India's Potential in Ensuring Global Food Security: Addressing Challenges and Harnessing Opportunities

India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, has significant potential to contribute to global food security. However, this potential is constrained by various factors such as water scarcity, population growth, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. This article explores how India can increase its agricultural productivity and address the challenges to become a key player in ensuring global food security.

Challenges in Agricultural Water Management

Producing one kilogram of wheat requires a significant amount of water—1500 liters. For rice, the amount is even higher, at 3500 liters. This reliance on water is indicative of the critical role it plays in agriculture. In a country of 1.4 billion people, the sustainable management of water resources is crucial. The over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural purposes highlights the need for more efficient water use and alternative methods such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation.

Increasing Agricultural Productivity

Despite the challenges, India must rely on modern and scientific cultivation techniques to enhance its agricultural productivity. As per the Union government's estimates, India's food production was 291.95 million tonnes in 2019-20. The target for 2020-21 was set at 298.3 million tonnes, a growth of only 2%. However, the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) projects that food grain demand will increase to 345 million tonnes by 2030. By 2050, food production must double to meet the population and income growth of the country.

India's Agricultural Strengths and Contributions

India is renowned for its diverse agricultural landscape, with 15 agro-climatic zones capable of growing a wide variety of crops. The country is the top producer of milk, spices, pulses, tea, cashew, and jute and the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, and cotton. Despite these advantages, the productivity of many crops in India is still quite low. To address this, the Indian government and other organizations are working on key challenges such as smallholdings, primary and secondary processing, supply chain infrastructure, efficient resource use, and marketing. Efforts are being made to reduce intermediaries and promote cost-effective, environmentally friendly technologies.

New Technologies and Startups in Agriculture

One of the most promising areas is the integration of information technology into agriculture. New technologies, private investments, and government efforts to rejuvenate the cooperative movement are driving innovation and growth. Startups, many run by highly educated young entrepreneurs, are also contributing. Cumulative effects of technology over the next decade will significantly change the face of agriculture.

Despite the challenges, India is already making progress in addressing food security needs. India is the largest producer and exporter of cereals. In 2020-21, India's cereal export stood at Rs. 74490.83 crores (approximately 10064.04 USD million), with rice, including Basmati and Non-Basmati, accounting for 87.6% of the total cereals exported. Wheat represents only 12.37% of the total cereals exported from India during the same period.

In conclusion, with the right policies and continuous efforts, India can harness its potential to ensure global food security. By increasing agricultural productivity, adopting sustainable farming practices, and leveraging technological advancements, India can play a crucial role in addressing the food security needs of the world.