AGR 101: AGRICULTURE HERITAGE

Indian Agricultural Concerns

and Future Prospects of Agriculture in
India
 Introduction – Indian Agriculture at a Glance

 Agriculture in India - a profession for thousands of

years – started about 9000 BCE

 Made rapid progress since independence – with the

introduction of HYVs (Green Rev. in 1965), chemical
fertilizers, etc.

 Transformed from food shortage and import to self-

sufficient food production and export market

Dr Devina Seram
 Introduction – Indian Agriculture at a Glance

 Transformed from subsistence and conventional

farming to intensive and technology led crop
cultivation

 At present – India is the front ranking producer of

many crops – holding 2nd position in agricultural
production all over the world

 Marked by the introduction of green, white, blue,

yellow revolutions (and others)
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Dr Devina Seram
 Agricultural Revolutions (in India)
Green Revolution Food grains (HYV seeds esp. wheat) (MS Swaminathan)

White Revolution Milk / dairy (Operation Flood) (Verghese Kurien)

Blue Revolution Fish (Dr. Arun Krishnan)

Yellow Revolution Oilseeds (Sam Pitroda)

Brown Revolution Leather industry / Cocoa (Hirlal Chaudri)

Black Revolution Petroleum

Red Revolution Meat and tomato (Vishal Tiwari)

Round Revolution Potato

Dr Devina Seram
Silver Revolution Egg / poultry (Indira Gandhi)

Silver Fibre Revolution Cotton

Golden Fibre Revolution Jute

Golden Revolution Fruits / Overall Horticulture / Honey

(Nirpakh Tutej)

Green Gold Revolution Promotion and trade of Bamboo

products

Grey Revolution Fertilizers

Pink Revolution Onion / Prawn / Pharmaceutical

(Durgesh Patel)

Evergreen Revolution Overall development of Agriculture (MS

Swaminathan)

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Indian Agriculture: Production Statistics

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• Father of green revolution
• A)Sam Pitroda
• B) Swaminathan

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• Grey revolution
• A) Fish
• B) Fertilizer
• C) Potato

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 Indian Agriculture in Global Ranking (2017-18)
Total cropped area 7th Coarse grains 4th

Irrigated cropped area 1st Total pulses 1st

Population (general) 2nd Oilseeds 2nd

Economically Active Fruits and Vegetables 2nd
Population (agriculture) 2nd

Total cereals 3 rd Milk 1st

Livestock (cattle,
Wheat 2 nd
buffaloes) 1st

Rice 2nd Implements (tractor) 2nd

1st rank:
2nd rank:
• Population, Economically active population, total
Total cereals - US
cereals, wheat, rice, oilseeds, fruits – China
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• Implements (tractors) - US
 Importance of Agriculture in India

 Backbone of Indian economy

 Contributes to overall economic

growth

 Agriculture contribution to India’s GDP = 16-17 % (2017-18)

 Determines the standard of life for > 50% population

 India’s population - expected to be 1.6 billion by 2050

 May require annual food grain production of 333 m tonnes

– i.e. an increase in production of >1/3rd
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 Concerns / Challenges before Indian Agriculture (Overall)

A. Resource constraints:

1) Small and fragmented land holdings

2) Problem of Irrigation facilities and monsoon

dependency

3) Shortage of good quality seeds (for small, marginal

farmers)

4) Soil erosion
Dr Devina Seram
 Concerns / Challenges before Indian Agriculture (Overall)
B. Agronomic and other constraints:

5) Imbalanced and irrational use of Fertilizers & Pesticides

6) Lack of mechanization – small/marginal farms

7) Lack of post-harvest management (PHM) and marketing facilities

– Inadequate storage, transport and cold chain facilities

8) Scarcity of capital and subsidy (Govt. schemes do not reach small

farmers)

9) Climate change

10) Shortage of manpower/labour

Dr Devina Seram
 1. Small and fragmented land holding size

 Decreasing size of land holding –

the most important concern

 86 % farmers or food growers in

India are smallholders or marginal

 Land holding declines from

- 2.30 ha in the 70s to
1.32 ha in 2000 – 2001

 In future – average size would be a

mere - 0.68 ha in 2020
- 0.32 ha in 2030 Dr Devina Seram
• Problem of small and fragmented holdings – more
serious in densely populated, intensively cultivated
states (Kerala, WB, Bihar, UP Eastern parts)
• Average size of land holding = < 1 ha or < 0.5 ha
(in general) (in certain parts)
Dr Devina Seram
Dr Devina Seram
 2. Problems of Irrigation and dependency on monsoons
 Lack of proper irrigation facility
 Indian farmers depend on monsoons
– no proper irrigation source/facility

