Agriculture & Food Management

Model Answer

Introduction

India’s agrarian landscape, underpinned by staple crops like rice and wheat, is witnessing a paradigm shift. Despite the country being the second-largest producer of wheat and rice globally, regions, notably North-west India, have observed declining yields.

Major Reasons for the Declining Yield

1. Declining Soil Productivity:
   Continuous cropping has led to soil fatigue, loss of essential minerals, and an increase in salinity. For example, Punjab, the ‘Granary of India’, has seen a drop in soil fertility due to over-cultivation and absence of fallow periods. Studies indicate that in some regions of Punjab, soil organic carbon levels have decreased by about 15-20% over the last two decades.
2. Impact of Climatic Changes:
   Global warming and erratic monsoons have jeopardized the predictable climate essential for these crops. For instance, wheat production in Haryana faced a setback in 2020 when untimely rains coupled with increased temperatures affected the crop’s maturity. A study by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute found that for every 1°C increase in temperature, wheat yields could decrease by 4-5%.
3. Unscientific Agricultural Practices:
   Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improper irrigation techniques have compromised soil health. For example, excessive irrigation in rice fields of Andhra Pradesh led to a condition called ‘alkaline soils’, which are less productive. India uses 2.2 times more fertilizer than the global average per hectare of arable land, as per the World Bank.

Crop Diversification as a Solution

1. Nutrient Management and Soil Health:
   Different crops extract varied nutrients from the soil. Rotating crops ensures balanced nutrient extraction and replenishment. For example, introducing pulses post a paddy harvest can help fix atmospheric nitrogen, replenishing the soil’s nitrogen content. According to FAO, crop rotation can increase soil nutrient content by up to 25%.
2. Conservation of Water Resources:
   Diversifying into less water-intensive crops can reduce stress on water tables. For instance, transitioning to millets in semi-arid regions can reduce water usage by up to 60% compared to paddy.
3. Enhanced Pest and Disease Management:
   Crop diversification can disrupt the life cycles of pests and diseases specific to a particular crop. For example, introducing mustard in a wheat-paddy rotation can deter pests common to both wheat and rice. Studies indicate that diversifying crops can reduce pest-related losses by up to 40%.

Conclusion

India’s agricultural resilience hinges on its adaptability. While rice and wheat are staples, the declining yields necessitate a re-examination of our agricultural practices. Crop diversification emerges as a holistic solution, addressing soil health, water conservation, and pest management. Embracing these shifts can ensure sustained yields, ecological balance, and food security for the nation.

Model Answer

Introduction

Cropping patterns refer to the distribution of various crops over agricultural land at a given time and are influenced by geo-climatic, socio-economic, and historical factors. Recent shifts in cropping patterns highlight a renewed emphasis on certain crops, particularly millets.

Changes in Cropping Patterns

Post-Green Revolution Impact

The Green Revolution significantly altered India’s cropping patterns, leading to the dominance of paddy, wheat, cotton, soybean, and sugarcane, which now occupy more than half of the total sown area. This shift resulted in a monoculture system, particularly the rice-wheat cycle, which displaced traditional crops like millets, oilseeds, and pulses that were better suited to local conditions.

Environmental Consequences

The emphasis on these high-demand crops has led to soil degradation, declining fertility, and groundwater depletion. Additionally, the reliance on chemical fertilizers has resulted in pollution, adversely affecting human health.

Resurgence of Pulses and Millets

Recently, the focus has shifted back to millets and pulses due to changing consumer preferences, water scarcity, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

Emphasis on Millets: The NutriCereals

Millets, including sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), and finger millet (ragi), are now recognized as “NutriCereals” for their high nutritional value.

Climate Resilience

Millets are drought-resistant and require less water, making them ideal for regions facing unpredictable weather. Their short growing season (approximately 65 days) allows for multiple cropping cycles.

Nutritional Benefits

Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, millets address widespread micronutrient deficiencies. They are also gluten-free, catering to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Sustainability and Adaptability

Millets are often cultivated using traditional farming methods, promoting sustainability. Their adaptability to various soils and climates makes them a versatile option for farmers.

Government Initiatives

In recognition of their importance, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, and various states in India are distributing millets through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Conclusion

India’s Millet Revolution reflects a growing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of millets. As traditional agricultural practices are revived, millets offer a promising avenue for enhancing food security and improving farmer incomes, addressing both nutritional and ecological challenges.