Seeds of Change: India’s Role in Global Food Security

While India is one of the largest wheat exporters and ranks eighth globally in food commodity exports, the Global Hunger Index exposes the concerning issue of food and nutrition insecurity. Many citizens trust the agricultural sector, but there is a clear need for greater awareness of its true potential. Interestingly, China outproduces India in food grains despite sharing a similar population and having less arable land. This presents India with a chance to learn and innovate.

To enhance its global standing, India must tackle challenges like climate change, infrastructure limitations, and supply chain disruptions, especially considering the Ukraine conflict. Incorporating technology into agriculture and fostering self-reliance and diversification are key to this modernization.

India’s agricultural reforms may be rooted in tradition but emphasize gradual yet impactful improvements. Collaborating with countries like Russia, a significant producer of wheat and fertilizers, can bolster food security and position India as a supportive partner for nations facing food shortages.

India's agricultural journey is marked by significant achievements and exciting opportunities that pave the way for continued growth. A pivotal step forward involves harmonizing necessary reforms with agriculture's social and political dimensions. By fostering trust with farmers, encouraging private sector involvement, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and educating farmers on emerging technologies, the Indian government empowers them to confidently confront challenges, particularly climate change.

By prioritizing farmer education, enhancing digital access, and establishing effective public-private partnerships, India can prepare its farmers to flourish in an interconnected world. By aligning Indian domestic priorities with global ambitions, the nation stands poised to become a beacon of inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in the 21st century.

Strengthening global collaborations with regions like Africa and ASEAN, along with strategic partnerships with Russia, offers India a remarkable opportunity to lead in agricultural diplomacy. These connections can enhance global food security while elevating India’s presence and economic interests on the world stage.

New Delhi’s collaboration with Moscow presents thrilling avenues for trade and joint initiatives that address India's fertilizer needs and diversify production options. Moreover, India’s engagement in Russia's Far East and support to neighbouring countries fortify its role in ensuring global food security and economic resilience.

This visionary approach champions innovation and growth, highlighting the power of collaboration in tackling challenges like climate change and supply chain resilience. By addressing internal inefficiencies and nurturing strategic alliances, both nations can make significant strides toward achieving their agricultural goals and contributing to global sustainability.

Introduction

India is poised for greatness as it becomes the world's most populous country and a rapidly growing economic force. It is eyeing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The nation is building strategic ties with global players while prioritizing its national interests and emerging as a leader in the space sector. However, it faces significant challenges within its agricultural sector, which is vital for its aspirations of becoming a superpower.

While India is one of the largest wheat exporters and ranks eighth globally in food commodity exports, the Global Hunger Index exposes the concerning issue of food and nutrition insecurity. Many citizens trust the agricultural sector, but there is a clear need for greater awareness of its true potential. Interestingly, China outproduces India in food grains despite sharing a similar population and having less arable land. This presents India with a chance to learn and innovate.

To enhance its global standing, India must tackle challenges like climate change, infrastructure limitations, and supply chain disruptions, especially considering the Ukraine conflict. Incorporating technology into agriculture and fostering self-reliance and diversification are key to this modernization.

India’s agricultural reforms may be rooted in tradition but emphasize gradual yet impactful improvements. Collaborating with countries like Russia, a significant producer of wheat and fertilizers, can bolster food security and position India as a supportive partner for nations facing food shortages.

Nourishing a Nation: Food Security Initiatives and Agricultural Evolution

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To fight hunger and malnutrition, the Indian government has launched important initiatives, especially the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013. This law provides food grain subsidies to people below the poverty line, helping them access affordable and quality food. The NFSA is a critical step toward ensuring food security for about 810 million people.

In 2015, India began to export some agricultural products focusing on oilseeds, nutritious cereals, and pulses as priority crops under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The NFSM aims to diversify crops and improve food grain yields.

To support agricultural workers, the government set up pension plans for laborers in unorganized sectors and created the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) to help manage price changes. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is another important initiative that addresses climate change while promoting sustainable farming.

The government has implemented several policies, such as the National Horticulture Mission to boost agricultural production, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to protect crops from natural disasters, and Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for key agricultural products.

In September 2020, Parliament passed three significant agricultural laws: the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act. These laws aim to simplify the electronic trading of farm produce, eliminate barriers to interstate crop trade, and allow farmers to sell their products outside of local markets called mandis. However, some farmers worried that these changes would weaken the mandi system—a marketplace where farmers sell their produce—enabling market players to set their terms. This led to the protests by farmers at the Delhi borders highlighting their concerns and the challenges they face regarding their livelihoods. Altogether, due to the protests, in November 2021 these laws were repealed in an announcement by Prime Minister Modi.

