Monsoon Variability and its Socio-Economic Impacts
Agriculture
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Directly impacts India's food security, farmer livelihoods, water resource management, and macroeconomic stability. Understanding its causes and consequences is vital for policy formulation and disaster preparedness.
The Indian Monsoon, a seasonal wind system, is crucial for India's agriculture and water security, contributing to about 70% of the country's annual rainfall. Variability in its onset, intensity, and distribution directly impacts agricultural output, reservoir levels, and the overall economy, often leading to conditions like drought or floods.
Facts & tables
- Agricultural Impact
- Delayed or deficient monsoon leads to reduced sowing (e.g., food crops at 26% sowing coverage in North Karnataka), impacting crop yields and food security.
- Water Resources Impact
- Critically low reservoir levels (e.g., Almatti at 2.4% of total capacity, Tungabhadra at 9.283 tmcft against 105.788 tmcft capacity), affecting irrigation, drinking water, and power generation.
- Socio-Economic Consequences
- Causes reduced farmer income, potential for increased rural-urban migration, and rising food costs.
- Climatic Factors
- Linked to global climatic phenomena like El Nino and other factors such as reduced African sea winds.
| Reservoir | Gross Storage (tmcft) | Full Impounding Capacity (tmcft) |
|---|---|---|
| Lal Bahadur Shastry (Almatti) | 20 | 833.33 |
| Tungabhadra | 9.283 | 105.788 |
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Physical & Regional Geography |
| Conceptual area | Indian Hydrography & Water Bodies |
| Conceptual area | Welfare Schemes & Social Policies |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- Monsoon is lifeline for Indian agriculture.
- Variability (delay, deficit) impacts sowing, yields.
- Leads to reduced reservoir levels, water scarcity.
- Causes farmer distress, rural migration, food inflation.
- Linked to global phenomena like El Nino.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Definition-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2021 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2020 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2015 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
-
Physical & Regional Geography
Conceptual area
-
Indian Hydrography & Water Bodies
Conceptual area
-
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2015
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2020
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2021
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2023
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Definition-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Situation grim, but recent rains in Maharashtra have raised some hope in north Karnataka
Monsoon variability, characterized by delayed onset or deficient rainfall, severely impacts India's agriculture, water resources, and economy, potentially leading to drought and socio-economic distress.
See also
Past papers
2015–2023 · 7 questions
In the news
Situation grim, but recent rains in Maharashtra have raised some hope in north Karnataka
Monsoon variability, characterized by delayed onset or deficient rainfall, severely impacts India's agriculture, water resources, and economy, potentially leading to drought and socio-economic distress.
Try these PYQs
What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is correct: Fertigation is a method of delivering fertilizers to crops through an irrigation system. It involves the precise application of water-soluble or liquid fertilizers directly to the root zone of plants during the irrigation process. This technique allows for the controlled release of nutrients, ensuring that plants receive the right amount at the right time.
Fertigation allows for the control of the pH of the irrigation water, which can be adjusted to the optimal level for nutrient absorption by the plants. Statement 2 is incorrect: While fertigation does allow for the efficient application of many types of fertilizers, rock phosphate is not water-soluble and therefore cannot be applied efficiently through fertigation. Statement 3 is correct: Because fertigation delivers nutrients directly to the root zone of plants, it increases the availability of nutrients to the plants. Statement 4 is correct: Fertigation allows for the precise application of nutrients, which reduces the risk of nutrient leaching. Therefore, options 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was indeed launched during 1996-97, but its objective was to provide central assistance to states to accelerate the pace of irrigation development, not specifically to provide loan assistance to poor farmers. Statement 2 is correct: The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) was launched in 1974-75, its primary focus was on improving the water-use efficiency and agricultural productivity in the command areas of major and medium irrigation projects.
