Rice is an essential food source in India. Feeding almost 70% of the population, India is the second largest producer of Rice on the world rice cultivation map. However, the methods used in rice farming, especially utilizing excess groundwater, have caused its depletion. Some regions of India, where Rice is heavily cultivated, are already suffering from the groundwater crisis.
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Why is Groundwater Necessary?
Groundwater is a priceless resource vital to human needs, agriculture, and the ecosystem. As the principal source of fresh water, it provides fresh drinking water to nearly half the global population. Tropical regions, such as Punjab and Haryana in India, where climate conditions are rough and the high evaporation rate, rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation. The importance of groundwater goes beyond mere drinking and agriculture rice farming; it is indispensable to food security and substitutes for rainfall.
Rice Farming Thirst for Groundwater
Due to scientific and agronomical factors, rice farming needs an excess amount of water for its growth compared to other crops. We will discuss several key reasons why rice farming needs more water :
| Key Reasons Why Rice Farming Needs an Excess Amount of Water | |
| Water Flooding | Rice farmers often create a water-flooding environment in their fields for two reasons: excess water provides moisture to rice crops for their rapid growth and helps keep soil muddy to prevent weeds from growing. |
| High water consumption | Rice cultivation tends to consume more water than any other crop; producing 1 kg of rice requires approximately 1500 litres of water. |
| Soil witness | Rice plants require moisture from wet soil for high yield and sustainable growth. Flooding water to wet the soil in the field also provides nutrients and a robust root system. |
Groundwater Depletion Survey
Agriculture practices such as rice farming, which require abundant water, negatively impact groundwater. According to a survey conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), regions such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in India, known for intensive rice farming, use between 1 and 5 meters of groundwater annually.
Top 5 Methods to Save Groundwater?
Applying several methods to produce high yields without disturbing the climate is vital to conserving groundwater.
Mulching Process
In the mulching process, recycled mulching paper is laid down during the plantation to prohibit weed growth, preserve soil moisture, reduce soil erosion, and sustain yield. Mulching paper covers the soil to keep it cool and warm during the day and night.
Mid-Season Drainage
Mid-season drainage is an effective method of water management in which flooded water is removed temporarily naturally for about 5 to 10 days to reduce greenhouse gases.
Using a Weather Forecast
Technology like weather forecasts can aid in reducing unnecessary water wastage; farmers can track weather conditions and store sufficient amounts of water in tanks during the rainfall season for irrigation purposes.
Changing Rice Varieties
Varieties such as Dr Dhan 47 grow well in drought-like conditions. They can maintain yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other varieties are also available in the market that farmers can rely on.
Technology Upgrades
With the help of technology, such as moisture detection devices and effective irrigation system management, farmers can put their minds at ease to avoid crop damage.
Research and Development
Another heavily producing rice country, such as Japan, has conducted many research studies into improving irrigation and understanding the ecological impacts of rice farming to conserve groundwater and ensure food security.
Conserve Groundwater From Rice Farming
To avoid the excess use of groundwater, experts suggest some effective methods that can be applied.
No-Nurseries Seeding Technique
Sowing seeds directly in the soil rather than letting them grow in nurseries will reduce water usage by 30% and effectively save labour costs.
Anaerobic Rice Farming
It is a farming type that involves growing rice in conditions with less oxygen. Rice’s ability to produce this way is beneficial for direct seeding.
Enhancing Soil Fertility
Increasing soil health by using organic matter, mulching, and crop covering techniques can be very helpful in improving soil fertility rate, thus resulting in holding more moisture in the soil and less irrigation.
Soil Covering in Rice Farming
Mulching is the best alternative to achieve effective results in rice farming. It maintains soil moisture and prevents weeds from growing.
Conclusion
Water loss mitigation can be done by applying several methods, such as direct seeding, anaerobic farming, enhancing soil fertility, adding biodegradable mulch, and raising farmers’ awareness of its importance. Conserving groundwater is vital as it ensures food security for future irrigation purposes.
Is farming of Rice beneficial in India?
Despite its negative impact on groundwater, rice farming is a principal source of food security in India. Rice is responsible for feeding a bowl of food to almost 70% of the population in India.
Environmental impact of rice farming?
Rice farming has a few negative impacts, such as the emission of greenhouse gases like methane, the consumption of large amounts of water, and the excess use of chemical fertilizers harming the climate.
How much water does Rice need to grow?
Water consumption in rice farming depends on the stage of the rice plant and weather conditions. To grow 1 kg of Rice, 1500 liters of water are needed.