India’s tea, sugar exports raise sustainability concerns at home

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

 Introduction

• India’s agricultural exports reached $53.1 billion in 2022-23, showing a six-fold increase from 2004-05, highlighting the economic significance of exports for revenue and foreign exchange.
• The rapid growth of exports, however, raises concerns about the sustainability of production, processing, and distribution systems.

Defining Sustainability for Agricultural Commodities

• True Sustainability: An agricultural commodity is sustainable when it meets economic, ecological, and social criteria, supported by strong governance.
• Beyond Production: Sustainability should encompass pre-sowing, on-farm, and post-harvest stages, as seen in tea and sugar industries.

Sustainability Challenges in the Tea Industry

• Global Standing: India is the world’s fourth-largest tea exporter and second-largest producer, with major export markets in the UAE, Russia, and the U.S.
• Human-Wildlife Conflicts: About 70% of tea plantations border forests, leading to frequent interactions with wildlife, notably elephants, causing conflicts.
• Chemical Use: Heavy reliance on synthetic pesticides, with residues like DDT and Endosulfan found in tea, poses health risks to consumers.
• Labour Issues: Workers, primarily women, often face low wages, unsafe conditions, and inadequate protective gear despite regulations like the Plantations Labour Act, 1951.

Sustainability Issues in the Sugar Industry

• Production Scale: India is the second-largest sugar producer, exporting to over 121 countries; sugar exports increased by 291% from 2013-14 to 2021-22.
• Water Consumption: Sugar cane, a water-intensive crop, uses 1,500–2,000 kg of water per kg of sugar, depleting resources for other crops and stressing groundwater.
• Biodiversity Impact: Expanding sugarcane cultivation in Karnataka and Maharashtra has converted natural ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss.
• Labour Concerns: Long working hours, harsh conditions, and rising temperatures exacerbate workers’ health issues and debt stress, necessitating stronger regulations.

Millets: A Sustainable Alternative

• Environmental Benefits: Millets are drought-resistant, promote soil health, and ensure nutritional security, serving as an example of sustainable agriculture.
• Export Growth: Millet exports grew significantly, reaching $75.45 million in 2022-23, indicating their potential for economic and environmental benefits.

Conclusion

• India’s agriculture operates within a dual domestic and export market, raising ecological and social sustainability concerns in the supply chain.
• Recommendation: Addressing environmental challenges, worker welfare, and consumer safety is crucial for an inclusive and sustainable agrarian economy that benefits both local and global markets.