With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :
1. The high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: High organic matter content in soil actually increases its water-holding capacity. Organic matter helps to bind soil particles together, creating pore spaces that can hold water. It acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture effectively. Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil plays a crucial role in the sulphur cycle. Soil contains various forms of sulfur compounds, including sulfates, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Microorganisms in the soil participate in the transformation of sulfur compounds through processes like mineralization and immobilization. Statement 3 is correct: Excessive or improper irrigation practices can lead to the salinization of agricultural lands. When irrigation water contains high levels of dissolved salts, and there is inadequate drainage, these salts can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to soil salinization. This can adversely affect crop growth and productivity. Therefore, among the given statements, only statement 3 is correct.
Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?
Water efficiency of a crop refers to the amount of water required for its growth and development. Among the options provided, Sugarcane requires the highest amount of water for its growth, making it the least water-efficient crop. It needs around 1800-2200 mm of water per season. On the other hand, Sunflower requires about 672.4 mm/season, Pearl Millet being a drought-tolerant crop requires around 350 mm/season, and Red gram uses about 250-400 mm/season of water. Therefore, Sugarcane is the least water-efficient crop among the given options.
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : According to the United Nation's 'World Water Development Report, 2022', India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II :India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world's groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world's population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
* Statement 1 is correct. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2022, with an estimated 251 km3 annual withdrawal from an estimated 20 million wells and tube wells, India is the world's greatest groundwater user. This accounts for more than a quarter of the total groundwater extracted internationally. * Statement 2 is incorrect. India uses about 89% of this groundwater for irrigation. Major share of total groundwater extracted by India is utilised for irrigation purposes and not for drinking and sanitation purposes.
Show 3 more PYQs
Consider the following statements:
1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: As per the report National Compilation on Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2017 of CGWA, out of the total 6881 assessment units (Blocks/Mandals/ Talukas) in the country, 1186 units in various States (17%) have been categorized as Over-Exploited, 313 units (5%) as Critical, and 972 units (14%) as Semi-Critical. Statement 2 is correct: The CGWA was established in 1997 under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and manage groundwater resources. Statement 3 is correct: India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world. This is due to the country's heavy reliance on agriculture, which is predominantly rain-fed. Therefore, the correct answer is B. 2 and 3 only.
In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?
1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
3. Social Capital development
4. Free electricity supply to farmers
5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Public investment in agriculture refers to government expenditures aimed at improving the agricultural sector, including infrastructure development, technological improvements, and providing institutional support. Statement 1 is incorrect: Fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a policy decision, not an investment. While it affects the agricultural sector, it is not a direct public investment in terms of capital expenditure. Statement 2 is correct: The computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) is a public investment because it involves government funds directed towards modernizing agricultural credit systems, enhancing efficiency, and accessibility for farmers. Statement 3 is correct: Social Capital development is a public investment in agriculture, as it involves building networks and community-based resources that help farmers improve productivity and access to resources. Statement 4 is incorrect: Free electricity supply is more of a subsidy, not a direct public investment in the form of capital expenditure. Statement 5 is incorrect: Waiver of agricultural loans is a policy measure aimed at alleviating farmer debt but does not qualify as an investment in infrastructure or capital. Statement 6 is correct: The setting up of cold storage facilities by the government is a direct public investment aimed at improving agricultural infrastructure and reducing post-harvest losses. Hence, option C is the correct answer.
Which one of the following is the correct description of "100 Million Farmers"?
100 Million Farmers: The 100 Million Farmers initiative, launched by The World Economic Forum (WEF), seeks to drive a global movement focused on accelerating the adoption of regenerative agriculture and climate adaptation practices at the farm level. This initiative aims to transition towards sustainable food and water systems. It focuses on achieving net-zero carbon emissions, enhancing nature positivity, and improving farmers' resilience to climate change and market fluctuations. _Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:_ * Option B: This describes organizations promoting organic animal husbandry, not the '100 Million Farmers' initiative. * Option C: This refers to a blockchain-based platform for fertilizer trading, which is not the core focus of '100 Million Farmers.' * Option D: While farmer collectives are important, '100 Million Farmers has a broader scope encompassing sustainable practices and climate resilience.