Agricultural Milestones at the Kharif Campaign Conference 2023-24

The National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2023-24 was held on 3rd May 2023, where farmers from across the country gather to discuss and strategize for the upcoming agricultural season. This conference, inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, highlights the significance of agriculture as the backbone of India’s economy and its role in the country’s socio-economic development. With agriculture accounting for 19% of the GDP and supporting two-thirds of the population, the sector’s growth has significantly contributed to the country’s overall progress. The conference aimed to review crop performance, set targets, facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies, and ensure the supply of critical inputs.

Overview

During the conference, key achievements in India’s agricultural sector were highlighted, showcasing the robust growth and record-breaking production levels. With an average annual growth rate of 4.6% over the past six years, India’s agriculture sector has witnessed substantial progress. The country has achieved remarkable milestones in food grain and horticultural production, surpassing previous records. The National Conference on Agriculture set ambitious targets for the production of food grains, pulses, oilseeds, and millets, aiming to enhance productivity through advanced agricultural practices.

Important Bullet Points

1. India’s food grain production for the year 2022-23 is estimated at 3,235 lakh tonnes, higher by 79 lakh tonnes compared to the previous year. Similarly, horticultural production is estimated at 3,423.3 lakh tonnes, a significant increase of 77.30 lakh tonnes over the previous year.
2. The government’s priority is to plan agro-ecologically based crop diversification to balance excess commodities like rice and wheat with deficit commodities like oilseeds, pulses, and high-value export earning crops.
3. The introduction of the Special Mustard program during the rabi season of 2020-21 yielded remarkable results. Mustard production increased by 40% in the last three years, with a productivity growth of 11%. The area under rapeseed and mustard also saw a 29% increase, thanks to timely actions taken by the central and state governments.
4. India celebrated the International Year of Millets (IYM) in 2023, recognizing the global demand for millets. Millets, known as “Smart Food” or “Nutri-Cereals”, play a crucial role in diversifying agri-food systems and promoting economic and ecological resilience. India aims to become an international hub for millets by increasing production, processing, and consumption while encouraging research and development.
5. Agriculture exports from India experienced a historic high growth rate in 2021-22, with an increase from 41.86 billion USD to 50.24 billion USD, reflecting a 19.99% growth. The government has implemented measures to boost crop and livestock productivity, ensure price support for farmers, promote crop diversification, enhance credit availability, and facilitate mechanization.
6. The conference highlighted recent technological advancements in agriculture, such as bio-fortified and climate-resilient varieties, contributing to food and nutritional security. Additionally, the government has launched initiatives like the SATHI Portal and Mobile App for seed traceability and the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (IFMS) to ensure efficient agricultural practices and improve soil health.
7. To support farmers during the upcoming Kharif season, the government assured timely supply of fertilizers and announced the conversion of fertilizer shops into Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras. These centers will provide farmers with fertilizers, seeds, soil testing services, and valuable farming information.
8. The conference encouraged collaboration among various stakeholders, including state governments and expert institutes, to develop and implement strategies for increasing crop coverage, production, and productivity. The Principal Secretaries from Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharashtra, took the opportunity to present their states’ strategies and insights to promote sustainable agricultural development in their respective regions.
9. The conference set ambitious targets for the production of foodgrains and other commodities. The targets for total food grains production in 2023-24 were set at 3320 lakh tonnes, with specific targets for pulses and oilseeds. Millets production is expected to increase from 159.1 lakh tonnes to 170.0 lakh tonnes. The strategy involves increasing crop area through inter-cropping and diversification and enhancing productivity through high-yielding varieties and suitable agronomic practices.

Conclusion

The National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2023-24 showcased India’s agricultural achievements and outlined strategies to further enhance productivity and ensure food security. With a focus on crop diversification, technological advancements, timely input supply, and collaborations, the government aims to drive sustainable growth in the agriculture sector. By leveraging innovative approaches and fostering partnerships, India is well-positioned to strengthen its agricultural ecosystem and uplift the lives of its farmers, contributing to the overall progress of the nation.