Answer:

Introduction

Soil degradation is the loss of soil’s biological and ecological health, causing reduced agricultural productivity. Over 29% (96.4 million hectares) of India’s total geographical area (328.7 million hectares) is degraded due to erosion, salinity, and nutrient depletion, threatening the food security of a population largely dependent on agriculture.

Body

Patterns and reasons for soil degradation in India, in the light of the interplay of human activities and climate change-

• Overgrazing: Overgrazing by livestock reduces vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion. Areas like Rajasthan, with its semi-arid climate and extensive pastoral activities, face significant degradation due to overgrazing.
• Deforestation: Forests stabilize soil, and their removal hastens erosion. Deforestation in states like Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand for timber, mining, and infrastructure development exposes the soil to rain and wind, causing degradation. Example- India lost 668,400 hectares of forest between 2015-2020 (Global Forest Watch)
• Monoculture Practices: Continuous cultivation of a single crop like rice in Punjab or sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh exhausts specific soil nutrients, leading to nutrient depletion.
• Improper Irrigation Practices: Excessive or poorly managed irrigation causes waterlogging and salinization. In regions like Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, irrigation without proper drainage has led to salinity and alkalinity issues.
  
• Industrial Pollution: Industrial effluents and solid waste disposal contribute to soil contamination. Industrial hotspots like Bhiwadi in Rajasthan and Vapi in Gujarat have reported high levels of soil pollution.
• Climate Change-Induced Droughts and Floods: Climate change exacerbates soil degradation through increased incidences of droughts and floods. Droughts cause desertification, especially in dry regions like Rajasthan, while floods wash away fertile topsoil. Example– Heavy floods in many parts of the countryin 2004, while 2002 was a drought year in the country which affected 56% of its geographical area.
• Shifting Cultivation: In Northeast India, shifting cultivation or ‘Jhum’ causes deforestation and soil nutrient loss. Although an indigenous practice, it accelerates soil erosion when the fallow period is reduced due to population pressures. Example- Mizoram lost 15.7 thousand hectares of its forest between 2000-2020. (Global Forest Watch).
• Coastal Erosion: Rising sea levels due to climate change contribute to coastal erosion. The Sundarbans, an area already grappling with high soil salinity, is witnessing further degradation due to rising sea levels. Example- The sea level along the Indian coast has been rising at an average rate of about 1.7 mm/year over the last century (1900-2000).

Soil degradation is posing significant threats to sustainable development and humanity’s survival in the following ways

• Food Security: Soil degradation reduces agricultural productivity, threatening food security. In countries like India, where agriculture is a significant economic activity, degraded soils can dramatically affect crop yields and food supplies. Example– The annual loss in output of main crops in India because of soil erosion has been estimated to be 7.2 million tonnes. (India Water Portal).
• Livelihood: In developing countries, the majority of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood. Soil degradation can lead to decreased income and increased poverty, as seen in many Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Economic Loss: The annual economic loss due to degraded land and change in land use in India was valued at Rs 3.17 lakh crore ($46.90 billion) in 2014-15. (2.5% of India’s GDP).
• Water Quality: Soil acts as a filter for contaminants. Degraded soils may have reduced capacity to filter pollutants, leading to contaminated groundwater and surface water, as observed near industrial areas in China.
• Desertification: Severe soil degradation can lead to desertification, turning previously fertile land into barren deserts. The expanding Thar Desert in India and Sahel region in Africa are examples, with overgrazing and drought combining to create desert-like conditions.
• Health Risks: Soil degradation can increase exposure to toxins, leading to health issues. In West Bengal and Bangladesh, arsenic-contaminated soils have resulted in one of the world’s largest cases of mass poisoning.
• Migration: Soil degradation and associated economic hardship can force people to migrate. The Dust Bowl event in the 1930s in the US is a historical example where severe soil erosion led to large-scale migration.
• Conflict: Competition for shrinking fertile lands due to soil degradation can fuel conflict. An example is the ongoing conflict in Darfur, Sudan, where desertification and soil degradation have intensified disputes over land resources.

Suitable way ahead in this regard

• Sustainable Farming Practices: Encourage practices like crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic farming. Kerala’s organic farming movement exemplifies a successful transition to sustainable agriculture, a model that can be replicated nationwide.
• Soil Conservation Techniques: Promote techniques like contour plowing, terracing, and the use of cover crops. The terrace farming practiced in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh serves as a good model for effective soil conservation.
  
• Improved Irrigation Practices: Opt for efficient irrigation techniques such as drip or sprinkler irrigation to prevent waterlogging and salinization. Israel’s successful implementation of drip irrigation is an exemplar that India can follow.
• Watershed Management: Implement effective watershed management programs to reduce soil erosion and increase water availability. The Sukhomajri village in Haryana is a good model where watershed management transformed a water-scarce village into a prosperous one.
• Pollution Control: Enforce stringent regulations on industrial pollution. Tamil Nadu’s Zero Liquid Discharge policy exemplifies successful control of industrial pollution and is a model worth replicating in other industrial regions.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promote climate-resilient crops and farming practices. The Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) program by the World Bank serves as a good model for developing resilience in our agricultural systems.
• Research and Development: Invest in research for innovative soil conservation and restoration techniques. The various projects by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) exemplify the importance of R&D in improving soil health.
• Awareness and Education: Increase public awareness about the importance of soil health. The Soil Health Card Scheme by the Government of India is an example of effective public awareness and education that can be further expanded.

Conclusion

Addressing soil degradation is critical for India’s sustainable development and food security. By learning from successful models and innovating new solutions, India can restore its degraded lands. With concerted efforts, an optimistic future awaits where soil health ensures prosperity, resilience, and sustainability for generations to come.