Roadmap for Answer Writing

To answer the question, it is important to break down the problem systematically and present facts clearly under appropriate headings. Here’s the roadmap:

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the problem of agricultural land degradation in India, noting its scale and importance.
• Mention the source of data (e.g., ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India) to establish the extent of the issue.

1. Factors Contributing to Agricultural Land Degradation

• Soil Erosion:
  • Explanation: Soil erosion, particularly water and wind erosion, is one of the most significant causes of degradation, affecting soil fertility and crop productivity.
  • Fact: Water erosion is responsible for 80% of land degradation in un-irrigated farmland, followed by wind erosion at 17% (ISRO’s Desertification Atlas).
• Chemical Contamination:
  • Explanation: Overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial activities contribute to the decline in soil nutrients and quality.
  • Fact: The Green Revolution increased productivity but also led to the long-term degradation of soil quality due to excessive chemical use.
• Shifting Cultivation:
  • Explanation: The practice of shifting cultivation (Jhum farming), especially in the northeastern states, causes soil erosion and reduces fertility.
  • Fact: Shifting cultivation practices lead to severe soil erosion, damaging land productivity and increasing pressure on available land.
• Improper Land Use Practices:
  • Explanation: Urban sprawl, deforestation, and overgrazing contribute to land degradation.
  • Fact: Urbanization around Delhi NCR has led to large-scale conversion of agricultural land into urban and industrial zones, causing loss of fertile land.
• Extreme Weather Conditions:
  • Explanation: Climate change has resulted in unpredictable weather patterns, causing droughts, flooding, and salinization of the soil.
  • Fact: The 2019 pre-monsoon season, which was one of the driest in over 60 years, caused severe droughts and water scarcity in India’s northwest and southern regions.

2. Measures to Address Agricultural Land Degradation

• Agroforestry:
  • Explanation: Introducing trees and perennial plants into agricultural systems helps conserve soil, recycle nutrients, and prevent soil erosion.
  • Fact: Agroforestry systems are effective for treating both acid and salt-affected soils and improving soil organic matter.
• Organic Farming:
  • Explanation: Moving towards organic farming practices reduces chemical contamination and improves soil health.
  • Fact: Organic farming has been shown to restore soil health by avoiding the use of harmful fertilizers and pesticides.
• Efficient Water Management:
  • Explanation: Techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and micro-irrigation help conserve water and reduce soil erosion.
  • Fact: Micro-irrigation systems significantly reduce water wastage and help prevent water logging and erosion.
• Land-Use Planning:
  • Explanation: Effective land-use planning can prevent the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses and promote sustainable farming practices.
  • Fact: Land-use planning ensures the sustainability of agricultural resources, preserving them for future generations.

Conclusion

• Summarize the importance of addressing agricultural land degradation in India to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Mention that implementing these measures requires a concerted effort from policymakers, farmers, and communities, and can help India meet its 2030 target for land restoration as per the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

Relevant Facts to Use

• ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas: Nearly 30% of India’s geographical area is affected by land degradation (97.85 million hectares).
• Soil Erosion Data: Water erosion (80%) and wind erosion (17%) are the primary causes of land degradation in un-irrigated areas (source: ISRO).
• Chemical Contamination: Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides reduces soil fertility (contributed to by the Green Revolution).
• Shifting Cultivation: A significant cause of land degradation in northeast India.
• Climate Events: The 2019 droughts contributed to decreased agricultural productivity.
• Agroforestry: Provides a solution for soil conservation, especially for acid- and salt-affected soils.