Disruptions in Agriculture Technology in India | Ashok Gulati | TEDxMDAE

Summary

The speaker recounts India's journey from facing food scarcity to becoming a global leader in agricultural exports, highlighting the pivotal role of technology. The Green Revolution in the 1960s, marked by the introduction of high-yielding wheat varieties, transformed India's food security. The subsequent 'Gene Revolution' in cotton production and the potential of precision agriculture in the 'Brown Revolution' are discussed as significant disruptions that have and will continue to bolster India's agricultural sector, ensuring food security and sustainable practices.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ India once faced severe food security crises, leading to restrictions on food items like wheat chapati and potatoes during weddings.
• 🚢 In the 1960s, India experienced back-to-back droughts, prompting the import of high-yielding wheat varieties from Mexico, which initiated the Green Revolution.
• 🌾 The Green Revolution dramatically increased India's grain production, leading to self-sufficiency in food grains by 1971, a stark contrast to the earlier fears of mass starvation.
• 🌾🌾🌾 India's cereal production surged between 2012 and 2014, allowing the country to become a net exporter of cereals, including being the world's largest exporter of rice.
• 🥛 The 'Operation Flood' program revolutionized India's dairy industry, transforming it into the world's largest milk producer, largely due to smallholder farmers.
• 🐄 Women played a pivotal role in the dairy sector, often managing multiple tasks simultaneously, reflecting the multifaceted capabilities of rural women.
• 🧬 The introduction of GM technology in cotton in 2002 led to a gene revolution, significantly increasing India's cotton production and making it one of the top global producers and exporters.
• 💧 The next agricultural revolution, termed the 'brown revolution,' focuses on sustainable and precise agriculture to enhance productivity without overtaxing natural resources like water.
• 🌱 The integration of seed technology with precision agriculture, including real-time soil and moisture analysis, promises to further boost yields and efficiency.
• 🌐 The Indian government's initiatives, such as the use of drones and satellites for real-time tracking and support, aim to ensure timely assistance to farmers and potentially eradicate farmer suicides.

Q & A

What was the situation in India regarding food security during the time when the speaker was young?

During the speaker's youth, India faced a significant food security crisis, with restrictions on food items like wheat chapati and potatoes, and a sense of panic due to potential starvation.

What major policy decision was taken in India during the 1960s to address food shortages?

In the 1960s, India decided to import high-yielding varieties of dwarf wheat from Mexico, which led to the Green Revolution and significantly increased food production.

How did the Green Revolution impact India's food production within a few years?

The Green Revolution led to a dramatic increase in grain production, with the first crop in 1967 resulting in such a surplus that the Food Corporation of India had to use school classrooms as storage.

What was the result of the Green Revolution by 1971 in terms of India's self-sufficiency?

By 1971, India achieved self-sufficiency in food grains, no longer needing imports like the PL 480 from the US.

How did India's position change in cereal production between 2012 and 2014?

Between 2012 and 2014, India became a significant exporter of cereals, exporting 60 million tons, a stark contrast to the past when it faced starvation.

What significant change occurred in India's milk production due to 'Operation Flood'?

Operation Flood transformed India into the world's largest milk producer, with a significant increase from 17 million tons in 1951 to 160 million tons, largely due to small farmers.

What was the situation with cotton production in India before the introduction of GM technology in 2002?

Before 2002, India's cotton production was unstable, with farmers facing pest attacks and many suicides due to economic stress. It was neither a significant importer nor exporter.

How did GM technology impact India's cotton production and its global standing?

The introduction of GM technology in cotton led to India becoming either the largest or second-largest producer and exporter of cotton globally.

What is the 'brown revolution' in agriculture, and how does it differ from the Green and Gene revolutions?

The 'brown revolution' focuses on precision agriculture, using technology to optimize soil moisture and nutrient levels, ensuring sustainable and efficient use of resources like water.

What are the potential benefits of the brown revolution for India's agriculture?

The brown revolution promises to increase yields sustainably, reduce costs, and ensure food security while conserving natural resources like water, which is crucial for India's future.

How does the speaker suggest technology can help in reducing farmer suicides and improving their livelihoods?

The speaker suggests that by adopting new technologies and policies, such as precision agriculture and quick compensation for crop damage, farmer suicides can be minimized, and their livelihoods can be improved.

Outlines

00:00

🌾 Green Revolution and Food Security

The speaker reminisces about the food scarcity India faced in the past, contrasting it with the current scenario where India is self-sufficient. They recount the critical decision in 1965-66 to import high-yielding wheat varieties from Mexico, which led to a dramatic increase in food production within four years, turning school classrooms into storage for the surplus grain. This period marked the beginning of India's Green Revolution, which transformed the country into a food exporter by the 1970s. The speaker emphasizes the role of technology and policy in overcoming food crises and achieving self-sufficiency.

05:00

🐄 The Transformation of India's Dairy Sector

The speaker discusses the 'Operation Flood' initiative that revolutionized India's dairy industry, turning it into the world's largest milk producer. They highlight the significant role of women in this sector, who manage multiple tasks including dairy farming. The speaker also touches upon the historical context of milk scarcity and the rationing system, which has been replaced by a surplus that allows India to export milk. The narrative showcases the impact of creative disruption in the dairy sector, leading to a remarkable increase in production and economic benefits.

10:02

🌱 Gene Revolution and Cotton Production

The speaker describes the introduction of genetically modified (GM) technology in India's cotton sector in 2002, which was met with debate but ultimately proved beneficial. They explain how this technology, despite initial resistance, led to a significant increase in cotton production, making India one of the world's largest cotton producers and exporters. The speaker calculates the economic benefits of this 'gene revolution' and discusses the broader implications of adopting new technologies for agricultural advancement and economic growth.

15:05

🌱 The Future of Agriculture: Brown Revolution and Precision Farming

The speaker envisions the next agricultural revolution, termed the 'Brown Revolution,' focusing on sustainable and precise farming practices. They discuss the importance of using technology to optimize water and nutrient usage, reducing the environmental impact while increasing productivity. The speaker also mentions the potential of precision agriculture, where soil and crop data are analyzed in real-time to inform farming practices, leading to higher yields with less resource consumption. They conclude by advocating for the adoption of these technologies to ensure food security, reduce costs, and support the livelihoods of farmers.

Keywords

💡Food Security

Food security refers to the availability of food and people's access to enough food for a healthy life. In the video, it is discussed in the context of India's historical challenges and how policy decisions and technological advancements have transformed India from facing potential starvation to becoming self-sufficient and a major exporter of food grains. The script mentions the panic in India during the 1960s due to a back-to-back drought, which led to the import of high-yielding wheat varieties, marking the beginning of the Green Revolution.

💡Green Revolution

The Green Revolution denotes a series of agricultural policy initiatives in the late 1960s aimed at sustaining food security by increasing crop productivity. The video script refers to the import of high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties from Mexico that led to a significant increase in grain production in India, turning the country from a food-deficit nation to one of self-sufficiency and eventually an exporter of food grains.

💡Drought

Drought is an extended period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. In the script, droughts are mentioned as a significant challenge in India's history, particularly in the 1960s, which contributed to food insecurity and prompted the initiation of the Green Revolution to ensure food production despite water scarcity.

💡Genetic Modification (GM) Technology

Genetic modification technology involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. The video discusses the introduction of GM technology in India's cotton sector, which led to a significant increase in production and made India one of the largest cotton producers and exporters globally. This technological shift is referred to as the 'gene revolution,' highlighting its impact on agricultural productivity.

💡Operation Flood

Operation Flood was a program initiated in India to revolutionize the dairy industry. The video script describes how this initiative, led by Dr. Kurian, transformed India from a milk-deficit nation to the world's largest milk producer. It exemplifies creative disruption in the dairy sector, emphasizing the role of small farmers and women in achieving this milestone.

