Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
5. What are the reasons for accelerated depletion of groundwater in our country? Why is it so crucial for irrigation in India? Discuss its correlation with cropping intensity. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
A recent study has found that Groundwater depletion may reduce winter cropping intensity by 20% in India. Thus, the context of the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Account for the reasons for accelerated depletion of groundwater in our country, discuss its relation with irrigation and cropping intensity.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some key data related to groundwater depletion in the country, one can quote some recent report.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
What is groundwater and why is it so crucial for irrigation in India?
What are the reasons for accelerated depletion of groundwater? – Intensive agriculture, Recharge Problem, Groundwater not prioritized in policies, issue with estimation of ground water resources, agricultural crop pricing and water intensive crops etc.
Discuss possible solutions to address the problem.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
