Day 23 – Q. 4. Indian agriculture faces a dual challenge of boosting productivity while ensuring sustainability. In this context, discuss the need for crop diversification and the policy support required to promote it. (250 words, 15 marks)

Q. 4. Indian agriculture faces a dual challenge of boosting productivity while ensuring sustainability. In this context, discuss the need for crop diversification and the policy support required to promote it. (250 words, 15 marks)

Introduction 

India’s agriculture must increase productivity while conserving natural resources. The FAO notes that unsustainable practices threaten long-term output. In this context, crop  diversification offers a path toward balanced, climate-resilient growth. 

Body 

Dual Challenge of Productivity and Sustainability 

1. Stagnant Yields in Staples: Yield gains in rice and wheat are plateauing despite input  intensification. Economic Survey (2020–21) notes declining marginal returns in Green  Revolution areas. 
2. Soil and Water Degradation: Excessive fertilizer and water use degrades soil health and  depletes groundwater. Example: Punjab reports 85% blocks as over-exploited by Central Ground Water Board. 
3. Climate-Induced Losses: Extreme weather events affect crop output and income stability. Case: Unseasonal rains in Maharashtra (2023) caused widespread crop losses in  sugarcane and soybean. 
4. Nutritional Deficits and Dietary Imbalance: Overproduction of cereals leads to poor  dietary diversity. NITI Aayog advocates shift towards nutrient-dense crops to tackle  hidden hunger. 

Role of Crop Diversification 

1. Enhances Climate Resilience: Millets and pulses are better suited for variable rainfall and  rising temperatures. Case: Odisha’s millet mission led to both income and climate benefits. 
2. Improves Soil Health and Water Use: Legumes fix nitrogen; diversified patterns reduce  groundwater dependence. Example: Crop rotation with pulses in MP restored soil fertility. 
3. Boosts Farmer Income: Horticulture, spices, and floriculture offer better returns and  export opportunities. Case: Sikkim’s shift to organic horticulture increased farmer profitability. 
4. Promotes Dietary Diversity: Diversified food baskets lead to better community nutrition. NFHS-5 highlights improved dietary indicators in states promoting coarse grains and  vegetables. 

Policy Support Required 

1. Price and Procurement Reforms: Expand MSP and assured procurement beyond rice and  wheat. Shanta Kumar Committee suggested restructuring MSP and diversifying procurement. 
2. Agro-Climatic Zoning: Promote location-specific crops based on land and water  suitability. CACP urged agro-ecological zoning for better crop planning.
3. Infrastructure and Market Linkage: Invest in cold chains, storage, and processing for  perishable high-value crops. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) supports such  investments. 
4. Research, Training, and Extension: Strengthen ICAR and KVKs for capacity-building and  farmer advisories. Example: ICAR’s All India Coordinated Research Projects promote diversified cropping. 
5. Credit and Insurance Access: Improve credit for non-traditional crops and expand PMFBY  coverage. Case: Odisha included millets in state-level insurance pilot schemes. 
6. Awareness and Behavioural Change: Launch mass campaigns on ecological and economic  benefits of diversification. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promotes awareness and adoption. 

Conclusion

Swaminathan envisaged an “evergreen revolution”—productive agriculture without  ecological harm. Crop diversification, backed by strategic policies, remains essential for  sustainable, resilient, and inclusive farming.