Subject: Economy

India's Rice-Wheat System (RWS) has been a cornerstone of the country's food security since the Green Revolution. The system's success and subsequent challenges present a complex agricultural paradigm that requires careful examination of its sustainability and future prospects.

Factors Contributing to Success

1. Policy Support and Infrastructure

• Implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism providing price assurance to farmers (e.g., MSP for wheat at ₹2275/quintal and rice at ₹2300/quintal for 2024-25).
• Development of robust procurement system through Food Corporation of India (FCI).
• Creation of extensive irrigation infrastructure and canal networks.

2. Technological Advancements

• Introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYV) of seeds during the Green Revolution.
• Mechanization of farming operations through Farm Mechanization Scheme.
• Modern agricultural practices and improved fertilizer usage.

3. Production Achievements

• Record production levels with wheat at 115.4 million tonnes and rice at 214.2 million tonnes in 2024-25.
• Transformation from food-deficit to food-surplus nation.
• Enhanced farm incomes and rural prosperity.

Negative Impacts of RWS

1. Environmental Concerns

• Severe groundwater depletion with extraction rates of 31.3 km³/year for wheat and 21.3 km³/year for rice.
• Deteriorating soil health due to continuous monocropping.
• Excessive chemical fertilizer usage leading to soil degradation.

2. Economic Issues

• High input costs affecting farm profitability.
• Over-dependence on government procurement and subsidies.
• Market distortions due to guaranteed MSP system.

3. Sustainability Challenges

• Reduction in crop diversity affecting nutritional security.
• Loss of traditional crop varieties and indigenous farming practices.
• Climate change vulnerability of the intensive farming system.

The transformation of India's agriculture through the Rice-Wheat System has been both revolutionary and challenging. While ensuring food security through record production levels, the system needs sustainable alternatives like Natural Farming and Crop Diversification to address its environmental and economic challenges. Implementation of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Per Drop More Crop initiative can help achieve a balance between productivity and sustainability.