Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the significance of the Gangetic Valley in India’s agriculture.
- State the issue of declining groundwater potential and its relevance to food security.
2. Decline in Groundwater Potential
- Over-extraction
- Fact: Groundwater levels in Punjab have dropped by over 1 meter per year in some areas. (Source: Local Agricultural Reports)
- Pollution
- Fact: The Ganga river’s water quality in Uttar Pradesh has deteriorated due to industrial discharges, affecting groundwater. (Source: Central Pollution Control Board)
- Urbanization
- Fact: Rapid urbanization in cities like Kanpur and Varanasi has led to increased groundwater extraction. (Source: Urban Development Reports)
- Climate Change
- Fact: Erratic monsoon patterns in Bihar have resulted in inconsistent groundwater replenishment. (Source: Indian Meteorological Department)
- Inefficient Irrigation Practices
- Fact: In West Bengal, traditional flood irrigation methods waste significant water, impacting groundwater levels. (Source: Agricultural Studies)
3. Impact on Food Security
- Reduced Crop Yields
- Fact: Farmers in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh report up to 30% lower yields for staples like paddy and wheat due to insufficient water. (Source: Agricultural Surveys)
- Increased Dependence on Rainfed Agriculture
- Discuss the vulnerability to erratic monsoons as farmers rely more on rainfed agriculture.
- Crop Diversification Challenges
- Fact: In Punjab, the decline in groundwater discourages the adoption of less water-demanding crops like pulses. (Source: Agricultural Policy Reports)
- Threat to Livestock Farming
- Explain how limited groundwater affects livestock health and productivity.
- Long-term Sustainability Issues
- Discuss potential future water scarcity and its implications for agriculture.
4. Conclusion
- Summarize the critical links between groundwater depletion and food security.
- Emphasize the need for immediate action and sustainable practices to address the issue.
Relevant Facts for Use in Answers
- Over-extraction: Groundwater levels in Punjab have dropped by over 1 meter per year in some areas. (Source: Local Agricultural Reports)
- Pollution: The Ganga river’s water quality in Uttar Pradesh has deteriorated due to industrial discharges. (Source: Central Pollution Control Board)
- Urbanization: Cities like Kanpur and Varanasi have seen increased groundwater extraction due to rapid urbanization. (Source: Urban Development Reports)
- Climate Change: Erratic monsoon patterns in Bihar have disrupted groundwater replenishment. (Source: Indian Meteorological Department)
- Inefficient Irrigation: Traditional flood irrigation in West Bengal contributes to groundwater depletion. (Source: Agricultural Studies)
- Reduced Crop Yields: Farmers in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh report up to 30% lower yields for staples like paddy and wheat due to water scarcity. (Source: Agricultural Surveys)
- Crop Diversification: The decline in groundwater limits the adoption of less water-demanding crops like pulses in Punjab. (Source: Agricultural Policy Reports)
This roadmap provides a clear structure for your answer, enabling you to present a comprehensive view of the issue while integrating relevant facts effectively.
Model Answer
Introduction
The groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is on a serious decline, which poses significant threats to food security in India. This region is crucial for the country’s agricultural output, but the depletion of groundwater resources jeopardizes its ability to sustain crop yields.
Decline in Groundwater Potential
Impact on Food Security
Conclusion
To safeguard India’s food security, immediate and collaborative efforts are required, including sustainable groundwater management and the adoption of water-efficient farming practices. A proactive approach is essential to preserve the agricultural backbone of the Gangetic Valley and ensure long-term food sustainability for the nation.