 Scarcity of water
 In India, only 34 % of water resources available to meet the
increasing demands of agriculture
 Quality and availability of water
– major factors affecting irrigation in crop production
(perishable items – fruits, vegetables)

 According to PAI (Population Action International) – hydrological

poverty (water scarcity) in the world feared by 2025
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 Irrigation – most important parameter for agriculture
- with timely and sufficient supply of water

 Most farmers – dependent on electric water pumps for

irrigation which demands electricity

 Frequent, intermittent and low

voltage supply of power to
agricultural sector has caused
problems to farmers who are
spending their time monitoring
the supply of power (without Irrigation
which their work cannot start) Techniques
(2000 – 2001)
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 BLUE REVOLUTION DEALS WITH
• FISH
• WATER
• COTTON

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• Problem of small and fragmented holdings is
more serious in :
A) densely populated, intensively cultivated
states
B) Low population density and moderately
cultivated states

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 Importance of Irrigation
 Variability in rainfall – variation in quantity, incidence and
duration

 Unequal distribution of rainfall – eg. Windward and leeward side

 Meeting crop requirement and soil needs – eg. Rice, sugarcane

need more water and irrigation even in areas of heavy rain /
sandy soil requires frequent water supply than alluvial or black
soil

 To maximize production – to facilitate double and triple cropping

 Many Indian rivers are not perennial

Dr Devina Seram
 Water resources in India – Current situation
 High dependence on ground water
(rainfall)
(Rainfall)
 Over extraction of ground water for
irrigation

 Uncontrolled deforestation

 Neglect of traditional practices and

systems, including rain water harvesting

 Inadequate integrated water

management and watershed
development
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Dr Devina Seram
 3. Shortage of good quality seeds
 Availability of good quality seeds of
improved crop cultivars
- considered crucial for realizing
productivity in different agro-
climatic zones

 Quality of seeds alone

- account for 10-15% increase in
overall productivity (ICAR, 1993)

 Lack of quality seeds - continues to

be one of the greatest impediments
to bridging the vast yield gap
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 4. Soil Erosion from agricultural fields

 Soil erosion - Increasing due to

deforestation, erratic rainfall

 Soil erosion – degraded 120.72

million ha of land in India

 8.4 m ha area – soil salinity and

water-logging problems

 Water table and water quality

deterioration
(surface and sub-surfaceDr Devina
water) Seram
 Agricultural activities leading to soil erosion/degradation
1) Low and imbalanced fertilization

2) Excessive tillage and use of heavy machinery

3) Crop residue burning and

inadequate organic matter inputs

4) Poor irrigation and water

management

5) Poor crop rotation

6) Pesticide overuse and soil pollution

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Dr Devina Seram
5. Imbalanced and irrational use of Fertilizers & Pesticides

 Without considering
recommended doses
 Environmental, health problems

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• WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS CAUSES OF SOIL
EROSION?
• A) POOR CROP ROTATION
• B) EXCESSIVE TILLAGE
• C) BOTH

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 Indian Govt., top research institute report:
– 60 % of agrl. land at risk due to
– fertilizers misuse, poor cropping pattern, soil nutrient def.
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 Negative effects

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 Strategies for pesticides usage reduction

 Agronomic practices – cultural methods

 Use of resistant varieties of crops
 Biological control and biopesticides
 Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
 Integrated Disease Management (IDM)
 Integrated Weed Management (IWM)
 Agro-ecological engineering – trap crops
 Organic agriculture
 Use of less hazardous pesticides

Dr Devina Seram
 6. Lack of Farm Mechanization

 Mechanization - major hurdle showing very slow progress

 Overall level in India – 40 to 45 %
 Only tractors & harvesters (in limited states)
 One of the leading countries for manufacture of tractor,
agrl. implements and equipment
 Lacking behind to develop mechanization for small &
marginal land holdings

Dr Devina Seram
• Which element deficiency is observed because
of excessive use of fertilizers?
• A) B
• B) P
• C) Zn

Dr Devina Seram
 Level of Farm Mechanization in India

 Level of mechanization - varies from region to region

 High level – Punjab, Haryana, Western UP – 70 to 80 %
- due to high productive land, decreased agrl.
workers, full support by state govt.

