Business of Agriculture March April 2019 Edition | Page 31

Field view of HQPM hybrid seed
production in a non-traditional state
under the supervision of the author
In the agricultural production system, every alternate
year may turn as a ‘good year’ or ‘bad year’ for a given
crop. Accordingly, buffer stocking of the produce
should be the most viable option to overcome likely
shortages and avoid an importing like situation. It is
disturbing to note that in last year a little price rise
of maize from Rs.1531.00 per quintal to Rs. 1647.00
per quintal created a lot of noise in marketing and the
disposal was in rough weather.
Apart from the above facts, the question remains
about the preparedness in the importing ports of
India to test the level of Aflatoxin and ascertaining the
permissible limit; maize being a risky crop from the
contamination point of view and with all likelihood
to affect the food-chain. Another important factor is
about the facility to ascertain the consignment as Non-
GMO, particularly from such a huge import volume!
* Dr M S Basu is an eminent scientist and internationally
recognised expert in agriculture who has served Indian
Council of Agricultural Research for 36 years in various
capacities and retired as All India Project Coordinator
and Director, ICAR. On superannuation, Dr Basu served
International Organizations namely ICRISAT (CGIAR)
and the UN as International Consultant. Dr Basu also
served NAIP, the project funded by World Bank as
Independent Consultant to Agri-Business Planning and
Development besides many other positions in Public,
Private Institutions.
Accordingly,
buffer
stocking of
the produce
should be
the most
viable option
to overcome
likely
shortages
and avoid an
importing like
situation
Moreover, when several options are available to
diversify feed using other minor cereals, husks and oil
cakes, in case of shortfall of a particular commodity!
Any unavoidable agricultural import is bound to have
an adverse impact on the farm economy.