Q.From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.

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1. Agricultural Reforms and Policy Support

• Green Revolution: Launched in the 1960s-70s, it introduced high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and modern irrigation, dramatically boosting wheat and rice production in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): By guaranteeing prices for key crops, MSP provided financial security to farmers, incentivizing large-scale food grain cultivation.
• PDS and FCI: The Public Distribution System (PDS) stabilized domestic food prices, while the Food Corporation of India (FCI) managed the procurement, storage, and distribution of surplus grains.
• Economic Liberalization (1991): Reforms relaxed export controls, integrated Indian agriculture with global markets, and promoted the export of high-value crops.

2. Technological Advancements and Research

• High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): The adoption of HYV seeds transformed India from a food-deficient nation into a food-surplus country.
• Mechanization and Precision Agriculture: Farm mechanization, drip irrigation, and precision farming enhanced productivity and resource efficiency, particularly in water-scarce states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• Research and Development (R&D): Institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) developed climate-resilient, disease-resistant crop varieties. For example, advancements in rice breeding enabled India to become a top global exporter of basmati rice.

3. Infrastructure Development

• Irrigation Infrastructure: Mega-projects like the Bhakra-Nangal and Hirakud dams expanded irrigation networks, ensuring water security in key agricultural belts.
• Cold Storage and Transportation: The expansion of cold chain facilities improved the storage and transport of perishables like fruits, vegetables, and dairy, minimizing post-harvest losses and enabling international exports.

4. Crop Diversification and Export Promotion

• Diversification: India expanded beyond traditional food grains into high-value sectors like horticulture, spices, tea, and marine products. Spices and tea from Kerala and Assam, along with coastal marine products, are major export contributors.
• APEDA: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been pivotal in providing export incentives, market development, and brand-building.
• Global Export Leadership: By 2021-22, India emerged as a leading exporter of rice, wheat, and sugar, exporting agricultural goods worth $50 billion to key markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.