In the 1960s, India faced recurring famines and food shortages, leading to dependence on imports like PL-480 wheat from the US. However, by 2022–23, India had become the 2nd largest producer of rice and wheat and a significant net exporter of foodgrains, reflecting a structural transformation in its agricultural economy.

Reasons for the Shift from Net Food Importer to Exporter

1. Green Revolution (1965 onwards)

   • Introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and western UP.
   • Wheat production grew from 11 million tonnes (1960s) to over 110 million tonnes (2022).
     

     Food production in India 1950s vs 2020s

2. Government Support & MSP Regime

   • Institutional support via Minimum Support Price (MSP), procurement by Food Corporation of India (FCI), and public distribution system (PDS).
   • Encouraged large-scale cultivation and marketable surplus.

3. Irrigation and Infrastructure Expansion

   • Canal networks (like Indira Gandhi Canal), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), and rural electrification worked in synergy to expand irrigation facilities in India.
   • Reduced monsoon dependence and stabilized yields.

4. Agri-Research and Extension Services: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) helped develop region-specific cropping techniques and climate-resilient varieties.

5. Policy Shifts towards Agri-Exports

   • Launch of Agri Export Policy 2018 and identification of 46 export hubs.
   • India now exports rice, wheat, sugar, spices, marine products, and processed foods to over 100 countries.

6. Diversification and Value Addition

   • Growth of horticulture, dairy, and fisheries with targeted schemes like Operation Greens, Blue Revolution, and PM Kisan Sampada Yojana.
   • India became world’s largest producer of milk (220 MMT in 2022–23).

7. WTO-compliant Subsidies and Global Market Access

   • Export subsidies phased out, replaced by infrastructure and logistics support.
   • Enhanced competitiveness in global markets (e.g., Basmati rice to the Middle East & EU).

8. Use of Digital and Agri-Tech Tools: Use of eNAM, Kisan drones, and mobile apps for weather, pricing, and supply chain planning increased farmer efficiency.

India’s transition from food insecurity to food surplus is a testament to visionary policy, scientific innovation, and farmer resilience. As the world faces new food security challenges due to climate change and geopolitics, India’s role as a “grain basket of the Global South” will continue to grow, provided sustainability and inclusivity are ensured.