Answer

Crop diversification refers to the shift from staple cereals like wheat and rice to a broader range of crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds. Despite the assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) and irrigation facilities, India’s agricultural sector remains heavily reliant on rice and wheat, causing ecological and economic stress.

Factors Leading to Preference for Wheat and Rice in India’s Agricultural Sector

• Assured Procurement at MSP: Near-guaranteed government procurement reduces price risk for farmers growing rice and wheat, encouraging their continued cultivation.
• Lower Yield Risk Due to Irrigation and Research: These crops thrive under assured irrigation and benefit from advanced public research, offering higher and more stable yields.
• Continuous Breeding and Higher Returns: Regular genetic innovations have improved yield potential, stress tolerance, and resource efficiency.
  Example: Genetically edited rice variety Kamala yields up to 9 tonnes/ha, matures earlier, and reduces water and fertilizer use.
• Technology-Driven Yield Growth: Adoption of direct-seeded rice (DSR) and fertilizer-responsive varieties enhances profitability and lowers labour and water use.
• Focused Public Research and Extension Support: Government R&D institutions largely prioritize wheat and rice, offering continuous innovation and outreach.

Shortcomings of Government Crop Diversification Initiatives

• Unequal MSP and Procurement Support: Limited procurement of pulses, millets, and oilseeds discourages farmers from diversifying.
• Skewed Research and Input Incentives: Most R&D and subsidies target cereals, leaving other crops underdeveloped.
  Example: Since the rollout of Bt cotton, no major breakthroughs have occurred, unlike continuous cereal innovations.
• Bias in Irrigation Infrastructure: Investment in irrigation systems largely benefits water-intensive crops.
  Example: In Madhya Pradesh, wheat area expanded from 59.1 lakh ha to 78.1 lakh ha, and rice from 20.2 lakh ha to 38.7 lakh ha, with irrigation growth.
• Neglect of Climate-Resilient Crops: Drought-tolerant crops receive less attention, despite climatic risks.
• Lack of Processing and Storage Infrastructure: Infrastructure for non-cereal crops is weak, limiting market access and profitability.
  Example: High losses in perishable and coarse crops due to poor cold chains hinder diversification.

Sustainable Measures to Diversify Crop Cultivation in India

• Diversify MSP and R&D Focus: Expand MSP and research support to pulses, millets, and oilseeds.
  Example: ICAR must replicate cereal-like innovation pipelines for neglected crops to reduce cereal-centric dependency.
• Promote Water-Saving Technologies: Encourage direct-seeded rice, crop rotation, and climate-resilient varieties.
  Example: Adoption of Kamala rice and DSR saves water and reduces fertiliser use significantly.
• Boost Stress-Resistant Crop Breeding: Develop abiotic stress-tolerant varieties for climate-vulnerable areas.
  Example: Pusa DST Rice 1, edited for drought and salinity resistance, offers a model for resilient crop development.
• Realign Irrigation Investment: Prioritize low-water crops and improve micro-irrigation access.
  Example: Shift funds from large canal projects to drip and sprinkler systems for pulses and oilseeds.
• Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Expand cold storage, processing units, and supply chains for diversified crops.
  Example: Enhanced infrastructure would reduce losses in coarse cereals, making them commercially viable.

India’s over-reliance on rice and wheat, despite MSP and irrigation, strains resources and limits resilience. Sustainable crop diversification needs policy parity, research focus, and infrastructure upgrades to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability and nutritional security.