 |
|
The article presents an interview with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, focusing on his ministry’s Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VBSA) and the issues facing Indian agriculture. Chouhan emphasizes the significant increase in food grain production under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership since 2014, highlighting the use of new technologies and ongoing research by scientists. However, he also underscores the need for a unified approach involving all stakeholders, including Union and state government agriculture teams, research scientists, farmers, agricultural universities, and progressive farmers, advocating for a 'One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team' strategy. He mentions having held multiple meetings with state agriculture ministers to discuss a roadmap for the sector and aims to create a more effective structure for cooperation in the future based on his experiences during the VBSA campaign. The minister's visit to various states during the Abhiyan unveiled a range of regional challenges faced by farmers. In Odisha, farmers reported damage to mango crops due to climate change, while in Uttar Pradesh, they expressed concerns about diseases affecting sugarcane varieties. Both states requested the development of new crop varieties. In Karnataka and Maharashtra, farmers highlighted the need to increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, while water shortage was a common concern. A nationwide issue identified by farmers was the prevalence of substandard pesticides and seeds, leading to financial losses and harassment. They called for stricter laws to curb the sale of these substandard products. Chouhan acknowledges the shrinking agricultural land due to urbanization and industrialization but highlights technological advancements like solar panels combined with fruit and vegetable cultivation and hydroponics, which require less land. He recognizes the need for a balanced approach that considers the importance of agriculture alongside infrastructure development like highways, ports, and railway lines. Addressing the Prime Minister's target of doubling farmers' income by 2022, Chouhan cites examples of farmers achieving significant income increases through innovative farming practices. He acknowledges that income varies depending on factors such as farming methods, input usage, land size, and weather conditions, but asserts that overall, production and income are much better than before. The minister also suggests the creation of a model of integrated farming to address the increasing number of small and marginal farmers. This model would involve diversifying agricultural practices to include grains, fruits, vegetables, beekeeping, animal husbandry, and processing. Chouhan emphasizes the need for all relevant ministries to collaborate and think in one direction to support this integrated farming approach, suggesting more frequent and formal discussions among them.
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VBSA) emerges as a crucial initiative designed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and on-the-ground realities faced by Indian farmers. By deploying 2,000 teams comprising scientists, experts, officials, and progressive farmers across more than 700 districts, the campaign seeks to gather firsthand insights into the diverse challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector. This bottom-up approach allows the Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to gain a nuanced understanding of the regional variations in agricultural practices and the specific needs of farmers in different states. The emphasis on 'One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team' reflects a broader vision of fostering greater collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. This unified approach aims to streamline policy implementation, promote the adoption of best practices, and ensure that resources are effectively targeted to address the most pressing challenges. The minister's commitment to engaging with state governments, regardless of their political affiliation, underscores the importance of a collaborative and non-partisan approach to agricultural development. By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, the VBSA seeks to create a more conducive environment for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth in the sector. The identification of substandard pesticides and seeds as a major concern among farmers highlights the need for stricter regulatory oversight and enforcement. The proliferation of these substandard products not only undermines the productivity and profitability of farmers but also poses risks to human health and the environment. The call for stricter laws to curb the sale of these products underscores the urgency of addressing this issue through robust legislative and administrative measures. The acknowledgment of shrinking agricultural land due to urbanization and industrialization necessitates a proactive approach to land management and resource optimization. The promotion of technologies such as solar panels combined with fruit and vegetable cultivation and hydroponics represents a promising avenue for maximizing land use efficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity. These innovative approaches not only help to mitigate the impact of land scarcity but also create new opportunities for farmers to diversify their income streams and adapt to changing market demands. The minister's commitment to integrated farming models reflects a recognition of the need to diversify agricultural practices and create more resilient and sustainable farming systems. By integrating various agricultural activities such as grain production, fruit and vegetable cultivation, beekeeping, animal husbandry, and processing, farmers can reduce their reliance on single crops, enhance their income stability, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the discussion around doubling farmers' income by 2022, a target set by the Prime Minister, provides a context for evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural policies and programs. While Minister Chouhan cites examples of farmers achieving significant income increases, he acknowledges that these outcomes are not universal and depend on a variety of factors, including farming methods, input usage, land size, and weather conditions. This nuanced perspective underscores the importance of tailoring agricultural policies and programs to the specific needs and circumstances of different farming communities. The emphasis on creating a formal forum for collaboration among relevant ministries reflects a desire to improve coordination and alignment in agricultural policy-making. By bringing together representatives from various ministries, such as agriculture, rural development, water resources, and environment, the government can foster a more holistic and integrated approach to addressing the complex challenges facing the agricultural sector. This collaborative approach can also help to ensure that agricultural policies are aligned with broader national development goals, such as poverty reduction, food security, and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, the interview with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan provides valuable insights into the current state of Indian agriculture and the government's efforts to promote sustainable growth and improve the livelihoods of farmers. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, the emphasis on 'One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team', and the commitment to integrated farming models represent key elements of the government's strategy to transform the agricultural sector and achieve its ambitious goals. However, the success of these efforts will depend on effective implementation, strong collaboration among all stakeholders, and a continued focus on addressing the diverse challenges and opportunities facing Indian farmers.