The early 90’s witnessed something of a movement that foretold the shortage of food and over population, leading to chaos in governance, and all round confusion. However, the next decade passed by without registering anything of the sort, though of course, there were isolated cases of certain countries having to survive drought and famine.
Now, a decade later, many people probably feel a sense of deja’ vu as they witness the food shortage in Asia, which seems to have spilled over internationally. And with good reason too.
In early march, the Philippines saw an acute shortage of rice and grain, making the rationing of rice a necessity. And in this particular century when the world economy is more intertwined then ever, Philippines acted like the epicenter with tremors being felt all over the world.
Such events do happen from time to time, but what was very unique this time was that the shortage scare penetrated a supposedly impregnable country- the US. The scare was so acute that the giant retail chain Wal Mart had to put a limit on the purchase of rice from its stores to prevent hoarding. Another, perhaps even amusing development, was the rise of a group called the ‘green survivalists,’ who are stockpiling food and fuel in preparation of what they call ‘imminent break down.’
The various groups and people in the know were quick to point out that this was just a temporary development that would soon be seen out the door by the inter play of economic forces. Whatever the case, the role of a country like India is going to be magnified several fold in view of this development. The reason is two fold:
1. India is already the second largest producer of rice and wheat after China. However, there are certain impediments that are preventing optimum production: low mechanization of agriculture, low quality seeds, limited area under cultivation, and the limited influence of the green revolution being the most prominent among them.
If these impediments are removed, India can easily surpass China and become the leading producer of food in the world, a position which other countries may not be able to aspire to. The reason is that technological advancements notwithstanding, there is only so much that technology can do in the absence of cultivable land- a factor that is clearly in the favor of a large and diverse nation like India.
2. The second reason is regulatory and bureaucratic in nature. Food economists cited the growing middle class in nations like India and China and their correspondingly high food demands as the cause for the recent food shortage. The controversies that this pronouncement triggered aside, India with more than 15% of the world’s total population, definitely exerts a huge influence on the food market. With the population expected to keep growing, how the government regulates and maintains the growth process will affect the whole world considerably.
In these circumstances Indians with their improved world standing can only hope for the best. Nevertheless, without careful planning and execution the situation may backfire and cause unimaginable crises. The world is increasingly coming to rest its focus on India; surely, in this position India cannot afford to be slack in enforcing its vision of advancement and development.
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Huthuka writes for Chillibreeze.
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