Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.
Technology Missions integrate research, extension and inputs to raise productivity of specific crops and allied sectors, transforming Indian agriculture from scarcity to sufficiency.
Major Missions:
- Technology Mission on Oilseeds (1986) — precursor to the Yellow Revolution, cut edible-oil imports.
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM) — rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals; area expansion and yield enhancement.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) — soil health, water-use efficiency, climate resilience.
- Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) — fruits, vegetables, spices; boosted horticulture output beyond foodgrains.
- National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) — reduce import dependence.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation and Digital Agriculture Mission.
Role in Food Security:
- Raised foodgrain output to record highs (330+ MT), ensuring availability.
- Buffer stocks under NFSA cover 80 crore beneficiaries — accessibility.
- Biofortified varieties address nutritional security.
- Sustainable practices safeguard long-term security against climate stress.
Challenges of regional imbalance and stagnating pulses/oilseeds remain.
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