Question

Despite being one of the growing economies, our country still has a large section of population going hungry and malnourished. Do you think an efficient crop production mechanism is the only solution to this? Discuss in the class what else needs to be done to root out hunger and malnutrition from our country.

Answer 1

India, a growing economy with agriculture as a main contributor to its growth.

Agriculture is the science of cultivating plants, animals and other life forms for food and other sources. Despite the large production of crops by agricultural practices, people still go hungry and malnourished. This happens because of inefficient crop production and management.

In India, an increase in the production of food grains has been observed from 1960 to 2004. With efficient management, the crop production can be enhanced and improved to feed the country’s poor.

A few steps in this direction can be:

1. Selection of high field seeds for planting The seeds with increased yield and reduced growth period.
2. Management of crop production The financial aspects of agriculture should be made more approachable to farmers at all levels.
3. Information regarding the use of chemicals, manures, cropping patterns, nutrient quality and irrigation facilities should be discussed and propagated among farmers.
4. Protection of crops The agricultural produce should be shared efficiently to reduce the microbial, pest or other organisms from infesting the produce. Pest and weed control measures should be adopted.

A large amount of crops get spoiled during storage by different living and non-living factors.

Living factors include rodents, microbes and insects.

Non-living factors are moisture, temperature and hygiene of the storage place.

Keeping these factors in mind, we can reduce the economic losses, increase the marketability and feed the country’s poor.