In northwestern India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, farmers grow water-intensive crops like paddy and wheat. This practice is driven by subsidies for electricity and fertilizers and attractive minimum support prices (MSP). However, it leads to groundwater depletion and stubble burning during the winter, which worsens air quality in cities like New Delhi. There is an urgent need for a balanced approach to agriculture that supports food security while protecting the environment.

Transforming Indian Agriculture

Indian agriculture holds tremendous potential for transformation through strategic solutions. A vital aspect is enhancing communication between scientists and farmers. By making scientific advice more accessible and translating it into local languages, farmers can be empowered with practical knowledge. Conducting real-world experiments outside of laboratories will foster trust and deepen this important relationship, paving the way for a brighter agricultural future.

A powerful opportunity lies in the reform of agricultural subsidies. By transitioning to targeted, non-distortionary subsidies, India can break free from a system that restricts competition and hampers innovation. Leasing machinery and solar pumps can open doors for farmers, providing access to vital resources. Embracing innovative financial solutions like micro-loans and shared equipment rental markets can empower smallholders and inspire sustainable practices.

Leveraging AI and big data can give farmers real-time insights into weather patterns, soil conditions, and precision agriculture techniques. Successful initiatives like “Saagu Baagu” in Telangana illustrate how technology can improve yields and reduce costs. The Government of Telangana leads project Saagu Baagu in partnership with the World Economic Forum, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Digital Green. The project leverages emerging technologies to transform agriculture, offering tailored advisory, quality testing, and e-commerce services to over 7,000 farmers, sustaining their income and well-being. By scaling similar projects nationwide and offering affordable smartphones equipped with user-friendly farming applications, India significantly enhances public access to technology and builds trust in its possibilities.

Engaging both civil societies and policymakers is vital in empowering farmers to embrace the transformative potential of technology and investment, unlocking new avenues for enhanced productivity and profits. By raising awareness about the benefits of integrating technology, civil societies can empower farmers to tackle their challenges effectively while attracting private investments. Informed and aware of their rights, farmers will stand strong against political forces, ensuring that their engagement with private enterprises fosters growth and safeguards their interests.

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Training programs can focus on enhancing farmer’s digital skills and market knowledge, empowering them to negotiate and make informed decisions. Addressing the issue of fragmented land holdings through cooperatives or voluntary land consolidation efforts can help small and marginal farmers achieve better economies of scale and improve overall productivity.

Finally, improving post-harvest infrastructure and access to credit is essential. Developing efficient supply chains, storage facilities, and affordable credit systems can significantly reduce crop wastage, stabilize prices, and minimize reliance on informal lenders. Policymakers can create a balanced approach to market liberalization while protecting smallholders from exploitation by larger players. Public-private partnerships can be instrumental in building strong, inclusive agricultural value chains that benefit everyone involved.

Balancing Ambitions and Constraints

India's commitment to global food security is evident from its G20 presidency declaration. It prioritized the needs of developing nations and put food security at the forefront of discussions. As the largest exporter of millet in the world, India is not just promoting a nutritious grain; it shows its commitment to diverse and sustainable farming practices. The Global Biofuels Alliance and the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition, established during the G20 summit, reflect a shared effort to improve global food systems. By including Africa in the G20 talks, India shows its understanding of the global food security situation and the urgent need for climate-resilient solutions.

The pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have created challenges for countries around the world, including India. Russia is a major supplier of wheat and sunflower oil, and sanctions on these commodities have raised prices, putting pressure on the Indian economy. Despite these issues, India has shown strong resilience by ensuring a steady supply of fertilizers from Russia, which is vital for agriculture. This situation has emphasized the importance of solid supply chains and the need for self-sufficiency in food production. Fertilizer shortages, climate-related disruptions to grain production, and decreased supplies from other major wheat exporters expose the vulnerabilities of low-income nations. However, India has managed to support its large population and provide food assistance to countries like Egypt and its neighbours thanks to its surplus production and steady supply of fertilizers from Russia.

At the same time, India’s firm stance on food security has faced challenges. Prime Minister Modi announced a review of World Trade Organization regulations on food exports, showing India's determination. The rise in wheat exports—from 2.1 million tonnes in 2020–21 to 7.85 million tonnes in 2021–22, with 3 million tonnes contracted in April-June 2022— reflects this ambition. To support wheat exports, the government consulted with various stakeholders to improve logistics and operations.

Despite these goals, the Indian government had to make the difficult decision to pause all wheat exports, although it honoured existing contracts. Lower-than-expected procurement rates and logistical challenges, such as the limited movement of wheat to ports and storage, influenced this decision. With only two ports on the western coast, these logistical hurdles highlight areas needing improvement.

Agricultural Diplomacy: Cultivating Global Partnerships to End Hunger

In 2015, 193 countries set an ambitious goal to completely eradicate hunger by 2030. This goal appeared attainable, given the significant progress made in the fight against hunger in prior years. However, a 2020 report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization highlighted that, even without factoring in the pandemic, 840 million individuals may still be undernourished by 2030.

