Points to Remember:
- Increased agricultural productivity and income for farmers.
- Sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
- Improved resource use efficiency (water, fertilizers, etc.).
- Enhanced farmer resilience to climate change impacts.
- Inclusive growth benefiting small and marginal farmers.
Introduction:
India’s Green Revolution, starting in the 1960s, dramatically increased food production through the adoption of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops, irrigation, and chemical fertilizers. However, it also led to environmental degradation, regional disparities, and farmer indebtedness. The “Second Green Revolution,” also known as the Evergreen Revolution, aims to address these shortcomings while further boosting agricultural output to meet the demands of a growing population. It focuses on sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusivity, unlike its predecessor’s singular focus on yield maximization.
Body:
1. Enhancing Productivity and Income:
The primary objective remains increasing agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. This involves promoting the use of improved crop varieties, precision farming techniques, and efficient irrigation systems. The focus is on increasing yields per unit of land and water, thus maximizing returns for farmers. Government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) aim to supplement farmer income.
2. Sustainable Resource Management:
Unlike the first Green Revolution, the second emphasizes sustainable resource management. This includes promoting water conservation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers through integrated nutrient management (INM), and promoting organic farming practices. The goal is to minimize the environmental footprint of agriculture while ensuring long-term productivity. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a key initiative in this regard.
3. Climate Change Resilience:
Climate change poses a significant threat to Indian agriculture. The Second Green Revolution aims to develop climate-resilient farming systems that can withstand extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heat waves. This involves promoting drought-resistant crops, developing climate-smart agriculture practices, and improving weather forecasting and early warning systems. The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) supports such initiatives.
4. Inclusive Growth and Farmer Empowerment:
The previous Green Revolution benefited larger farmers disproportionately. The Second Green Revolution aims to ensure inclusive growth by focusing on the needs of small and marginal farmers. This involves providing them with access to credit, technology, and markets, as well as promoting farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to enhance their bargaining power. Government schemes like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) contribute to this objective.
5. Technological advancements:
The second green revolution leverages technological advancements like precision agriculture, remote sensing, and GIS for better resource management, improved crop monitoring, and targeted interventions. This helps optimize inputs and maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact.
Conclusion:
The Second Green Revolution in India aims to build upon the successes of the first while addressing its limitations. Its objectives encompass increased productivity and farmer income, sustainable resource management, climate change resilience, and inclusive growth. Achieving these objectives requires a multi-pronged approach involving government policies, technological advancements, farmer participation, and private sector investment. Success will depend on effective implementation of existing schemes, further research and development in climate-resilient agriculture, and fostering a supportive policy environment that empowers farmers and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on holistic development and environmental sustainability, India can ensure food security for its growing population while preserving its natural resources for future generations, upholding the constitutional right to food and livelihood security.