According to estimates, the world’s population is about 7.5 billion and is projected to approach 9 billion by 2050. How to feed the ever-increasing humans is indeed a challenge to economists, planners and administrators. Farmers cannot depend on the age-old methods anymore and so have to seek help from science and technology. When many less developed nations faced hunger and starvation, agricultural scientists devoted their time and energy in trying to save humankind from impending disaster. Norman Borlaug, the American plant breeder who worked with Rockefeller Foundation in the US, moved to Mexico to conduct experiments with food crops, especially wheat which is staple food of Latin American countries. By 1960, Mexico produced sufficient wheat and corn to feed its fast growing population and export its surplus. For his successful achievement, Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. His deep commitment to research inspired an eminent Indian scientist Dr MS Swaminathan, responsible for the famous Green Revolution which saved the country from hunger and starvation.
Recognising the great significance of agriculture, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under Atal Behari Vajpaye constituted in early 2004 the National Commission for Farmers (NCF), which stressed on farmers rather than on agriculture. NCF was reconstituted by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in November 2004 under the chairmanship of MS Swaminathan. The fifth and final report of the commission came out with a lot of hope for the ailing farmer community as stated by Swaminathan: ”Time has come when policy interventions should address those who are behind the farming activities rather than the farm sector.” First report focused on crops and productivity, the second on ‘crisis to confidence’, the third on ‘agriculture renewal’, and the fourth presented ‘draft national policy on farmers’. One of the controversial issues involving farmers was the much debated Minimum Support Price (MSP). After proper investigation and calculation, procurement of foodgrains from farmers was accordingly revised so that all sides will benefit and the solution was MSP should be at least 50 per cent above weighted average cost of production.
The Second Green Revolution was growing crops like pulses and millets which are predominantly rain-fed crops in dry farming areas. Consequently, food crops produced within the country and successfully met domestic demand and surplus stock was exported. Even during Covid-19 pandemic during 2020-2021 the government could extend relief to the poor and needy through Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) which was announced by end-March 2020. Under this scheme, 80 crore people got 5kg. of wheat or rice and 1kg of preferred pulses for free every month besides other facilities. PMGKY was extended for the year 2021 as pandemic continued to hit the country affecting all sections of population, especially the poor segment. During talks with US President Joe Biden on April 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered to supply India’s food stock to the world if World Trade Organization (WTO) accords permission. Efficient leaders with vision are needed in our state and this is for the electorate to decide.