Presentation

Unit 3, Reading 1 (Transformation of Indian Agriculture)

Name- Deepanshu Pahwa

Roll No. 2022BHS1045

Sections Covered- Section 2, Global Food and Agriculture: New Context and Challenges

Introduction

The global food and agriculture landscape has undergone major transformations in recent decades,
driven by economic convergence, climate change, technological advancements, urbanization,
geopolitical shifts, and changing consumer preferences. These shifts present both opportunities and
challenges, requiring a re-evaluation of policies, trade agreements, and sustainability efforts to
ensure food security and economic stability.

What’s changing in Global Food & Farming?

Farming today isn’t the same as it was 50 years ago. The way we grow, trade, and consume food has
changed because of:
1. Climate change (Unpredictable weather, droughts, floods).
2. New technologies (Drones, AI, robots in farming).
3. Global politics & trade wars (Countries fighting over food & prices).
4. Growing cities & less farmland (More people, less space for crops).
5. Malnutrition problems (Some people don’t have enough food, others have too much junk food).

Key Challenges in the New Context

1. Global Economic and Trade Shifts

Economic convergence across countries has led to a transformation in food demand, production, and
trade policies. However, rising protectionism, trade wars, and disruptions in multilateral agreements
threaten agricultural supply chains. The US-China tariff war, Brexit, and the undermining of the WTO
dispute settlement mechanism pose significant risks to global agricultural trade.

In simpler language, Global Trade Wars: Why Are Food Prices Rising?

The Problem:

 Countries are imposing high taxes on imported food, making it expensive.

 The US and China have a trade war, affecting food prices globally.

 The UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) caused food prices to rise.

Examples:

 If India stops exporting rice, global rice prices will increase significantly.

 Due to Brexit, food became more expensive in the UK.

 Countries should develop better trade policies to keep food prices affordable.

 More focus on local food production to reduce dependence on imports.

Simple Explanation: Imagine if your favorite snack suddenly cost ten times more because of a
dispute between two countries.

2. Climate Change and Sustainability

Agriculture is both a victim and contributor to climate change. Extreme weather events, water
scarcity, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity threaten agricultural productivity. At the same time,
unsustainable farming practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The failure of some nations,
like the US, to commit to global climate agreements further exacerbates these risks.

In simple words, Climate Change: A Big Problem for Farmers

The Problem:

 Rising temperatures, sudden droughts, and heavy storms make farming unpredictable.

 Some places get too much rain, while others get none.

 This leads to lower food production and higher prices.

Examples:

 In India, wheat farmers are struggling because extreme heat damages crops.

 In California, water shortages have led to fruit farms drying up.

Solutions:

 Scientists are developing drought-resistant crops that need less water.

 Farmers are using rainwater storage methods to prepare for dry seasons.

Simple Explanation: Imagine if your school suddenly had no water supply for weeks. Farmers feel the
same way when there is no rain for their crops.

3. Technological Disruptions: Automation and AI

Advancements in automation, AI, and digitization are reshaping agriculture, reducing labor
dependency while increasing efficiency. However, these changes also lead to job polarization,
affecting rural economies that depend on agricultural employment.

In simpler terms, AI and Robots: The Future of Farming

The Problem:

 Farming is hard work, and fewer people want to do it.

Examples:

 AI-powered drones fly over farms and check for diseases in plants.

 Smart tractors can drive themselves and plant seeds automatically.

Solutions:

 AI helps farmers detect crop diseases early, preventing large losses.

 Smart machines reduce the need for harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Simple Explanation: Think of a phone app that reminds you when to water your plants. AI does the
same for farmers but on a much larger scale.

4. Urbanization and Migration

The urban population is projected to rise from 55% in 2018 to 68% by 2050, influencing food
demand, agricultural supply chains, and rural-urban migration. This rapid urbanization necessitates
better infrastructure, storage facilities, and market linkages to prevent food loss and ensure equitable
food distribution.

Simpler explanation, More Cities, Less Farmland: How Will We Grow Food?

The Problem:

 By 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in cities.

 This means there is less land available to grow food.

Examples:

 The Netherlands and Singapore have vertical farms, where plants grow in stacked layers
inside buildings.

 Hydroponic farming allows plants to grow in water instead of soil.

Solutions:

 More food production in urban areas through indoor and rooftop farms.

 Using new technologies to grow food with less space and water.

Simple Explanation: Imagine if your school could grow all its vegetables on the roof instead of buying
them from outside.