 Lower level – Eastern (WB, Orissa), Southern (Kerala, TN,

AP, Karnataka,) states – 35 to 45 %
- due to small and scattered land holdings

 Extremely low – North-Eastern states (> 10%)

- due to hilly topography, high transportation
cost, low socio-economic conditions of farmers
Dr Devina Seram
 Problems of farmers related to Farm Mechanization

1) Small size and scattered land holdings

2) Financial inability of the small farmers

3) Lack of proper knowledge about farm machineries

4) Lack of repair and replacement facilities especially in

remote rural areas

5) Limited availability of sale outlets

6) Lack of accessibility for procurement, repair and

maintenance Dr Devina Seram
 7. Lack of PHM and marketing facilities

 30% of harvest, post-harvest

economic losses – fruits, vegs.
(although it comprised only
13.6% of total production)

 Indian farmers incur Rs. 92,651

crore per year in post-harvest
losses - primary causes of
which are poor storage and
lack of transport facilities
(for not being able to sell their
produces)
Dr Devina Seram
 Causes of Post-harvest losses

1) Immature / premature / over mature harvest

2) Faulty post-harvest practices
3) Poor sorting and grading practices
4) Poor tempt., and RH management in storage
5) Improper packing and washing
6) Delay and improper transport to market
7) Causes of exogenous factors
(rot, insects)
8) Lack of knowledge on
post-harvest techniques
9) Inadequate storage facility
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 (OVERALL)

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 Lack of marketing facility

 Majority of the market is

still un-organized

 Acceptability of the
consumer base

 Less penetration to the rural

market

 Lack of transparent pricing

system
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 8. Scarcity of Capital and Govt. subsidy

 Lack of initial investment - farmers

 Less or no support from central or
state govt. (most cases)
Agriculture subsidies are
payments by the Govt. to
 Govt. subsidy (or incentive) to producers/farmers
farmers for fertilizers, electricity, of agrl. products for the
irrigation increased >8 folds from purpose of stabilizing
food prices, ensuring
1990-91 to 2006-07 plentiful food
production, guaranteeing
farmers' basic incomes,
 Areas receiving highest subsidies and generally
(Northern, Central regions) strengthening
the agricultural segment
regularly outperform those with of our national economy
lower subsidy (South, NE regions)
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9. Climate Change – Projected impacts on Indian Agri.

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Major Challenges faced by present Indian Farmers

Most devastating (yearly)

Crop failure
Due to
Climate
change

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10. Shortage of agricultural labour

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 Reasons for agricultural labour shortage
1) Higher wages in other jobs available locally
2) Shifting to a regular / permanent job since
agricultural job is seasonal
3) Agriculture labour is presumed to be a low
esteemed job
4) Migration to nearby city for higher wages
5) Migration to foreign countries
6) Low social status

Dr Devina Seram
 Challenges in Indian agriculture (Farmers’ perspective)

1) Natural calamity - one of the biggest problems

- all over India
- flood, drought, hailstorm, storm, etc.
2) Low productivity - in South and West India
3) Lack of irrigation facilities - in East and Central India
4) Labour related issues - in North India
5) Low income from crop cultivation
6) Low farm price
7) Inflation - increased price in agricultural commodity
8) Depressed economy - a severe and prolonged downturn
in economic activity (measured by GDP)
9) Crop destruction/failure through different agents
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 Indian Farmers’ Perspectives (2013-14 report)
• 58% farmers – blame state and central govts. for problems
• 22% farmers – hold central govt. accountable
• 20% farmers – state govt.

 Reasons for crop destruction/failure:

-drought, flood, pest attack, disease, erratic rainfall,
animal/bird attack, lack of irrigation facility, others

 Reasons for Farmers’ suicide:

• 41% farmers – due to domestic problems
• 35% farmers – inability to repay loans (govt./private)
• 14% farmers – crop failure/destruction
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
• Blue baby syndrome is because of:
• A) excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers
• B) formation of methemoglobin
• C) both

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Future Prospects of
Agriculture in India

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 Prospects of development in Agriculture
 Gross Value Added (GVA) for agriculture sector - 17.67
trillion (INR) in 2018 over production base of 285 m tonnes
 Agri. sector - likely to grow at 2% yearly (approx.)
 Being a key economic driver – agri. sector needs to adapt
(and combat) to the various challenges that it is facing
today

 Analysis of different agricultural issues (on one hand) and

improvements in the field of new technologies adoption (on
the other) - reveals that there are good prospects of
economic development through agriculture
 To give a boost in stagnant agricultural growth - a shift from
concentrating on India’s food security to focusing on
farmers' income security must be made
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 Steps to be taken – For a Better Agriculture Tomorrow

1) Conservation of natural resources and protection of

environment

2) Utilization of vast untapped potential of India’s soil and water

resources (including farming systems)

