How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in the recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millet production and consumption.

GS 3

Economy

2018

15 Marks

India's agricultural landscape has witnessed significant transformations in cropping patterns, driven by policy interventions and climate resilience needs. The renewed focus on nutritionally-rich and climate-smart crops, particularly millets, exemplifies this strategic shift.

Millets Shree Anna Triad Diagram Overview

Policy-Driven Changes in Cropping Patterns

Government Initiatives: Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) and enhanced Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanisms have encouraged farmers to diversify beyond traditional crops
Climate Adaptation: Increasing focus on drought-resistant and climate-resilient crops due to erratic monsoon patterns and water scarcity issues
Market Dynamics: Rising domestic and international demand for organic and nutritious crops has influenced farmer preferences
Technology Integration: Adoption of precision agriculture and digital farming has enabled efficient crop selection and resource optimization
Export Orientation: Government's push for agricultural exports through schemes like Production Linked Incentive has shifted focus toward exportable crops

Emphasis on Millet Production

International Year of Millets 2023: India led global advocacy, resulting in increased awareness and policy support for millet cultivation
Enhanced MSP: Significant increase in MSP for 2024-25:
- Ragi: ₹4,290 per quintal (up from ₹3,846)
- Bajra: ₹2,625 per quintal
- Jowar: ₹3,371-3,421 per quintal
Production Growth: Total millet production reached 180.15 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with cultivation spanning 12.19 million hectares
Geographic Distribution: Major producing states include Rajasthan (27%), Karnataka (18%), Maharashtra (14%)
Research Support: Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) developing high-yielding varieties and sustainable cultivation practices

Promoting Millet Consumption

Initiative	Details
Institutional Procurement	Target of 2 million tonnes procurement in 2024-25
Mid-Day Meal Integration	Inclusion of millets in school feeding programs across states
Public Distribution	Integration into Public Distribution System for wider accessibility
Awareness Campaigns	'Millet Mission' promoting nutritional benefits and traditional recipes

Nutritional and Economic Benefits

Nutritional Security: Millets contain high protein, fiber, and micronutrients, addressing malnutrition challenges
Farmer Income: Better price realization and lower input costs compared to water-intensive crops
Export Potential: India exported ₹2,000 crores worth of millets in 2023-24, positioning as global supplier

The emphasis on millets represents India's transition toward nutrition-sensitive agriculture, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and climate adaptation strategies while ensuring farmer prosperity and food security.

Answer Length

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