India’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture, grappling with the challenges of climate change, inefficient water usage, and the need for a significant shift in farming practices. The state of Punjab, known for its productivity, exemplifies these challenges, particularly with its water-intensive crops and high carbon emissions.
This editorial analysis delves into the urgency of rethinking agrarian practices, the importance of instituting measures for sustainable agriculture, and the need for implementing efficient cultivation techniques. By addressing these issues, we can promote environmental sustainability, improve nutrition, and secure sustainable food security in the face of a changing climate.
World Food Day
- World Food Day is celebrated on October 16 to honour the founding of the UN Food And Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1945.
- Its primary objective was to ensure food and nutrition security worldwide post World War II.
- The achievement of this goal is still a matter of debate.
- Even though enough food is produced globally to feed eight billion people, access to food varies significantly between nations.
- The theme for World Food Day 2023 was “Water is Life. Water is Food”.
- This provides an opportunity to analyse India’s progress in achieving food security and its use of water resources in agriculture.
Overview Of Food Production And Malnutrition In India
- In the mid-1960s, India struggled to feed its population; it has since made significant progress.
- Between 2020 and 2023, India exported 85 million tonnes of cereals, including rice, wheat, and corn.
- This export volume was achieved even as the country provided free food to over 800 million people under the PM Grib Kalyan Yojna.
- India’s milk production has increased dramatically, from 17 million tonnes in 1951 to 222 million tonnes in 2022-23, making it the world’s leading milk producer.
- Poultry and fishery production has also seen rapid growth since 2000-01, signalling the advent of pink (poultry) and blue (fishery) revolutions.
- Despite these advancements, food security remains a critical issue.
- As per the most recent National Family Health Survey, 16.6% of India’s population was malnourished between 2020 and 2022.
- Additionally, 35% of children under five are stunted, and 32% are underweight.
- Progress in addressing malnutrition has been slow, and without significant changes, India will not meet its Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030.
Indian Water Resources And Agriculture: A Quick Overview
- India hosts approximately 18% of the world’s population.
- However, India only possesses 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
- A significant portion of this water is used in agriculture.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 90% of the water is used for this purpose, while India’s Central Water Commission argues the figure is 78%.
- Population growth and a rise in income levels will precipitate not only an increased demand for food but a heightened need to conserve water.
- Water conservation is essential for drinking purposes, manufacturing, and to support growing urbanisation.
Impact Of Climate Change On Agriculture
- Extreme weather and inconsistent water supply are posing challenges to agriculture.
- These conditions are altering growth seasons and agro-ecological circumstances.
- Higher temperatures and changes in rainfall are reducing crop productivity, thereby decreasing food availability.
Climate Projections For Indian Agriculture
- The Indian Government utilised climate predictions and crop simulation models to evaluate the impact of climate change in the years 2050 and 2080.
- Predictions show a 20% decrease in rainfed rice yield by 2050 and a 47% decrease by 2080 without appropriate adaptation measures.
- Irrigated rice yields are expected to drop by 3.5% in 2050 and 5% in 2080.
- Fall in Kharif maize yields are projected to be around 18% and 23% respectively.
- Each scenario indicates a decrease in crop yields and a drop in the nutritional value of produce without proper adaptation.
FAO’s Crop Forecasting Model
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is testing a crop forecasting model in several Indian states.
- This new frame includes data on weather, soil conditions, and market trends.
- It aims to help rainfed farmers make decisions that contribute to food security.
Two-Step Strategy For Water Use In Agriculture
- India needs a two-step strategy for water use in agriculture.
- First, increase water storage during monsoons in reservoirs and recharge groundwater using check dams and watersheds.
- Second, ensure rational water distribution and efficiency across crops.
- Institutional reforms are needed in the Indian irrigation sector.
- Correct pricing of water and power for irrigation is essential.
- Even though almost half of India’s crop area is irrigated, this needs to increase to at least 75% to manage climate change impacts.
- Large investments are needed for this expansion.
- Attracting private sector investments in reservoirs and canal networks has been a challenge because water is almost free.
- The Government lacks funds to invest in this area due to large food and fertiliser subsidies.
- State governments are hesitant to charge for power used in groundwater irrigation.
- Consequently, Indian agriculture remains vulnerable to climate change.
Rethinking Agrarian Practices
- Punjab demonstrates high land productivity for rice but low irrigation water productivity, making it a highly inefficient rice producer in terms of water usage.
- Punjab leads in carbon emissions from paddy cultivation, with approximately 5 tonnes CO2eq per hectare.
- A policy overhaul is necessary, with water conservation as priority in farming practices and policy.
Instituting Measures For Sustainable Agriculture
- Encourage farmers to transition from water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane to less water-demanding crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Offer ‘green water credits’ as incentives for farmers making this switch.
- The current subsidy for paddy cultivation, roughly Rs 30,000 per hectare, should be redirected to farmers shifting to pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
- This approach would ensure equity among crops, promote environmental sustainability, improve nutrition, and curb over-exploitation of groundwater prevalent in 78% of Punjab’s blocks.
Proposing Efficient Cultivation Techniques
- Reward farming practices like direct seeded rice (DSR) and alternate wet and dry (AWD) irrigation, along with zero till, as they save water.
- Promote drip irrigation, especially in sugarcane cultivation, as it can save half the water used.
- Efficient water usage is pivotal to securing sustainable food security.
Sources: Keep Water At The Centre, The Indian Express, October 16, 2023; The world needs to stop taking water for granted, The Hindu, October 16, 2023.