Transforming India’s Agri-Food Sector: Recommendations for Viksit Bharat

by news
April 15, 2024

1. Food Systems Transformation:

  • Recognize the need for a holistic approach towards agriculture, aiming to increase productivity while reducing resource usage.
  • Prioritize investment in agri-R&D, innovation, and extension services to enhance total factor productivity.

2. Climate-Resilient Agriculture:

  • Address threats posed by extreme weather events due to global warming.
  • Invest in heat and flood-resistant seeds and water management technologies to ensure sustainable agriculture.
  • Promote “More crop per drop” practices through precision agriculture techniques.

3. Urbanization and Logistics Revolution:

  • Anticipate increased urbanization by 2047, necessitating efficient food transportation, storage, processing, and retailing.
  • Encourage private sector investments in logistics infrastructure by revising outdated laws and regulations.

4. Institutional Innovation for Smallholders:

  • Foster the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) or cooperatives to consolidate smallholder farms and facilitate better market access.

5. Nutritional Security:

  • Shift focus from food security to nutritional security, addressing malnutrition and stunting among children below the age of 5.
  • Explore fortification of staples with micro-nutrients such as Vitamin A, considering options like golden rice.

6. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):

  • Advocate for PPPs to drive efficiency and innovation in the agri-food sector.
  • Provide a supportive policy framework to encourage private sector participation, similar to schemes like PLI (Production Linked Incentive) for other industries.

These recommendations aim to steer India’s agri-food sector towards resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.