The Hindu Business Line : Second green revolution demands strategic re-think

If a Second Green Revolution is to be introduced, there must be a re-think on strategies. It cannot be technology intensive. Nor must it rely on GM crops. Also the needs of rainfed agriculture must be considered.

THE NEEDS of rainfed agriculture must be addressed.

Food is more than a commodity and agriculture ismore than an economic activity but humanity subordinated food to trade, laments Mr John Madeley, author, journalist and broadcaster, specialising in economic and social development issues, while discussing agriculture in the context of globalisation. It appears India too is tracing that path, more so when the discussion turns to the oft-touted Second Green Revolution (SGR); small and marginal farmers may get impacted if we bet on expensive technologies and agri-business.

The current mainstream thinking believes in leveraging information and communication technology, bio-technology, expanding rural infrastructure, agri-extension, and inexpensive farm credit to usher in the SGR. It is highlighted that technology, managerial skills and financial strength are required to transform agriculture into a prosperous agri-business.

Technology path

The country walked the path of technology and achieved Green Revolution in the 1960s. Many in the intelligentsia opine that we must tread further on this path. But we need also to review our experiences so far to help chart the future course without forgetting that the majority of India is made up of rural population.

Of the about 140 million hectares of net cultivated area in India, about 45 million hectares are irrigated producing 55 per cent of the food output and the rest of it comes from the 95 million hectares of rainfed area. About 50 per cent of this irrigated area is served by groundwater sources and policies such as free power are wrecking the aquifers.

Cap on irrigated area

There will be a cap on irrigated area despite best efforts and a large parcel will always remain rainfed. Most small and marginal farmers live in rainfed areas and produce millets, pulses and oilseeds. The Green Revolution of the 1960s made India food-secure and saved us from humiliation. This was a result of support services and external inputs such as, improved seeds, agro-chemicals, agri-extension, support prices, credit, all revolving around irrigated rice and wheat crops. But the Green Revolution did not touch the rainfed areas and is anyway fading out.

Thus, the moot point is should we usher in another green revolution, and should it be powered by the controversial Genetically Modified (GM) crops? The visit of the US President, Mr George Bush, to the Agricultural University in Hyderabad in March indicates such overtures as American multinational corporations are to collaborate with agricultural universities under the India-US knowledge initiative in agriculture. Should we not explore alternatives? And, what about the rainfed areas?

Agri in rain-deficit areas

Agriculture in rain-deficit areas cannot be a money-spinning avocation but plays a strong role in providing food, fodder and fuel-wood security. Rainfed farming in true spirit is ecologically diverse and environmentally sustainable. It achieves a finely-orchestrated balance wherein farm animals, crops and humans harmoniously complement one another. Rain-fed farming is typically mixed crop-oriented, as it is the best insurance against the unpredictable rains. Energy efficiency of such farming is high as there is no dependence on external inputs and there is no wastage.

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, rightly pointed out, at the 93rd Indian Science Congress in January, that the "technologies and strategies unleashed by the first Green Revolution have run the course". He further said that there was a need for second Green Revolution with a special focus on dry land agriculture and marginal farmers with an emphasis on solar energy, biomass and appropriate animal husbandry targeted at the poor. He also endorsed the five-point programme of the National Commission on Farmers: soil-health enhancement, water harvesting, water conservation and equitable use of water, affordable credit and life insurance. The Prime Minister's focus is precisely on sustainable rainfed farming which promotes ecological affluence.

Knowledge-centric agriculture

The need of the hour, thus, is to research how to move away from the external-input centric to knowledge-centric agriculture, especially in the rainfed areas. The agricultural policy has been driven by Green Revolution technologies even for the rainfed areas whereas they primarily suit irrigated agriculture. The rainfed farmers require a different kind of support that suits the moisture-stress regime and that need not necessarily be hi-technology.

Redefining agricultural policy

This is an opportune time to redefine the agricultural policy, separately focussing on irrigated and rainfed farming. The second green revolution has to be ushered in irrigated areas but the options need to be weighed and experience factored in. World over, debates are raging on GM crops and the environmental pollution they may cause as their genes can affect the already dwindling crop diversity.

This is the time to be wiser as we are in a position of strength as a nation compared to the 1950/1960s. Let enlightened self-interest guide us in taking a decision on our future and sovereignty.

(The author is Deputy General Manager, Nabard, Hyderabad. The views are personal and not of his organisation. He can be contacted at vssk@hotmail.com)