India is setting ambitious targets for foodgrain production in the 2025-26 crop year. The government has projected a total of 354.64 million tonnes. This target is based on expectations of improved monsoon rains. In comparison, the previous year’s target was 341.55 million tonnes. The increase reflects confidence in agricultural productivity and climate conditions.
Foodgrain Categories
Foodgrains encompass various crops. These include paddy, wheat, coarse cereals, and pulses. Each crop has distinct growing seasons. For instance, paddy can be cultivated in all three seasons – kharif, rabi, and zaid. Wheat, however, is exclusively grown during the rabi season.
Rice Production Goals
For the 2025-26 crop year, the government aims for 147.35 million tonnes of rice. This is important staple in the Indian diet. The estimated production for the current year is 136.44 million tonnes. This figure combines yields from the kharif and rabi seasons. The summer (zaid) production estimates are still pending.
Wheat Production Targets
Wheat production is also a key focus. The target for the 2025-26 crop year is set at 117.40 million tonnes. This is a slight increase from the estimated 115.43 million tonnes for the current year. Wheat is vital for food security and is primarily grown in the northern states during the winter months.
Impact of Monsoon on Agriculture
The success of these targets heavily relies on monsoon rains. India’s agricultural sector is largely dependent on seasonal rainfall. A good monsoon can boost crop yields. Conversely, inadequate rainfall can lead to lower production and food shortages.
Current Production Status
As of now, foodgrain production for the 2024-25 crop year has reached 330.92 million tonnes. This includes both kharif and rabi seasons. The summer season’s production figures are yet to be released. The previous year’s summer production was 16.5 million tonnes.
Future Prospects
The government’s targets for foodgrain production reflect an optimistic outlook. With advancements in agricultural practices and technology, achieving these goals may be feasible. Continuous monitoring of weather patterns will be essential.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Climate change poses risks to agricultural productivity. Additionally, factors such as soil health and water availability must be addressed. Sustainable farming practices will be critical in overcoming these hurdles.
Importance of Food Security
Food security is a pressing issue in India. The government’s targets aim to ensure adequate food supply for its growing population. Achieving these production goals will contribute to national stability and economic growth.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of monsoon variability on India’s agricultural productivity.
- What is food security? Explain its significance in the context of India’s population growth.
- What are the major challenges facing Indian agriculture ? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Explain the role of technology in enhancing crop yields. How can it address the challenges in food production?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of monsoon variability on India’s agricultural productivity.
- Monsoon variability directly influences crop yields; adequate rainfall boosts production, while droughts can lead to failures.
- India’s agriculture relies heavily on the monsoon, with around 60% of farmland rain-fed.
- Inconsistent rainfall patterns can disrupt planting and harvesting schedules, affecting overall productivity.
- Regions with varying rainfall patterns experience different levels of agricultural success, leading to economic disparities.
- Climate change exacerbates monsoon variability, increasing the risks and uncertainties for farmers.
2. What is food security? Explain its significance in the context of India’s population growth.
- Food security is defined as ensuring that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
- It is critical for maintaining public health, reducing hunger, and promoting economic stability.
- With India’s population projected to surpass 1.5 billion, ensuring food security is essential to avoid crises.
- Food security impacts social stability, as food shortages can lead to unrest and economic challenges.
- The government’s agricultural targets aim to enhance food security amidst rising demand due to population growth.
3. What are the major challenges facing Indian agriculture? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Climate change poses risks like unpredictable weather patterns, affecting crop yields (e.g., droughts in Maharashtra).
- Soil degradation and nutrient depletion hinder productivity; overuse of fertilizers leads to long-term soil health issues.
- Water scarcity is challenge, especially in regions reliant on irrigation (e.g., Punjab and Haryana).
- Pest and disease management remains a concern, impacting crop quality and yields.
- Access to technology and modern farming practices is limited for many smallholder farmers, affecting their competitiveness.
4. Explain the role of technology in enhancing crop yields. How can it address the challenges in food production?
- Technology improves crop yields through precision farming, which optimizes resource use and increases efficiency.
- Advancements in biotechnology, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), enhance resistance to pests and diseases.
- Data analytics and AI can predict weather patterns, helping farmers make informed decisions about planting and harvesting.
- Drip irrigation and other water-saving technologies address water scarcity and improve irrigation efficiency.
- Mobile applications provide farmers with access to market information, weather forecasts, and best practices, empowering them to improve productivity.
