Harvesting progress for '47: Invest in R&D, address farm political economy

Indian agriculture needs to break out from its current long-term growth trajectory of 4 per cent, and the country needs to invest more in research and rent long-term growth trajectory of 4 per cent, and the country needs to invest more in research and development (R&D), and address the political economy of farming if it wants to become a developed nation by 2047.

During a panel discussion at the Business Standard Manthan event in the national capital, agriculture experts and representatives of farmer groups emphasised the vital fact that agriculture needs to transform itself if farmer incomes are to grow, thereby pushing more people out of poverty.

The theme of the panel discussion was 'Role of Agriculture in a Developed India of 2047'.

NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand, eminent agriculture economist Ashok Gulati, and Chairman of Bharat Krishak Samaj Ajay Vir Jakhar were part of the panel. "There are studies which show that 1 per cent growth in agriculture is four to five times more powerful in reducing poverty thanthe manufacturing or overall non-agricultural sectors. Therefore, to achieve inclusive growth, agriculture is important," said Chand.

Ashok Gulati, distinguished professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (Icrier), and a well-known agriculture economist, said that the first challenge is not only to feed people but to feed them well. "I'm not only looking at food security but also nutritional security. Currently, 35 per cent of children below the age of five are stunted. They will become a part of the workforce by 2047. If they are stunted, their earning capacity will be much less. Why are they stunted? There are many reasons for the same. Our soils have become deficient in zinc. Our wheat and rice have become deficient in zinc. This deficiency of zinc is leading to stunting," Gulati said.

Ajay Vir Jakhar, chairman of Bharat Krishak Samaj, a policy advocacy group, said that despite best efforts, agriculture policy is one big bottleneck which will grind Viksit Bharat (Developed India) to a halt before 2047.