Study Warns of Impending Agricultural Crisis in Maharashtra's Semi-Arid Region

A recent study conducted by the Department of Geography at Vidya Pratishthan’s Arts, Science, and Commerce College in Baramati sheds light on the concerning combination of factors that are poised to negatively impact agricultural productivity in Maharashtra's semi-arid region. The study, published in Springer Nature's journal 'Regional Environmental Change,' analyzed data from seven of the state's driest districts and highlighted the potential consequences of declining water tables, rising temperatures, and changing crop patterns.

The study focuses on the southern Madhya Maharashtra region, which lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats and traditionally relies on rainfed agriculture. However, over the past two decades, the region has witnessed significant changes due to government and non-government initiatives aimed at supporting water-intensive crops like sugarcane, onion, wheat, and maize through the construction of irrigation ponds and borewells. While these measures have boosted economic conditions in the short term, the long-term implications are cause for concern.

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According to the study's author, Assistant Professor Rahul Todmal, the region is experiencing notable water and heat stress, adversely affecting the preferred crops. The research reveals an increase in the number of 'plant heat stress' (PHS) days, during which crops are exposed to temperatures beyond their tolerable thresholds. Particularly affected are crops such as sugarcane, onion, wheat, and maize, which require cooler temperatures. Concurrently, the groundwater table is declining rapidly, decreasing by approximately 7 cm per year, far exceeding its replenishment rate.

The projections, based on data from various sources including the India Meteorological Department and the State Agriculture Department, indicate that adverse impacts on cash crop yields will become apparent shortly. By 2050, the study predicts a significant rise in temperature of around 1.05 degrees Celsius in the study area, exacerbating water scarcity issues and impacting rainfed crops. Sugarcane productivity is anticipated to decline by 20%, while rainfed sorghum could face an 18% decline. The study emphasizes the need to promote the cultivation of hardier crops like jowar and bajra to mitigate the crisis.

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Assistant Professor Todmal suggests implementing modern water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinklers and recommends demarcating zones based on water availability to design policies that regulate or encourage certain crops. While recognizing the commercial aspect of agriculture, he cautions against increasing agricultural water demand to unsustainable levels.

This study serves as a clarion call for proactive measures to address the looming agricultural crisis in Maharashtra's semi-arid region. By adopting sustainable practices and promoting resilient crop choices, farmers and policymakers can strive toward a more sustainable and productive future for the region's agriculture.

-Hindustan Times

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