Farm output a concern, especially in pulses

Since farm productivity is not showing growth, there is urgent need to focus on research and better agricultural practices.

The Economic Survey is concerned over the consistent decline in production and productivity of pulses. It said a lot needs to be done in this regard, to cater to the rising population.

It raised concern over the increasing dependence on imports to meet the demand for pulses. Total production in 2009-10 is estimated, at 4.42 million tonnes, to be eight per cent lower than the 2008-09 output and 32 per cent lower than the targeted production for the year, notes the Survey.

“Production and productivity in pulses and oilseeds are of growing concern. A sizeable proportion of these items is met through imports. The scope for import of pulses is limited, due to the limited number of countries producing it,” said the Survey. Since farm productivity is not showing growth, there is urgent need to focus on research and better agricultural practices to ensure productivity levels are increased as soon as possible, it said.
 

FARMING GROWTH Poor investment has kept growth poor                            % growth per annum
RICE	1949-65	1967-09
Area	1.21	0.5
Production	3.5	2.5
Yield	2.3	2.0
WHEAT
Area	2.7	2.0
Production	4.0	3.7
Yield	1.27	2.46

The survey noted the foodgrain area sown in the kharif season declined by 6.5 per cent compared to last year and food production is expected to be short by 16 per cent compared to the fourth advance estimates for 2008-09. It proposes renewed attention on improving farm output and yield, better utilisation of agricultural inputs, proper marketing infrastructure and steeping up of investment in agriculture, adding that coordinated efforts were required.

One of the world’s largest agrarian economies, the agriculture sector (including allied activities) in India accounted for 15.7 per cent of GDP (at constant 2004-05 prices) in 2008-09, compared to 18.9 per cent in 2004-05, and contributed 10.2 per cent of total exports during 2008-09.

On rising sugar prices, the Survey says delay in market release of imported raw sugar may have contributed.

According to the Central Statistical Organisation data quoted by the Survey, private sector investment in agriculture and allied sectors rose to Rs 114,145 crore in 2008-09 from Rs 86,967 crore in 2007-08. But, the share of public sector investment in agriculture and allied sectors declined to 17.6 per cent from 20.9 per cent in the period under review.