-
istries and judiciously distributing others, the Prime to the excessive use of fertilisers scenarios. Similar- lti-stakeholder en- Financial inclusion is essen- ligence, coordination among these
Minister has managed to keep his allies content while and chemicals, which leads to ly, irrigated rice gagement and col- tial for addressing the substan- locations fosters industrial transfor-
ensuring that the BJP’s core objectives remain on course. soil degradation and erosion. yields are proj- laboration are cru- tial lack of funding for climate mation and upgrading in the region.
This balance of power, if maintained, could pave the Consequently, the soil becomes ected to decrease cial for improving adaptation. To bridge this gap, it Because of its status as one of the most
more vulnerable to pests and by 3.5 per cent in P GARGI the effectiveness of is crucial to gather financial res- economically vibrant regions in China,
way for sustained economic growth and political stabil- RAO
diseases. The overall productivi- 2050 and 5 per policies and facili- ources from private sector inves- the YRD city cluster has attracted
ity in India’s complex and diverse democracy. It will also ty has stagnated as a result of cent in 2080 scen- The writer, a development tating the wide- tments. Inclusive financial syste- major State-owned and private enter-
send a clear signal to both domestic and international insufficient nutrients in the soil. arios. Climate cha- economist, is alumna of the
London School of Economics spread adoption of ms play a vital role in directing prises, and a large number of Fortune
observers about India’s commitment to a steady and In addition, the implementation nge diminishes agricultural adap- finance to the most vulnerable 500 companies for setting up head-
predictable policy environment. of inappropriate land use prac- crop yields and de- tation technologi- individuals and last mile work- quarters in China.
tices and the burning of crop creases the nutritional quality es. Cooperation and collabora- ers, including farmers. Estab- As an increasingly diversified
residues during harvest season of produce. tion among various stakeholders lishing Farmer Producer Organ- industrial, financial, retail and corpo-
Political Shift have contributed to soil erosion,
resulting in significant and last-
Moreover, the occurrence of at different levels are necessary
severe events such as droughts for the smooth dissemination of
isations (FPOs) can enable farm-
ers to enhance productivity,
rate hub, Shanghai can drive regional
clusters while benefiting from their

T
he political landscape in Odisha has undergone a ing impacts on agricultural pro- and flash floods has a detrimen- these technologies. allocate resources towards farm complementary strengths. But Shang-
seismic shift, with the election result ending ductivity and sustainability. tal effect on the consumption of Capacity building is crucial mechanisation, and take advan- hai is not alone. It is developing in tan-
In India, the lack of adequ- food and nutrients, thereby for the government to improve tage of economies of scale. dem with China's other major regional
Naveen Patnaik’s unbroken 24-year tenure as chief
ate agricultural infrastructure, exacerbating the overall impact its ability to adapt to and addr- Moreover, agricultural-focused growth engines.
minister. This electoral upheaval, which saw the BJP such as storage facilities, pack on the welfare of farmers. ess the negative impacts of clim- non-banking financial compa- Consider these important facts of
wrest control of both the assembly and a majority of houses, and efficient supply The State of Food Security ate change in any policy. As per nies (NBFCs) and financial tech- development. In 1950, only 13 percent
Odisha’s Lok Sabha seats, is a remarkable turn of events chains, contributes to higher and Nutrition in the World the OECD, it is crucial to enhan- nology (Fintech) can assist farm- of the Chinese people lived in cities. By
in the state’s political narrative. Mr Patnaik’s political post-harvest losses. (2020) report says India still stru- ce absorptive capacity, which ers in fulfilling their extended 1980, just after China launched reform
journey has been characterised by his ability to remain Moreover, the absence of ggles to feed its undernourished refers to a system’s capability to credit requirements, thus prom- and opening-up, the figure had
equidistant from the two national parties, the Congress fundamental infrastructure such population despite producing effectively handle immediate cli- oting their income expansion. increased to 19 percent. Since then, it
and the BJP. This balancing act allowed him to navigate as road and rail connectivity an estimated 314 million metric mate-related consequences. Although these strategies has soared to a stunning 66 percent,
the complexities of state and national politics effective- impedes the farmers’ access to tonnes of food in 2021-22, which This encompasses strate- are in place, the benefits of ad- with the initial urbanization drive tak-
ly. His welfare schemes and a steady administrative hand markets and contributes to falls short of achieving food sec- gies like implementing early apting to climate change also ing off in the special economic zones of
increased production expenses. urity and meeting the Global warning systems to assist farm- contribute to mitigating its effe- the largely coastal first- and second-
earned him considerable popularity, enabling him to The Indian agricultural sector Goals for Adaptation. ers in adapting their practices cts through various methods. tier cities.
