“In terms of sub-geographies, where our key agri crops are produced and where these are being consumed is different. This gives rise to a new type of challenge. This phenomenon is really specific to India,” Singh said on Thursday at Public Affairs Forum of India’s 10th Annual Forum 2023 in New Delhi.
Giving an example, he said mustard is produced in Rajasthan but mustard oil is consumed in the eastern part of the country; Rajasthani don’t consume too much mustard. “In such a situation, what do you do? You have to produce and then you have to store and transport it efficiently,” said the senior government official.
He said there are many such examples. India produces 275 lakh tonnes of pulses and consumes 280 lakh tonnes. “There is a gap of 5 lakh tonnes. So, it is logical to think that we import 5 lakh tonnes. But we import 25 lakh tonnes because our composition of agri production and the composition of its consumption is remarkably different,” Singh said.
However, he asserted that the growing use of technology has been helpful.
The secretary also highlighted the importance of spreading information and underscored the necessity of information symmetry. In his view, India being a vast country, needs multiple steps by all stakeholders — including the public and private sector — to turn the situation around on the ground.In his address, Srinivas R Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, emphasised on the concept of geographical equity. Collaboration between the private and government sectors is important to achieve a harmonious balance between sustainability and rapid economic growth, which is currently a top priority for the country, he added.
