Dehradun is getting ready to host the first CMs Conclave on Agriculture in the Himalayan Region on September 20-21 this year. The three Himalayan states of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand share some common features, especially with regard to agro climatic features, greater dependence on horticulture, soil stress, low productivity vies –a –vies global benchmarks, poor infrastructure for on farm collection and primary level value addition , lack of appropriate R&D, higher input costs, and the challenge from cheaper imports (apple, kiwi, saffron, almonds, walnuts) and higher costs of intermediation in extension services or introduction of new technologies. The absence of a rail network also increases the transport cost, and makes the producer vulnerable to the ‘transport lobby’ which can hold the producers to ransom, especially during the critical harvest period.
However, it must be acknowledged that while there are challenges, opportunities are waiting to be leveraged. The road network is fairly extensive, the tourist inflow is very high, especially during the summers, and in addition to internal demand from big urban centres like Srinagar, Jammu, Shimla, Dehradun and Haldane (among others), Punjab, Haryana and the NCT of Delhi are fairly proximate. These have substantially large middle class populations, and have been the traditional ‘market’ for the horticulture produce of these states. One must also acknowledge that the region has a well developed network of KVKs, State Agriculture Universities and ICAR institutions, and is also the hub for the production of potato seed in the country. The potato seed producers of Lahaul Spiti have made it the most prosperous district in the country in terms of per capita GDP.
Thus it can be said that while the region does not face the same set of difficulties as are faced in the North Eastern region, the challenges are of a different order, and the interventions required call for intervention at the GoI level. Take for example, the import duty on apple. While it is true that India has applied 50% duty on apple imports, the issue of under-invoicing and regulation is in the domain of the Centre. If apples are under invoiced even by a factor of 20%, the impact on the market is escalated to 30% because of the duty structure. With such differentials, the typical ‘importable –exportable’ hypothesis breaks down, and more transactions take place through the ‘hawala route’ which is neither good for the country, nor the primary producer. The same example can be stretched to saffron, almonds and walnuts.
The next common challenge faced by the region is the absence of infrastructure to ensure price discovery at production centres. In the absence of an extensive network of CA/MA storages, duly notified as warehouses under the WDR Act, the farmers from this region will only get a fraction of the consumers’ rupee. True, the scenario is changing. The cold chain facilities for apple established by Adanis and FHEL (Fresh and Healthy Enterprise , a Concor subsidiary) in Himachal has certainly ensure much higher prices for the apple producers of Himachal Pradesh, but one could do with many more such examples. This calls for a dynamic partnership, amendments to the APMC Acts, and the realization that public infrastructure created for this sector will have a positive impact on the incomes of people. Then there are issues like establishing capital intensive equipment like anti-hail guns, which ensures that ‘hail’ is broken before it hits the ground, thereby saving the precious apple crop. There are two questions here: at Rs 75 lakh per gun, it is very cost intensive, and the jury is still out on the long term impact on ecology and environment. From an administrative perspective, one should wait for at least two or three seasons – for the farmer who loses the crop, if a technology is available, why not use it.
With regard to the format of the conference, it is expected to be both knowledge driven as well as intensely participative. Besides the Inaugural and Valedictory sessions which will be graced by the CMs and Ministers from the three states, and the Union Agriculture Minister, Minster of State and Agriculture Secretary, there will be technical sessions and breakout groups in which the key stakeholders will deliberate on issues confronting agriculture in the region. Each state will be represented by the Secretaries and Directors in charge of Agriculture, Horticulture and agriculture marketing departments. Each of the three states will make the state presentation, highlighting the specific state issues and the areas of immediate concern.
Besides the Agriculture and Horticulture Commissioners from the Government of India, all the Vice Chancellors and heads of ICAR institutions in the region will participate in the technical sessions. The sessions, besides covering issues relating to production, input management, PHM, MIS, marketing and convergence issues, will also focus on issues which are common to all states: climate change, soil stress, financial inclusion, policy interface with other departments and livelihood generation strategies. The fact that in these three states, horticulture is the predominant activity in the agriculture sector will also get highlighted. Then there are issues regarding micro irrigation, water harvesting , protected cultivation, vegetable initiative and the millets mission that will come up for discussion.
Last but not the least, is the message that finally, both the central and state governments have woken up to the fact that agriculture cannot be ignored. This is the sector which needs immediate attention, with special emphasis on attention to detail. Enough of platitudes. It’s time for business.