Is Yield Improvement a Real Possibility?

Today it is possible to increase the yield with the combination of new sciences- based on genetically modified seeds and applying existing and traditional sciences – better use of fertilizer and improved irrigation systems. For example, in the US, new seed technologies have reduced diseases vulnerability of crops like maize and cotton. In India also us of BT cotton, a genetically modified version of cotton seed has resulted into very much improved results.

Some regions have apprehensions about the use of genetically modified varieties due to fears of unintended consequences, but most scientists so far have proven no adverse effects, even 10 years after adoption.

India’s crop yields are far below that of many regions. For example, India’s wheat yield at 2600 kg / hector is well below that of china (4100 kg / hector) and Europe (5000 kg / hector). Similarly, India’s rice yield at 3000 kg / hector is again well below that of china (6200 kg / hector), Europe (6400 kg / hector) and US (7500 kg / hector). India’s soybean yield at 870 kg / hector is far below that of Brazil (2500 kg/hector), Europe (2600 kg / hector) and US (2700 kg/hector). So, it is clearly a possibility to significantly improve crop yield in India. Honorable Minister of Agriculture Shri Sharad Pawar has also in his recent speech expressed concern over the slow pace of farm research in the country and exhorted scientists to raise productivity of crops to meet domestic demand and cut import dependence.