INTRODUCTION:
The National Statistical Office is to release its data for this quarter on August 31, 2020. According to the NSO officials, in spite of agricultural production going up in the country, the GDP is contracting. This is the first time India is witnessing fall in GDP in spite of agricultural production going up.
The quarterly estimates of GDP began in 1996-97.
HIGHLIGHTING ISSUES:
- The GDP of India registered at -5.2% in 1979-80.
- In the same year, the agriculture growth was at 012%.
- Similar reduction was seen in previous contractions as well. In 1957-58, GDP growth was -1.2% and agricultural growth was -4.5%.
- In 1965-66, GDP growth was -3.7% and the agriculture growth wasv-11%.
MAIN AGRICULTURAL SCHEMES IN INDIA:
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Irrigation)
- National Agriculture Market
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (Organic Farming)
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (insurance)
- Mega Food Park Scheme
- Cold Storage scheme
- Soil Health Card
AGRICULTURAL TARGET IN INDIA:
- India is on the road of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
MARKETING AND REFORMS INDEX:
- The index is released by NITI Aayog. It ranks the states based on their initiatives taken in implementing farm sector reforms.
- It mainly includes Reforms in agricultural marketing, forestry on private land and land lease.
CHALLENGES IN AGRICULTURE:
- Farm Holdings: Around 50% of population is engaged in agricultural production in India. However, as farm lands are divided among family members, farm size is half of what it was 40 years ago.
- Irrigation: Majority of farm lands are still under unsustainable farm practices such as pumping, flooding that is depleting the aquifers.
- Subsidies: The Government subsidies provided to farmers have increased eight times between 1990-91 and 2006-07.
- Though fruits and vegetables comprise only 13.6% of total production, they contribute to 30% of post-harvest losses due to lack of cold storage facilities
- Around 60% of agricultural lands in India are at risk due to misuse of fertilizers, soil nutrient deficiencies and poor cropping pattern.
