The Survey says that the country has been able to manage one of the most deficient monsoons with concerted efforts of the State Governments and the Centre. Several incentives and concessions allowed to farmers by the States and Central Government resulted in minimizing the loss in kharif production and maximizing rabi production. The sector , however, faces various challenges which need to be addressed sooner than later says the Survey.
Although the yield per hectare of foodgrains has shown some improvement in recent years, it is not sufficient to cater to the needs of the rising population when income levels are also rising. Since farm productivity is not showing desirable growth, the Survey feels that there is an urgent need to focus on research as well as better agricultural practices to ensure that productivity levels are increased in the shortest period of time. The Survey feels that special attention is required for States with relatively low productivity.
The Survey has also expressed concern regarding the production and productivity in pulses and oilseeds. Though a sizeable portion of these items is met through imports, the scope of import of pulses is limited due to the limited number of countries producing it. This resultant supply-demand gap, leads to the fluctuation of domestic prices.
The Economic Survey has raised deep concern over the consistent decline in the share of private sector investment in the agriculture sector. It says that this trend needs to be reversed through creation of a favorable policy environment and availability of credit at reasonable rates on time for private sector to invest in agriculture.
The Survey has also said that the inability of a large number of small and marginal farmers to directly access the agricultural markets puts a question mark on increases in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) actually benefiting such farmers though there has been a substantial increase in MSP of various crops over the last few years.
The Survey has also called for crop improvement and research to develop drought resistant high yielding varieties of seeds in view of the adverse of climate change of all agriculture.
Need to address challenges of Indian agricultural sector - Economic Survey 2009-10
Special Correspondent - 2010-02-25 08:14
New Delhi: The Economic Surrey 2009-10 tabled today in the parliament has called for addressing the challenges of the agricultural sector through comprehensive and coordinated efforts. Renewed attention needs to be paid to improving farm production and productivity, better utilization of agricultural inputs, proper marketing infrastructure and support, stepping up investment in agriculture with due emphasis on environmental concerns and efficient food management.