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Rimjhim Bansal-BAJMC IVth Semester
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a large, fertile plain in South Asia that encompasses parts of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It is formed by the convergence of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers and is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. The Northern Plains specifically refer to the northern part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which includes the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi in India. These plains are known for their rich agricultural land and are considered the breadbasket of India.
The three major rivers that flow through the Indo-Gangetic Plains are:
Indus River: The Indus River originates in Tibet and flows through India, Pakistan, and finally empties into the Arabian Sea. It is approximately 3,180 km long and is the longest river in Pakistan. The Indus River basin is home to many important cities such as Lahore, Hyderabad, and Karachi.
Ganges River: The Ganges River is considered to be one of the most sacred rivers in India. It originates in the Himalayas and flows through India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately 2,525 km long and is the third-largest river in the world by discharge. The Ganges River basin is home to many important cities such as Varanasi, Allahabad, and Kolkata.
Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet and flows through India, China, and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately 2,900 km long and is the ninth-largest river in the world by discharge. The Brahmaputra River basin is home to many important cities such as Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Dhaka.
These three rivers are vital for the agriculture, economy, and culture of the Indo-Gangetic Plains region. They provide water for irrigation, transportation, and hydroelectric power generation. The fertile plains along these rivers are also home to a large population that relies on them for their livelihoods.
Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
A variety of crops are grown in this region, including: Rice is the most important crop grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. It is mainly grown in the eastern part of the region, particularly in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Wheat is another important crop grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. It is mainly grown in the northern part of the region, particularly in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Sugarcane is an important cash crop grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. It is mainly grown in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Cotton is an important cash crop grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. It is mainly grown in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Apart from these crops, fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and guavas are also grown in the region. Vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and onions are also grown in large quantities.
There are several factors that are affecting agriculture in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, including:
Water Scarcity: The Indo-Gangetic Plains are facing a severe water crisis due to over-exploitation of groundwater and erratic rainfall patterns. This has led to a decline in crop yields and an increase in the cost of irrigation.
Soil Degradation: The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to soil degradation, which has resulted in reduced soil fertility and crop productivity.
Climate Change: The Indo-Gangetic Plains are vulnerable to climate change, which has resulted in erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. This has led to crop losses and reduced yields.
Land Fragmentation: The rapid population growth in the Indo-Gangetic Plains has led to land fragmentation, which has resulted in smaller land holdings and reduced farm productivity.
Lack of Technology: The adoption of modern farming technologies such as mechanization, precision agriculture, and genetic engineering is still limited in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, which has resulted in lower crop yields and reduced efficiency.
Source: FAO, United Nations
According to the Assessment of Water Quality in Indo-Gangetic Plain of South-Eastern Asia under Organic vs. Conventional Rice Farming (2020), The Indo-Gangetic Plain, an area known for its intensive agriculture, often experiences water contamination. A study was conducted in 2011 and 2016 in Kaithal, Haryana, India to evaluate the impact of organic and conventional farming of basmati rice on water quality during the rainy season. The study included seven organic and seven conventional fields where organic farming has been practiced for over two decades. Water quality parameters for drinking and irrigation purposes were found to be below permissible limits for all samples collected from organic fields and those from conventional fields over the long-term. However, the study found that the magnitude of water NO3 contamination in conventional fields was approximately double that of organic fields, indicating the need for attention to farming practices in the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the future.
Climate change is affecting agriculture in the Indo-Gangetic Plain in several ways. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are causing changes in crop growth cycles, leading to reduced yields and crop failures. Extreme weather events such as floods and droughts are becoming more frequent, causing damage to crops and infrastructure. Additionally, changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are altering the distribution and behavior of pests and diseases, which can further affect crop productivity.
Climate change is also leading to changes in water availability, which is critical for agriculture in the region. Melting glaciers in the Himalayas, which provide water to many rivers in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, are reducing water availability during the dry season. This is leading to increased competition for water resources, which can lead to reduced irrigation and lower crop yields.
Production and Technological Gaps in Middle Indo-Gangetic Plains
Source: INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
Source: INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
