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Hindustan Times
04-08-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Why agriculture is key to building Viksit Bharat
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous reforms and farmer-centric initiatives have led to steady growth in the agriculture sector, and the country has achieved record production of paddy, wheat, maize, groundnut, and soybean. As per the third Advance Estimates for the production of major crops for the agricultural year 2024-25, total food grain production is estimated at 353.96 million tonnes (mt), India's highest production so far; it is also 40% more than it was in 2014-15. Indian agriculture has gone from stagnation and food insecurity before the 1960s to large surpluses today, disproving the Malthusian belief that population growth would outstrip food production. In 1967, William and Paul Paddock predicted a famine in India, claiming it couldn't feed its growing population and controversially argued against food aid, fearing it would worsen future starvation. The Green Revolution, driven by high-yielding rice and wheat varieties, agrochemicals, and irrigation, proved the Paddocks wrong by boosting India's foodgrain production from 74 mt in 1966-67 to 130 mt by 1979-80. Annual gains peaked at 8.1 mt (2014–2025). Horticulture also surged from 40 mt in the 1960s to 334 mt in 2024-25, with recent annual increases of 7.5 mt. Crop production has also become more stable due to advances made in developing stress-tolerant varieties and the adoption of resilient farming practices. India's dairy, poultry, and fisheries sectors have seen remarkable growth. The White Revolution, starting in the 1970s, boosted milk production from 20 mt to 239 mt by 2023-24, rivalling Europe. The Blue Revolution in the 1980s raised fish output from 2.4 mt to 19.5 mt by 2024-25, making India the second-largest seafood producer and exporter. Poultry evolved from being a backyard activity to an industry, with egg production rising from 10 billion to 143 billion, and poultry meat from 113,000 tonnes to five million tonnes over the same period. Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, animal-source food production saw unprecedented growth: Milk rose by 10.2 mt annually, eggs by 6.8 billion units, broiler meat by 217,000 tonnes, and fish (mainly aquaculture) by 780,000 tonnes. Technological advances in breeding, resource management, and skilled manpower have driven this surge. High-value foods like fruits, vegetables, and animal products now outpace foodgrain growth, underscoring technology's key role in agricultural diversification, improved nutrition, farmer income, and resilience to climate shocks. India's food production success highlights the transformative role of technology and policy in boosting nutrition, farmer incomes, climate resilience, and exports. Research by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) underscores high returns on investment in agriculture — ₹13.85 and ₹7.40 for every rupee spent on research and extension. Recent government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (irrigation), PM-KISAN (direct farmer support), the National Livestock Mission, and Blue Revolution have further strengthened agricultural growth by enhancing resource use, reducing risks, and promoting technology adoption across the agri-food system. By 2047, India aims to become a developed nation. Its economy must grow at 7.8% annually, with a projected population of 1.6 billion — half in urban areas. This shift will double overall food demand, with demand for fruits, vegetables, and animal-based foods expected to triple, while cereal demand remains stable, leading to surpluses. However, rising urbanisation and industrialisation will shrink agricultural land from 180 million hectares (mha) to 176 mha, and average landholdings from one hectare (ha) to 0.6 ha. This will increase pressure on water and agrochemicals, risking resource degradation. The climate crisis poses an even greater threat, endangering sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. India's evolving agri-food challenges call for a realignment of production strategies. Even as the country exports 20 mt of water-intensive rice annually, groundwater sustainability is at risk. Meanwhile, it relies heavily on imports of edible oils and pulses. To ensure food security, protect farmer interests, and conserve resources, crop planning must prioritise water-efficient crops such as oilseeds and pulses, alongside sustainable farming practices. India can expand pulses and oilseeds cultivation on 12 mha of rice-fallow land left unused due to various constraints. However, low yields — 18-40% gaps in oilseeds and 31-37% in pulses — highlight the need for technological advancements. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) reached 1.35 crore farmers across 728 districts, promoting improved practices through direct farmer-scientist interaction. To boost production and reduce imports, the government has also launched mission-mode schemes focused on high-yielding seeds for oilseeds, pulses, and cotton. Agricultural research holds immense potential to boost productivity, resilience, and resource efficiency while lowering costs and managing risks. With growing demand for timely information, modern tools such as AI and data analytics are transforming global agri-research. India currently invests ₹11,600 crore annually (0.5% of the agri-GDP) in R&D, with plans to increase funding and adopt a demand-driven approach. Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras, state extension systems, and Union-state coordination will link research more closely with farmers. Under the One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team vision, ICAR nodal officers are guiding state-level action plans to support Viksit Bharat. Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the Union minister for agriculture & farmers welfare, and rural development. The views expressed are personal.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From guns to gills: Modi hails Gumla's Blue Revolution started by ‘rebel'
Gumla: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday named Gumla's Om Prakash Sahu for "leaving illegal revolution and taking the country's 'Blue Revolution' to new heights". Interestingly, Prakash took to "revolution" as a member of the outlawed PLFI, a breakaway faction of CPI(Maoist), but over a decade and a half later, he has become the poster boy for the silent Blue Revolution in Gumla and the country. In 2008, Basia Block's Sahu was one of the local Gumla youths who took to arms when extremism was at its peak here. On Sunday, PM Modi in his monthly 'Maan ki Baat' talk show, cited how many people like Sahu have shunned the path of violence and are playing a big role in fish farming. Opening his talk show, Modi said, "Sometimes the most radiant light emerges from where darkness dwells the most. One such example is the Gumla district of Jharkhand. There was a time when this area was known for Maoist violence. The villages of the Basia block were getting deserted. People lived in the shadow of fear. There was no possibility of employment, lands were lying vacant, and the youths were migrating… but then, a change began quietly. A young man named Om Prakash Sahu ji left the path of violence. He started fish farming. Then he inspired many friends like himself to do the same." He added, "His efforts had an immense impact. Those who were taking to guns have now taken up fishing nets. "Friends, Om Prakash Sahu ji's beginning was not easy. There were protests and threats, but his courage did not wane. When the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was launched, he gained new strength. He received training from the govt…and help in making ponds… and within no time, the fishery revolution started in Gumla. " He added, "Today, more than 150 families of Basia block have joined fish farming. Many people were once Naxalites, but they are now living a life of respect in their villages and even providing employment to others. This journey of Gumla teaches us – if the path is right and there is trust in the mind, the lamp of development can be lit even in the most difficult circumstances."
