The external factor is the unprecedented rise in the price of all agricultural inputs, fertilisers, fuel, chemicals, pesticides, etc., as well as the shortage and high price of foodgrains for import. In India the situation became somewhat difficult because of prolonged drought in some areas and failure of timely rains in major grain producing areas. The situation is, however, manageable. The shortfall of 4 to 5 per cent of our total requirement will be made good by imports and more vigorous local procurement. Our public distribution system which handles 12 million tonnes of foodgrains will ensure supply to the cities, industrial centres and to vulnerable areas of deficit.
The problem facing Indian agriculture is that of finding funds for necessary inputs for growth—provision of irrigation facilities, exploitation of water resources, application of fertilizer and other nutrients. There is little doubt that even with existing technology, the farm yields can be increased for years to come. For example, in Indian conditions, one tonne of fertilizer can yield 10 tonnes of foodgtains, which is twice or thrice as much as that in countries where chemical fertilizer is already being used to saturation point.
If as with wheat a breakthrough is made in the development of high-yielding varieties of rice, pulses and edible oils — and this is considered a distinct possibility — the rural scene can be rapidly transformed.
Indian Ocean
Q.
What further measures should be adopted by the littoral and hinterland states of the Indian Ocean to make the concept of a zone of peace a reality?
A.
There is complete identity of views between India and Sri Lanka on this question. India had co-sponsored the Resolution adopted by the U.N. on the initiative of Sri Lanka declaring the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace for all time.
I am glad that not only in the U.N. but also in the forum of non-aligned nations our two countries have always worked in close consultation and co-operation.