What Are The Major Factors Responsible For Making

**Subject:** Economy India's **Rice-Wheat System (RWS)** has been a cornerstone of the country's food security since the **Green Revolution**. The system's success and subsequent challenges present a complex agricultural paradigm that requires careful examination of its sustainability and future prospects. ## Factors Contributing to Success **1. Policy Support and Infrastructure** - Implementation of **Minimum Support Price (MSP)** mechanism providing price assurance to farmers (e.g., MSP for wheat at ₹2275/quintal and rice at ₹2300/quintal for 2024-25). - Development of robust **procurement system** through **Food Corporation of India (FCI)**. - Creation of extensive **irrigation infrastructure** and canal networks. **2. Technological Advancements** - Introduction of **High-Yielding Varieties (HYV)** of seeds during the Green Revolution. - Mechanization of farming operations through **Farm Mechanization Scheme**. - Modern agricultural practices and improved fertilizer usage. **3. Production Achievements** - Record production levels with wheat at **115.4 million tonnes** and rice at **214.2 million tonnes** in 2024-25. - Transformation from food-deficit to food-surplus nation. - Enhanced farm incomes and rural prosperity. ## Negative Impacts of RWS **1. Environmental Concerns** - Severe **groundwater depletion** with extraction rates of **31.3 km³/year** for wheat and **21.3 km³/year** for rice. - Deteriorating soil health due to continuous monocropping. - Excessive chemical fertilizer usage leading to soil degradation. **2. Economic Issues** - High input costs affecting farm profitability. - Over-dependence on government procurement and subsidies. - Market distortions due to guaranteed MSP system. **3. Sustainability Challenges** - Reduction in crop diversity affecting nutritional security. - Loss of traditional crop varieties and indigenous farming practices. - Climate change vulnerability of the intensive farming system. The transformation of India's agriculture through the Rice-Wheat System has been both revolutionary and challenging. While ensuring food security through **record production levels**, the system needs sustainable alternatives like **Natural Farming** and **Crop Diversification** to address its environmental and economic challenges. Implementation of schemes like **Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana** and **Per Drop More Crop** initiative can help achieve a balance between productivity and sustainability.