Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Canal irrigation is a significant component of India’s irrigation infrastructure, providing a relatively reliable water supply for agriculture. Introduced during the British era, and expanded post-independence through projects like the Bhakra-Nangal and Indira Gandhi Canal, it aimed to enhance agricultural productivity. However, the consistent and assured water supply provided by canals has, in many regions, inadvertently fostered a tendency towards monocropping – the practice of growing a single crop repeatedly on the same land. This has implications for soil health, water resource sustainability, and overall agricultural resilience. The question asks to explain this relationship with suitable examples.
Reasons for Monocropping due to Canal Irrigation
Several factors contribute to the link between canal irrigation and monocropping:
- Assured Water Supply: Canals provide a consistent water source, reducing the risk associated with rainfall-dependent agriculture. This encourages farmers to specialize in water-intensive crops, even if they are not the most ecologically suitable.
- Market Demand & Procurement Policies: Government procurement policies often favor specific crops like rice and wheat, incentivizing farmers to cultivate these crops repeatedly, especially in canal-irrigated areas.
- Familiarity & Infrastructure: Farmers are often more comfortable cultivating crops they are familiar with, and the existing infrastructure (mills, storage facilities) is geared towards specific crops.
- Credit Availability: Financial institutions often provide loans specifically for cultivating certain crops, further reinforcing monocropping patterns.
Regional Examples of Monocropping
Punjab & Haryana (Rice-Wheat System)
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, particularly Punjab and Haryana, is a prime example. The extensive canal network, coupled with the Green Revolution policies, led to the widespread adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system. Rice, a water-intensive crop, is grown during the Kharif season using canal water, followed by wheat during the Rabi season. This continuous cycle has depleted groundwater levels and degraded soil health. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report (2022), groundwater levels in these states are declining at an alarming rate due to excessive rice cultivation.
Western Uttar Pradesh (Sugarcane)
The Upper Ganga Canal and other canals in Western Uttar Pradesh have facilitated the extensive cultivation of sugarcane. The presence of sugar mills and assured procurement prices have encouraged farmers to focus almost exclusively on sugarcane, leading to waterlogging and soil nutrient imbalances. The region faces challenges related to water quality due to fertilizer runoff from sugarcane fields.
Rajasthan (Cotton & Wheat)
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project in Rajasthan, while transforming the desert landscape, has also contributed to monocropping in certain areas. Initially, cotton was widely grown due to its suitability to the climate and availability of water. However, market fluctuations and pest attacks led to a shift towards wheat, creating a wheat-dominated cropping pattern in some regions. This has resulted in soil salinity issues in certain areas.
Consequences of Monocropping
- Soil Degradation: Repeated cultivation of the same crop depletes specific nutrients, leading to soil infertility.
- Water Depletion: Water-intensive monocrops contribute to groundwater depletion and water stress.
- Pest & Disease Vulnerability: Monocropping increases the risk of pest and disease outbreaks, requiring increased pesticide use.
- Reduced Biodiversity: Loss of crop diversity reduces the resilience of the agricultural system.
Table: Impact of Canal Irrigation on Cropping Patterns
| Region | Dominant Crop | Canal System | Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab & Haryana | Rice-Wheat | Indo-Gangetic Canal System | Groundwater depletion, Soil degradation |
| Western Uttar Pradesh | Sugarcane | Upper Ganga Canal | Waterlogging, Soil nutrient imbalance |
| Rajasthan | Cotton/Wheat | Indira Gandhi Canal | Soil salinity, Water stress |
Conclusion
Canal irrigation, while crucial for enhancing agricultural production, has undeniably contributed to monocropping in several parts of India. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach, including promoting crop diversification through incentives, investing in micro-irrigation techniques, strengthening extension services to educate farmers about sustainable practices, and reforming procurement policies to encourage a wider range of crops. Moving towards a more diversified and resilient agricultural system is essential for long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
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.