💡Creative Disruption

Creative disruption refers to the introduction of new technologies or business models that disrupt existing industries and create new markets. The video uses this term to describe the transformative impact of the Green Revolution and GM technology on India's agriculture, leading to increased productivity and self-sufficiency in food and dairy products.

💡Cotton Pests

Cotton pests are insects that damage cotton crops, affecting productivity. The script mentions the pest attacks on cotton as a significant issue that led to farmer suicides before the introduction of GM cotton. The adoption of GM technology helped control these pests, thereby increasing cotton yields and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

💡Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture is an agricultural management strategy that uses technology to collect and analyze data to make informed decisions about crop production. The video script alludes to the potential of precision agriculture in the upcoming 'brown revolution,' where technology will be used to optimize water and nutrient use, leading to sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

💡Brown Revolution

The Brown Revolution, as mentioned in the video, refers to the next wave of agricultural advancements focusing on sustainable practices to ensure food security without depleting natural resources like water. It is about using technology to understand and meet the precise needs of the soil and crops, promoting ecological balance and efficient resource use.

💡Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is a situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply. The video script highlights the concern of water scarcity in India and its impact on agriculture, especially considering the water-intensive nature of certain crops like rice and sugarcane. It emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices to address this challenge.

💡Digitization of Agriculture

Digitization of agriculture involves the use of digital technologies to improve agricultural practices and management. The video discusses the Indian government's initiatives to digitize agricultural land records and monitor crop health using satellites and drones. This technology is expected to expedite assistance to farmers, reduce the time taken for compensation after crop damage, and enhance overall agricultural efficiency.

Highlights

India faced severe food security crises in the past, with weddings restricted and ships leaving every 15 minutes to feed the nation.

India experienced a back-to-back drought in 1965 and 1966, leading to a panic that millions would starve.

In response to the crisis, India imported high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties from Mexico, leading to the Green Revolution.

The Green Revolution resulted in a significant increase in grain production within four years, turning school classrooms into grain storage.

By 1971, India achieved self-sufficiency in food grains, no longer needing foreign aid like PL 480 from the US.

India became a major exporter of cereals between 2012 and 2014, with an average export of 20 million tons per year.

India is now the largest exporter of rice and a significant exporter of wheat and corn, showcasing the impact of technology on agriculture.

In the 1970s, India faced milk shortages, leading to long queues for rationed milk.

Operation Flood transformed India's dairy sector, increasing milk production from 17 million tons in 1951 to 160 million tons today.

Dr. Kurian's efforts led to a significant increase in milk production, making India the largest milk producer globally.

The dairy sector in India is predominantly driven by small farmers, with women playing a crucial role in its success.

The gene revolution in 2002 introduced GM technology in cotton, leading to a significant increase in production and exports.

India became the second-largest exporter of cotton in the world, with 95% of the cotton area under BT cotton.

The next revolution in agriculture is expected to be the brown revolution, focusing on sustainable and precise agriculture practices.

Precision agriculture involves using technology to optimize soil moisture and nutrient levels, increasing yields sustainably.

The brown revolution aims to ensure food security while conserving natural resources like water.

New government initiatives like fossil Bheema, Yogena, and the use of drones and satellites aim to digitize agriculture for better management.

The future of agriculture lies in the integration of seed technology, precision agriculture, and digitalization for sustainable food security.

