Rice and Wheat Cultivation in India
India’s agricultural landscape has seen shift towards rice and wheat cultivation. This trend has been driven by various factors, including government support, irrigation availability, and advancements in crop breeding technologies. Between 2015 and 2025, the area planted with rice and wheat has expanded notably in states like Punjab, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh.
Minimum Support Prices
The Government of India provides a minimum support price (MSP) for rice and wheat. This assurance encourages farmers to choose these crops over others. The MSP acts as a safety net, ensuring that farmers receive a reasonable price for their produce. Consequently, the acreage for rice in Punjab increased from 29.8 lakh hectares to 32.4 lakh hectares, while Telangana saw an increase from 10.5 lakh hectares to 47 lakh hectares.
Irrigation and Yield Assurance
Access to irrigation influences crop choices. Rice and wheat are often cultivated under irrigated conditions, which reduces yield risks. Farmers prefer these crops as they can rely on consistent yields. In Madhya Pradesh, wheat acreage rose from 59.1 lakh hectares to 78.1 lakh hectares over the same period. This trend marks the importance of irrigation in promoting specific crop cultivation.
Advances in Crop Breeding
The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. These varieties have transformed productivity. For instance, the HD-3385 wheat variety, released in 2023, yields an average of 6 tonnes per hectare. Similarly, the genetically edited Kamala rice variety produces 450-500 grains per panicle, improving yields. These advancements demonstrate how continuous research and development can enhance agricultural productivity.
Challenges for Other Crops
While rice and wheat have thrived, other crops like cotton and chickpeas have faced challenges. The area under cotton has drastically declined in Punjab due to a lack of government support and research advancements. In contrast, pulses and oilseeds have not seen similar yield improvements. This disparity raises concerns about the sustainability of crop diversity in Indian agriculture.
Environmental Considerations
The focus on rice and wheat has implications for environmental sustainability. The intensive cultivation of these crops can lead to soil degradation and increased water usage. Newer rice varieties like Kamala are designed to be more water-efficient, but the overall impact of monoculture practices remains a concern. Sustainable farming practices must be promoted to balance productivity with environmental health.
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