win election after election. However, the recent elec- continues to rely on primitive In order to satisfy the in- and establishing crop insurance These benefits encompass enh- Now, urbanization is intensifying
tions revealed cracks in this once unassailable fortress. agri-technologies for the pro- creasing need for food due to a schemes to provide compensa- anced energy efficiency, decrea- even in third- and fourth-tier cities.
One of the critical factors that contributed to Mr Pat- duction of agricultural goods. growing population and higher tion for any incurred losses. sed urban energy and water usa- Moreover, the development momen-
naik’s downfall was increasing reliance on his aide, V.K. The limited availability of mod- income levels, India will have to Infrastructure capacity develop- ge resulting from greening and tum is shifting from urbanization
Pandian, a former bureaucrat from Tamil Nadu. Mr Pan- ern technologies hampers the almost double its food produc- ment is crucial for enhancing recycling initiatives, sustainable toward the integration of major
dian’s growing influence within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ability to widely adopt innova- tion by the year 2050. In order to overall productivity, and it is farming practices, and the pres- regional city clusters.
became a focal point for the BJP’s campaign. Prime Min- tive agricultural practices. surmount these ever-changing imperative that the infrastruc- ervation of ecosystems and their China has several major "mega-
ister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders capitalised on In numerous rural regions, obstacles, the Government of ture is designed to be climate associated advantages. polises". In addition to the Yangtze
the absence of banking institu- India has devised strategies to resilient. To effectively tackle the River Delta region, the megapolises
this by portraying Mr Patnaik as a leader who had
tions and financial establish- enhance the adaptability of agri- The government should im- challenges in India’s agriculture and economic hubs include the
become captive of an “outsider.” This narrative struck a ments poses challenges for far- culture to climate change. The plement policies aimed at con- sector, a comprehensive strategy Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao
chord with voters, who began to question the extent of mers in securing loans and cred- National Mission for Sustainable structing and enhancing current is needed, encompassing tech- Greater Bay Area, the Jing-Jin-Ji (Bei-
Mr Pandian’s control and the implications for the state’s it facilities. Furthermore, the co- Agriculture (NMSA) is a compo- storage facilities in order to mit- nological advancements, opti- jing-Tianjin-Hebei city cluster), and
governance. The BJP’s campaign strategy was relentless mbination of exorbitant interest nent of the National Action Plan igate post-harvest losses. Simul- mal utilisation of resources, pol- the Chengdu-Chongqing dual-city
and multifaceted. Mr Modi, known for his combative rates and restricted availability on Climate Change (NAPCC). Its taneously, it is crucial to establi- icy restructuring, and enhanc- hub. Furthermore, some emerging
style, led a vigorous campaign across Odisha, holding of formal credit impede the pro- objective is to develop and exe- sh basic infrastructure such as ing capabilities. India can bol- multi-city clusters have the potential
numerous rallies and leveraging the BJP’s organisation- ductivity of farmers. This, in cute strategies to enhance the road and rail connectivity to en- ster agricultural productivity to develop into new regional growth
al strength. In contrast, Mr Patnaik’s campaign was rela- turn, prevents them from embr- adaptability of agriculture to the hance farmers’ access to mar- and guarantee food security by engines in a decade or two.
