The government's Vision-2021 is mainly focused on achieving a middle income status. To materialise the vision, a strategy paper has been prepared for development of the agriculture sector under the 7th five year plan wherein performance of the 6th Five Year Plan has been analysed and evaluated, and strategies followed were reviewed. It was observed that self-sufficiency in rice production has been achieved, but other targets were either partly achieved or not achieved at all. Overall the targeted growth target for agriculture has not been achieved.
Government investment in agriculture went down within the plan period. In percentage term, allocation to agriculture decreased. Strategy adapted was not adequately explained in the planning document and in some cases the matter was presented very briefly.
While reviewing the agriculture related policy, it was stated that the farmers did not enjoy enough price security. Subsidy was increased but the policy should be recast before distribution among small and marginal farmers. Research initiative was minimal and the concerned department did very little to provide extension services compared to their demand. There was hardly any market observation regarding seeds. Success was limited in executing government procurement drive and price fixation of agricultural products and mechanisation of agriculture were not up to desired level. At this point, the issues of climate change and agriculture insurance were discussed. Limited success in agriculture in first of the two five year plans does not augur well for the government's reputation. Experts have long been of the opinion that policy of retreat, budget allocation and process of implementation shall not usher any basic change in agriculture. In reality it has happened so.
Limited success in the agriculture sector in achieving the 6th plan targets can be attributed to formulation of production and export centred strategy in agriculture and shortage of fund in financing and implementation of the same. Strategies not related to planning for sustainable development of rural economy were adopted which were also partly responsible. In fact, targets mentioned in the vision can not be achieved without a comprehensive agriculture reforms programme.
The redeeming feature of the whole scenario is the realisation of the government about policy lapses. But such realisation regarding nonachievement of the last five year plan targets will be meaningful only when the reasons thereof are addressed and appropriate strategies for the next five year plan are devised on the basis of such observation. Vision for agriculture in the 7th FYP should be to ensure food and nutrition safety through an agricultural system that is resistant to climate change.
The overall objective is intensification and diversification of agricultural production, sustainable use of natural resources and adaptability to climate change. The idea is to decentralise research and extension services, maintain autarchy in rice production, increase productivity and increase the real income of rural agricultural families, export agricultural products, use environment friendly technology, utilise surface water, process agricultural products and use information technology.
Target set is to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency in rice production, production and diversification of agricultural commodities. That is why, 4.5 per cent growth in agriculture with overall growth rate of 7 per cent in view has been proposed alongside development of agricultural technology and management development in all sub-sectors. The principle for sector specific policy formulation has been based on commercialisation of agriculture.
On the other hand, although the farmers face problems of procuring agricultural implements, finance and investment, they have no collective bargaining agent to ensure agriculture extension services, profitable price and market for agricultural commodities, mechanisation of agriculture, research and development activities, protection of biodiversity, helping women farmers and so on.
On the other hand, the focus of the 7th FYP is on sustainable and green agriculture, proper use of agricultural implements, utilisation of crop area and land, optimum utilisation of water resources, diversification of agriculture, introduction of developed agricultural practices, mechanisation of agriculture, value chain development, improved variety of livestock resources and animal food, development of production and marketing of livestock, fish culture in tanks and ponds, sustainable management of free water bodies and expansion of forest by controlling deforestation.
The strategy to lay greater emphasis on technology to intensify and diversify agricultural production appears to be one sided. Only increased production and export can not bring development for the farmers. Other determinants and impacts affecting overall development will also have to be taken into consideration.
If the 7th FYP has to face the same problems as 6th FYP did in terms of financing and implementation, the targets of Vision 2021 will remain unfulfilled. Investment in agriculture will have to be increased. The role of the government in agriculture will have to be expanded.
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