Despite facing challenges with its agricultural practices, India has a valuable opportunity to support developing nations in the Global South. India can significantly enhance global food security by sharing its agricultural knowledge and collaborating with various stakeholders. This initiative could strengthen India’s position in the Global South and make a compelling case for a permanent seat on the UNSC. While India has introduced climate-resilient technologies, expanding their use on a larger scale can further empower its efforts. Additionally, India can provide cost-effective technologies and methods well-suited to the specific conditions of partner countries, thereby deepening its partnerships with both developing and underdeveloped nations.

In its engagement with Africa, India has established programs like the India–Africa Forum Summit and the India–Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Growth. By strengthening these connections, India can have a meaningful impact on agricultural development. For instance, the 2010 irrigation project by Kirloskar Brothers Limited in Senegal significantly boosted the country's rice production capacity, increasing it sixfold to over 660,000 tonnes. Furthermore, India's 640 million US dollar credit line to Ethiopia in 2006 played a crucial role in helping the country become a net exporter of sugar by 2016. The “India–Africa Seeds Bridge” project is another initiative aimed at enabling African farmers to access quality seeds by facilitating the entry of Indian seed companies into African markets. This project benefits countries such as Senegal, Kenya, Malawi, and Liberia. Programs like the Feed the Future India–Africa Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Innovation Sharing Platform can further strengthen India's relationship with African nations.

India is also actively building similar partnerships with its neighbouring countries. In 2018, India and Nepal launched the “New Partnership in Agriculture” to foster collaboration in various agricultural areas.

India's agricultural model can serve as a valuable inspiration for ASEAN member states, particularly in utilizing technology and government support effectively. The “ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting the Utilization of Digital Technologies in the Food and Agriculture Sector,” adopted in 2021, focus on improving food security while maintaining free-market principles. India’s National Food Security Act employs digital technology, which allows its citizens to access a unique biometric identity through the Aadhaar system.

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By fusing a free-market approach with a commitment to food security, India effectively reduces dependency on costly grain imports, enabling it to support a larger share of domestically grown food. Although ASEAN countries generally do not adopt similar commitments to grain purchasing, they can benefit from studying India’s successful strategies for securing its food supply. Currently, India and ASEAN cooperate in the sphere of studies in agriculture, having an ASEAN-India fellowship. According to India’s Agriculture Minister, the joint fellowship intends to make researchers from both regions stay connected for a long time and better understand agriculture-related issues in ASEAN countries and India.

India has also made important strides with Pacific Island countries in the realm of food security. At the recent Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit in Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Modi introduced a 12-point development plan aimed at enhancing the financial capabilities of these island nations in vital sectors like nutrition, health, and food. Moreover, India has dispatched specialists in agriculture, information technology, and healthcare to support small and medium-sized business development initiatives in these islands, showcasing its commitment to fostering growth and collaboration.

In West Asia, the India-UAE partnership focuses on enhancing food security and trade. The UAE has pledged $2 billion for food parks in India, improving market access and connecting Indian farmers with UAE food companies through Agriota.

Russia: India’s Ideal Agricultural Partner Amid Limitations with the U.S.

In the 1960s, India enjoyed a strong relationship with the United States in agriculture, but this partnership has since evolved. Currently, the U.S. raises concerns about India's agricultural subsidies, viewing them as violations of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. Additionally, the decision of the United States to exclude India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) during Trump’s first term has impacted agricultural cooperation. After the U.S. shifts back to the Trump administration, there is an opportunity for a renewed focus on agriculture. To capitalize on this, India can advocate for cooperation by framing it within the Indo-Pacific context and emphasizing the necessity of partnership to counter China's rising influence in the food market.

China is actively pursuing agricultural cooperation with its partners through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They have also selected “Agricultural Development and Food Security” as the theme for celebrating 30 years of collaboration with ASEAN, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening agricultural industries in Southern Asia.

India has two promising options for enhancing support for agricultural startups and innovative technology. The first involves diversifying agricultural production, modernizing traditional farming practices, and investing in improved weather forecasting with U.S. assistance. Engaging the U.S. through the U.S.–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) can be a pivotal step, although this will take time and careful planning.

The second option is to attract investments from other strategic partners, such as Russia, leveraging the existing food cooperation between the two countries. This option seems realistic considering the deep relations and mutual trust shared by Russia and India. India can focus on developing its technology or work collaboratively with Russia on agricultural research. A positive example of this teamwork is the agreement between the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) with Lysterra LLC, a Russian firm, to further bio-capsule technology for biofertilization. This collaboration reflects a strong foundation of trust and success, highlighting the potential for expanding partnerships further.

