Scientists call for climate‑resilient model of irrigation and food production

India's journey towards food security has been a remarkable one, largely attributed to the Green Revolution that began in the mid-1960s. This revolution, characterized by high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and assured irrigation, transformed India from a food-deficit nation to a self-sufficient one. However, this success came with significant environmental costs, particularly in the form of groundwater depletion and increased carbon emissions. The current Food Production System (FPS) is now identified by scientists as one of India's most carbon-intensive public support mechanisms, primarily due to its reliance on groundwater-based irrigation powered predominantly by coal-fired electricity.

The core issue highlighted is that 72% of the energy required for India's FPS is coal-based. This staggering figure underscores the deep nexus between energy policy, agricultural practices, and environmental impact. Farmers, often incentivized by free or highly subsidized electricity for agricultural pumps, have increasingly relied on groundwater extraction, especially for water-intensive crops like rice and wheat, which are procured under Minimum Support Price (MSP) schemes. This policy framework, while ensuring food security and farmer income, inadvertently encourages unsustainable practices, leading to both groundwater stress and a significant carbon footprint.

Key stakeholders in this complex scenario include farmers, who are at the forefront of agricultural practices and directly impacted by policy changes; the Indian government, through various ministries (Agriculture, Environment, Power, Water Resources) and bodies like NITI Aayog, responsible for policy formulation, subsidies, and infrastructure development; scientists and research institutions, who provide data, analysis, and innovative solutions; and ultimately, consumers, whose dietary preferences influence cropping patterns. The private sector also plays a role in developing and deploying sustainable technologies.

This issue matters profoundly for India on multiple fronts. Economically, the high energy consumption translates to significant subsidy burdens on state exchequers. Environmentally, it jeopardizes India's climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement, where India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 level and achieve Net Zero by 2070. The depletion of groundwater resources threatens long-term agricultural sustainability and overall water security for a growing population. Socially, the water crisis disproportionately affects marginal farmers and can lead to inter-state water disputes. Furthermore, a shift in cropping patterns could help diversify farmer incomes and improve nutritional security by promoting less water-intensive and more diverse crops like millets.

Historically, the focus on increasing food grain production post-independence, particularly during the Green Revolution, prioritized yield over environmental sustainability. Policies like the MSP for rice and wheat, coupled with subsidized power for agriculture, solidified these practices. For instance, states like Punjab and Haryana, the granaries of India, face severe groundwater depletion due to intensive rice cultivation. This historical trajectory now necessitates a significant course correction.

From a constitutional perspective, while 'agriculture' and 'water' fall under the State List (Entry 14 and 17, respectively) of the Seventh Schedule, the Union government plays a crucial role through policy initiatives and financial support. Environmental protection is enshrined in Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which mandates the state to protect and improve the environment, and Article 51A(g) as a Fundamental Duty for every citizen. Legislation like the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, provide legal frameworks for environmental governance. Policies such as the National Water Policy (2012) and schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) aiming to solarize agricultural pumps are steps towards addressing these challenges.

The future implications are significant. A fundamental rethink of groundwater-based irrigation will require a multi-pronged approach: reforming agricultural subsidies to encourage diversification away from water-intensive crops, promoting micro-irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler systems), accelerating the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps, and investing in climate-resilient crop varieties. A broader shift in cropping patterns towards less water-intensive and more nutritious crops like millets and pulses is crucial. This will also necessitate changes in dietary patterns, which can be influenced through public awareness campaigns and government procurement policies. Such a transformation is vital for India to achieve its environmental goals, ensure long-term food and water security, and build a truly resilient agricultural sector in the face of climate change. It also aligns with India's leadership role in global climate action and sustainable development.