The Green Mirage

Newsreel Asia Insight #44
Nov. 14, 2023

In the agriculture sector, Madhya Pradesh is reportedly outshining traditional agrarian champions like Punjab and Haryana. But beneath this lush green facade may lie a narrative tinged with the hues of struggle and unsustainable practices, reminiscent of Punjab’s post-Green Revolution predicament.

For over two decades, Madhya Pradesh’s fields have flourished with bountiful harvests. Wheat and soybean have become the twin pillars of this agricultural renaissance, as per The Print, which suggests that this boom is a carefully crafted mosaic of improved irrigation, accessible loans, quality seeds and better roads.

However, the lives of farmers in Madhya Pradesh haven’t reaped the benefits of this green revolution, according to the Print. Costs of farming have skyrocketed, eclipsing the income from increased production. It’s akin to running faster only to stay in the same place. For the farmers, the dream of a prosperous farming life remains just that – a dream.

The scenario in Madhya Pradesh, the winner of the Union government’s Krishi Karman Award for food grain production for the seventh time in a row, eerily mirrors Punjab’s journey post the original Green Revolution of   the 1960s-70s.

The Green Revolution in Punjab, while initially hailed as a success for its dramatic increase in agricultural productivity, eventually led to several long-term problems.

Punjab’s intensive farming practices led to excessive groundwater extraction, causing a significant drop in water tables. The over-reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides resulted in soil degradation. Due to the Green Revolution’s focus on high-yielding varieties of a few crops like wheat and rice, there was a reduction in agricultural biodiversity. This monoculture approach made crops more susceptible to diseases and pests and reduced the overall resilience of the ecosystem.

The use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers has also been linked to various health problems among the local population, including chronic diseases and cancer.

Further, while the Green Revolution in Punjab benefited some farmers, especially those with larger landholdings, it widened economic disparities. Small-scale and marginal farmers often couldn’t afford the high costs of inputs like fertilisers and quality seeds, leading to increased rural poverty and indebtedness.

In a recent interview with IndiaSpend, P.S. Vijayshankar, an expert in sustainable farming, rightly highlighted the need for an ecosystem-centric approach in agriculture. He compared the current production-centric methods to a high-speed train heading towards a broken bridge. The intensive agriculture that once seemed a panacea is now a Pandora’s box, unleashing problems of depleted soil and overused groundwater.

Government policies, too, reveal a dichotomy, he pointed out. On one hand, there is support for non-chemical farming; on the other, the approval of genetically modified (GM) seeds shows a tilt towards industrial agriculture. It’s like trying to douse a fire while simultaneously feeding it with fuel.

The Non-Pesticide Management approach, promoted by Vijayshankar’s nonprofit organisation, Samaj Pragati Sahayog, offers a ray of hope. It’s a call to return to basics, using local resources and reducing dependence on chemicals. However, the path is riddled with challenges, including labour shortages and the need for innovation.

The market for organic produce is burgeoning, yet it lacks proper representation in traditional markets.

The Green Revolution’s lessons underscore the need for a comprehensive approach that includes research, marketing and targeted efforts. It’s like building a house; you need a strong foundation, good materials and a solid plan.

Groundwater management is another crucial piece of this puzzle. Rational water use, considering local agroecology, is essential. It’s not just about turning off the tap; it’s about redesigning the entire plumbing system.

Madhya Pradesh stands at a crossroads. It can either continue down the path of short-term gains with long-term repercussions, as Punjab did, or it can pave a new path towards sustainable agriculture. We should remember that agriculture is not just a means to an end, but part of a larger ecological system. The green mirage of Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural boom needs to transform into a sustainable oasis, where prosperity, which is inclusive, and ecology walk hand in hand.