Context

• Indian farmers continue to choose rice and wheat as their primary crops despite growing discourse around crop diversification, and complex interplay of historical legacy, economic security, policy incentives, and agro-ecological conditions.

Rice and Wheat Production in India (2024-25)

• Wheat Production: It is estimated at 122.724 million tonnes, covering 330.8 lakh hectares.
  • Major wheat-growing states include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• Rice Production: India produces over 120 million tonnes of rice annually, with Kharif and Rabi seasons contributing to total output.
  • Rice cultivation is concentrated in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Reasons for the Continuance of Rice and Wheat Cultivation in India  

• Assured Procurement and Price Stability: The government’s near-guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) purchases for rice and wheat provide financial security to farmers.
  • Rice and wheat enjoy consistent demand through public distribution systems, unlike other crops, which face market price fluctuations.
• Green Revolution Impact: The introduction of semi-dwarf wheat varieties during the Green Revolution significantly boosted yields and reduced lodging risks.
  • These varieties responded well to fertilizer and water application, making wheat a preferred choice for farmers.
• Yield Stability and Irrigation Support: Rice and wheat are less risky compared to other crops, as they are primarily grown under irrigated conditions.
  • Steady yield improvements due to public breeding and research support have made these crops more resilient.
• Food Security and Policy Prioritization: Rice and wheat are essential for India’s food security, leading to continued policy support.
  • Government schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) ensure steady demand for these grains. 
• Technological Advancements in Rice Production: India has developed two genome-edited rice varieties, enhancing yield, drought resistance, and nitrogen efficiency.
  • These varieties aim to reduce water consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, making rice cultivation more sustainable.

Challenges in Rice and Wheat Cultivation

• Climate Change and Weather Variability: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns affect crop yields and quality.
  • Heat-induced stress during grain filling stages can lead to lower productivity.
• Water Scarcity and Resource Management: Rice is highly water-intensive, leading to groundwater depletion in states like Punjab and Haryana.
  • Sustainable irrigation practices are needed to reduce water consumption.
• Shifting Consumption Patterns: Despite high production, household cereal consumption has remained stagnant at 150 million tonnes annually, raising concerns about surplus management.
  • Increased cereal exports have helped balance domestic supply and demand.

Why Growing Alternative Grains Matter?

• Economic Viability: Governments should provide economic support to farmers willing to transition away from rice.
  • Farmers’ sowing decisions are highly sensitive to price fluctuations, indicating a need for economic incentives to encourage the transition.
• Climate Resilience: Millets, maize, and sorghum are less affected by climate variability compared to rice.
  • Rice cultivation is water-intensive and contributes to methane emissions, whereas alternative grains require less water and have a lower carbon footprint.
  • Optimal allocation of rice area to alternative grains could reduce climate-induced production losses by up to 11%.
  • Encouraging farmers to grow pulses, millets, and oilseeds could improve soil health and sustainability.
• Market Development: Strengthening supply chains for alternative grains can ensure stable demand and pricing.

Source: IE