Russia is keen to invest in India, utilizing surplus earnings from oil exports. Russian President Vladimir Putin appreciated the Make in India initiative and expressed Russia's readiness to invest in India. Moreover, Russia’s interest in establishing a BRICS grain exchange presents an opportunity to challenge Western-dominated grain pricing while also reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. While India may prefer to maintain its strong ties with Australia and avoid deep engagement in this exchange, there is still ample room for collaboration on food security among BRICS members. This can be understood by the Indian foreign minister Dr. Jaishankar’s statement that India has no interest in de-dollarisation.

India and Russia have made significant strides in fertilizers, pulses, and wheat. Data from the Russian Agriculture Ministry indicates that Russia was India’s fourth-largest supplier of agricultural products in the first quarter of 2024. During the 22^nd Annual Bilateral Summit, both countries agreed to increase trade to over $100 billion by 2030, focusing on collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy while promoting investment and the use of national currencies for trade. They also discussed how to liberalize trade, including the possibility of creating a Free Trade Area between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and India, while working to eliminate non-tariff barriers.

Both nations can foster deeper cooperation and benefit mutually by moving beyond mere trade expansion. India could explore opportunities through the Russian Homestead Act of 2016 in the Far East region. While President Putin has stated that developing the Far East is a top priority for Russia, the Far East is also crucial for India as it offers connections to the Arctic and extends its economic reach in the Indo-Pacific. The Homestead Act allows individuals, including foreigners, to receive free land for legitimate purposes, but they cannot rent, sell, or transfer it for five years. Foreign nationals can only buy land after five years of Russian citizenship. Indian farmers can grow fruits, vegetables, and soybeans in the Far East to meet Russian import needs. Soybeans are significant in India, making up 43% of oilseeds. Joint ventures with Russia can help farmers earn more and provide alternatives to moving to Canada or Australia.

The State of Himachal Pradesh farmers can start the India–Russia cooperation in the Far East, as the state has weather conditions similar to those of the Russian region. Agriculture contributes over 45% of Himachal Pradesh's GDP, and a five-year pilot project could involve its farmers, who are accustomed to similar weather. With an 82.8% literacy rate, Himachal Pradesh has an educated workforce. India should create training programs for farmers on Russia's Far East language and culture. Like Punjab Agricultural University, which helps educate farmers on Canadian practices, similar centres will be required to educate farmers about Russia.

Joint ventures can forge a remarkable pathway to export surplus products from Russia to India through the Vladivostok Port to Chennai Port along the East Maritime corridor. This partnership aligns beautifully with the labour prospects of both nations, as Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the immense potential for India-Russia collaboration in tackling global workforce challenges. He emphasized that demographic imbalances are a key driver of labour shortages worldwide. With a vision for the future, he advocated for a focused initiative to equip Indian talent for the Russian job market, encouraging vibrant business collaboration.

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India’s domestic journey ahead may require substantial effort and time to educate farmers, integrate technology on a large scale, and navigate the legislative process, but this partnership holds the potential to transform India's agricultural landscape. Together, India-Russia ventures can enhance productivity and profits, paving the way for food production and export to the EAEU region and the flourishing markets of Southeast Asia.

This collaboration will help Russia reduce its dependence on China and give Indian farmers more options besides Canada, especially as relations with Canada decline. More importantly, it will mutually benefit the partnership between Russia and India, including Russia's investment in agriculture start-ups in India. Meanwhile, Indian farmers will jointly cooperate in Far East Russia, helping Russian farmers with their expertise.

Conclusion

India's agricultural journey is marked by significant achievements and exciting opportunities that pave the way for continued growth. A pivotal step forward involves harmonizing necessary reforms with agriculture's social and political dimensions. By fostering trust with farmers, encouraging private sector involvement, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and educating farmers on emerging technologies, the Indian government empowers them to confidently confront challenges, particularly climate change.

By prioritizing farmer education, enhancing digital access, and establishing effective public-private partnerships, India can prepare its farmers to flourish in an interconnected world. By aligning Indian domestic priorities with global ambitions, the nation stands poised to become a beacon of inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in the 21^st century.

Strengthening global collaborations with regions like Africa and ASEAN, along with strategic partnerships with Russia, offers India a remarkable opportunity to lead in agricultural diplomacy. These connections can enhance global food security while elevating India’s presence and economic interests on the world stage.

New Delhi’s collaboration with Moscow presents thrilling avenues for trade and joint initiatives that address India's fertilizer needs and diversify production options. Moreover, India’s engagement in Russia's Far East and support to neighbouring countries fortify its role in ensuring global food security and economic resilience.

This visionary approach champions innovation and growth, highlighting the power of collaboration in tackling challenges like climate change and supply chain resilience. By addressing internal inefficiencies and nurturing strategic alliances, both nations can make significant strides toward achieving their agricultural goals and contributing to global sustainability.