CROP DIVERSIFICATION AND MICRO IRRIGATION

Why in news

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has studied prevailing cropping patterns and hydrological realities across India, identifying a mismatch between water demand and availability in groundwater-depleted states.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS3 · Economy, Environment & Ecology, Geography · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, conducted a study on cropping patterns and hydrological realities.
2. The study utilized Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) data and monthly gridded GRACE satellite data.
3. It identified a mismatch between water demand of existing cropping patterns and water availability in groundwater-depleted states.
4. States particularly affected include Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, encompassing arid and semi-arid climates.
5. ICAR has prepared an ‘Atlas of cropping systems in India’ and identified alternative cropping systems for sustainability.
6. Alternative cropping systems are considered sustainable alternatives to cereal-dominated systems, factoring in agro-climatic conditions, resource availability (including water), and market opportunities.
7. ICAR also prepared agro-ecological and district-specific crop plans for 14 major crops.
8. The 14 major crops include rice, wheat, maize, pearl millet, sorghum, pigeon pea, chickpea, soybean, mustard, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, potato, and onion.
9. The crop plans were developed by combining Relative Spread Index (RSI), Relative Yield Index (RYI), Sustainable Yield Index (SYI), and Soil-climate suitability index (SCSI).
10. Rice, sugarcane, cotton, and jute are identified among the major water-intensive crops.

Prelims pointers

• ICAR is under which Ministry? (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare)
• Which data sources were used by ICAR for its study on cropping patterns and hydrological realities? (Central Ground Water Board data and GRACE satellite data)
• Which states were identified as groundwater-depleted with a mismatch between water demand and availability? (Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
• What is the 'Atlas of cropping systems in India' related to? (ICAR's work on identifying alternative cropping systems)
• Which indices were combined by ICAR for preparing agro-ecological and district-specific crop plans? (Relative Spread Index (RSI), Relative Yield Index (RYI), Sustainable Yield Index (SYI), and Soil-climate suitability index (SCSI))
• Which crops are mentioned as major water-intensive crops in the article? (Rice, sugarcane, cotton, jute)

Mains practice question

Critically analyze the challenges posed by water-intensive cropping patterns in India and discuss how crop diversification, supported by scientific studies like those by ICAR, can contribute to sustainable agriculture and water resource management.

Static linkage

This news links to the broader issues of sustainable agriculture, water resource management, groundwater depletion, agricultural diversification, and climate change adaptation in India. It highlights the role of research institutions like ICAR in providing scientific inputs for agricultural policy and planning.

Significance

The ICAR study is significant for promoting sustainable agricultural practices by identifying regions with water stress and suggesting alternative cropping systems. It provides a scientific basis for crop diversification, which can help conserve groundwater, enhance farmer resilience, and ensure long-term food security. The development of an 'Atlas of cropping systems' and district-specific crop plans offers practical tools for policymakers and farmers to make informed decisions regarding crop choices, aligning agricultural production with regional resource availability and environmental sustainability.