The Kharif rice procurement for the 2024-25 season has shown varied results across different state of Indias. While Punjab and Haryana have seen a decline in procurement, states like Madhya Pradesh and Bihar have reported increases. The Agriculture Ministry has estimated a record production of Kharif rice at 119.93 million tonnes, marking a 6% year-on-year growth.
Current Procurement Overview
The procurement of Kharif rice commenced in October 2024. The target for total procurement was set at 492.11 lakh tonnes. As of December 2024, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) achieved about 64% of this target. The procurement in Punjab reached 116.30 lakh tonnes, which is lower than the previous year’s 124.35 lakh tonnes. Haryana’s procurement also fell from 39.49 lakh tonnes to 35.99 lakh tonnes.
State-wise Performance
Chhattisgarh reported decrease in procurement, with figures dropping by 37% to 52.84 lakh tonnes. In contrast, Telangana saw a 4% increase, and Uttar Pradesh recorded a 5.5% rise in procurement. Madhya Pradesh exhibited remarkable growth with a 43.5% increase, reaching 16.65 lakh tonnes. Andhra Pradesh, despite recent natural disasters, reported a 77% increase in procurement.
Factors Influencing Procurement
The decline in Punjab and Haryana’s procurement can be attributed to a shift in crop diversification policies and an earlier harvest in the previous season. Additionally, the state governments’ pricing strategies, such as bonuses above the Minimum Support Price (MSP), have influenced farmers’ selling decisions.
Future Expectations
Experts predict that total procurement could approach 500 lakh tonnes if current trends continue. The situation in states like Odisha, which exhibited a decrease in procurement, may improve as the state government has announced higher MSPs.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the overall increase in rice production, challenges remain. Weather conditions, market fluctuations, and government policies will play crucial roles in shaping the future of Kharif rice procurement. The performance of states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, which also reported lower procurement, will need monitoring in the coming months.
Conclusion on Production Estimates
The Agriculture Ministry’s estimates indicate a robust increase in Kharif rice production for the 2024-25 season. The projected figure of 119.93 million tonnes reflects an upward trend, providing optimism for stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of government policies on Kharif rice procurement in India.
- What are the reasons for the fluctuations in rice procurement among different states in India? Provide examples.
- Estimate the potential effects of climate change on agricultural production in India.
- Point out the significance of crop diversification in enhancing food security in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of government policies on Kharif rice procurement in India.
- Government policies, such as Minimum Support Price (MSP), directly influence farmers’ decisions to sell their produce.
- Subsidies and bonuses offered by state governments can encourage higher procurement levels.
- Crop diversification initiatives aim to reduce dependency on paddy, impacting procurement volumes in traditional states like Punjab and Haryana.
- Procurement policies also affect the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) ability to meet targets, influencing overall market stability.
- Changes in harvesting periods and crop patterns, driven by government policies, can lead to fluctuations in procurement statistics.
2. What are the reasons for the fluctuations in rice procurement among different states in India? Provide examples.
- Variations in rainfall and weather conditions can affect crop yields and harvesting times, leading to procurement fluctuations.
- State-specific policies, such as pricing strategies and bonuses, can either incentivize or deter farmers from selling their rice.
- For instance, Madhya Pradesh saw a 43.5% increase due to effective government support, while Chhattisgarh faced a 37% drop due to lower MSP offerings.
- Crop diversification efforts in Punjab and Haryana resulted in reduced procurement, contrasting with states like Andhra Pradesh, which reported a 77% increase despite natural disasters.
- Market demand and supply dynamics also play important role in influencing procurement levels across states.
3. Estimate the potential effects of climate change on agricultural production in India.
- Climate change can lead to unpredictable weather patterns, affecting planting and harvesting schedules.
- Increased frequency of extreme weather events (droughts, floods) can diminish crop yields and threaten food security.
- Shifts in temperature and rainfall can alter the suitability of regions for specific crops, requiring adaptation strategies.
- Changes in pest and disease prevalence due to climate shifts may impact crop health and yields.
- Long-term impacts could include reduced agricultural productivity, necessitating policy adjustments and innovations in farming practices.
4. Point out the significance of crop diversification in enhancing food security in India.
- Crop diversification reduces dependency on a single crop, mitigating risks associated with crop failure.
- It enhances soil health and biodiversity, leading to more sustainable agricultural practices.
- Diversified cropping systems can improve farmers’ income stability by providing multiple revenue streams.
- It can help address nutritional needs by promoting a variety of food crops, contributing to overall food security.
- Government initiatives promoting diversification can lead to more resilient agricultural systems in the face of climate change and market fluctuations.