acing contemporary farming impacts of climate change. It is kets, thereby facilitating the con- implementing these adaptation Internationally, China's emerging
tively subdued, and his limited public appearances did
methods, effectively managing imperative to prioritise the nection between farmers and strategies, thereby making a sig- megapolises also face competitive
little to counter the BJP's narrative. Mr Modi's allusions market risks, and promoting development of adaptation consumers. Soil management is nificant contribution to the threats and cooperative opportunities
to Mr Patnaik’s alleged health issues further compound- sustainable agricultural practic- strategies that specifically target crucial for agriculture to cope attainment of the Sustainable from the regional engines of the
ed the problem, casting doubt on the BJD leader’s abili- es. In the Indian context, land- climate-resilient agricultural with climate change, improve Development Goals. advanced economies.
ty to lead effectively. Moreover, the BJP’s strategy
involved a sharp critique of Mr Patnaik’s role, highlight- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR [email protected]
ing alleged inefficiencies and the need for change. They
skillfully wove a narrative that combined criticism of Mr
Village woes
Patnaik’s reliance on Mr Pandian with broader themes of GDP is 15 per cent while it deplo- must teach them how to better PARCHED
development and governance, resonating with a popu- ys almost 46 per cent of the work- their crop yield, crop diversifica-
force. There are glaring gaps tion etc. and do periodic moni- SIR, Apropos Abhijit Roy’s letter to the editor ‘Water woes’ pub-
lace eager for new leadership. Mr Patnaik's failure to SIR, Apropos your editorial “Rural which need to be bridged at the toring to assess the progress. lished today, it is about time to address the water crisis in Delhi.
adequately address the succession question also played rejection”, rural constituencies earliest. BJP may have thought Yours, etc., Bal Govind, The legal decision of the Supreme Court to provide riverine water
a role in his defeat. With no clear successor within the have sent a strong message to the that its welfare schemes, which Noida, 11 June. to this metropolis ought to be translated into practice.
BJD, voters were left in a state of uncertainty. In retro- BJP that it cannot ignore them at indeed reached the needy, would Many residents of Delhi are at the receiving end of water
spect, Mr Patnaik’s defeat was not just a result of external any cost. The BJP lost 60 odd rural help it sail through, but in the end SHINDE SNUBBED shortages. Regretably there are multiple incidences of water crisis
pressures but also a series of strategic missteps. His constituencies and its strength is those were not enough. SIR, This refers to the front page in this country.
underestimation of the BJP’s organisational prowess and reduced by almost the same New agriculture minister news report, “Big Four unchang- Yours, etc., Anindya Ghosal,
the growing discontent among the electorate regarding number in comparison to 2019. Shivraj Singh Chauhan has an ed, boost for regional allies”, pub- Burdwan, 10 June.
his reliance on Mr Pandian were significant factors. Hopefully, the party has learnt its excellent track record in Madhya lished in today’s edition of The
lesson. Pradesh. So hopefully he will play Statesman.
Additionally, his failure to communicate a compelling
There is no doubt that our a solid and positive role in As expected, the new Council
vision for the future or to engage more directly with the economy and GDP have grown in addressing rural distress in many of Ministers has members prima- sion of any member from the Shiv whether the Eknath Shinde camp
electorate allowed the BJP to dominate the narrative. the last two tenures of the BJP parts of the country. To increase rily from the Bharatiya Janata Sena (Eknath Shinde faction). would be okay with this decision.
But the BJP has big boots to fill, and the party has government but rural rejection is the overall income level of farm- Party and also from JD(S), JD(U), With the Maharashtra As- I expect some political move-
acknowledged this by choosing a chief minister and two testimony that inequality has also ers, the government must hand- TDP and HAM, with important sembly elections scheduled for ments in the coming months as a
deputy chief ministers, unusual for a state the size of grown and has resulted in distress hold the small and marginalized portfolios being awarded to these later this year, this move by the result of this development.
Odisha. The days ahead will tell us if this arrangement to rural people. farmers and provide them all allies. However, what comes to Narendra Modi led thinktank Yours, etc., Anupam Neogi,
provides better administration or just confusion. Agriculture’s share of our technical tools like drones. It me as a surprise is the non-inclu- might prove to be costly. I doubt Kolkata, 11 June.

CMYK