**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 โน2275/quintal and rice at โน2300/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 kmยณ/year** for wheat and **21.3 kmยณ/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.