Answer: 

The Gangetic Valley plays a pivotal role in India’s total food production. However, this vital region faces a severe decline in groundwater levels due to over-extraction and unsustainable agricultural practices, jeopardising its ability to sustain crop yields and, consequently, the food security of millions across the nation.

Decline in Groundwater Potential of the Gangetic Valley:

• Over-extraction: Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation has led to a rapid depletion of aquifers, reducing the overall availability of groundwater.
• For instance: The Punjab region, part of the larger Gangetic basin, has witnessed a significant drop in groundwater levels, with reports indicating a decline of over 1 metre per year in some areas.
• Pollution: Agricultural runoff and industrial waste have contaminated groundwater sources, making them unsuitable for irrigation and affecting crop yields.
• For instance: The Ganga river’s water quality in states like Uttar Pradesh has deteriorated due to industrial discharges, impacting both groundwater and surface water resources.
• Urbanisation: Increasing urban development in the region has escalated groundwater usage, further straining the already dwindling resources.
• For example, Cities like Kanpur and Varanasi have seen rapid urbanisation, leading to over-extraction of groundwater to meet the needs of growing populations.
• Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns due to climate change have reduced the natural recharge of aquifers, exacerbating groundwater depletion.
• For example: The erratic monsoon patterns in Bihar have resulted in inconsistent groundwater replenishment, impacting farming practices.
• Lack of Recharge Structures: Inadequate implementation of rainwater harvesting and other groundwater recharge techniques has hampered efforts to restore groundwater levels.
• Inefficient Irrigation Practices: Outdated and inefficient irrigation methods, like flood irrigation, waste substantial amounts of water, compounding the decline in groundwater levels. For instance: West Bengal, where traditional irrigation methods are prevalent, water wastage has significantly contributed to the declining groundwater table.

Effect on Food Security in India:

• Reduced Crop Yields: Groundwater depletion in the Gangetic Valley directly limits irrigation, leading to significant crop yield reductions.

For example: In Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, farmers have reported up to 30% lower yields for staples like paddy and wheat due to insufficient water availability, posing a serious threat to food security in the region.

• Increased Dependence on Rainfed Agriculture: Reduced groundwater forces farmers in the Gangetic Valley to increasingly rely on rainfed agriculture, heightening risks during inconsistent monsoon seasons.
• Crop Diversification Challenges: The decline in groundwater restricts crop diversification in the Gangetic Valley where farmers heavily rely on water-intensive rice.

For example: In Punjab, the depletion of groundwater discourages farmers from adopting less water-demanding crops like pulses and maize, threatening both food diversity and long-term agricultural sustainability.

• Increased Dependence on Rainfed Agriculture: Reduced groundwater forces farmers in the Gangetic Valley to rely more on rainfed agriculture, increasing vulnerability to erratic monsoons.
• Threat to Livestock Farming: Declining groundwater availability affects livestock health in the Gangetic Valley by limiting feed quality and quantity, reducing productivity in dairy and meat production, and exacerbating food security issues.
• Long-term Sustainability Issues: Continuous groundwater depletion threatens agricultural sustainability and future food security in the Gangetic Valley, with many districts facing potential water scarcity if current trends persist.

Way Ahead:

• Promotion of Water-Efficient Crops: Encourage farmers to shift towards less water-intensive crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds, which require less water for growth..
  For example: The Odisha government has promoted millet cultivation under the “Millet Mission” to reduce dependence on water-intensive rice.
• Efficient Irrigation Techniques: The adoption of water-saving techniques like drip irrigation and sprinklers can help reduce water wastage and improve groundwater management..
  For example: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has introduced drip irrigation schemes in Gujarat, increasing water-use efficiency in farming.
• Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge: Strengthening rainwater harvesting systems and promoting groundwater recharge through check dams and ponds can help replenish groundwater reserves.
  For example: In Rajasthan, the Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan has helped build check dams to recharge groundwater, improving water availability for agriculture.
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Integrating sustainable practices like crop rotation, conservation tillage, and organic farming can reduce water dependency and enhance soil moisture retention.
  For example: In Andhra Pradesh, farmers practising Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) have reduced water usage through mulching and natural fertilisers.
• Policy Interventions: Governments can introduce stricter regulations on groundwater extraction and provide subsidies or incentives for adopting water-efficient technologies.
  For example: Punjab has introduced restrictions on early paddy transplantation to prevent groundwater depletion, accompanied by incentives for farmers adopting sustainable practices.

To safeguard India’s food security, immediate and collaborative efforts are required, including sustainable groundwater management, water-efficient farming practices, and policy interventions. A proactive approach is essential to preserve the agricultural backbone of the Gangetic Valley and ensure long-term food sustainability for the nation.

DOWNLOAD PDF