Challenges in Diversification of Agricultural Crops through Tree Crops

Over the past twenty-five years, my consistent touch with farmers & industrialists has provided insights into the complexities hindering the diversification of agricultural crops, particularly in regions affected by the green revolution like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. The repercussions of this revolution manifest in dwindling productivity of staple crops such as wheat and paddy due to soil nutrient depletion and a declining groundwater table.

Furthermore, the annual burning of paddy crop stubble worsens air pollution, particularly during the Deepawali period in Delhi and the NCR region. Despite these challenges, these states persist in generating surplus food grains, leading to storage issues.

A report published in the Times of India has highlighted the challenges faced in diversifying to alternative crops. The data presented emphasizes that the shift away from paddy cultivation has not materialized, primarily because of the assured procurement and superior returns offered by paddy compared to alternative kharif crops.

To stimulate interest in alternative crops, there is a crucial need to enhance their returns by increasing both productivity and minimum support prices (MSP), aligning them with the profitability of paddy cultivation.

Furthermore, the government must ensure the assured procurement of alternative crops or compensate farmers for losses incurred during distress sales, drawing inspiration from the successful ‘Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana’ implemented by the Haryana Government. The Haryana state government pays the difference in the fixed rate of fourteen agricultural crops and the rate received by the farmers.

The Haryana Government’s recent extension of the ‘Mera Paani Meri Viraasat’ scheme to include tree crops, offering a financial incentive of Rs 7000 per acre for transitioning from paddy cultivation to tree crops, is a positive step.

Furthermore, incorporating tree crops into the existing MSP scheme for fourteen crops of Haryana State is suggested. Encouragingly, other state governments should adopt similar initiatives, extending incentives and benefits traditionally reserved for agricultural crops to tree crops.

Plantation companies/entrepreneurs may be provided incentives to undertake plantations on panchayat/ community lands as well as other available lands.

The marketing act may be modified to allow the wood-based units to buy the farm wood directly from the farmers to eliminate middlemen.

Being a mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, state agriculture departments may be associated with research and development (R&D) of tree crops through agricultural universities.

The agriculture department in states may be actively associated with the extension of tree crops through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) to improve their profitability.

The Land Tenancy Act may be amended so that plantation companies may purchase/lease sufficient farmlands for making their plantation projects financially viable.

Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between agroforestry expansion and the growth of wood-based industries underscores the need to enhance and enlarge the wood-based industry sector.

The emergence of Medium-Density Fibre (MDF) plants, utilizing smaller-sized wood, is expected to boost the adoption of tree crops by reducing their harvesting period.

To further stimulate growth, promoting larger wood-based companies, both domestic and foreign, is crucial to enhance competitiveness within this sector.

Expanding traditional wood centres and establishing integrated models combining agroforestry with wood-based industries are vital steps.

Additionally, revising export/import policies to favour the export of wood and wood products would contribute to the overall success of this initiative.

In summary, the diversification of agricultural crops can only thrive when the returns from tree crops are comparable to the wheat-paddy cycle, and their compensation during distress sales is assured.

The extension of schemes, inclusion in MSP, and support for wood-based industries are pivotal steps toward achieving this goal.