Q. From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.

Model Answer: 

In the 1960s, India faced a severe “ship-to-mouth” crisis, heavily dependent on US PL-480 grain. Today, India is an agricultural powerhouse, achieving record $50+ billion agri-exports (2022-23).

1. The 1960s Agrarian Crisis

1. Structural Deficits: Over-reliance on monsoons and primitive technologies caused recurring famines.
2. Geopolitical Vulnerability: Total dependence on US PL-480 wheat imports compromised sovereign foreign policy during crises.

2. Reasons for Emergence as a Net Exporter

1. Technological Leap (Green Revolution): Adoption of HYV seeds backed by MS Swaminathan revolutionized wheat and rice yields (Kalyan Sona, Sonalika).
2. Institutional State Support: The establishment of FCI and CACP (1965) instituted the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime, guaranteeing procurement.
3. Irrigation Expansion: Multi-purpose dams and modernized canal networks shifted farming from monsoon-dependency to assured irrigation (Bhakra Nangal, PM-KSY).
4. Sectoral Diversification: Cereal success was replicated across dairy (White Revolution/Operation Flood), fisheries (Blue Revolution), and horticulture (Golden Revolution).

5. Agri-Infrastructure Push: Investments in rural electrification, roads, and cold chains drastically reduced post-harvest losses (PM-SAMPADA, Operation Greens).
6. Credit and Financial Inclusion: Nationalization of banks, creation of NABARD (1982), and Kisan Credit Cards (1998) provided critical working capital.
7. Export-Oriented Policies: The creation of APEDA (1986) and targeted trade agreements facilitated global market access (Agriculture Export Policy 2018).
8. Research and Extension Services: ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras bridged the lab-to-land gap, boosting localized agronomic practices.

India’s agrarian journey from scarcity to surplus is a triumph of strategic policy and indigenous science. Future sustainability demands a pivot toward climate-smart agriculture, crop diversification, and enhanced value-addition.