MAINS 11.06.

2025
MAINS 07.02.2024
 INDEX

S.No News Source Relevant Topics in GS Mains Syllabus

GS III Different types of irrigation and

1 Irrigation and cropping Financial irrigation systems storage, transport and
must be in sync Express
marketing of agricultural produce and
issues and related constraints
GS III Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing
of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints

Irrigation and cropping must be in sync

Context: India’s agricultural policy has traditionally emphasized infrastructure-led
development, particularly through large irrigation projects. However, real-time farming
decisions are often driven by immediate local needs, resource availability, and climate patterns.
This misalignment highlights the need for a more adaptive, farmer-centric approach to
agricultural reform. A future-ready agricultural system must focus on real-time support,
decentralized planning, and flexible, region-specific policies.

Key Drivers of Agricultural Reforms in India

1. Technological Advancements and Digital Agriculture

 Rapid adoption of AI, GIS, drones, and remote sensing improves productivity and
market access.
 Precision farming reduces costs and improves crop quality.
 Initiatives:
o NeGP-A, Digital Agriculture Mission support tech integration.
o Agritech investments expected to reach US$ 30–35 billion by 2025.
2. Climate Resilience and Water Efficiency
 Shift towards water-efficient irrigation (e.g., micro-irrigation).
 Per Drop More Crop initiative covers over 95 lakh hectares.
 ₹21,968 crore allocated in FY25 for micro-irrigation systems.
 Irrigation intensity rose from 144.2% to 154.5% between 2015–2021.
3. Diversification into High-Value Sectors
 Growth in horticulture, livestock, and fisheries.
 Fisheries grew at a CAGR of 13.67% (FY13–FY23).
 PM Matsya Sampada Yojana supports ₹6,000 crore investment.
 Seafood exports rose 29.7% to ₹60,523 crore in FY24.
4. Enhanced Credit and Financial Support
 Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) improved access to institutional finance.
 ₹18.6 lakh crore credit sanctioned in FY22.
 PM-KISAN has disbursed ₹3.7 lakh crore directly to farmers.
5. Infrastructure and Storage Development
 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) approved ₹10,000 crore in loans.
 Foodgrain production projected to hit 347.44 million tonnes in FY25.
6. Market Reforms and e-NAM
 e-NAM connects 1.74 crore farmers and 2.39 lakh traders.
 Promotes fair pricing and reduces dependency on middlemen.
 One Nation, One Ration Card helps streamline foodgrain distribution.
7. Promotion of Sustainable and Organic Farming
  Organic market projected to grow at 25.25% CAGR (2022–27).
 National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and the Millet Revolution
support eco-friendly practices.
 India is positioning itself as a leader in Shree Anna (millet) production.

Challenges Hindering Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

1. Poor Water Management

 Inadequate irrigation in states like Jharkhand.
 Only 55% of gross cropped area is irrigated.
2. Climate Change and Uncertain Weather
 Crop loss due to extreme weather = 0.25% of GDP annually.
 Rice yield may fall 3–15% with a 1.5°C temperature rise and 2 mm less rainfall.
3. Small and Fragmented Land Holdings
 96% of holdings are small or marginal.
 Average farm size may shrink to 0.6 hectares by 2047, limiting mechanization.
4. Uneven Tech Adoption
 Only 70% of farmers use digital tools.
 Rural tech gaps slow precision farming and AI use.
5. Policy and Market Inefficiencies
 MSP system excludes many crops and lacks proper enforcement.
 Only 1.74 crore farmers are part of e-NAM.
6. Soil Degradation
 30% of soils are degraded.
 Less than 5% of farmers use sustainable practices.
7. Post-Harvest Losses
 India loses food worth ₹92,000 crore/year (~1% of GDP).
 Despite progress, rural storage facilities remain inadequate.
8. Limited Credit Access
 31% of rural loans come from informal sources.
 High dependence on moneylenders increases farmer vulnerability.

Strategic Measures to Enhance Agricultural Effectiveness

1. Promote Agricultural Mechanization

 Encourage custom hiring centers and FPOs for machinery access.
 Mechanization cuts costs by 25% and raises income by 25–30%.
2. Boost Climate-Resilient Agriculture
 Use AI, weather forecasts, and resilient crop varieties.
 109 biofortified crop varieties released in 2024.
 Platforms like mKisan, Pusa Krishi help disseminate data.
3. Upgrade Irrigation Infrastructure
 Adopt drip irrigation, sensor-based irrigation, and Agri-IoT.
  Real-time soil-moisture data can improve efficiency.
4. Strengthen Research and Development (R&D)
 Invest in genetics, pest control, and sustainability research.
 Share research findings via digital platforms and extension services.
5. Expand Digital Market Access
 Scale up e-NAM and promote blockchain traceability.
 Mobile platforms can enable direct farmer-consumer sales.
6. Encourage Crop Diversification
 Move beyond cereals to high-value crops (vegetables, fruits, herbs).
 Restructure MSP to support diverse crop cultivation.
7. Improve Soil Health
 Promote Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) using compost, green manures,
and bio-fertilizers.
 Encourage crop rotation to restore soil fertility.
8. Facilitate PPPs for Infrastructure
 Attract private investment in cold chains, warehouses, and food processing.
 Reduce post-harvest losses through better logistics and rural storage.
9. Empower Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
 Help small farmers access markets and finance through FPOs.
 Provide training and digital tools for collective bargaining and farming.
10. Foster Agri-Tech Startups and Rural Innovation
 Create rural incubation centers for agri-tech entrepreneurs.
 Example: AmbiTAG, a temperature logger for cold chains by IIT Ropar.
11. Scale Sustainable and Organic Farming
 Offer incentives and simplify organic certification.
 Support natural farming methods like ZBNF while maintaining yields.

Conclusion: India’s agricultural transformation requires a paradigm shift—from top-down

infrastructure planning to responsive, real-time, and climate-smart policies. The future lies in
empowering farmers through tech-driven support systems, inclusive market access, and
diversified value chains. Strengthening FPOs, promoting sustainable practices, and
encouraging private investment are essential for long-term resilience. With a decentralized and
adaptive approach, India can ensure food security, improve farm incomes, and build a more
inclusive rural economy.

Source: Financial Express

Practice Question: In spite of increasing investment over the years, Indian agriculture is facing
severe challenges. Examine.