Push for Export-Oriented Agriculture and Pulse Self-Reliance

Context:

• Narendra Modi urged farmers to shift towards export-oriented crops to strengthen farm incomes, reduce import dependence, and enhance India’s position in global agri-markets.

• The appeal accompanied the launch of major agricultural initiatives aimed at self-reliance, productivity enhancement, and market integration, aligning with broader economic and governance reforms.

Key Highlights:

Major Government Initiatives

• Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana launched to strengthen the overall agricultural ecosystem.

• Pulses Self-Reliance Mission:

  • Financial outlay of over ₹11,000 crore.

  • Targets expansion of pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares.

  • Expected to benefit nearly 2 crore pulse farmers nationwide.

Focus on Pulses and Nutrition Security

• Pulses are a primary protein source for India’s largely vegetarian population.

• Increased domestic production aims to:

  • Reduce import dependence on pulses.

  • Stabilise prices and ensure nutritional security.

  • Support Atmanirbhar Bharat in food systems.

Export-Oriented Crop Strategy

• Farmers were encouraged to cultivate crops with strong global demand to:

  • Boost agricultural exports.

  • Integrate Indian farmers with international value chains.

  • Improve price realisation and income stability.

• Export orientation is seen as critical for:

  • Managing surplus production.

  • Enhancing competitiveness of Indian agriculture.

GST Reforms and Cost Reduction

• GST reforms have reportedly:

  • Doubled savings for rural households.

  • Reduced the cost of farm machinery; tractor prices fell by about ₹40,000.

• Lower input costs have:

  • Improved affordability of mechanisation.

  • Led to higher tractor sales, especially during the festive season.

Governance and Economic Rationale

• The initiatives reflect a shift from:

  • Subsistence-focused farming → market- and export-linked agriculture.

• Emphasise:

  • Policy-driven diversification

  • Income enhancement over mere output growth

  • Alignment of agriculture with trade and macroeconomic objectives

Challenges and Way Forward

• Success depends on:

  • Access to quality seeds, irrigation, and extension services.

  • Strengthening storage, logistics, and export infrastructure.

  • Ensuring price assurance and risk mitigation for farmers.

• Export-oriented strategy must be balanced with domestic food security concerns.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy

  • Prelims:

    • Pulses, export-oriented crops, GST impact on agriculture.

  • Mains:

    • Role of crop diversification and exports in doubling farmers’ income.

    • Reducing import dependence through targeted agri-missions.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance

  • Prelims:

    • Government initiatives for agriculture and self-reliance.

  • Mains:

    • Policy interventions to align agriculture with national economic goals.

    • Centre’s role in promoting nutritional security and rural welfare.