Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the significance of rice and wheat in India’s agriculture. State the issue of declining yields in North-west India. 2. Major Reasons for Declining Yield A. Declining Soil Productivity Explain continuous cropping leading to soil fatigue. Fact: Soil organic carbon ...
Model Answer Introduction Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an agricultural approach that combines various farming practices, such as crop production, animal husbandry, and forestry, to create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. The primary goal of IFS is to optimize resource use, minimize externRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an agricultural approach that combines various farming practices, such as crop production, animal husbandry, and forestry, to create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. The primary goal of IFS is to optimize resource use, minimize external inputs, and enhance overall productivity and profitability while providing year-round employment opportunities.
Benefits of Integrated Farming System for Small and Marginal Farmers in India
According to the Agricultural Census 2015, 86% of Indian farmers are classified as small and marginal farmers. IFS offers several advantages to these farmers:
- Reduced Use of Fertilizers: IFS promotes the recycling of nutrients and minimizes the reliance on chemical fertilizers. This not only lowers input costs but also decreases the chemical residues in food and soil, which is particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers who may not afford chemical inputs.
- Reduced Wastage and Financial Burden: By utilizing waste from one farming process as input for another, IFS significantly reduces wastage and lowers overall input costs. This alleviates the financial burden on small and marginal farmers.
- Economic Activity: IFS enables multiple farming activities on the same piece of land, ensuring continuous employment throughout the year. This consistent flow of income supports the farming community economically.
- Nutritional Security: The diverse produce from IFS, including cereals, poultry, fish, and fruits, helps combat malnutrition caused by reliance on single-crop diets.
- Financial Security: Given the dependence of many small and marginal farmers on monsoon rains for irrigation, IFS mitigates risks by providing alternative income sources through animal husbandry and horticulture, thus enhancing financial stability.
Conclusion
While IFS offers numerous benefits, such as resource optimization and income diversification, challenges like lack of finance and resistance to new methods persist. To achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, India must adopt a well-designed Integrated Farming System.
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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 foRead more
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
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.
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%.
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
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%.
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.
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.
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