Transcripts

most of you are born at a time when

India did not face any major food

security crisis but when I was at your

age think about weddings where no wheat

chapati was allowed think about no nons

only potatoes can be served and a ship

was leaving from us every 15 minutes to

feed India and suddenly the ship stopped

and there was a panic in India that

millions will starve

more than what had happened in China

during the Great Leap Forward 30 million

people had starved died in China because

of starvation between 1958 to 61 and

India I am talking of 1965 and 66 there

was a back-to-back drought like you had

in 14 and 15 those were the times good

thing is bad times give you good

policies because you are in a crisis you

can't afford to doze off and therefore

some major policy decisions are taken

and that was the time a decision was

taken to import heiling varieties of

dwarf wheat 18,000 tons from Mexico

Larmour oho and Sonora 65 these were the

two varieties which were imported and

they were distributed in Punjab Haryana

belt western yupi and within four years

first crop that came in 67 in Punjab

there was literally a burst of grain and

the Food Corporation of India which

procured that didn't have a place to

store it so the school said to be closed

down and the classrooms became the first

go downs of FCI

in 1967

and within four years by 71 the country

was talking of self-sufficiency in food

grains and we don't need PL 480 from the

US and all that history of so-called

looming starvation in 65 66 that was

made a history by one big decision that

was taken this I will call a creative

disruption of technology which was

imported from outside which later on was

called as the green revolution of India

impact of that over years if you look at

three years between twelve thirteen and

fourteen think about what happened to

the cereals in India India exported 60

million tons of cereals from this

country 6-0 on an average 20 million

tons each year a country which was

starving

through technology 12 13 14 India

largest exporter of rice in the world

and a significant exporter of wheat and

corn this is what technology can do so

this is the first and one of the biggest

creative destruction or creative

disruption he said actually Schumpeter

called it creative destruction but he

said no no we don't want to call it

creative destruction it is creative

disruption okay fine so this is what

technology can do I'm not sure how many

of you know what happened in 70s on the

milk front I used to stand in the queue

for two hours three hours in Delhi to

get two liters of milk which was

literally rationed and then the

operation flood came and the milkman of

India dr. Kurian how he turned around

think about a country which in 1951 was

producing 17

million tons of milk 1 7 and us was

producing at that time 53 million tons

of milk today us is at 91 92 million

tons of milk and where is India and he

gets from you 160 million tonnes of milk

produced by small farmers by small

farmers with 2 calls or two buffaloes or

4 buffaloes this is the biggest wonder

the creative disruption and this is a

model that we are selling to the world

that even small holders it is not the

big business it's just the backyard

housewife who is doing all 10 things and

she is also milking the cow and feeding

the cow and getting business out of that

that's why many times our women

goddesses are shown with 6 hands or 4

hands because they can do all multi

purpose jobs at a time

women employment in dairy sector is

about 70% plus so it is a wonder by the

ladies in the milk sector and today

India is the largest producer of milk in

the world last 15 years what has

happened from food to fiber 26th of

March 2002 the watch by government took

a major decision and there was a big

debate in the parliament as we had the

debate in 65 66 to import those seeds of

Green Revolution but this time it was

not the Green Revolution it was the gene

revolution the GM technology was being

brought in the country in the cotton

sector and the technology in 2002 India

was marginally importing or marginally

surplus sometimes more or less

self-sufficient in cotton but there was

a big problem that farmers were facing

at that time lot of suicides took place

because there was a pest attack on

cotton cotton is something which

attracts lot of pests

when this technology was brought in

there was a big debate OGM technology

sell out to the big multinationals and

so on and so forth what is the result

2002 to 2015 if you look at the results

India is either doubt the largest

producer of cotton in the world or

second-largest marginally just neck to

neck with China and second largest

exporter of cotton in the world

we worked it out how much is the benefit

it has given to the country if there was

a business-as-usual scenario where we

would have been visible with this

creative disruption a new technology how

much gain it has brought about and we

worked it out there is a paper fifty

four billion dollars worth fifty four

billion dollars worth 1 billion is six

thousand seven hundred crores multiply

that and look at how much so one big

decision of a particular government at a

time how much benefit it can give and

today 95% 95% of the cotton area in the

country is under bt cotton the GM

technology it has never happened

anywhere in the world that within such a

span small holders big holders medium

holders everybody had opted that

technology it has not happened in u.s.

