In the current scenario, farmers, especially small and marginal ones, are facing challenges such as diminishing land ownership, decreasing subsidies for inputs, rising labor costs, and a gradual increase in input costs and unit output prices for cereal-based crops. On the other hand, increasing urbanization and growing awareness of the health benefits of consuming vegetables in the economic middle and upper classes are leading to a higher demand for vegetables. Initiatives by the Indian government, such as MNREGA, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and the Food Security Bill, have provided more extensive support to economically vulnerable sections of society by encouraging minimal investment in staple foods (such as vegetables) and incorporating nutritious and high-value clothing into their diets. In these circumstances, diversification of crop systems with high-value varieties, along with vegetables, can be seen as a potential option for improving the income of Indian farmers and enhancing the economic viability of Indian agriculture. In this context, discussions have taken place on new technologies to promote vegetable production in the country.
Since humans began domesticating plants, the process of developing varieties, encompassing better yield, quality, disease resistance, pest management, and tolerance to abiotic stresses, has become dynamic. Progress in science, coupled with its applications in agriculture, has accelerated the dedication and enhancement of crops. Technologies such as tagging, sequencing, cloning, etc., have made it possible to isolate and study specific genes or genomic regions that provide tolerance to one or more biotic and abiotic stresses. The identification of beneficial genes or genomic regions related to crops has reduced cultivation costs, provided an opportunity to choose healthy seedlings, and more.
Timely and adequate irrigation is essential for the proper development of vegetables. Additionally, micro-irrigation systems are promising methods for applying fertilizers to the top area of plants in vegetable production. Through this, micro-irrigation assists in addressing scarcity and judicious use of resources in vegetable production. Micro-irrigation is rapidly gaining momentum in India. In the country, around 1.3 million square kilometers of land for crops like rice and other advanced crops is being irrigated through drip irrigation. Moreover, the government is providing significant subsidies through various schemes to promote micro-irrigation.
Opting for vegetable production in secure conditions, with a heightened ability to judiciously use land and other resources in changing climate scenarios, proves to be the optimal choice. Embracing secure cultivation ensures a year-round availability of high-quality vegetables for domestic consumption and export. Secure cultivation entails maintaining some level of control over plant microclimates to reduce dependence on weather conditions, mitigating one or more abiotic stresses, achievable through structures like greenhouses, polyhouses, net houses, poly-tunnels, cold frames, etc. Under these structures, crop yields can be several times higher compared to open-field conditions. The quality of the produce is also superior, and the efficiency of its utilization is generally higher. India has recently made strides in the field of greenhouse vegetable production, and the total area dedicated to secure vegetable cultivation is approximately 10,000 hectares.
Pest Management: Vegetable production faces challenges posed by various pests, including insects, nematodes, fungi, and mites. To control these pests, the use of several biological agents, their derivatives, and chemical substances (pesticides) is employed. The residues of these chemicals can have harmful effects on the environment and consumer health. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that relies on various measures to economically manage pests at acceptable levels and minimize environmental damage. IPM primarily depends on beneficial organisms (biological control agents) to enable effective pest management. Regular monitoring of agricultural practices and reducing the need for direct pesticide control are essential aspects of IPM. It ensures the judicious use of pesticides only in areas where they complement the survival of beneficial organisms, reducing the overall necessity for chemical control.
Post-Harvest Techniques in Vegetables: Despite being the second-largest producer of vegetables and the third-largest producer of fruits globally, India faces significant post-harvest losses estimated to be around 20-30%. Horticultural crops, such as fruits and vegetables, are susceptible to damage due to inadequate pest management practices and lack of proper storage facilities. The economic impact of this loss is estimated to be approximately INR 20 crores annually. It is projected that only 2% of the fruits and vegetables produced in our country undergo processing. The agricultural processing sector holds the fifth position in terms of the sector's size in India, providing employment to 20% of the country's labor force. The processing sector has the potential to boost the rural economy and generate employment nationwide. Post-harvest techniques encompass an interdisciplinary field of "science and technology" aimed at the protection, conservation, processing, packaging, distribution, marketing, and utilization of agricultural products. This field contributes to fulfilling people's food and nutritional needs in the context of their requirements.
Dehydration: Dehydration techniques provide an extremely effective and commercial means to keep horticultural products safe, reducing post-harvest losses.
Hardal Technology: New techniques based on Hardal Technology have been developed to enhance non-refrigerated high-moisture food items. Through Hardal Technology, fruits are microbiologically secured, enabling an extended shelf life in flexible pouches under ambient conditions.
Minimal Processing: Minimal processing is an emerging technological trend that has gained popularity in recent times. This technique allows for global trade without the need for refrigeration.
Steeping Preservation: Steeping or soaking is a solution for preserving a large quantity of produce generated during the harvest, which is made possible through the use of approved chemical preservatives and other food additives.
Kitchen Gardening: Old practices can be encouraged as new technologies based on needs and benefits. Kitchen gardening is one such age-old practice that is being promoted to address malnutrition among poor families and to cultivate a healthy habit among wealthier families. Home gardens in rural areas are becoming a growing source of food and income for impoverished families. Generally, the produce from kitchen gardens is free from chemical residues. If this practice is adopted in every household, kitchen gardening has the potential to reduce the cost of essential commodities and maximize the efficient use of natural resources. Embracing new technologies in this context can help establish the vegetable sector's contribution to land productivity, employment generation, and improvement in the economic status of farmers, and providing the nation with nutritional security.
Conclusion: Despite the challenges facing Indian agriculture and related sectors at this time, we must move towards new potential directions. Our primary focus should be on supporting farmers, reducing farming costs, and improving their income through the adoption of new technologies. Encouraging the use of advanced agricultural techniques can spur growth in vegetable production. Identification of crops through the development of new varieties and in-depth studies is essential to meet the demands of the modern market and provide farmers with higher incomes. Cultivating vegetables in secure conditions and utilizing new technologies for pest management are crucial. The exploration and proper implementation of new technologies are necessary to contribute to the advancement of Indian agriculture and aid in economic development.
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