Reasons for the slowdown in private investment in agricultural technologies in India

Source: The post reasons for the slowdown in private investment in agricultural technologies in India has been created, based on the article “Growing rice by direct seeding: Laying a new field” published in “Indian express” on 3rd August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Economic development- agriculture

Context: The article discusses how private investment in agricultural technologies has slowed in India. However, a joint venture by RiceTec and Mahyco aims to improve rice and wheat farming with new technologies, making it more sustainable and efficient.

For detailed information on Agricultural Technology read this article here

Why Has Private Investment in Agricultural Technologies Slowed in India?

1. Extended Period of Low Farm Prices: After the global commodity boom ended in 2013-14, farm prices dropped, reducing profits and discouraging investment.
2. Restrictive Policies: India’s focus on promoting organic farming (paramparagat krishi) and blocking new GM crop trials has hindered technological advancements.

What Are the Recent Developments in Rice and Wheat Farming Technologies?

1. Joint Venture: RiceTec and Mahyco have formed a joint venture to focus on rice and wheat farming technologies.
2. Direct Seeding and Zero Tillage: They aim to grow rice by direct seeding and wheat through zero tillage, reducing the need for burning stubble and field preparation.
3. Gene Mutation Technology: They have developed rice and wheat varieties with a mutated gene that allows the use of the herbicide Imazethapyr, which effectively controls weeds.
4. Public Sector Involvement: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute has also released similar rice varieties, using mutation breeding instead of GM technology.

What Are the Benefits of the New Technologies?

1. Water and Labor Savings: The new rice and wheat varieties allow farmers to save water and labor. Direct seeding of rice avoids the need for field flooding, while zero tillage for wheat eliminates extensive land preparation.
2. Cost Reduction: Using the herbicide Imazethapyr reduces fuel costs and time spent in field preparation. This makes farming more cost-effective.
3. Stubble Management: Farmers do not need to burn stubble from the previous crop, reducing environmental pollution.
4. Effective Weed Control: The mutated gene in the new varieties tolerates Imazethapyr, effectively controlling a wide range of weeds. This makes weed management easier and more efficient.
5. Public Sector Competition: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s release of similar rice varieties introduces healthy competition, potentially lowering costs and increasing adoption.

For detailed information on Significance of factors of Technology for agriculture read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons for the slowdown in private investment in agricultural technologies in India and the recent advancements aimed at improving rice and wheat farming.