3) Technology revolution - especially in areas of molecular

biology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, remote sensing, GIS,
ecology and management

4) Revolution in informatics, communication, Internet of things

- the opportunity of linking farmers, extension workers and
scientists with national and international databases
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 Future Agriculture in India - Aims
 Produce more with less labour
 New plant hybrids, animal
breeds
 New agrl. Production practices
 Greater efficiency in agrl.
utilization of water
 Wireless soil sensor irrigation
system
 Genetically Modified crops
 Precious input planting and
fertilizers
 Use of nano fertilizers
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Agricultural Sector – Vision 2030

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Dr Devina Seram
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 Dr Devina Seram
MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai
 Government of India’s scheme promoted by
Department of Agriculture & Co-operation (under
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare)
 Implemented through Dept. of Agri. of states and UTs

SHC – Printed report given to farmers about soil nutrient

status of their land holdings, advice on recommended
fertilizers and soil amendments - that is required to
maintain soil health in the long run
 contain status of soil wrt 12 parameters - N,P,K
(macro); S (Secondary); Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (micro); and
soil physical parametersDr Devina
(pH, EC, etc.)
Seram
Dr Devina Seram
Dr Devina Seram
 Promotion

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 Maintain and improve fertility, soil structure and
biodiversity
 Reduce soil erosion/degradation
 Reduce the risks of human, animal, and
environmental exposure to toxic materials
 Improving farming practices to meet local
production conditions and satisfy local markets

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Dr Devina Seram
 Sikkim – First organic state

 75,000 ha of agrl. Land

 Sikkim Organic Mission
2010
 Goal achieved in 2016

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 Sustainable Agriculture

 Sustainability – The successful management of

resources for agriculture to satisfy human needs,
while maintaining or enhancing the quality of
environment and conserving natural resources

 Sustainability = Productivity + Resource Conservation

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Dr Devina Seram
 Future trends expected to shape Indian Agriculture

1) Digital Innovation in agriculture - infrastructure

development, supply chain management and technology

2) Effective climate risk mitigation strategy - effective water

management, adapting to rising temperatures, drought
situations

3) Developing start-up ecosystem – Govt. loan requirement,

availability of growth capital, applicability to mainstream
government schemes

Dr Devina Seram
 Future trends expected to shape Indian Agriculture

4) Developing farmer producer organizations (FPO) - better

insurance terms, quality assessment infrastructure,
precision agriculture solutions for better crop
management, access to finance, IoT (Internet of Things)
based applications

5) Water management initiatives - watershed management,

drip irrigation and water use efficiency (WUE) – for
optimum utilization of available water resources

Dr Devina Seram
 Modern Technologies expected to rise in future Agriculture
1) High tech farming - hydroponics and aeroponics
2) Precision agriculture/satellite farming/site specific crop
management – farming management concept based on
observing, measuring and responding to inter and intra-
field variability in crops
- this practice has been enabled by the advent of GPS,
GIS, RS, etc.
3) IoT-based smart farming – system is built for monitoring
crop field with the help of sensors (light, humidity,
temperature, soil moisture), automating irrigation system
4) Robotics – for agrl. operations – drones
5) Genetically modified crops – only Bt cotton in India
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Dr Devina Seram
Dr Devina Seram
 Indian Agricultural Job Opportunities
1) Farm and bank – Farm/bank Manager, representative,
technical experts, farm veterinarian
2) Business – Contract farming, commercial cultivation, food
processing, entrepreneurs
3) Research and teaching – Agrl. Scientist, Research
Associate (RA), scholars, Assistant Professor,
Associate Professor, professor
4) Further research – Post-doct. (abroad), other jobs (abroad)
5) Others – Agri. Officer (AO), Horti. Officer (HO), Block
Development Officer (BDO), Subject matter
specialist (SMS), dairy/crop inspector
6) Seeds,fertilizers, other company -National Seeds Corporation
(NSC), IIFCO, Food Corporation of India (FCI), MahyCo, etc.
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 Success Stories
 In the spotlight for creating a world
record in paddy production – 35 yr
farmer Sumant Kumar (Bihar)
 Produced 224 quintals /ha (22.4 T)
using SRI method (based on principle
of nurturing roots, enriching soil,
more space for plants to grow)
 Previous record held by China’s
“Father of rice” Yuvan Longping (194
quintal/ha)
 Experimented with SRI in 2010 for
paddy – from Govt. incentive,
received training
 Received “Krishi Karman Award”
(citation + Rs. 1 lakh) Dr Devina Seram