Rice-wheat systemis a cropping pattern that involves the cultivation of rice during the summer monsoon season (Kharif), followed by the cultivation of wheat during the winter season (Rabi). This system is immensely popular in the Indo Gangetic Plains, where assured irrigation either through canals or groundwater is present.Major factors for the Success of Rice-wheat system?Green Revolution in India, provides the package of technology, HYV seeds and policies that produced increased food grain production (mainly Wheat & Rice).MSP policies: It has insulated farmers from market risks. Ever increasing MSP on rice and wheat incentivises this systemTechnological penetration: Increased availability of machines, irrigation technology, HYV seedsFood preferences: Rice and wheat are core food preferences → With increasing income it became even more popularIdeal geographical conditions – Optimum temperature during summers and winters, coupled with assured irrigationInput subsidiesWhy this has become bane?(Problems)
Ecological Effects –
Overuse of groundwater → Soil salinity
Burning of crop residue causing Smog
Excessive use of hybrid seeds causing loss of traditional varieties
Imbalance fertiliser and pesticide usage
Lack of crop rotation – declining soil health and declining more nutritious millets cultivation
Burden on exchequer – in the form on farm subsidies → MSP, fertiliser, etc
Pest and disease outbreaks → due to continuous rice and wheat cultivation
Low yield despite water overuse
India uses 2-3 times as much water to produce one tonne of grain as countries such as China, Brazil and the United States. (Economic survey 2016)
Declining Rice and Wheat yield
Climate change → wheat production declined due to early heat wave in 2022
Pest attacks → locusts
Increasing input costs
Groundwater depletion
Declining soil health
Way ForwardAlternative to Wheat & Rice: Nutri cereals and pulsesStrong Forward & Backward Linkages → food processingUse of technology → soil health, input management, etc.Inclusive evergreen revolution is the need of the hour
