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 levels in Punjab have decreased by about 15-20% over the last two decades (Source: Agricultural Research Studies).
- B. Impact of Climatic Changes
- Discuss global warming and erratic monsoons affecting crop yields.
- Fact: For every 1°C increase in temperature, wheat yields can decrease by 4-5% (Source: Indian Agricultural Research Institute).
- C. Unscientific Agricultural Practices
- Describe the reliance on chemical fertilizers and improper irrigation.
- Fact: India uses 2.2 times more fertilizer than the global average per hectare of arable land (Source: World Bank).
3. Crop Diversification as a Solution
- A. Nutrient Management and Soil Health
- Explain how different crops utilize varied nutrients and improve soil health.
- Fact: Crop rotation can increase soil nutrient content by up to 25% (Source: FAO).
- B. Conservation of Water Resources
- Discuss the benefits of transitioning to less water-intensive crops.
- Fact: Millets can reduce water usage by up to 60% compared to paddy (Source: Agricultural Water Management Studies).
- C. Enhanced Pest and Disease Management
- Explain how crop diversification disrupts pest life cycles.
- Fact: Diversifying crops can reduce pest-related losses by up to 40% (Source: Entomological Research Journal).
4. Conclusion
- Summarize the importance of addressing declining yields.
- Emphasize that crop diversification is a sustainable solution for stabilizing yields and ensuring food security.
Relevant Facts Summary
- Soil Productivity: 15-20% decline in soil organic carbon in Punjab (Agricultural Research Studies).
- Climatic Changes: 4-5% decrease in wheat yield per 1°C temperature increase (Indian Agricultural Research Institute).
- Unscientific Practices: 2.2 times more fertilizer use than the global average (World Bank).
- Nutrient Management: 25% increase in soil nutrient content through crop rotation (FAO).
- Water Conservation: Millets reduce water usage by up to 60% compared to paddy.
- Pest Management: 40% reduction in pest-related losses through diversification.
This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question, ensuring clarity and effective use of relevant facts.
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.
Declining Rice and Wheat Yield and the Role of Crop Diversification
**1. Major Reasons for Declining Rice and Wheat Yield:
**1. Soil Degradation:
**2. Water Scarcity:
**3. Climate Change:
**4. Pest and Disease Pressure:
**5. Monoculture Practices:
**2. Role of Crop Diversification in Stabilizing Yields:
**1. Soil Health Improvement:
**2. Water Use Efficiency:
**3. Pest and Disease Management:
**4. Climate Resilience:
**5. Economic Benefits:
Recent Example:
Conclusion: