ISSN: 2474-8846
Authors: Samal P*
Rice is the main staple food of India and supply of adequate amounts of rice to the consumers is essential to ensure food security. However, rice production in recent years has been threatened by unsustainable use of groundwater and yield plateauing in irrigated areas. The objective of this paper is to find out the regions that face such problems and recommend strategies to overcome them. Data for this study was gathered from various ministries of the Government of India. Analyses of data reveal that the eastern region accounts for 50% of India’s rice production, and holds 56% of the total rice area. The region receives more rainfall than the northern, southern, and western regions states. The groundwater exploitation is below 50% in the region. The demonstrations carried out by two mega schemes of the government of India show potential for increasing rice productivity in the eastern region. It was observed that the groundwater has been overexploited in northern and southern region states viz. Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu. Yield plateauing was also observed in five irrigated states in recent years. Various strategies are discussed to overcome the problems, adoption of yield-enhancing and water-saving technologies, and the promotion of rice cultivation in eastern states.
Keywords: Rice Production; India; Yield Plateau; Groundwater; Sustainability; Strategies
