Question

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding on to the problem of land degradation. It was also observed that the multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water. Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been started which ensures access to some means to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Some of the broad objectives of this programme are to enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani), improve on farm water, use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent, irrigation and other water saving technologies (per drop more crop) and introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.

1. Explain the role of floods in land degradation. (1)
2. How has irrigation changed cropping pattern? (1)
3. Explain any two objectives of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana’. (2)

Answer 1

1. Floods contribute to land degradation by causing extensive soil erosion and sedimentation. In addition, they deprive floodplains of silt, which functions as a natural fertiliser, diminishing soil fertility over time.
2. Irrigation has allowed farmers to shift from traditional crops to water-intensive, commercial crops. While this might improve income, it frequently causes environmental difficulties such as soil salinisation.
3. • Har Khet Ko Pani: To enhance physical access to water on farms and increase cultivable land under assured irrigation.
   • Per Drop More Crop: To reduce waste on farms, employ water-saving technologies and sustainable conservation methods.