India's agriculture sector has faced challenges in recent years due to extreme weather conditions, lower reservoir levels, and crop damage, leading to higher food prices. However, the government's Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights the sector's resilience and potential for growth.
Despite unfavourable weather conditions affecting vegetable and pulse production, the sector has shown remarkable adaptability. The survey notes that food inflation, although a global phenomenon, has been addressed through various measures.
The government has identified areas for improvement, including climate change mitigation strategies to protect crops from extreme weather events. Research has shown that climate change has increased the vulnerability of food prices, and the government is taking steps to address this.
The survey highlights the impact of seasonal changes, crop diseases, and logistics disruptions on food prices. For example, tomato prices surged in July 2023 due to seasonal changes and region-specific crop diseases. However, the government has implemented measures to address these challenges.
The prices of pulses, particularly tur, increased due to low production caused by adverse weather conditions. However, the government has implemented initiatives to improve production and reduce dependence on imports.
The survey concludes that the Indian economy has consolidated its post-Covid recovery and is on a strong footing, demonstrating resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges. To sustain this recovery, the government stresses the importance of domestic initiatives and global cooperation on key issues like trade, investment, and climate change.
Overall, the Economic Survey 2023-24 presents a comprehensive overview of India's agriculture sector and its potential for growth, highlighting the need for continued innovation and adaptation to address emerging challenges.