Published on 18 Feb 2025
The Yellow Revolution was a significant agricultural initiative launched in India during 1986-1987 to boost the production of edible oils, primarily mustard and sesame seeds. The aim was to reduce the country's dependence on imported edible oils and achieve self-sufficiency.
Features of Yellow Revolution
Focus on Oilseed Production
Targeted Crops: The revolution primarily focused on increasing the production of oilseeds such as mustard, sesame, groundnut, soybean, safflower, sunflower, niger, linseed, and castor.
Crop Diversification: Encouraged farmers to diversify their crops, reducing dependence on traditional crops and ensuring a stable income.
Technological Advancements
Hybrid Seeds: Introduction of high-yielding hybrid seeds of mustard and sesame significantly increased oil production per unit area.
Improved Agricultural Practices: Promotion of better farming techniques, including irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, enhanced crop yield.
Government Support
Financial Incentives: Provided subsidies, loans, and other financial assistance to farmers to encourage oilseed cultivation.
Infrastructure Development: Investment in storage, processing, and transportation facilities to support the increased oilseed production.
Research and Development: Promoted research to develop improved varieties, cultivation techniques, and processing technologies.
Farmer Empowerment
Extension Services: Provided training and education to farmers on modern agricultural practices, increasing their knowledge and skills.
Minimum Support Price (MSP): Guaranteed a minimum price for oilseeds, ensuring a stable income for farmers.
Institutional Setup
Dedicated Boards: Established organizations like the National Oilseeds and Vegetable Oils Development Board to coordinate and promote oilseed production.
Issues related to Yellow Revolution
Production-Related Issues
Limited cultivable land: The expansion of oilseed cultivation was restricted due to the increasing demand for land for housing, industries, and other non-agricultural purposes.
Low productivity: Compared to high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, oilseed crops often have lower yields. This lower profitability discouraged farmers from opting for oilseed cultivation.
Example: The average yield of mustard, a major oilseed crop, is significantly lower than that of wheat in India.
Vulnerability to pests and diseases: Oilseed crops are susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and diseases like alternaria blight, leading to substantial crop losses.
Example: The spread of Sclerotinia wilt in mustard has caused significant damage to mustard crops in certain regions.
Climate change impact: Erratic rainfall patterns, heatwaves, and extreme weather events have disrupted oilseed cultivation.
Market-Related Issues
Price fluctuations: The prices of oilseeds and edible oils are influenced by factors like global demand, and supply, which makes it difficult for farmers to plan their production and investments.
Consumer preference: The growing popularity of imported edible oils, often perceived as of higher quality, has reduced the demand for domestic oils.
Example: Palm oil, imported in large quantities, has captured a significant share of the Indian edible oil market.
Policy and Infrastructure Issues
Lack of adequate support: Insufficient government investment in research and development, extension services, and infrastructure has hindered the growth of the oilseed sector.
Inefficient supply chain: The absence of proper storage, processing, and transportation facilities increases the cost of production and reduces farmers' income.
Environmental Concerns
Intensive cultivation: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase oilseed yields can degrade soil health and contaminate water bodies.
Example: Overuse of pesticides in cotton cultivation, often intercropped with oilseeds, has led to pesticide residues in soil and water.
Deforestation: The expansion of oil palm cultivation, particularly in the eastern and northeastern
regions of India, has led to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
Way Forward for oil seeds cultivation
Minimum Support Price (MSP): Guaranteeing a minimum price for oilseeds to protect farmers from price fluctuations.
Example: India's government annually declares MSP for major oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, and soybean.
Procurement: Government agencies purchasing oilseeds at MSP to provide a safety net to farmers and stabilize prices.
Example: The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and state-level cooperative marketing federations procure oilseeds at MSP from farmers.
Research and Development: Investing in research to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant oilseed varieties.
Extension Services: Providing training and technical assistance to farmers on improved cultivation practices.
Infrastructure Development: Building storage facilities, processing plants, and improving transportation networks.
Import Duties: Imposing import duties on edible oils to protect domestic producers.
Financial Assistance: Offering credit facilities and crop insurance to support farmers.
Example: NABARD provides credit facilities to farmers for purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
Geography
YELLOW REVOLUTION
Features of Yellow Revolution
edible oils
Issues related to Yellow Revolution
Way Forward for oil seeds cultivation
General Studies Paper 1
Resources Distribution
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