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
In meeting with Shah, Naidu seeks support for Polavaram-Banakacherla link project
In meetings with Union ministers in New Delhi, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu sought the Centre's support for the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project, which he said would help drought-proof the Rayalaseema region. Naidu said the project proposes to divert 200 TMC of floodwater from Polavaram to the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district. Even after meeting the needs of upper and lower riparian states, surplus water from the Godavari flows for 90 to 120 days, he told Shah. Andhra Pradesh, being the last state on the river's course, has a rightful claim to fully utilise this water, he said. The Chief Minister said a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be submitted soon and sought timely approvals. The Polavaram project is located in Eluru and East Godavari districts, while Banakacherla lies in Kurnool. The plan involves a three-part water transfer system: the Bollapalle reservoir in Palnadu district, lift irrigation systems, and tunnels through the Nallamala hills. Naidu said the project would support national missions such as Jal Jeevan, Blue Revolution, and Make in India. He also raised concerns about the state's financial condition and urged the Centre for additional support. He informed Shah that the 16th Finance Commission has been requested to consider the financial losses suffered by Andhra Pradesh due to bifurcation while allocating funds. In his meetings with Shah and NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat, Naidu also raised other issues concerning the state's development. The Chief Minister thanked the Centre for its support during the state's 'challenging times' over the past year and said Andhra Pradesh is working to rebuild its economy with Central assistance. With Saraswat, Naidu discussed plans to set up aerospace and defence industries in the Rayalaseema region. They spoke about the region's suitability for such industries and steps needed to attract investment. Delhi Metro Rail Managing Director Dr Vikas Kumar also met the Chief Minister. They discussed cooperation on the construction of metro projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
17 farmers honoured by fisheries institute
Kolkata: Tapan Maity from Jharkhali promotes collective farming and manages high-yield fish culture, benefiting the local farming community. Former software engineer-turned-fish farmer Deepu Sasidharan from Ernakulam, Kerala, specialises in Pearlspot seed rearing and seabass farming. Pushpa Devi, a homemaker from Kaushambi, UP, adopted scientific tech-niques for seed production of Pangasius and Indian major carps. They were among 17 fish farmers awarded by ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, on National Fish Farmers Day, 2025, on Thursday. ICAR–CIFRI, Barrackpore, observed the day with focus on innovation, inclusivity and sustainable inland fisheries. The legacy traces back to July 10, 1957, when Hiralal Chaudhury and his team first achieved success in induced breeding of carp at Angul Fish Farm, Cuttack — a breakthrough that catalysed India's first Blue Revolution. This year's celebration was graced by junior Union minister Sukanta Majumdar as chief guest. Also present were Dr Ravishankar CN, former director & VC, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, and Kallol Paul, VC of Kalyani University. The programme brought together over 120 participants. Majumdar underlined the importance of sustainable and science-driven aquaculture. Dr BK Das, director, ICAR-CIFRI, shared the institute's vision of enhancing productivity in reservoirs, wetlands and rivers. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Centre invested Rs 38,572 Cr in fisheries sector since 2015, doubling fish production: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): The Central government has cumulatively invested Rs 38,572 crore in the fisheries sector since 2015, resulting in a doubling of fish production in the country, a press release stated. According to the press release by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, since 2015, the Government of India has infused an accumulative investment to the tune of Rs 38,572 crore in the fisheries sector. As a result, India's fish production rose from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14 to a record 195 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25, marking 104 per cent growth. Inland fisheries and aquaculture witnessed a 140 per cent increase. India's seafood exports have crossed Rs 60,500 crore, with shrimp production jumping by 270 per cent over the last decade. The investment in the fisheries sector has been made under the government's Blue Revolution initiative. As per the Department of Fisheries' website, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has merged all ongoing schemes under the umbrella of Blue Revolution. Meanwhile, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, will launch several key initiatives at the National Fish Farmers Day 2025 celebrations at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, on July 10. The initiatives include the announcement of new Fisheries Clusters, the release of the ICAR Training Calendar, and the unveiling of guidelines on seed certification and hatchery operations aimed at ensuring quality, standardisation, and capacity building in the fisheries sector. The Union Minister will also felicitate fisheries beneficiaries, including traditional fishers, cooperatives/FFPOs, KCC cardholders, and promising fisheries start-ups. In addition, virtual foundation stones will be laid, and select PMMSY-supported fisheries projects will be inaugurated, marking a strong push towards infrastructure development, entrepreneurship promotion, and inclusive growth in the sector, the press release said. National Fish Farmer Day 2025 is celebrated to honour and commemorate the contributions of Professor Dr Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr K. H. Alikunhi, who guided the induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps using the Hypophysation technique on this day in 1957, which eventually led to a revolution in Inland Aquaculture. (ANI)
