UPSC Mains 2017 GS3 Q14 — Cropping Patterns
What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system ? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilise the yield of the crops in the system ? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhatHow
- Scope keywords
- declining rice and wheat yieldcropping systemcrop diversificationstabilise the yield
- Implicit sub-parts
- Assessment of the specific soil-health and groundwater fatigue caused by the rice-wheat monoculture in regions like Punjab/Haryana.
- Impact of climate change-induced heatwaves and erratic rainfall on specific growth stages (e.g., terminal heat stress in wheat).
- The role of diversification in breaking pest/weed cycles (e.g., Phalaris minor) that have become resistant to chemicals.
- Economic stabilization through risk mitigation and improved soil fertility (nitrogen fixation by legumes).
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on 'Indian Agriculture' instead of focusing specifically on the yield decline of the rice-wheat cycle.
- Ignoring the 'system' aspect; failing to explain how monoculture depletes specific micronutrients over time.
- Focusing only on environmental reasons while ignoring technological and policy-driven fatigue like the saturation of Green Revolution technology.
- Failing to mention specific diversification alternatives like oilseeds, pulses, or agro-forestry.
- Dimensions required
- Ecological (soil health, water table)Biological (pest resistance, seed genetics)Climatic (thermal stress, unseasonal rain)Economic (risk management, input-cost efficiency)Agronomic (nutrient cycling, crop rotation)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate roughly 125 words to the 'Reasons' section, detailing 4-5 distinct factors for yield decline. The remaining 125 words should focus on 'How Diversification Helps,' ensuring you link it back to yield stability and soil restoration. Reserve 25-30 words for a conclusion on policy shifts like MSP for pulses to make diversification viable.
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