What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?
(UPSC 2020, 15 Marks, )
चावल-गेहूं प्रणाली को सफल बनाने के लिए कौन से प्रमुख कारक जिम्मेदार हैं? इस सफलता के बावजूद यह प्रणाली भारत में अभिशाप कैसे बन गई है?
Introduction
Explanation
Major Factors Responsible for Making the Rice-Wheat System a Success
- High Yielding Varieties (HYVs)
o Introduction of HYVs of rice and wheat significantly increased productivity.
o These varieties are more responsive to fertilizers and irrigation.
- Irrigation Infrastructure
o Development of extensive irrigation networks, including canals and tube wells, ensured a reliable water supply.
o Irrigation reduces dependency on monsoon and stabilizes crop production.
- Green Revolution
o Initiatives during the Green Revolution, including the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved farming techniques, boosted production.
o Government policies supported the adoption of new technologies.
- Government Support and Policies
o Minimum Support Price (MSP) policies ensured assured prices for farmers, encouraging the production of these crops.
o Subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and electricity promoted intensive farming practices.
- Research and Extension Services
o Agricultural research institutions developed better crop varieties and farming practices.
o Extension services helped in disseminating knowledge and technologies to farmers.
- Market Access and Infrastructure
o Development of rural roads and markets facilitated better access for farmers to sell their produce.
o Storage facilities and cold chains helped in reducing post-harvest losses.
How This System Has Become a Bane in India
- Soil Degradation
o Continuous cultivation of rice and wheat leads to soil nutrient depletion and degradation.
o Heavy use of chemical fertilizers reduces soil fertility and affects soil health.
- Water Overuse and Depletion
o Rice cultivation is water-intensive, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.
o Falling water tables and drying up of wells are significant issues in regions like Punjab and Haryana.
- Environmental Pollution
o Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers contaminates soil and water bodies.
o Burning of rice stubble (to prepare fields for wheat) contributes to severe air pollution.
- Decline in Biodiversity
o Monoculture cropping system reduces agricultural biodiversity.
o Dependence on few crop varieties makes the system vulnerable to pests and diseases.
- Economic Inefficiency
o High subsidies and support prices create economic inefficiencies and distortions.
o Farmers have less incentive to diversify crops or adopt sustainable practices.
- Health Issues
o Pesticide residues in food and water pose health risks to consumers and farmers.
o Poor water management leads to issues like waterlogging and salinization, affecting crop yields and health.