it has not happened in Brazil or China

or others but India lapped up the

technology you remember there was a

prime minister called Lal Bahadur

Shastri and he gave the slogan Jai jawan

Jackie son that is when the decision was

taken to import huiling varieties of

seeds and Juwan we had a war in 1965 but

then the judge Irwin Jackie son was

added because of that success the Green

Revolution brought in later Prime

Minister Vajpayee when he introduced

this technology he gave a new slogan and

he added in

Jai jawan jackal Sanjaya Jam that is it

is the science waste disruptions in

agriculture which will conquer hunger

and poverty from the slant and one proof

of that decision bold decision was this

where today India has become the second

largest exporter of cotton in the world

so food and fiber both are taken care

what I am trying to take you in this

transact walk is from Green Revolution

to gene revolution today about 180

million hectares of area and the world

is under genetically modified

technologies of different crops but what

is the next revolution that is coming in

what is the next disruption that is

coming in agriculture that is going to

assure us greater food security and also

take care of the concerns that are

happening right now in India and around

the world in India although at a macro

level we are pretty food secure there

are ample supplies but still weather 20%

or 25% or 30% there is a debate how many

people are under below the poverty line

and going hungry or not well-fed so

there is a question of increasing yields

further and cutting down the costs so

that prices can come down I was talking

to some students here of organic

ventures they are thinking of organic is

good but the price is double how many

people at the bottom can afford that

that's a challenge that we have but what

is happening we may be the biggest

exporter of rice in the world in a way

we are exporting water from this country

because one litre of rice means about

5000 liters of water

similarly your sugar right here in

Maharashtra one kilogram of sugar means

2,000 liters of water and when you are

exporting these crops you are a net

exporter of water in a country that is

prone to some

of drought and you have seen even

drinking water in Marathwada had to be

ferried through so-called gel Deutz or

water trains so the challenge that is

coming is how to raise productivity in a

sustainable manner which doesn't put

pressure on the scarce natural resources

and water is going to be a major major

challenge in the years to come so how do

we do that

there is a talk of from Green Revolution

to gene revolution to brown revolution

and what is that brown revolution that

is in the offing and already work is on

in the US where three companies have

tied together and they are mapping each

square kilometre area in u.s. in terms

of their moisture content the soil

characteristics and so on and so forth

so at a time when a harvester is

harvesting the crop they take a sample

of the soil analyze it right there send

the data on the cloud it is analyzed and

there is a machinery of a particular

company I don't want to give the names

of those companies that particular

company instructs its you know tractor

or seed guerrilla how much seed how much

of fertilizers of nutrients of NPK needs

to be provided and at what depth of

moisture literally the machine is in

auto mode auto pilot mode like an

aeroplane is flying and landing same

thing happens in cultivation this is the

precision agriculture that means

wherever you need how much water and how

much of nutrients so the yields of corn

in that area are about 11 tonnes per

hectare compared to in India 2.5 tons

per hectare so you look at the potential

the new technologies can offer in the

years to come

green gene and brown why it is called

brown revolution because it takes care

of Mother Earth

what it exactly needs not overdose as

your food if you had more of oil in it

you would be sleeping right here so

question is how much the soil needs

exact balance diet if the soil gets and

the right moisture and water it gets it

can give you a very high productivity

given the seed is also ready to absorb

those types of things so the seed

technology along with this preseason

technology this is what the future of

agriculture and taking care of your food

security and cutting down the costs

taking care of nature making it

available to the poorest of the poor

that is what the new revolution is going

to be last what I would say is what the

new government is talking about reaching

each and every household through the

farming households through fossil Bheema

yogena

and flying drones and satellites and

doves what is called the low Earth

orbits leo's to track the position of

each and every field digitized plots

they can be tracked what is the

situation of the crop and the

compensation can be given to the farmers

within two weeks after crop damage

assessment of a drought or any hailstorm

or it's at present it is taking more

than a year and that's why you hear all

suicides and other unfortunate things in

the farming community I think once that

is installed taking care of this new

technology and the new policy vision I

think suicides can be a history and this

country can flourish both the farmers

and they can provide you food security

at a lower cost and a more nutritious

food thank you very much

you