Impact of groundwater depletion on Indian agriculture

Impact of groundwater depletion on Indian agriculture

 

Introduction

Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture in India, a country where nearly 60% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s brought significant improvements in crop yields and food production, but it also triggered an unsustainable reliance on groundwater for irrigation. Over the years, excessive withdrawal of groundwater has led to a severe depletion of aquifers, posing a significant threat to Indian agriculture and the nation's food security. Climate change with un-systemic pattern of monsoon has started to increase load on groundwater resources of the country. This article explores the consequences of groundwater depletion on Indian agriculture.

The rise of groundwater irrigation

India's agricultural landscape has witnessed a dramatic shift since the Green Revolution. High-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation infrastructure, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides transformed Indian agriculture, making it one of the largest food producers in the world. However, the extensive use of groundwater for irrigation played a pivotal role in this transformation.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, the percentage of net irrigated area to net sown area in India increased from around 17% in 1950-51 to approximately 50% in 2019-20. Groundwater played a significant role in this increase, accounting for more than 60% of total irrigation in the country. The advent of electric and diesel pumps made groundwater extraction relatively affordable for farmers, leading to its widespread use.

Consequences of depletion of groundwater

While groundwater irrigation initially led to significant gains in agricultural productivity, it came at a cost. Over the years, the unsustainable extraction of groundwater has resulted in several adverse consequences:

Depleting Aquifers: Data from the Central Ground Water Board of India reveals that groundwater levels in many parts of the country are declining at an alarming rate. In some areas, water tables have dropped by several meters in just a few decades. As aquifers deplete, it becomes increasingly challenging and expensive to access the remaining groundwater.

Reduced Crop Yields: The dependence on groundwater has led to the over-extraction of water resources, which can result in reduced crop yields. A study published in the journal Nature in 2009 estimated that the depletion of the Indo-Gangetic aquifer alone has led to an annual loss of 10 million tons of food production, particularly wheat and rice.

Increased Energy Costs: As water tables drop, farmers are forced to install deeper and more powerful pumps to access groundwater. This increased reliance on electricity and diesel for pumping water imposes a significant financial burden on farmers and contributes to environmental degradation.

Environmental Impact: Groundwater depletion has adverse environmental consequences, including land subsidence and the drying up of surface water bodies. It also disrupts the natural hydrological cycle and can lead to the intrusion of saline water into freshwater aquifers, rendering them unusable.

Socioeconomic Implications: The impact of groundwater depletion is not limited to agriculture alone. It has far-reaching socioeconomic implications, including rural livelihoods, as many small and marginal farmers are unable to afford the high energy costs associated with groundwater extraction.

The regional disparities

Groundwater depletion is not uniform across India; it varies from region to region. Some of the most affected states include Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. These states have experienced rapid declines in groundwater levels due to excessive irrigation and limited efforts to recharge aquifers.

Punjab is a prime example. The state's heavy reliance on groundwater for rice and wheat cultivation, combined with the prevalent practice of rice-wheat cropping, has accelerated groundwater depletion.

In contrast, states like Kerala and Goa have managed their groundwater resources more sustainably, with relatively stable water tables. This regional disparity highlights the need for tailored strategies to address groundwater depletion based on local conditions and practices.

Government initiatives and policy measures

Recognizing the severity of groundwater depletion, the Indian government has taken several initiatives to address the issue:

The National Water Mission (NWM) was launched as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change in 2008. NWM aims to promote sustainable water use, improve water-use efficiency in agriculture, and recharge groundwater through rainwater harvesting and other techniques.

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015 with the goal of enhancing water-use efficiency in agriculture by providing financial support for the development of irrigation infrastructure, including groundwater recharge structures.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) was initiated in 2018 to address groundwater depletion in stressed areas. ABHY focuses on community-based groundwater management and encourages the participation of local stakeholders.

Various state governments have also implemented policies to regulate groundwater extraction, promote rainwater harvesting, and encourage the use of efficient irrigation practices. 

However all above measures are not adequate. That’s why groundwater level is decreasing year by year in majority of areas. 

Conclusions

Groundwater depletion in India poses a significant threat to the country's agriculture and food security. The excessive use of groundwater for irrigation has led to declining water tables, reduced crop yields, increased energy costs, and environmental degradation. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes promoting efficient irrigation practices, crop diversification, rainwater harvesting, regulation, and community involvement.

While government initiatives have been launched to combat groundwater depletion, their success depends on effective implementation, monitoring, and community participation. It is crucial for India to recognize the urgency of the situation and take concerted actions to safeguard its groundwater resources and ensure a sustainable future for its agriculture sector.