Farmers Preferring Growing Rice and Wheat

Context

Indian farmers preserve rice and wheat as their primary crops regardless of growing discourse around crop diversification, and complicated interplay of ancient legacy, financial security, policy incentives, and agro-ecological conditions.

Rice and Wheat Production in India (2024-25)

• Wheat Production: It is estimated at 122.724 million tonnes, covering 330.8 lakh hectares.
  • Major wheat-growing states encompass Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• Rice Production: India produces over one hundred twenty million tonnes of rice annually, with Kharif and Rabi seasons contributing to total output.
  • Rice cultivation is focused in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Reasons for the Continuance of Rice and Wheat Cultivation in India  

• Assured Procurement and Price Stability: The government’s close to-guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) purchases for rice and wheat provide financial security to farmers.
  • Rice and wheat enjoy constant demand through public distribution systems, in contrast to different crops, which face market rate fluctuations.
• Green Revolution Impact: The advent of semi-dwarf wheat varieties during the Green Revolution significantly boosted yields and reduced lodging risks.
  • These types respond nicely to fertilizer and water application, making wheat a desired desire for farmers.
• Yield Stability and Irrigation Support: Rice and wheat are much less risky as compared to different crops, as they may be generally grown under irrigated conditions.
  • Steady yield upgrades due to public breeding and research aid have made these crops greater resilient.
• Food Security and Policy Prioritization: Rice and wheat are essential for India’s food security, leading to persevered policy support.
  • Government schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) ensure regular demand for these grains. 
• Technological Advancements in Rice Production: India has evolved two genome-edited rice varieties, enhancing yield, drought resistance, and nitrogen performance.
  • These varieties aim to lessen water consumption and decrease greenhouse fuel emissions, making rice cultivation more sustainable.

Challenges in Rice and Wheat Cultivation

• Climate Change and Weather Variability: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall styles affect crop yields and quality.
  • Heat-brought on stress during grain filling levels can result in lower productivity.
• Water Scarcity and Resource Management: Rice is incredibly water-in depth, leading to groundwater depletion in states like Punjab and Haryana.
  • Sustainable irrigation practices are to reduce water consumption.
• Shifting Consumption Patterns: Despite high production, family cereal consumption has remained stagnant at a hundred and fifty million tonnes yearly, raising concerns about surplus control.
  • Increased cereal exports have helped balance domestic supply and demand.

Why Growing Alternative Grains Matter?

• Economic Viability: Governments need to provide economic guidance to farmers willing to transition away from rice.
• Climate Resilience: Millets, maize, and sorghum are less affected by climate variability compared to rice.
  • Rice cultivation is water-intensive and contributes to methane emissions, while alternative grains require less water and feature a lower carbon footprint.
  • Optimal allocation of rice to alternative grains could lessen climate-brought manufacturing losses by as much as 11%.
  • Encouraging farmers to develop pulses, millets, and oilseeds could improve soil fitness and sustainability.
• Market Development: Strengthening supply chains for alternative grains can ensure strong demand and pricing.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crops in the system? (2017)

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