Question

Punjab is known as the food granary of India, growing most of the cereal and cash crops, but is facing declining crop yields and poor soil conditions. It is one of the biggest exporter of rice and cotton crops.

1. What climatic conditions favour rice growth in the above-mentioned area?
2. What is the difference between cereal and cash crops? Can a cereal be a cash crop?
3. How did the Green Revolution impact agriculture in Punjab?
4. Suggest the sustainable agricultural practices to improve soil fertility.

Answer 1

(a)

Climatic conditions favouring rice growth in Punjab:

1. Temperature: Rice requires a temperature range of about 16-20°C during flowering and 18-32°C during ripening.
2. Rainfall: It needs a high amount of rainfall, typically 150-300 cm.
3. Soil: Clayey or loamy soils with an impervious subsoil layer that retains water are ideal for rice cultivation. Punjab, being one of the leading rice producers, meets these conditions with its climate and soil, supporting rice cultivation successfully.

(b)

1. Cereal crops are staple food crops grown primarily for human consumption, like rice, wheat, maize, and millets.
2. Cash crops are grown mainly for sale and commercial purposes rather than for local consumption; examples include cotton, sugarcane, and cash-producing cereals.
3. Yes, a cereal can be a cash crop. For example, rice in Punjab is both a cereal and a major cash crop because it is widely grown for export and commercial sale, not just for local food consumption.

(c)

1. Positive Impacts of the Green Revolution:
   1. Increased foodgrain production, especially wheat and rice.
   2. Adoption of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of seeds.
   3. Expansion of irrigation facilities, particularly tube wells.
   4. Increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
   5. Greater use of mechanisation in agriculture.
   6. Higher cropping intensity with more than one crop grown in a year.
   7. Transformed Punjab into a major foodgrain-producing state
2. Negative Impacts / Long-term Problems:
   1. Intensive monocropping led to declining soil health and fertility.
   2. Excessive use of groundwater resulted in groundwater depletion.
   3. Heavy dependence on fertilizers and pesticides caused environmental pollution.
   4. Increased cost of cultivation for farmers.
   5. Reduction in crop diversity due to repeated cultivation of the same crops.
   6. In the long run, Punjab experienced declining yields and deterioration of soil quality

(d)

Sustainable agricultural practices to improve soil fertility in Punjab:

1. Crop rotation, especially including pulses, which fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich soil fertility.
2. Use of organic manure and compost to increase humus content and soil nutrients.
3. Prevent soil erosion by contour ploughing, terrace farming, and shelter belts.
4. Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge to maintain soil moisture.
5. Reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to prevent soil degradation.
6. Promotion of organic farming practices to maintain long-term soil health and fertility.