New India’s Green Revolution In The Previous Decade

Introduction:

In the annals of history, India has witnessed many revolutions that have shaped its socio-economic landscape. In the year 1965, the government of India launched the Green Revolution with the help of a geneticist, now known as the father of the Green Revolution(India) M.S.Swaminathan. From the Green Revolution of the 1960s to the Digital Revolution of the 21st century, each era brought its own set of challenges and opportunities. However, in the previous decade, India embarked on a journey towards sustainable development, catalysing what can aptly be termed the “Green Revolution 2.0”.

This paradigm shift, propelled by government initiatives, technological advancements, and public participation, has not only rejuvenated the agricultural sector but also paved the way for a greener, more resilient India. Green Revolution 2.0 can help develop climate-resilient crops, require less water and fertilizers, and are disease-resistant. The need of the hour to shift from fertilizer and pesticide-based conventional agricultural practices to natural and renewable resource-based sustainable agriculture.

Government Initiatives:

The cornerstone of New India’s green revolution has been the slew of government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Swachh Bharat’ (Clean India) and ‘Har Khet Ko Paani’ (Water to Every Field) has laid the foundation for transformative policies.

1. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Launched on 1st july 2015, PMKSY aims to improve farm productivity and ensure efficient water usage through the development of irrigation infrastructure. It ensures access to protective irrigation by harnessing rain water at the micro level through ‘Jal Sanchay’ and ‘Jal Sinchan’ for all agricultural farms in the country. The main objectives of PMKSY includes, achieving convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level, enhancing the physical access of water on the farm, and expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation( Har khet ko Pani ). It is involved in promoting activities relating to water harvesting, water management and crop alignment for farmers and grassroots-level field functionaries
2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – This crop insurance scheme provides financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, ensuring their economic security. Launched on 13thJanuary 2016 The objectives of the scheme include the flow of credit to the agricultural sector. Stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure their continuous processing farming. The use of technology like Smartphones, remote sensing drone, and GPS technology should be used to capture and upload data of crop cutting to reduce the delays in the claim payment. Therefore leading to more financial stability for the farmers.
3. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) – NMSA promotes climate-resilient farming practices, including organic farming, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry, to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. The main objectives includes adapting soil health management practices like soil fertility maps, soil test-based applications of macro and macro-nutrients, etc. NMSA has 4 major program components
   ⦁ Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
   ⦁ On Farm Water Management (OFWM)
   ⦁ Soil Health Management (SHM)
   ⦁ Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modelling and Networking (CCSAMMN)

Technological Advancements:

Embracing technology has been instrumental in driving agricultural innovation and enhancing productivity

1. Kisan Suvidha App – Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this app provides farmers with real-time information on weather forecasts, market prices, and agricultural advisory services, empowering them to make informed decisions.The features of the app include a weather report for the day. It provides the name, mobile number, address of the dealers of seed fertilizers, etc. Information about rates of various crops.Provides information on plant protection, through Agro Advisories. It provides an option to speak to Kisan call Centre (KCC).
2. Soil Health Cards – Cards are distributed to farmers across the country, soil health cards enable them to assess the nutrient status of their soil and make judicious use of fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable farming practices.
3. National Agricultural Market (eNAM) – Leveraging digital platforms, eNAM facilitates online trading of agricultural commodities, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for farmers. Launched on April 14, 2016, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi it is expected to reduce transaction costs for buyers, provide stable prices to consumers, and positively influence the overall supply chain efficiency of agricultural commodities

Environmental Conservation:

Recognizing the urgency of addressing environmental degradation, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives to promote afforestation, renewable energy, and waste management.

1. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana – Launched by Shri Narendra Modi on 28th august 2014, under this scheme, the government promotes the use of biodegradable materials and encourages waste segregation at source to minimize landfill burden.
2. National Solar Mission – Launched by Manmohan Singh in 2010 was India’s ambitious target to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 reflecting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and managing climate change.
3. Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural and Urban) – Launched by prime minister Narendra Modi on 2nd Oct 2014. With a focus on sanitation and waste management, the Swachh Bharat Mission has catalyzed a nationwide movement towards cleanliness and hygiene, complementing the green revolution.

Conclusion:
As India marches towards a sustainable future, the seeds of change sown in the previous decade are bearing fruit. However, the journey towards a green India is an ongoing one, requiring continuous innovation, collaboration, and commitment from all stakeholders. As we stand on the cusp of a new decade, let us assure our collective efforts to build a greener, more resilient India for generations to come.