Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Gangetic Plain, encompassing the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Haryana and Punjab, is the breadbasket of India, contributing significantly to the nation’s food grain production. This agricultural productivity is heavily reliant on groundwater irrigation, particularly due to the region’s fertile alluvial soil. However, the groundwater potential of this vital region is facing a serious decline due to a complex interplay of factors. This alarming trend poses a significant threat to India’s food security, potentially impacting millions of livelihoods and the nation’s overall economic stability. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and long-term food availability.
Causes of Groundwater Decline in the Gangetic Valley
Several factors contribute to the declining groundwater levels in the Gangetic Valley:
- Over-extraction: The ‘Green Revolution’ (1960s onwards) led to widespread adoption of high-yielding varieties requiring intensive irrigation. This, coupled with free or heavily subsidized electricity for pumping, resulted in rampant groundwater extraction.
- Paddy Cultivation: Paddy, a water-intensive crop, dominates the cropping pattern in many parts of the Gangetic Valley, further exacerbating the problem.
- Urbanization and Industrialization: Rapid urbanization and industrial growth increase the demand for water, putting additional stress on groundwater resources.
- Lack of Recharge: Decreased rainfall variability due to climate change, coupled with reduced infiltration due to concrete structures and altered land use patterns, hinders natural groundwater recharge.
- Inefficient Irrigation Techniques: Traditional flood irrigation methods lead to significant water wastage compared to more efficient techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
Impact on Food Security – A Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The declining groundwater levels have profound implications for India’s food security, affecting its three core pillars: availability, access, and stability.
1. Impact on Food Production (Availability)
Groundwater depletion directly impacts agricultural productivity. Reduced irrigation leads to lower yields of key crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. This can result in a decrease in overall food grain production, potentially leading to supply shortages. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report (2022), several blocks in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are categorized as ‘over-exploited’ or ‘critical’ in terms of groundwater availability.
2. Impact on Access to Food
Reduced agricultural output can lead to increased food prices, making food less affordable for vulnerable populations. Small and marginal farmers, heavily reliant on groundwater for irrigation, are particularly affected. Their reduced income further limits their access to food. This can exacerbate existing inequalities and lead to food insecurity among the poor. The rising cost of diesel for running pumpsets also adds to the burden on farmers.
3. Impact on Food System Stability
The dependence on groundwater makes the food system vulnerable to climate variability and long-term depletion. Erratic monsoon patterns and prolonged droughts can further reduce groundwater recharge, leading to crop failures and price volatility. This instability can disrupt the entire food supply chain, impacting consumers and producers alike. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, linked to climate change, amplifies this risk.
Mitigation Strategies
- Promoting Water-Efficient Irrigation: Encouraging the adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation through subsidies and awareness campaigns.
- Crop Diversification: Shifting away from water-intensive crops like paddy to less water-demanding alternatives like pulses, oilseeds, and maize.
- Groundwater Recharge: Implementing rainwater harvesting structures, artificial recharge techniques, and watershed management programs.
- Regulation of Groundwater Extraction: Enacting and enforcing stricter regulations on groundwater extraction, including metering and licensing.
- Pricing of Electricity: Rationalizing electricity tariffs to discourage excessive pumping.
- Community Participation: Involving local communities in groundwater management and conservation efforts.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL), launched in 2019, is a step in this direction, focusing on community-led groundwater management and recharge.
Conclusion
The declining groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is a serious threat to India’s food security, impacting production, access, and stability. Addressing this challenge requires a holistic and integrated approach involving sustainable agricultural practices, efficient water management, and robust policy interventions. Prioritizing groundwater recharge, promoting crop diversification, and empowering local communities are crucial steps towards ensuring long-term food security and sustainable agricultural development in this vital region. Failure to act decisively will have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economic and social well-being.
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.