CHAPTER Ill

An Address by Dr. R S Paroda, Chairman

Upholding the remarkable contributions of Indian agriculture in accomplishing self-sufficiency in food grain production during the post-independence era, the Chairman drew the attention of the participants towards the grave challenges in relation to sustainable food security. It was satisfying to note that the country has produced atleast four times more foodgrains and improved the per capita food availability, despite about three fold increase in population over the last fifty years. This was made possible, only due to a number of innovations in agricultural front and appropriate policy support by the government. While emphasizing the contributions of the agricultural research system, the Chairman felt that the country would not face the food shortage to the extent that it faced earlier. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which has to anticipate and initiate research in advance, recognises that more serious challenges lie ahead of us. Despite the favourable current food production scenario, the problems of poverty and shrinking resources loom large. Five to six million tonnes of additional foodgrains have to be produced every year to meet the projected demand, even if we were to consider moderate projections. This is a formidable task, but with vigorous R&D efforts and appropriate policy framework, the scientific community is confident of meeting the target. There is urgency in increasing research investment in agriculture, reorient and prioritise the research agenda. Initiating other policy interventions to increase production and conserve natural resources is also indispensable. The Chairman cautioned that though modern technology is production enhancing, it is also input intensive and hence likely to affect natural resources adversely. New initiatives in agricultural research such as public-private partnership, research in mission and system mode, focus on client participation and indigenous knowledge, sustainability and need-based prioritisation etc. were all targeted to tone up the capability and effectiveness of the national agricultural research system. Dr. Paroda stressed, at the same time, that it was also important to recognise that the overall socio economic framework as well as policies and programmes not only in agriculture but also in allied sectors determine the effectiveness of agricultural research. Agricultural research is one policy instrument of change; there are others, which are more effective in tackling some challenges facing the agricultural sector. An important outcome of the deliberations was that these linkages were brought to the fore. The chairman thanked all participants for their valuable contributions.

The recommendations and future action plans are indicated below.

Table 1
Characteristics of food economy in India

	Demand (mt)				Food Production (mt)
	1995	2000	2010	2020	1995	2000	2010	2020
Rice	76.8	85.4	103.7	122.4	78.1	85.4	103.6	122. 1
Wheat	62.3	69.8	86.8	104.8	60.8	69.4	85.0	102.8
Pulses	13.8	15.7	20.6	26.3	13.4	16.1	21.4	27.8
Foodgrains	180.6	200.9	245.7	293.4	181.9	200.8	245.7	293.7
Milk					60.5	75.3	103.7	142.7
Source:	Kumar P (1998); Food demand & supply projections in India, IARI New Delhi
Population	1991	2000		2010	2020
at CARG 2.13%	846.9	1009.2		1189.	1370.03