CHAPTER I

FOOD, POPULATION, ENVIRONMENT NEXUS

India's population of 938 million in 1996-97 has already exceeded the global population of 1798 A.D (a figure quoted by Thomas Malthus). By the year 2001, our population would be estimated 1012 millions. The projections imply that 5-6 million tonnes of foodgrains would be required additionally every year to meet the needs of the growing population [Table 1]. But, despite the productivity growth in agriculture, availability of food to the growing population has been far from being adequate (chart 1).

In addition, fast changing composition of food basket and increasing demand for non-foodgrains will' put greater pressure on the resource base in the years to come. These call for new strategies because past growth sources have led to non-sustainable production systems. Thus, the environmental degradation and population equation is a central challenge for agricultural planning (chart 2).

In order to understand the complex problem of food, population and environment, a brainstorming seminar was organised. The aim of the seminar was to discuss the emerging issues of food securities and environmental sustainability. To articulate alternative R&D and other policy options and strategies to meet the challenges in the next millenium were the other items on the agenda.

A number of policy makers, economists and other research scientists participated in the deliberations. Dr. R S Paroda, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, presided over the session. The subsequent sections summarize the essence of discussion and consensus in terms of various issues raised in the background note (annexure )