An integrated farming system: what is it? How does it benefit India’s small-scale and marginal farmers? (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
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
- 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. - 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%. - 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
- 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%. - 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. - 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.
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It is an integrated farm system that deals with a unit of a farm, integrating diverse farming practices within it. Usually, crop production is combined with livestock production on the same unit such as poultry, dairy, piggery, aquaculture, and agroforestry (tree cultivation). Benefits for small andRead more
It is an integrated farm system that deals with a unit of a farm, integrating diverse farming practices within it. Usually, crop production is combined with livestock production on the same unit such as poultry, dairy, piggery, aquaculture, and agroforestry (tree cultivation).
Benefits for small and marginal farmers in India
Income diversification : IFS allows multiple sources of income and diversifies income; hence, not dependent on single crops, thereby raising overall profitability.
-Resource Efficiency: Animal waste is applied as manure to crops thereby reducing the dependence on external inputs. Water usage is optimized throughout the different parts.
-Improved Soil Health: Legumes and cover crops contribute to soil fertility; hence, lesser chemical fertilizers are required.
-Risk Mitigation: The crop failure because of weather or pests is minimized with diversification.
-Enhanced Food Security: It provides the farmer’s family with a well-balanced diet, and it could also be offered to the local community.
Environmental Sustainability: It supports organic farming, which is also sustainable and decreases the environmental footprint of agriculture.
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