Crop production potentials in India — A water-availability based analysis

Abstract

On the basis of drought frequency and the intensity of irrigation, India was divided into three crop production regions. Each has different levels of crop productivity. A region of assured water supply covers 29% of the crop land of India and contributes to 42% in production. The average crop yield is 44% higher than the national average. The second region of uncertain water supply covers 61% of the crop land of the country and contributes to 51% of production. The crop yield is 17% lower than the national average. The third region of undependable water supply covers 10% of the crop land and contributes 7% in national production. The average crop yield is 25% lower than the national level. Inadequate water supply for crop production is a critical limiting factor in many existing cultivated areas. Water resources are likely to become more critical with the addition of new crop lands in the future. Past, current, and future projections of food grain production in India do not keep pace with food needs. Food grain production equivalents based on a national average daily energy diet of 2000 calories exceed past, present, and future food grain production estimates. Adequate food grain production from within the country is not likely if the population growth projections are approximately correct for coming decades.