The recent National Conference on Kharif Crops 2020 saw the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare addressing key issues through a video conference, given the current lockdown situation. The primary points discussed aimed at doubling agricultural income in mission mode, educating farmers about government schemes, and implementing effective safety measures for the Agricultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Strategic Aims
The conference’s main objective was to address the implications of the lockdown on Kharif cultivation and plot out strategies in consultation with the States. Furthermore, it looked at ways to adopt the ‘doubling of farmers’ income’ initiative in mission mode. Efforts were made to encourage States to elaborate on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Card Scheme to each farmer, helping them understand and leverage these beneficial programs.
Employing Advanced Tools & Following Health Norms
The conference called for extensive use of the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) while urging the Agriculture sector to adhere to the Home Ministry’s exemptions and relaxations. As part of these health norms, social distancing and social responsibility measures were stressed.
Foodgrains Production Targets
In terms of foodgrains production, the target for the 2020-21 Financial Year has been set at 298.0 million tonnes. The previous year was productive as the actual output exceeded the targeted 291.10 million tonnes by around 0.9 million tonnes. This success was attributed to an increase in both the area coverage and productivity of crops, assisted by technological advancements such as varietal improvement as well as the coordinated efforts of Central and State Governments.
Changes in Agriculture Land & Output
Despite a reduction of about 2.74 million hectares in cultivable/agriculture land over the last two decades, Gross Cropped Area (GCA) increased from 182.28 to 196.50 million hectares owing to effective agricultural practices. The Net Area Sown remained stable at 140 million hectares. During the same period, foodgrains production has seen a significant rise from 169.92 million tonnes to 284.96 million tonnes, due to the effective implementation of various technological and policy interventions.
Boosting Economic Development through Agriculture
The conference highlighted that agriculture and horticulture have become primary factors driving economic development in many Indian States. Furthermore, with India being the second-largest producer of vegetables, the sector holds immense potential for future growth. However, despite being food surplus, there’s a need to boost the rural sectors’ productivity to ensure food and nutritional security.
New Initiatives & Schemes
Several new initiatives were applauded for their contribution to increasing crop production and farmers’ income. These include the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), e-NAM initiative, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana (PM-KPY), and Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).
Ensuring Uninterrupted Agriculture amidst Lockdown
The lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the establishment of the All India Agri Transport Call Centre, aimed at facilitating inter-state movement of perishables and ensuring that agriculture does not get affected. Further measures included secure procurement of Rabi crops at Village/Block levels, facilitating direct marketing or purchasing of crop produce from farmers, and providing special movement permissions for trucks and vehicles loaded with seeds and fertilizers for uninterrupted supply at Village/Block levels across the country.
Simplifying the National Food & Nutritional Security Mission (NF&NSM)
The format of the State Action Plan (SAP) has been simplified to ensure efficient planning and implementation of the NF&NSM. The mission focuses on foodgrain production and operates through State Agriculture Departments nationwide. SAP formulation and monitoring are guided by Project Monitoring Teams both on Central and State levels through field visits and farmers’ interaction. Geo-tagging interventions are also being employed to ensure transparency in program implementation.