Parliamentary Report Exposes Critical Flaws in India's Agricultural Reforms
A derisive report from the Committee on Estimates (2024-25), chaired by Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, has cast a critical eye on India's agricultural policies, exposing significant shortcomings in the nation's push for climate-resilient agriculture and the promotion of natural and organic farming. The report warns that without urgent and sweeping reforms, the future of Indian agriculture and the livelihoods of its most vulnerable farmers are in serious jeopardy.
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Climate Adaptation Efforts Fall Dangerously Short
The report highlights a critical failure to match resources with the scale of the climate crisis. While the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project was praised for its efficient use of funds, the committee found its budget to be severely limited. Despite risk assessments identifying 310 agricultural districts as "highly" or "very highly" vulnerable to climate change, NICRA's adaptation activities have reached only 151 of these high-risk areas. This leaves a vast number of farmers exposed and unprotected. The committee strongly urged a "substantial increase in funding" to address the immense challenge.
The Slow and Underfunded Shift to Sustainable Farming
The government's push for natural and organic farming is also being undermined by inadequate support and poor execution. The report notes that while pilot projects for Natural Farming have shown promise in reducing costs, "concerns regarding stable income persist," creating a major barrier for farmers looking to transition away from chemical-based agriculture. In a particularly damning finding, the report reveals that some Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)—the very institutions meant to lead this change—are "still primarily engaged in chemical farming."
Similarly, the financial assistance provided to farmers transitioning to organic farming is deemed insufficient to cover the lower yields and economic strain of the initial years. The committee calls for greater direct incentives and stronger market linkages to ensure farmers receive premium prices for their organic produce.
Systemic Crises: From Pesticides to Certification
Perhaps the most alarming section of the report deals with the "excessive and irresponsible use of pesticides." The committee expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government's failure to curb this practice, which has led to persistently high levels of harmful residues in food products, including fruits, vegetables, and even milk. Compounding this public health risk is the spread of counterfeit pesticides, with an "abysmal" conviction rate for offenders that fails to act as a deterrent.
The report also criticises the organic certification process as being too "complex and expensive" for small farmers, while a lack of adequate cold storage infrastructure for perishable goods continues to result in massive post-harvest losses.
The Backbone in Crisis: KVKs Under Strain
The report paints a grim picture of the KVKs, the frontline institutions for agricultural support. It reveals a "critical staff shortage," with approximately 30% of positions—around 3,500 vacancies—currently unfilled. This crippling lack of expert staff directly impairs their ability to guide farmers. The committee also found that KVKs are underfunded, with budget increases failing to keep pace with growing demands, and that a lack of standardized service conditions is hurting morale and efficiency.
In the end, the committee's report serves as a critical wake-up call. It portrays a system where well-intentioned policies are failing due to a lack of funding, strategic vision, and effective implementation. It sends a clear message that piecemeal solutions are not enough and that a fundamental overhaul is required to protect India's farmers and secure the nation's food future in the face of escalating climate threats.
