Question

What are the possible reasons for poor soil productivity in India? Discuss the measures taken by the government in this direction so far.

Answer 1

Approach:

• Write about soil in the Introduction
• List down the reasons for poor soil productivity in India
• Govt measures

Soil is one of the three major natural resources, alongside air and water. It is one of the marvellous products of nature and without which there would be no life. However recently due to its improper use or poor management, usually for agricultural, industrial or urban purposes it losing its productivity.

Reasons for poor soil productivity in India: Natural Factors

• Nature of the rocks, determining the physical and chemical properties of the soil.
• Climatic factors causing leaching, podzolization, aridity, salinity etc.
• Erosion by different agents like running water, wind etc.

Human factors:

• Over-use of the soil exhausting the natural nutrients of the soil.
• Overuse of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides.
• Overgrazing
• Soil pollution by dumping of wastes
  • Flood irrigation and water irrigation has led to soil salinization in the state of Punjab

Measures taken by the Government:

• Soil health card scheme
  • Promotion of drip irrigation such as Krishi Sinchayi yojana.
  • Promotion to organic farming and measures like Paramparagat Krishi Yojna
• Mechanization of agriculture.