Editorial 1:Soren vs Soren

Introduction

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren’s exit from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) follows a familiar pattern. He was the trusted lieutenant who was hand-picked by party supremo Hemant Soren to be his placeholder in his absence. That act of high trust, or political gamble, soon deteriorated into a mismatch of expectations of loyalty and rewards from both sides.

Key details about Champai

• The Tribal mobiliser: Champai has been a veteran of tribal mobilisation in Jharkhand and has played second fiddle to Shibu Soren and his son Hemant Soren, the former and current Chief Ministers of the State, respectively, all his life.
• Resignation of Hemant: as the Chief Minister on January 31, 2024, minutes before he was arrested by the ED on charges of corruption, Champai took over the reins.
• Choosing Democracy and not Dynasty: It was a bold and decent move on the part of Hemant to choose a party veteran instead of a family member, as it usually happens in such situations.
• Removal of Champai and trust deficit: turned out to be abrupt, and humiliating when Hemant came out of jail. He had wielded power as the chief executive for the first time and expected to be treated more respectfully by his leader.
• The Dynastic politics: The JMM, like most parties in India, is controlled by one leader or family, and there is little room for the separate ambitions of individual leaders.

External factors that led to Champai’s decision to Exit

• Cross party defection: While Champai cried of “bitter humiliation” by Hemant, Hemant insinuated that Champai was being lured by the BJP.
• Oppositions political ambitions through tribal support: Its strategy is to fragment the tribal vote and consolidate the non-tribal vote in its favour while inciting resentment among the tribal communities against Muslims.

Conclusion

The BJP is arguing that in its absence, the State has undergone unchecked changes in its demography. And, as a counter, the JMM has questioned the BJP’s intent in delaying the 2021 Census, further putting the onus of checking “infiltrators” squarely on the Centre. Champai has not completely revealed his plans — he might float a party of his own or join the BJP. Either way, his role in the Assembly polls will likely work to the advantage of the BJP. It becomes more crucial that issues and addressed and in the battle of political tussle, people’s trust is kept above all.

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Editorial 2:The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture

Context: Challenges and opportunities in Indian Agriculture.

Introduction

India’s centennial year of independence is still away, in 2047, but the goal of becoming a developed nation looms large. Achieving this requires a significant increase in per capita Gross National Income (GNI) to about six times the current level. This necessitates a comprehensive development approach, especially in agriculture.

Road to sustainable agriculture

• Transforming Indian agriculture depends on adopting sustainable practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental health.
• Precision farming, genetically modified crops, and advanced irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems are leading this transformation.
• The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has covered 78 lakh hectares, promoting water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation. The scheme’s ₹93,068 crore allocation for 2021-26 underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable water management. 

Challenges and Solutions to issues in Indian Agriculture

India’s agricultural sector faces challenges, including climate change, land degradation, and market access issues.

• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): introduced in 2016, provides financial assistance for crop losses. With 49.5 crore farmers enrolled and claims totalling over ₹1.45 lakh crore, the scheme is a cornerstone of agricultural risk management. 
• The Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM): launched in 2016, integrates existing markets through an electronic platform. By September 2023, 1,361 mandis had been integrated, benefiting 1.76 million farmers and recording trade worth ₹2.88 lakh crore. This initiative improves market access and ensures better price realisation for farmers. 

An imbalance in Indian Agriculture

• Limited contribution in GDP: Despite agriculture engaging nearly 46% of the workforce, agriculture’s contribution to GDP is about 18%, highlighting a stark imbalance.
• Agriculture GDP: Agricultural GDP lags at 3.3%. Under the Narendra Modi administration, overall GDP growth was 5.9%, and agriculture grew at 3.6%. However, this is insufficient for a sector so critical to the nation’s socio-economic fabric. 
• Bleak Future of agriculture growth: By 2047, agriculture’s share in GDP might shrink to 7%-8%, yet, it could still employ over 30% of the workforce if significant structural changes are not implemented.
• Unpredictability of monsoons: The expected 7.6% overall GDP growth for 2023-24 is promising. However, the agri-GDP’s anaemic growth of 0.7%, primarily due to unseasonal rains, is alarming. 
• Rising population and demands: Further, according to United Nations projections, India’s population is expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 and 1.59 billion by 2040. And meeting the food requirements of this burgeoning population will be imperative.
• Food price and demands will be impacted: With an estimated expenditure elasticity of food at 0.45, the demand for food is expected to grow by approximately 2.85% annually, considering the population growth rate of 0.85%. 
• India’s real per capita income and expenditure dynamics:  Increased by 41% from 2011-12 to 2021-22 and is projected to accelerate further. However, the expenditure elasticity post-2023 is anticipated to be lower.

Some initiatives to help agriculture progress

Several initiatives have been rolled out to bolster farmer prosperity and sustainable agricultural growth.

• Rationalising food and fertilizer subsidies and redirecting savings towards agricultural research and development innovation and extension services are crucial. 

• The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): launched in 2019, disburses ₹6,000 annually to farmers in three instalments. This scheme has already benefited over 11.8 crore farmers, offering much-needed financial support.
• The Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme: aims to optimise soil nutrient use, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity. Over 23 crore SHCs have been distributed, providing farmers with crucial insights into soil health and nutrient management. 
• Millets support: The government also championed the International Year of Millets in 2023, promoting nutritious coarse grains, both domestically and internationally. 
• The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: with a ₹1 lakh crore financing facility, supports the development and modernisation of post-harvest management infrastructure.
• Employment opportunities: These projects have created employment for more than 5.8 lakh individuals and improved farmer incomes by 20%-25% through better price realisation. 
•  SVAMITVA initiative: aims to ensure transparent property ownership in rural areas. As of September 2023, over 1.6 crore property cards have been generated, enhancing land security and facilitating credit access for farmers. 

Strategic planning to boost Agricultural Growth

The government’s strategic planning for agriculture, leading up to 2047, focuses on several key areas:

• Anticipated future demand for agricultural products
• Insights from past growth catalysts, existing challenges, and potential opportunities in the agricultural landscape.
• Projections indicate that the total demand for food grains in 2047-48 will rise.

Way Forward

To meet this demand sustainably, significant investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and policy support are required. The Budget for 2024-25, with an allocation of ₹20 lakh crore for targeted agricultural credit and the launch of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, highlights the government’s proactive approach to fostering agricultural innovation and growth. 

Conclusion

The road to 2047 presents both challenges and opportunities for Indian agriculture. By embracing sustainable practices, leveraging technological innovations, and implementing strategic initiatives, India can enhance farmer incomes, meet the food demands of its growing population, and achieve inclusive, sustainable development. Focussed approach will help the country to achieve its goal of Vikasit Baharat by 2047.