Q.14. The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? [UPSC 2024 GS P-1]

The decline in the groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley poses a significant threat to India’s food security. The Gangetic Valley, also known as the Indo-Gangetic Plain, is one of the most fertile and agriculturally productive regions in the world. It spans several Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, and is the backbone of India’s grain production, particularly rice and wheat. However, the over-extraction of groundwater, coupled with climate change and inefficient water management, has led to a serious decline in groundwater levels, which can have several impacts on food security.

1. Impact on Crop Production:

The Gangetic Valley relies heavily on irrigation, with groundwater serving as the primary source for agricultural needs. A decline in groundwater will directly reduce the availability of water for irrigation, which will have the following effects:

  • Reduced Crop Yields: Water-intensive crops like rice and wheat, which are staples of India’s diet, will face reduced yields due to insufficient irrigation. Given that these crops form the foundation of India’s food security, any drop in their production could lead to a shortage of essential food grains.
  • Increased Crop Failures: Farmers who depend on groundwater may face frequent crop failures if groundwater levels continue to fall, making irrigation unreliable. This is particularly dangerous for small and marginal farmers, who often lack alternative sources of irrigation.

2. Increased Dependence on Rain-fed Agriculture:

As groundwater levels decline, farmers will become more dependent on rain-fed agriculture, which is inherently risky due to the unpredictability of the Indian monsoon. In years of deficient or delayed rainfall, agricultural output can plummet, leading to food shortages, higher food prices, and increased food insecurity.

3. Food Price Inflation:

A reduction in the availability of groundwater will lead to lower agricultural output, especially in key crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane. This could lead to supply shortages, driving up the prices of essential food grains. Food price inflation will disproportionately affect low-income households, pushing more people into poverty and exacerbating hunger and malnutrition.

4. Threat to Agricultural Livelihoods:

Millions of farmers in the Gangetic Valley rely on groundwater for irrigation. The decline in groundwater potential will make farming less viable, leading to a loss of livelihoods for small-scale and subsistence farmers. This could result in increased migration from rural areas to cities, as farmers look for alternative means of income. The decline in agricultural income could also reduce rural demand for goods and services, further slowing the rural economy and affecting food access.

5. Shift to Less Water-Intensive Crops:

In response to the declining groundwater levels, farmers may be forced to shift from water-intensive crops (such as rice and sugarcane) to less water-demanding crops (such as millets, pulses, or oilseeds). While this shift could be beneficial in terms of water conservation, it may reduce the availability of key staples like rice and wheat, which are critical to India’s food security. Additionally, a sudden shift in cropping patterns may disrupt the market and lead to price volatility in the short term.

6. Regional Disparities in Food Production:

The decline in groundwater in the Gangetic Valley could lead to regional imbalances in food production. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is one of the key food-producing regions in India, particularly for the northern states. A fall in agricultural output here could force other regions to increase their food production, which may not be feasible due to varying agro-climatic conditions. This could lead to regional food shortages and unequal access to food across the country.

7. Increased Stress on Surface Water Resources:

As groundwater becomes scarcer, there will be increased pressure on surface water resources, such as rivers and canals, which are already under stress due to pollution, overuse, and the effects of climate change. Over-reliance on these resources could degrade them further, leading to a long-term water crisis that would further threaten food production.

8. Environmental Degradation:

The excessive extraction of groundwater not only lowers the water table but can also lead to land subsidence, soil salinization, and reduced soil fertility. These environmental changes can make large tracts of agricultural land unusable over time, further reducing India’s ability to produce enough food for its growing population.

Conclusion:

The decline in groundwater potential in the Gangetic Valley threatens to severely impact India’s food security by reducing agricultural productivity, increasing food prices, and exacerbating rural poverty. It could also lead to a shift in cropping patterns, greater dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and increased environmental degradation. Addressing this issue will require sustainable water management practices, including promoting water-efficient agricultural practices like drip irrigation, shifting to less water-intensive crops, and improving rainwater harvesting. Without such interventions, India’s food security could face serious long-term risks.

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