Q13. What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system become banned in India?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The rice-wheat cropping system, which predominantly involves the cultivation of rice in the Kharif (monsoon) season and wheat in the Rabi (winter) season, has been a cornerstone of India's agricultural productivity. This system, primarily practised in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, has contributed significantly to India's food security and agricultural output. However, despite its successes, the rice-wheat system has also become a bane due to several environmental and economic challenges.

Body

Major Factors Responsible for Success

  1. Climate Suitability: The Indo-Gangetic Plain, where the rice-wheat system is most prominent, provides favourable climatic conditions for both crops. The region's temperature, soil type, and water availability are conducive to high yields of both rice and wheat.
  2. High-Yield Varieties (HYVs): The adoption of high-yield varieties of rice and wheat has dramatically increased productivity. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the introduction of HYVs has led to significant gains in productivity, with wheat yield increasing from 0.87 tons per hectare in 1960 to 3.43 tons per hectare in 2021.
  3. Green Revolution: The Green Revolution of the 1960s introduced modern agricultural techniques, including the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and improved irrigation infrastructure. This revolution played a crucial role in boosting the productivity of both rice and wheat.
  4. Government Policies and Support: Indian government policies, such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice and wheat, procurement systems, and subsidies for fertilisers and irrigation, have been pivotal in encouraging farmers to adopt and maintain this cropping system.
  5. Infrastructure Development: Investment in irrigation infrastructure, such as the construction of canals and tube wells, has ensured adequate water supply for the rice-wheat system. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) reports that improved irrigation facilities have significantly enhanced crop yields.

Challenges and Bane

  1. Soil Degradation: Intensive cropping and excessive use of chemical fertilisers have led to soil degradation. According to a study by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), soil health has deteriorated due to nutrient imbalances and reduced organic matter.
  2. Water Depletion: The rice-wheat system requires substantial water resources. Over Extraction of groundwater for irrigation has led to a significant drop in water tables. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicates that groundwater levels in many regions have fallen critically, affecting long-term sustainability.
  3. Pesticide Resistance: The reliance on chemical pesticides has led to the emergence of pest resistance. Data from the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage (DPPQS) shows increased incidences of pest infestations, reducing crop yields and increasing costs for farmers.
  4. Environmental Impact: The system has contributed to environmental issues such as air pollution from burning crop residues and greenhouse gas emissions. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reports that stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana significantly contributes to air pollution.
  5. Economic Imbalances: The focus on rice and wheat has led to the neglect of other crops, causing economic imbalances in rural areas. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) highlights that diversification into other crops is often neglected, leading to economic vulnerabilities for farmers.

Conclusion

The rice-wheat cropping system has been instrumental in India's agricultural success, ensuring food security and contributing to the country's economic growth. However, the system's sustainability is now under threat due to soil degradation, water depletion, pesticide resistance, and environmental impacts. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in soil health and water management, and encouraging crop diversification. 

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