Crop Diversification: An Exploratory Analysis

Discussing various dimensions of crop diversification in India, this chapter argues that crop diversification (horizontal and vertical) is one of the best options to increase farm income leading to food, nutrition and ecological security as well as poverty alleviation. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to crop diversification by the government. Several steps can be taken to reduce risks and improve marketing facilities through improved roads and communications, construction of wholesale markets, etc. The access of farmers, private traders and exporters to credit also needs to be improved. Efforts should be made to identify high specialty crops, new crops, off-season varieties and production systems to open up new opportunities for farmers. The promotion of multipurpose species would also be useful for diversification of agro-processing on small-scale at local and national level for productivity enhancement and expanded employment opportunities. Again, there is a need for improved seed and other planting materials for effective crop diversification. One major concern is the high post-harvest losses of crop produce, particularly in horticultural crops. The government should take initiatives to minimize such losses. The private sector can play a major role in the development of modern agro-enterprises to infuse capital and technology into diversified cropping systems for effective commercialization for long-term sustainability. Since crop diversification is an important element of poverty alleviation, income generation, equity and natural resource conservation, a well-designed mechanism has to be developed through the participation of the local governments. There is also a need for development of an information database on crop diversification for policy makers, farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders.