We are in for tough times. The impact of the failed South West Monsoon is more severe than was expected. The country is headed for a grave shortfall on Foodgrains and other food products.
The revised estimates are as follows, Rice expected production now is 69.45 MT, target set was 86.00 MT, Pulses projection now is 4.42 MT, target set was: 6.50 MT, Sugarcane projection now is 2,494 MT against a target of 3,400 MT.
Coming on top of less than targetted foodgrain production in 2008-2009 year, the situation appears to be bordering on a calamity. Inflation is expected to hit the roof and poor agricultural production will lead to poor rural consumption, affecting the manufacturing sector adversely.
There are many reasons for this. All of which cannot be attributed to the failure of monsoon. The Agriculture ministry has been spectacularly mismanaged by Sharad Pawar over the past 6 years. No effort has been made to increase food grain production, or improving storage or marketing. India has not built up on the benefits of the 1968 green revolution, with our agricultural sector languishing in a time warp. Besides, arable land under cultivation has dwindled due to pressure on housing and traditional farmers are moving towards extinction or facing penury.
The sector cries for a dynamic minister who will be a harbinger of change. But is anyone listening?
