Water-Guzzling Crops in Uttar Pradesh
Kartavya Desk Staff
Context: Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest extractor of groundwater, is facing a severe groundwater crisis due to the over-cultivation of water-intensive crops like sugarcane, paddy, and wheat.
About Water-Guzzling Crops in Uttar Pradesh:
• Heavy Groundwater Extraction for Irrigation:
• Uttar Pradesh extracted 46 billion cubic meters (BCM) of groundwater in 2023, primarily for agriculture. Nearly 90% of extracted water is used for irrigation, significantly outpacing natural replenishment rates.
• Uttar Pradesh extracted 46 billion cubic meters (BCM) of groundwater in 2023, primarily for agriculture.
• Nearly 90% of extracted water is used for irrigation, significantly outpacing natural replenishment rates.
• Role of Water-Intensive Crops:
• Farmers shifted from coarse grains (millets, maize) to paddy, sugarcane, and wheat, which require significantly higher water consumption. Sugarcane alone occupies 60% of agricultural land in regions like Saharanpur, causing severe stress on underground water reserves.
• Farmers shifted from coarse grains (millets, maize) to paddy, sugarcane, and wheat, which require significantly higher water consumption.
• Sugarcane alone occupies 60% of agricultural land in regions like Saharanpur, causing severe stress on underground water reserves.
• Consequences of Unregulated Groundwater Use:
• Water tables have fallen from 30 feet to over 200 feet, forcing frequent re-boring, increasing costs for farmers. Free electricity and subsidized water access contribute to reckless groundwater pumping.
• Water tables have fallen from 30 feet to over 200 feet, forcing frequent re-boring, increasing costs for farmers.
• Free electricity and subsidized water access contribute to reckless groundwater pumping.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1 – Geography: Groundwater depletion, water-intensive agriculture, and climate change impacts.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance: Policy gaps in water management, ineffective regulation, and the role of state agencies.
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Economy: Sustainable water use, over-extraction of groundwater, and agricultural reforms.