5. Rising Inequality and Malnutrition

Income disparities continue to rise, affecting food accessibility. The top 1% of earners have seen their
wealth grow disproportionately compared to the bottom 50%. This inequality impacts food
affordability, leading to malnutrition, obesity, and health-related economic burdens.
In simple terms,The Malnutrition Crisis: Too Much or Too Little Food?

The Problem:

 Over 800 million people do not have enough food.

 Two billion people suffer from obesity due to unhealthy diets.

 Some people eat enough food but lack essential vitamins and nutrients.

Examples:

 Many children in Africa and India suffer from malnutrition due to a lack of nutritious food.

 In the US, fast food consumption has led to increasing obesity and diabetes cases.

Solutions:

 Governments should provide better food programs to ensure healthy meals.

 Schools should promote awareness about nutrition and encourage balanced diets.

Simple Explanation: Some people do not get enough food to eat, while others eat too much junk
food. Both situations lead to health problems.

6. Food System Governance Issues

Despite the existence of global institutions like the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
World Food Programme (WFP), and informal country coalitions like the G7 and G20, there is weak
coordination in tackling food security. There is growing advocacy for an ‘International Panel on Food,
Nutrition, and Agriculture’ to function similarly to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC).

New-Age Examples for Global Food & Agriculture Challenges

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Adapting to Climate Change

India's NICRA (National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture)

 Developed by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).

 Focuses on creating climate-resistant crop varieties (e.g., drought-resistant wheat).

 Helps farmers adapt to unpredictable weather patterns.

Netherlands' Vertical Farming

 Companies like PlantLab and Infarm grow crops indoors in controlled environments.

 Uses 90% less water and requires no pesticides.

 Ensures year-round food production, reducing dependency on land.

2. Agri-Tech Innovations: AI & Blockchain in Farming

AI-Based Crop Monitoring (Agroscout, Taranis, Blue River Technology)

 AI-powered drones scan fields to detect pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.

 Reduces chemical usage and increases crop yield efficiency.

Blockchain in Agriculture (IBM Food Trust, AgriDigital)

 Tracks food from farm to table, ensuring transparency and reducing fraud.

 Helps prevent food waste by improving supply chain efficiency.

Easy Explanation: Imagine scanning a barcode on an apple and knowing which farm it came from
and if it’s truly organic!

3. Alternative Proteins & Sustainable Diets

Lab-Grown Meat (Beyond Meat, Memphis Meats)

 Uses cell culture technology to grow meat without slaughtering animals.

 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to traditional meat.

Millet Revival in India

 Promoting climate-resilient grains like ragi and bajra instead of rice/wheat.

 Uses 70% less water and grows in drought-prone areas.

 India declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to encourage consumption.

Easy Explanation: Lab-grown meat is like printing food with science!

4. Urban Farming & Waste-to-Fertilizer Projects

Singapore’s Agritech Parks

 Uses hydroponics and aeroponics to grow food in urban areas.

 Helps cities become self-sufficient and reduces reliance on imports.

Sweden’s Waste-to-Fertilizer Projects

 Converts food waste into organic fertilizers for farming.

 Supports circular economy—reduces landfill waste and enhances soil health.

Easy Explanation: Imagine if all your leftover food was recycled into plant food instead of going into
the trash!
5. International Trade & Policy Shifts

EU’s Green Deal & Farm-to-Fork Strategy

 Aims for 25% of European agriculture to be organic by 2030.

 Reduces the use of harmful pesticides and promotes sustainable farming.

China’s Agricultural Investments in Africa

 China leases farmlands in Africa to grow food for its population.

 Improves African farm technology but raises ethical concerns about land grabbing

Easy Explanation: Imagine your neighbor rents your backyard to grow vegetables but keeps all the
food—fair or not?

Quick Revision: Key Points Summary

✅ Trade & Economic Shifts: Rising protectionism, WTO challenges, US-China trade war impacting
agricultural exports.
✅ Climate Change: Extreme weather, carbon emissions from agriculture, need for climate-resilient
crops.
✅ Tech Disruptions: AI, automation, blockchain revolutionizing farming but also causing job
displacement.
✅ Urbanization Impact: Rising food demand, supply chain challenges, need for smart logistics.
✅ Inequality & Malnutrition: Top 1% wealth rise vs. food insecurity in lower-income groups, triple
burden of malnutrition.
✅ Weak Global Governance: FAO, G7/G20 lack coordination; calls for an IPCC-like panel for food
and agriculture.
✅ Innovations & Sustainability: Vertical farming, lab-grown meat, blockchain in food trade, circular
economy.