Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The rice-wheat system, a product of the Green Revolution, currently covers approximately 24 million hectares of the Indo-Gangetic plains and contributes over 75% of the total food grain production in India. Introduced in the 1960s to address food security concerns, it initially proved remarkably successful in boosting agricultural output. However, decades of intensive cultivation have revealed significant environmental and economic costs, transforming this once-celebrated system into a source of ecological stress and agricultural unsustainability. This answer will explore the factors behind its initial success and subsequently, the reasons for its current predicament.
Factors Contributing to the Success of the Rice-Wheat System
The success of the rice-wheat system can be attributed to a confluence of factors:
- High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): The introduction of HYVs of wheat (like HD 2687) and rice (like IR-8) significantly increased productivity. These varieties were responsive to fertilizers and irrigation.
- Irrigation Infrastructure: Expansion of irrigation facilities, particularly canal networks and groundwater extraction, ensured a reliable water supply for both crops. The Bhakra-Nangal project and other major irrigation projects played a crucial role.
- Fertilizer Subsidies: Government subsidies on chemical fertilizers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium – NPK) made them affordable for farmers, leading to increased application and higher yields.
- Pesticide Use: The use of pesticides and herbicides controlled pests and weeds, further enhancing crop production.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): The MSP provided a guaranteed price for wheat and rice, incentivizing farmers to adopt these crops. Introduced in 1966, the MSP system ensured profitability.
- Agricultural Credit: Increased access to institutional credit facilitated the adoption of new technologies and inputs.
How the Rice-Wheat System Became a Bane
Despite its initial success, the rice-wheat system has created several problems:
- Groundwater Depletion: Intensive irrigation has led to alarming rates of groundwater depletion, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), groundwater levels are declining at a rate of 0.32 meters per year in these states (as of 2022 - knowledge cutoff).
- Soil Degradation: Continuous cultivation of rice and wheat has resulted in soil nutrient depletion, loss of organic matter, and reduced soil fertility.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The focus on two crops has led to a decline in crop diversity, making the system vulnerable to pests and diseases. Traditional varieties have been largely abandoned.
- Pesticide Residues: Excessive use of pesticides has resulted in pesticide residues in food grains and water sources, posing health risks.
- Air Pollution: Burning of rice straw after harvest contributes significantly to air pollution, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains, leading to smog and respiratory problems.
- Climate Change Impacts: The system is vulnerable to climate change impacts such as erratic rainfall, heat waves, and increased pest infestations.
- Economic Costs: High input costs (fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation) and declining yields are reducing the profitability of the system for small and marginal farmers.
Table: Comparing Benefits and Drawbacks
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Increased food grain production | Groundwater depletion |
| Food security | Soil degradation |
| Economic benefits for farmers (initially) | Loss of biodiversity |
| Reduced dependence on imports | Air pollution (straw burning) |
Diversification Challenges: Attempts to diversify cropping patterns have faced challenges due to factors like assured procurement of rice and wheat under MSP, lack of marketing infrastructure for alternative crops, and risk aversion among farmers.
Conclusion
The rice-wheat system, while instrumental in achieving food security, has reached a critical juncture. Its long-term sustainability is threatened by environmental degradation and economic challenges. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach, including promoting crop diversification, improving water management practices (like micro-irrigation), adopting integrated nutrient management, and incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices. A shift towards more resilient and ecologically sound agricultural systems is crucial for ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.