TEA AND
SUGAR EXPORT: ECONOMY
NEWS:
India’s tea, sugar exports raise sustainability concerns at home
WHAT’S IN
THE NEWS?
India's
agricultural export boom, particularly in tea, sugar, and other commodities,
raises concerns about sustainability, with challenges related to water usage,
biodiversity loss, labor conditions, and the need for eco-friendly practices. A
shift toward sustainable crops like millets could help address these issues.
Agricultural
Exports in India: Key Points
- Export Growth:
India's agricultural exports grew significantly, reaching $53.1 billion in
2022-23 from $8.7 billion in 2004-05, ranking 9th globally in agricultural
exports.
- Major Exports:
Key exports include rice, wheat, sugar, tea, spices, and cotton. Major
markets are the US, Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, and Malaysia.
Sustainability
Concerns:
- Environmental:
Issues include biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and water overuse,
especially for crops like sugarcane and tea.
- Economic: Dependency on a few
high-water-demand crops can affect long-term profitability.
- Social: Concerns over labor
conditions in tea and sugar industries, with many workers facing low wages
and unsafe environments.
Tea
Industry in India:
- Production: India is the 2nd largest
tea producer, with 188.76 million kg exported in 2022, valued at $641.34
million.
- Sustainability Issues:
- Human-wildlife conflicts near forest areas where
tea is cultivated.
- Heavy pesticide use, causing health risks and
environmental harm.
- Poor labor conditions, affecting mostly women
workers.
Sugar
Industry in India:
- Production: India is the world’s 2nd
largest sugar producer, vital for rural employment.
- Sustainability Issues:
- High water demand for sugarcane, impacting
groundwater resources.
- Ecosystem conversion in regions like
Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Labor challenges with long hours, low safety
standards, and heat exposure.
Millets
as a Sustainable Alternative:
- Benefits: Drought-resistant, low
resource requirements, and support soil health.
- Growth in Exports:
India’s millet exports reached $75.45 million in 2022-23.
Way
Forward:
- Environmental Protection:
Better water use, conservation, and chemical management.
- Labor Rights: Improve labor standards in
tea and sugar sectors.
- Promoting Millets:
Support millet cultivation as a sustainable alternative.
- Economic Policies:
Ensure benefits reach rural communities sustainably.