Q14. The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?

Approach

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Introduction

The Gangetic Valley is one of India's most vital agricultural regions, underpinning the country’s food security. However, this region is currently facing a significant decline in groundwater potential, primarily driven by over-extraction, reduced recharge rates, pollution, and the degradation of aquifers. The implications of this decline are profound, threatening not only agricultural productivity but also the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

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Reasons for Decline of the groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley:

Over-extraction

• Intensive agricultural practices and a heavy reliance on groundwater for irrigation have led to unsustainable extraction rates. 
• In the Gangetic Valley, groundwater levels have fallen by as much as 2-3 meters annually in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where around 60% of groundwater is used for irrigation.

Reduced Recharge

• Rapid urban expansion in cities such as Varanasi has resulted in increased impervious surfaces, preventing rainwater from seeping into the ground, thereby reducing natural recharge.

Pollution

• Industrial effluents and agricultural runoff have contaminated groundwater sources. 
• A 2018 study found that nearly 40% of groundwater samples from the region exceeded permissible nitrate limits, posing health risks and limiting the availability of clean water.

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Impact on Food Security:

Crop Production

• Reduced groundwater availability directly hampers irrigation for water-intensive crops like rice and wheat. 
• For instance, studies show that water scarcity could result in a potential yield loss of up to 30% for these staple crops.

Shift to Low Productivity Crops 

• As groundwater becomes scarce, farmers may be compelled to switch to less water-intensive but lower-yielding crops, such as millets or pulses. 
• This shift not only affects overall food production but also undermines nutritional security.

Impediments to Agricultural Mechanization

• Water scarcity limits the ability to adopt modern agricultural techniques, which often require reliable water supplies. 
• This hinders the overall efficiency and productivity of farming operations.

Inequitable Farmer Impact

• Small and marginal farmers, who often lack resources to adapt to water scarcity, are disproportionately affected. 
• They face greater challenges in accessing alternative water sources, making them more vulnerable to economic shocks.

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Measures to Check Decline:

• Sustainable Water Management: Programs encouraging efficient water use, like Namami Gange, aim to restore the Ganga River's ecological health while promoting sustainable practices among farmers.
• Aquifer Recharge: Enhancing aquifer recharge through rainwater harvesting and managed aquifer recharge techniques can replenish groundwater levels. States like Madhya Pradesh have successfully implemented these practices, demonstrating significant improvements in groundwater levels.
• Crop Diversification: Encouraging the cultivation of less water-intensive crops can help sustain agricultural productivity without overstressing water resources.
• Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation: Promoting micro-irrigation techniques can significantly reduce water wastage, leading to more efficient use of available resources.

Conclusion

Conserving groundwater in the Gangetic Valley is imperative for ensuring India's food security. As the country faces growing challenges from climate change and population pressures, adopting sustainable agricultural practices and effective water management techniques will be essential. By implementing these measures, we can mitigate the adverse impacts of declining groundwater levels, ensuring a stable and secure food supply for the nation.

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