India producing 330 mn tonnes of food grains, generating $50 billion in exports: Agriculture Minister

India’s agricultural output and export earnings soar amid challenges to soil health, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

India is now producing 330 million tonnes of food grains annually, making a significant contribution to the global food trade and generating $50 billion in export earnings, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Tuesday.

Speaking virtually at the ‘Global Soils Conference 2024‘ in New Delhi, Chouhan highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and ensuring food security for all. He emphasized the importance of maintaining soil health to safeguard future agricultural productivity.

However, the minister also pointed out several challenges that the Indian soil faces, particularly the increasing reliance on chemical fertilizers, over-exploitation of natural resources, and the impact of erratic weather patterns. These factors have led to severe pressure on the soil, contributing to what he described as a “major health crisis” for India’s soil.

“According to various studies, 30% of our soil has been degraded. Soil erosion, salinity, and pollution are reducing the levels of essential nitrogen and micronutrients, while the lack of organic carbon has weakened soil fertility and resilience,” Chouhan explained. He warned that these soil issues not only threaten agricultural production but also pose risks to the livelihoods of farmers and food security in the future.

To address these concerns, Chouhan outlined several government initiatives aimed at improving soil health. One key initiative is the ‘Soil Health Card’ program, launched in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More than 220 million cards have been issued to farmers, helping them monitor and improve soil quality on their farms.

The government has also focused on efficient water management through the ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Per Drop More Crop’ scheme, which encourages the judicious use of water, reduces waste, and minimizes nutrient residues. Chouhan stressed that maintaining soil fertility will require adopting integrated nutrient and water management practices, such as micro-irrigation, crop diversification, and agroforestry.

The minister also highlighted the importance of scientific innovations and extension services to support farmers. “We will soon launch the ‘Modern Agriculture Chaupal,’ where scientists will engage directly with farmers to provide information and resolve issues,” he added. Private and NGO-led extension services, which have brought advanced technologies to farmers, are also helping to improve agricultural practices across the country.

Chouhan’s remarks underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to address soil health issues and ensure the sustainability of India’s agricultural sector, which plays a critical role in both domestic food production and global exports.

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