Kisan-Vigyan Foundation (KAKV) announced the release of two whitepapers titled ‘Will India be Food secure in 2047’ and ‘Will India become self-sufficient in Pulses.’ These whitepapers were unveiled by Mr. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, during the National Agri Input Conclave held on Monday, 26th February 2024. The conclave, organized on the theme “Readiness of Agri Input Industry for Ensuring Food Security by 2047” by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, provided an ideal platform for the release.
The whitepapers highlight the challenges that India faces in achieving food security by 2047, as well as the options available to overcome these challenges. They also emphasize the necessary interventions required from both the government and the industry to ensure a food-secure future for the nation.
Manoj Ahuja, Secretary Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare said, “The yield gain we had in cereals is more than 300 percent since the 1950s but that is not the same in the case of pulses and oilseeds. This is where the government would invite a lot of private sector involvement and the right policy environment going forward. Farmers look at a crop from an economic perspective and will not diversify until they get the right yield and the monetary benefit associated with a new crop. If he can get the returns from pulses and oilseeds, I am sure he will shift his focus from cereals. R&D and technology will play a huge role in this area going forward. Another emerging area in the agriculture sector will be maize with the introduction of the policy on ethanol blending.”
Dr. Vasant P. Gandhi, Chairman, Kisan Vigyan Foundation (KAKV) in his address said, “The whitepapers highlight the current landscape and future outlook of food security and pulse productivity in India. Keeping the land holding and productivity constant, it will be difficult for India to be food secure by 2047 with the population estimated to reach 1.6 billion. Our objective is to bring in the restlessness among the people of the country and invite stakeholders to contribute with solutions to make this into an opportunity for growth and reducing our dependence on imports.”
India’s journey towards food security is of utmost importance, considering the growing population and increasing demands. These whitepapers serve as comprehensive guides, analyzing crucial aspects such as agricultural productivity, supply chain management, and government policies. They provide valuable insights into the strategies required to make India self-sufficient in pulses, as well as attain overall food security.
The release of these whitepapers marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a food-secure India. The findings and recommendations will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and all stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
