1.
What paradigm changes are required in agricultural research and development
strategy to cope up with the new challenges?
The discussion
emphasized the need to shift from commodity/inputs based R&D approach to
one centred on production systems mode. This thrust
under the NATP (National Agricultural Technology Programme)
initiative of the ICAR was strongly endorsed. It would necessitate a
decentralized, location and client specific research agenda. A consensus was arrived
to intensify research on rainfed and drought prone
areas. It was argued that lack of effective technological research, inadequate
economic and social infrastructure have resulted in poor performance of
agriculture in these areas.
2. How to harness science to ensure sustained
income generation, social equity and ecological conservation in agricultural
sector?
The uncommon
opportunities and challenges thrown open by the new liberalization regime need
to be exploited gainfully. The role of indigenous knowledge (say Kudimaramat) and of modern information
technology as vehicle for technology transfer was also recognized as crucial
for sustainable natural resource management.
The subject of
agricultural sustainability was actively debated. The most dominant viewpoint
was on achieving higher level of production to meet the growing demand without
harming the natural resource environment in the long run. There was consensus
on shifting the emphasis from crop productivity based research to integrated
land (resource) productivity based approach including the development of
grassland, forestland and cropland, which not only ensures sustainability of
natural resources but also generates higher income for the poor. This would
require natural resources planning and instruments to enforce the policy
effectively. The role of effective education and peoples' involvement was
repeatedly underscored.
3.
What interventions are necessary to make Indian agriculture more effective?
The
participants argued that lack of integration of socio economic considerations
with agro-biological factors has been a critical factor constraining effective
dissemination and adoption of technological innovations in agriculture. This
also undermined efficient technology management. The group emphasized that
along with agro-ecological factors, socio economic variables must also be
integrated in R&D programmes. This will help in
directing research towards both poverty and sustainability.
However,
infrastructure and institutional investments in this context would play a major
role in future. Institutional development was particularly important, and
innovative ideas were needed in this regard. The role of NGOs, private sector
and farmers' organizations need to be emphasized. The poverty considerations
reinforce the need to strengthen agricultural research in eastern
4.
Should the agricultural development initiatives, including R&D, be eco-regionally oriented?
The discussions
strongly endorsed the natural advantages of eco-regional approach and
appreciated ICAR's initiatives to adopt the concept
to tailor research programmes under NARP and now
NATP. The new R&D system become more focussed. The initiative also provides more transparent
evaluation and effective accountability. This also helps in the explicit
consideration of region-specific ecological parameters in R&D and other
developmental programmes. All these notwithstanding,
it was recognized that political and administrative regions continue to be the
basis of planning and there is very little analytical capability at lower
levels. This then constrains effective articulation of local needs. The KVKs (Krishi Vigyan
Kendra) and zonal research stations must play a pivotal role in association
with Panchayati Raj
institutions and NGOs.
1)
How to obtain accurate projections of the demand for and supply of food, and to
develop mechanism to update the projections periodically?
Various
estimates of demand for and supply of commodities in general, and foodgrains in particular, show wide variations. For
example, demand projections for 2020 A.D, range from 250 million tons to
approximately 400 million tons. On the supply side also estimates show
considerable variations. This variation poses problems in planning.
Underscoring the need for an authoritative study to be conducted by the I CAR,
the group argued that as rapid changes are taking place on both demand and
supply sides. The projections based exclusively on past trends were not
satisfactory. It will be necessary to develop alternative scenarios based on
technically informed assumptions about different parameters. Most demand
projections, for example, simulate for income, income distributions and
population growth, but not the changing consumption patterns. Likewise, supply
projections must incorporate technical constraints and efficiency gains.
2)
What is the role of incentive structure?
The
participants recognized that efficient incentive structure-price and subsidy
policies and farmer-friendly terms of trade, as critical determinants of
production efficiency as well as environmental sustainability. The participants
also stressed the role of safety standards and fixation of rational user-cost
(e.g. taxation) policy to counter specific environmental problems. The view was
articulated that an improved incentive framework for accelerated production
growth and. combating negative environmental impacts could be possible side by
side.
Concerns were
also expressed regarding the potential backlash of new economic reforms,
particularly on the poorer sections of the population. There were apprehensions
whether the agricultural sector has the resilience to cope with world market
volatility. The need to reconcile basic food security with open trade regime
was emphasized.
3)
How to improve the role of human capital as an agent of developmental process?
Investment in
human capital is perhaps more crucial for greater efficiency and environmental
sustainability than anything else. Historically, general education and other
social sector extension activities have been emphasized, which neglected rural
sector, weaker sections, women, tribals and
resource-poor people. Thus, scientific temper of the people was ignored and
remained untapped. This has affected the quality of our human resources and has
constrained human productivity. A host of population-induced maladies can be
attributed to this factor. In agriculture, the conventional agricultural
extension system does not accommodate the needs of the people and innovative
ideas based on involvement of groups. The group thus, expressed that the use of
information technology in a farmer friendly manner could enhance the adoption
of scientific and sustainable practices. It was suggested that there should be
policy interventions to improve the quality of the population so that it
becomes a valuable resource. The ICAR's pilot efforts
in this area (KVK, IVLP) were favorably commented upon and it was suggested
that mobilizing peoples' participation through cooperation with farmers and
other groups, NGOs and panchayats would further
enrich this effort.
4)
What backup support services are essential to promote technology-led
sustainable agricultural growth?
The paramount
need to reverse the traditional urban bias in investments in infrastructure,
markets, supplies (social as well economic) and institutions was emphasized
repeatedly. This has undermined the potential as well as encouraged
non-sustainable agricultural practices and out-migration. Concentration of
investments generates vicious cycle of poverty, under-investment and
backwardness. An aggressive set of policies and programmes
for promotion of non-farm activities including rural industrialization are
necessary to boost the economic environment in the countryside. Such
reorientation requires a catalytic role for the state and for local democratic
institutions.
5)
What initiatives are needed to promote frontier technologies to address food
and environmental problems?
Apart from
education and other social sector investments, information technology
also offer enormous opportunities. Mass media and electronic
communication networks must be made available at the panchayat
level. Then professional rural-oriented programming to reach the rural
communities should follow this up. In areas where bio-technological inputs
(seeds, planting material, organisms, etc.) need an aggressive supply push
involving private and public delivery systems.
6)
How to promote the involvement of the stakeholders as guardians of the
environmental resources?
People, being
important stakeholders, their participation could play significant role in the
environmental programmes. The natural resources
management technologies depend critically on this initiative. Policies
regarding effective decentralization, regulations governing exploitation of
natural resources and de-bureaucratization of rural programmes
along with the elements of good governance, are most critical.