Question

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
{Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding on to the problem of land degradation. It was also observed that the multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water.

{Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil.

{Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been started which ensures access to some means to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Some of the broad objectives of this programme are to enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani), improve on farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent, irrigation and other water saving technologies (per drop more crop) and introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.

Explain the role of floods in land degradation.
How has irrigation changed cropping pattern?
Explain any two objectives of the `Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana'.

Hint:

The {Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)} focuses on improving irrigation coverage, promoting efficient water use, and encouraging sustainable water conservation practices in agriculture.

Answer 1

Concept: Land degradation occurs when the quality and productivity of land decline due to natural processes or human activities. Floods, excessive irrigation, and improper water management are some factors that affect soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
Step 1: Answer to (18.1): Explain the role of floods in land degradation.
Floods cause severe soil erosion by washing away the fertile topsoil. They also lead to sedimentation, which deprives floodplains of nutrient-rich silt that normally acts as a natural fertilizer. As a result, the productivity and quality of land decrease, contributing to land degradation.
Step 2: Answer to (18.2): How has irrigation changed cropping pattern?} The development of irrigation facilities has encouraged farmers to grow water-intensive and commercial crops. As a result, the cropping pattern in many regions has shifted from traditional crops to crops that require large amounts of water. This has sometimes caused ecological problems such as salinisation of soil.
Step 3: Answer to (18.3): Explain any two objectives of the `Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana'.
Two main objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana are:

• To ensure that every agricultural field has access to irrigation facilities, known as the concept of {``Har Khet Ko Pani''}.
• To promote efficient use of water through modern irrigation techniques and water-saving technologies, summarized by the slogan {``Per Drop More Crop''}.

These objectives aim to improve water management, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.