1. Food Systems Transformation:
- Recognize the need for a holistic approach towards agriculture, aiming to increase productivity while reducing resource usage.
- Prioritize investment in agri-R&D, innovation, and extension services to enhance total factor productivity.
2. Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
- Address threats posed by extreme weather events due to global warming.
- Invest in heat and flood-resistant seeds and water management technologies to ensure sustainable agriculture.
- Promote “More crop per drop” practices through precision agriculture techniques.
3. Urbanization and Logistics Revolution:
- Anticipate increased urbanization by 2047, necessitating efficient food transportation, storage, processing, and retailing.
- Encourage private sector investments in logistics infrastructure by revising outdated laws and regulations.
4. Institutional Innovation for Smallholders:
- Foster the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) or cooperatives to consolidate smallholder farms and facilitate better market access.
5. Nutritional Security:
- Shift focus from food security to nutritional security, addressing malnutrition and stunting among children below the age of 5.
- Explore fortification of staples with micro-nutrients such as Vitamin A, considering options like golden rice.
6. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
- Advocate for PPPs to drive efficiency and innovation in the agri-food sector.
- Provide a supportive policy framework to encourage private sector participation, similar to schemes like PLI (Production Linked Incentive) for other industries.
These recommendations aim to steer India’s agri-food sector towards resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
