Building water security in a rapidly drying India

Statement 1 is incorrect: Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers actually reduces the need for nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil. Plants can readily utilize the added nitrogen, so these microbes wouldn't need to fix atmospheric nitrogen for the plants' benefit. Statement 2 is correct: Nitrogenous fertilizers can release acidic compounds as they break down in the soil, leading to increased soil acidity. Statement 3 is correct: When applied in excess, nitrogen fertilizers (especially nitrates) can be easily washed away by rain or irrigation water. This can contaminate groundwater sources.

* 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.

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.

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) includes a method called Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) which is a form of controlled irrigation of the rice crops. The benefits from the program include 1. Reduction in methane emissions as compared to traditional rice cultivation. 2. Reduction in water consumption . 3. Reducing fuel consumption . 4. Increase paddy yields . 5. Reduce required seeds for transplanting. 6. Reduce use of chemical fertilizers and agrichemicals . 7. Reduce irrigation demand . 8. Reduce production costs . 9. With increased output and reduced costs, farmers net income is increased .

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct. Statement 1 is correct: Agricultural soils are a major source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, primarily nitrous oxide (NO). This occurs during microbial processes in the soil, such as nitrification and denitrification. Statement 2 is correct: Cattle release significant amounts of ammonia (NH) into the atmosphere through their urine and manure. This ammonia contributes to air pollution and can have negative environmental consequences. Statement 3 is correct: The poultry industry releases various reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment, including ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen oxides. These emissions come from poultry manure and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in feed production.

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.

Drip irrigation is an efficient water delivery system that applies water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves. It is widely used to conserve water, improve crop yields, and prevent soil degradation. Statement 1 is correct: Drip irrigation delivers water precisely at the plant's root zone, reducing the moisture available on the soil surface. Since weeds typically thrive in moist topsoil, limiting water exposure to non-target areas helps suppress their growth. This makes weed control easier compared to traditional irrigation methods like flooding or sprinklers, which wet the entire field. Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil salinity refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can hinder plant growth. While drip irrigation helps manage water efficiently, it does not directly reduce salinity. However, it can be combined with strategic flushing techniques (applying extra water at intervals) to push salts below the root zone, preventing salt buildup in the upper soil layers. Statement 3 is correct: Drip irrigation releases water slowly and in a controlled manner, reducing surface runoff that can lead to soil erosion. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, which can wash away the topsoil, drip irrigation preserves soil structure and fertility, making it a sustainable choice for agriculture.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme explicitly promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) rather than monoculture. It integrates multi-cropping and rotational cropping with allied activities like horticulture, livestock, fishery, and agro-forestry to diversify income and build resilience. Official guidelines actively discourage single-cropping (monoculture) systems. Statement 2 is Incorrect: As the name implies, RAD targets rainfed areas (regions lacking assured irrigation) to build resilience against climate variability. It does not focus on expanding water-intensive crops like rice in already irrigated regions. Statement 3 is Correct: The core objective of RAD is to make rainfed agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate-resilient. By diversifying income sources through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), RAD aims to minimize the risks associated with climatic variability (such as droughts, heat stress, or floods) and crop failure, ensuring stable livelihoods for farmers. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct. The Climate-Smart Village (CSV) approach is an initiative under the CCAFS program, which focuses on improving climate resilience in agriculture through research and innovation. CCAFS operates in multiple countries, including India, and works on sustainable farming practices, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation strategies in rural areas. Statement 2 is correct. CCAFS is a global research initiative under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which is a network of international agricultural research organizations. However, CGIAR’s global headquarters is in Montpellier, France, making the statement factually accurate. Statement 3 is correct. ICRISAT, based in Hyderabad, India, is a major research institute focusing on improving dryland agriculture. It is indeed one of the CGIAR’s 15 global research centers, working on climate resilience, crop improvement, and food security in semi-arid regions.

* Statement 1 is correct: Role of Biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS): Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed. Biofilters in a RAS help in waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed and other organic matter from the water. The biofilter media provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow, which help in breaking down and removing these wastes. * Statement 2 is correct: Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate. One of the primary functions of biofilters in a RAS is to convert toxic ammonia (produced from fish waste) into less harmful nitrate. Beneficial bacteria in the biofilter media perform nitrification, a process where ammonia is first converted to nitrite and then further converted to nitrate. * Statement 3 is incorrect: Biofilters do not increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in the water. Their primary role is to remove wastes and convert ammonia to nitrate. Phosphorus levels in the water are managed through other means, such as fish feed formulation and water quality management. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.

The article states: 'Several of them, including the Krishna, Cauvery, Mahi, and Tapi basins, are below the water scarcity threshold of 1,000 m3 per person.' The Godavari basin is not mentioned in this specific list in the article.

The article states: 'First, the CEEW’s Gujarat research shows that micro-irrigation subsidies should be redesigned for small and marginal farmers by using 0.4 hectares instead of one hectare as the base unit.' (Point 1 is correct). It also states: 'Third, low-cost insurance with faster claims, including through a strengthened Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, can help smallholders manage climate and crop risks.' (Point 3 is correct). The article suggests 'shift to low-water, higher-value crops' (so point 2 is incorrect) and promotes micro-irrigation as more efficient 'than flood irrigation' (so point 4 is incorrect).

The article states: 'First, invest in climate-proofing water systems through granular climate risk assessments of water infrastructure and services.' This directly implies making water systems robust and adaptable to the challenges posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events, which aligns with ensuring resilience.