From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (Answer in 250 words)

India’s transition from food dependence to a major agricultural exporter resulted from technological change, state support, infrastructure and market integration.

Key reasons

• The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding wheat and rice, irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides and improved farm management.
• Public procurement, minimum support prices, buffer stocks and the Food Corporation of India encouraged production and stabilised supplies.
• Expansion of canals, tubewells, rural electrification, roads, storage, cold chains and agricultural research raised marketable surplus.
• Diversification into rice, wheat, sugar, cotton, spices, marine products, meat, fruits and processed foods broadened export capacity.
• Trade liberalisation, private investment, quality certification and global demand connected producers to world markets.

Qualifications

Exports coexist with malnutrition, groundwater stress, climate risk and uneven farmer gains. A durable strategy requires nutrition security, crop diversification, water efficiency, value addition, stable trade policy and smallholder-friendly institutions.

geography, Indian agriculture, food security, food exports