Busting myths about Indian Agriculture
Never judge a book by its cover
This is easier said than done
What possible sets of images appear in front of your eyes when you hear the word Indian Agriculture? I am certain that more than 50 percent of people start picturing barren land, poor farmers shredding blood and tears for a decent livelihood, the land being plowed by bullocks, to name the least. Agriculture in India is usually associated with poverty and illiteracy. This flimsy vision is being broken by the rapid development and constant education about Agriculture in India.
Agriculture contributes majorly to the GDP of our nation. India was ranked second globally in agricultural GDP along with agricultural production, contributing $325 billion in 2013. Indian agriculture is multifaceted, with a whopping contribution of 60% from horticulture and animal husbandry to the GDP. Both horticulture and livestock production share a large portion of small and marginal farmers. Thus, it plays a huge role in the development of the rural economy. India has bagged 2nd rank in vegetable production, 3rd in fish production, 4th and 5th in egg and poultry production respectively. The nation is also the largest milk producer globally. But, the myths about Indian agriculture prevent us from seeing the developments and analyze the possibilities of growth in the near future.
Its high time to bust some of the most common myths about Indian agriculture-
1. Myth: Indian farmers are a product of poor education
Fact: They are multi-skilled and efficient
This common belief almost exists everywhere that farmers lack knowledge about the market and advanced farming techniques. India’s population increased from 71 million to 138 million rapidly in a matter of few decades which resulted in the reduction of land holdings from 2.28ha to 1.15ha in 1970–71. Despite such a major stumbling block, the pace of agricultural production has not been hindered at all. This is solely the result of modern farming techniques and other advanced inputs. A farmer is expected to perform the roles of a weatherman, mechanic, veterinarian, businessman, marketer, scientist, and many more along with the job of farming. Thus, a farmer needs skills and knowledge for performing the same.
2. Myth: China is an agriculture powerhouse
Fact: India beats China in net agro-product trade despite being behind China in terms of production and agro-produce trade.
China and India were once known for chronic food shortages. This changed when these two countries became the world leaders in agricultural production that account for two-thirds of the world’s fruits and vegetable production. China has bagged the position of being the net importer of food, but with a trade deficit (in agro-products) in 2013. On the other hand, India is the net exporter of agricultural production with a trade surplus (in agro-products) of $22 billion. In simpler terms, India exports more agro-products than it imports. It is reversed in the case of China.
3. Myth: Indian agriculture is food-grains centric
Fact: Fruits and vegetables produce is more than food grains
The food grains production (rice and wheat) grew from 135 million tons (1991–92) to 199 million tons (2012–13). Fruits and vegetation production has grown from 88 million tons (1991–92) to 243 million tons (2012–13). The production and consumption of fruits and vegetables increased more than that of rice and wheat. Horticulture is the augmentation of Indian agriculture, making India emerge as the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables on a global level.
4. Myth: Indian farmers use intensive amounts of agrochemicals
Fact: India uses a lesser amount of agrochemicals as compared to any other developed or developing country.
The usage of agrochemicals in India has been recorded to be far lesser than in other developed and developing countries. India’s agrochemicals consumption is 0.6 kg per hectare which is marked as the lowest in the world as compared to the USA (7 kg/ha) and Japan (12 kg/ha). China, despite having lesser land cultivation (156 million ha) in comparison to India (196 million ha), uses around 13 kg/ha of crop protection chemicals. Taiwan has the highest consumption of agrochemicals (17 kg/ha).
5. Myth: Intensive agriculture leads to water pollution
Fact: States with leading agricultural activities are leading suppliers of inland fish too (Inland fishes are very sensitive to any kind of pollution).
There have been numerous claims stating that intensive agricultural activities lead to the exploitation of land and water at a phenomenally higher rate. But, these claims have been proven wrong as Andhra Pradesh and Punjab have flourishing aquaculture, despite being the leading states in agricultural production. Andhra Pradesh accounts for 2 million tons of the total 6.13 million tons of inland fish production, and Punjab has the highest fish productivity of 6560 kgs/ha. As fishes have a higher sensitivity to any type of pollution, it would have impacted inland fish production in these two states.
The Nation of Agriculture has a lot of potentials to break the walls of limitations and push through for development. This sector is the primary source of livelihood for many families in India and sure needs more open minds to incorporate in breaking through the clouds of myths. Working diligently for breaking through these myths can lead to further development of agriculture in India.
