Introduction:
In the 1960s, India faced acute food shortages (e.g., PL-480 wheat imports from the US). Today, India is among the top 10 global food exporters, exporting rice, wheat, spices, sugar, marine products, etc.
A. Reasons for Transformation:
- Green Revolution (1966 onwards):
- HYV seeds (wheat, rice), chemical fertilizers, and mechanization.
- Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP became food grain surplus zones.
- Irrigation Expansion:
- Multipurpose projects (e.g., Bhakra-Nangal).
- Net irrigated area rose from 19% (1950s) to over 48%.
- Agricultural Research & Institutions:
- ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, state agricultural universities boosted R&D.
- MSP & Procurement Policies:
- Minimum Support Price system + Food Corporation of India (FCI) ensured price security and buffer stock maintenance.
- Food Processing & Cold Chains:
- Improved shelf-life, quality, and value-added export (e.g., ready-to-eat food, spices).
- Agri Export Policies:
- Policies like Agriculture Export Policy 2018, APEDA’s support, GI tagging (e.g., Basmati rice) promoted global outreach.
- Global Demand & Competitive Pricing:
- Indian products are price-competitive (e.g., non-Basmati rice to Africa, SE Asia).
Conclusion:
Strategic policy shifts, institutional support, and farmer adaptation transformed India from a food-deficit to a food-exporting nation. The focus now must shift to sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture.
