We need a body to provide advisories on crops to farmers, based on likely demand and supply conditions, and econometric models.
THERE IS SUPPOSED to be an inverse relationship between risk and reward. But that does not seem to be true of Indian agriculture. Farmers are at risk when the weather is good and also when it sours. Bad weather means poor harvests and lower incomes. Price slumps result in a similar outcome when the weather is blessed.
In the three years that this correspondent has covered agriculture with some diligence, he has seen potato prices dive from Rs 8 a kg to Rs 2 in 2015, followed by shooting prices the next year and a bust early this year. The wheat crop, about to be harvested, was laid low by freak hailstorms in 2015 in western Uttar Pradesh, resulting in widespread losses. The government diluted the quality norms for procurement, but the notification came after farmers had sold in distress, so traders benefitted.
Later that year, Punjab’s cotton farmers were devastated by an infestation of white flies and ineffective pesticides supplied by the government. In Bundelkhand, dry spells during four consecutive crop seasons forced small farmers into wage labour in cities. Around this time last year, Marathwada was in the throes of a drought and drinking water was supplied to Latur by train.
Copious rains during the monsoon season last year brought cheer to rural households. Precipitation across the country was just 3 per cent less than the long-term average. Abundant harvests followed, both during the summer and winter crop seasons, giving Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh reason to brag about his initiatives at a press conference on 22 May.
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Swarajya Mag.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Swarajya Mag.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Hesitant Orbit
In order to march boldly ahead into the deep space, New Delhi must work towards building a station, boost its techno-economic planning and use the Indian Space Research Organisation smartly.
Nudges And Narratives
The debate surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati brings India a complex network of portraits within a cultural world-system.
The Spell Of Specialisation
THE INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE NEEDS AN URGENT REJIG. THE KEY TO SPEED AND EFFICIENCY LIES IN PUTTING AN END TO A GENERALIST APPROACH AND IN GOING FOR A NEW SERVICE.
The Great Gamble
With demonetisation, the prime minister has taken a huge risk— both economic and political. He must succeed, because this move could transform both our economy and our society.
The Lies And The Truth
The government must be bold enough to up-end the activists who are coming in the way of the nation’s agricultural progress.
Figuring Out China
China’s economic footprint is being followed by its military footprint. To know that is not be belligerent but to prepare oneself adequately.
Management 108
The Upanishads Have A Lot To Teach Today’s Executives When Outcomes Are Unpredictable, Relationships Complex, And Change Is The Name Of The Game.
Sunny Days Ahead
THE NEW GUIDELINES FOR TAXI SERVICES ARE SENSIBLE, RATIONAL, AND MORE THAN WELCOME.
The Cultural World-System
Despite much talk of “soft power”, the fact is that whichever way you slice it, Indian culture fares poorly at seeking or exercising it
The Hard Way Forward
India has been focused on software, but there are large opportunities to be seized in hardware. A primer, and some busting of myths.