Crop Diversification And Micro-Irrigation In India
Source: PIB
GS III: Major Crops – Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, – Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems
Overview
- Crop diversification and micro-irrigation are key strategies for promoting water-efficient, climate-resilient, and sustainable agriculture in India.
- Based on scientific assessments of cropping patterns and groundwater availability, ICAR is promoting location-specific cropping systems, efficient irrigation technologies, and water-saving agricultural practices.
- These efforts are supported by flagship government schemes such as PMKSY, PM-DDKY, NICRA, and NMSA, with the objective of improving water-use efficiency, conserving natural resources, and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare informed Parliament about ICAR’s initiatives to promote crop diversification and micro-irrigation based on scientific assessment of cropping patterns and groundwater availability.
News in Brief
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) identified a mismatch between water-intensive cropping patterns and groundwater availability in several states facing water stress.
- The government highlighted location-specific crop diversification, efficient irrigation technologies, and climate-resilient farming practices to improve agricultural sustainability.
- The reply also outlined the role of flagship schemes such as PMKSY, PM-DDKY, NICRA, and NMSA in enhancing water-use efficiency and climate resilience.
ICAR’s Role in Crop Diversification and Micro-Irrigation
Scientific Basis for Crop Diversification
- ICAR studied the prevailing cropping pattern and hydrological realities in different regions of India, using Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) data and monthly gridded GRACE satellite data.
- States such Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, show significant groundwater stress and due to water-intensive crops.
- ICAR has prepared ‘Atlas of cropping systems in India’ and also identified sustainable alternatives to cereal-dominated systems considering the prevailing agro-climatic conditions, resource availability including water availability and market opportunities.
- It has developed the agro-ecological and district specific crop plan for 14 major crops using scientific indices and groundwater assessments.
Crop suitability was assessed using,
- Relative Spread Index (RSI)
- Relative Yield Index (RYI)
- Sustainable Yield Index (SYI)
- Soil-Climate Suitability Index (SCSI)
Need for Water-efficient Agriculture
- Rice, sugarcane, cotton and jute are among the major water-intensive crops grown in India.
- These occupy nearly one-third of the country’s gross cropped area.
- ICAR’S scientific assessment identified cultivation of rice and sugarcane even in low-rainfall districts,
- This highlights the need for promoting location-specific crop diversification, while balancing water security, farmer livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
Government Initiatives
- Pilot Crop Diversification Project in 47 districts – Promoting location specific crop diversification from water-intensive crops to relatively low water-requiring crops. such as pulses, oilseeds, millets and horticultural crops, taking into account local water availability, soil characteristics, agro-climatic suitability and sustainable use of natural resources.
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)- Promotes efficient use of irrigation water through adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
- PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY)- Promotes sustainable agriculture in 100 aspirational agricultural districts through convergence of interventions such as crop diversification, irrigation development, post-harvest infrastructure, natural and organic farming, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).
- Soil Health Card Programme- Promotes soil test-based balanced and integrated nutrient management by providing farmers with crop-specific fertilizer recommendations for improving soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency.
- Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC–PMKSY 2.0) – Promotes integrated watershed management through soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of degraded lands and sustainable management of natural resources.
Implementation Mechanisms
Crop Diversification
- ICAR identifies suitable cropping patterns based on scientific planning and using groundwater assessments, agro-ecological studies, and crop suitability indices to promote location-specific crop diversification.
- Promotes Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) recommendations, micronutrient mapping, soil testing kits, and digital decision-support tools for balanced nutrient management.
- Technologies and best practices are disseminated through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), frontline demonstrations, State extension agencies, and farmer training programmes.
Micro Irrigation and Water Management
- Encourages rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, farm ponds, conservation agriculture, protective irrigation, and micro-irrigation, supported by AI, sensor, and weather-based irrigation scheduling.
- Promotes Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), System of Rice Intensification (SRI), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), raised-bed planting, laser land levelling, mulching, and drip/sprinkler irrigation to reduce water consumption while maintaining productivity.
Institutional Support
- Through NICRA (National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture), ICAR promotes climate-resilient crop varieties, Climate Resilient Villages (CRVs), District Agriculture Contingency Plans, and weather-based agro-advisories to improve resilience against climate variability.
- Implementation is reinforced through flagship schemes such as PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop), PM-DDKY, NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture), and WDC-PMKSY 2.0, ensuring convergence for sustainable agriculture and efficient natural resource management.
Conclusion
Aligning cropping patterns with local agro-climatic conditions and expanding micro-irrigation can enhance resource-use efficiency while balancing agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and farmers’ livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
Click image to enlarge for better readability
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
With reference to crop diversification and micro-irrigation in India, consider the following statements:
- ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) uses groundwater and satellite-based assessments to recommend location-specific cropping patterns.
- The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana) promotes drip and sprinkler irrigation.
- NICRA focuses on improving climate resilience in Indian agriculture.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3
Mains Practice Question
Q. “Crop diversification and efficient water management are essential for ensuring sustainable agriculture in India.” Discuss the role of scientific planning, micro-irrigation, and government initiatives in achieving this objective. (250 Words)
Daily Current Affairs: Click Here