Water crisis: An initiative to save water by changing the crop cycle option of paddy is being prepared

Luck now: Farmers in Uttar Pradesh are now being diverted to alternative agriculture. The way the rainfall this time was very less until July, this type of situation is also expected to continue in the future. Faced with this, the attitude is turning towards alternative crops for farmers. The reason is water conservation. In fact, 70 to 80 percent of water is used in agriculture. It is also said that agriculture can wait for everything except water. For example, the culture needs water according to its need. Because of this importance of water, it has been said that when agriculture rains, it dries up. Since then, water is most needed in agriculture. In such a situation, a report was published, according to which in the past 5 years, instead of paddy in 11 districts, farmers planted urad, moong, sesame, millet, groundnut and soy on 90,000 hectares. In this they also achieved success.

Now, farmers are also made aware of crops that can be produced with less water by the government. For this, the government is conducting an awareness campaign under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana Crop Diversification Program. From the year 2014-2015, this program was launched taking into account the 11 main paddy producing districts. In an area of ​​90,000 hectares of the respective districts, farmers have replaced paddy with cultivation of urad, moong, sesame, millet, groundnut, soybean and vegetables. The effect of changing legume crops is also visible. In fact, legumes are earth-saving because of their nitrogen-fixing properties. Moreover, they are also a source of protein. In this way, they are also suitable for the health of people and the earth.

Agricultural scientists say crops like urad and moong are grown in less time. In this way, after these farmers can also take the third crop depending on the market demand. Similarly, millet, considered a miracle for its nutritional value, is the only crop whose pollination takes place even at 45°C. Water is less in all these crops compared to paddy.

Average falling rain
UP’s weather has changed a lot over the years. Along with the reduction in average rainfall, the length of the rainy season has also decreased. A long dry spell is followed by more rain in a shorter period of time. This is what creates the most difficulties for farmers. According to a research, the average rainfall in the Bundelkhand region of UP has dropped to 320mm over the past 80 years. In the coming years, there are signs of declining agricultural production in eight of the world’s largest countries. India ranks first. Agricultural production in India could be reduced by around 29%. At the same time, 26% in Mexico, 16 in Australia, 8 in America, 2 in Argentina, 18 in Southeast countries and 6% in Russia are expected to decline.

Seen from India’s perspective, Uttar Pradesh could have the greatest impact as it is a leader in the production of many crops, fruits and vegetables. In view of these situations, emphasis has been placed on water conservation by the Yogi government. Efforts are being made to revive the water sources. At the same time, farmers are also educated about water conservation.

What the experts say
According to agricultural expert Dr Anand Tripathi, crop rotation was our tradition before the Green Revolution. It has three fundamental principles. Crops requiring less water followed by more water. Strong root crops (wheat and paddy) are followed by soft root legume crops. Nutrient-seeking cultures are followed by more nutrient-seeking cultures. Due to all the focus on wheat and paddy on the green cycle, the crop cycle has been affected. To stop the harmful effects it has had on the earth, we must return to tradition. In addition, once a year, deep plowing and bundling will have to be carried out compulsorily if the field water remains in the field.

According to environmentalist Professor Venkatesh Dutta, the less water the crop needs, the more nutrients it will have. It will be necessary to sensitize the population by carrying out a campaign on the merits of these cultures. At the same time, the market for these will also need to be developed.