Subject: Indian Geography

India's transformation from a food-deficit nation in the 1960s to a prominent food exporter represents a remarkable journey in agricultural self-sufficiency and export capabilities. This shift has been driven by multiple factors including technological advancements, policy reforms, and institutional support.

Technological Advancements

• Implementation of Green Revolution technologies including High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, modern irrigation methods, and chemical fertilizers.
• Adoption of precision farming techniques and climate-smart agriculture practices to enhance productivity.
• Development of robust cold chain infrastructure and storage facilities reducing post-harvest losses.

Policy Initiatives and Institutional Support

• Introduction of Minimum Support Price (MSP) system ensuring remunerative prices to farmers.
• Establishment of Food Corporation of India (FCI) for procurement and distribution.
• Implementation of Agricultural Export Policy 2018 promoting export-oriented production.
• Creation of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for export promotion.

Production Achievements

• India achieved record foodgrain production of 332.22 million tonnes in 2023-24 crop year.
• Rice production reached 137.82 million tonnes while wheat touched 113.29 million tonnes, marking historic highs.
• India's share in global agricultural trade stands at 2.4%, with significant presence in organic food market at 2.5%.

Research and Development

• Establishment of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) centers nationwide.
• Development of region-specific crop varieties suitable for different agro-climatic zones.
• Investment in biotechnology and genetic improvement programs.

Infrastructure Development

• Expansion of irrigation facilities through major and minor irrigation projects.
• Development of rural road connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
• Creation of specialized Agri-Export Zones (AEZs) to boost exports.

India's journey from food scarcity to food surplus exemplifies successful implementation of agricultural reforms and technological adoption. With continued focus on sustainable agriculture and export promotion through initiatives like "One District One Product", India is poised to strengthen its position as a major global food supplier.