Assessing the Impact of Agriculture Value Chains on Food and Water Environments in Meerut District, India

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4672687/v1

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Assessing the Impact of Agriculture Value Chains on Food and Water Environments in Meerut District, India

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4672687/v1

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Water and food are interconnected elements crucial for agricultural production and food security. While sufficient water resources have facilitated significant food production, intensive agricultural practices have contributed to the degradation of water resources. Agriculture value chains play a pivotal role in shaping food systems and can lead to virtual water movement through the production and trade of water-intensive crops. These chains affect both water and food environments, with water being a driver and food determining factors like availability and accessibility. Despite the economic benefits, agriculture value chains pose non-economic challenges, including environmental and social impacts. The focus on profitability often overlooks sustainability and equity concerns, leading to mono cropping and exclusion of small farmers from markets. This trend is evident in Meerut district, situated in the fertile Indo Gangetic plain and a top farming state in India. Despite its agricultural potential, the district has shifted towards sugarcane monoculture, impacting water and food environments. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between agriculture value chains, water sustainability, food availability and accessibility. The objectives include understanding these interlinkages, analyzing baseline scenarios, and assessing the implications of value chains on food and water environments. The analysis reveals the adverse effects of sugarcane monoculture on water environment, food environment and agricultural sustainability. To address these challenges, the study puts a way forward to adopt value chains approach for the strategical promotion of crop diversification, emphasizing resilience and sustainability.

Agriculture Value chains

Water

Food environment

Mono-cropping

Sugarcane

Agriculture value chains are not merely tangible entities but complex processes involving a series of interactions between humans through a series of steps starting from producers, the farmers who cultivate the crops and culminating with consumers who purchase and consumes the final product, value chains encompass various intermediaries and middlemen responsible for post-harvest storage, processing, and marketing. At the producer level, input supply is a critical component that significantly influences production activities within the region. Input supply includes everything which is needed for the production process such as seeds, water, fertilizers, labors, etc. The US Agency for International Development defines a value chain as the “full range of activities that are required to bring a product or service from its conception to its end use, including all the market channels available to all firms [8].” Every step ranging from the input supply, then production, then post-harvest storage or collection, then processing and then retailing has its importance in determining the stability and sustainability of an agriculture value chain.

As the trend of urbanization and industrialization is growing, modern agriculture value chains become more focused on creating new market opportunities and explored as a tool for enhancing monetary benefits. They are crucial in the structural transformation from predominantly rural agrarian societies to urbanized economies reliant on non-agricultural sectors for employment [24]. Concurrently, government subsidies wield significant influence over production stages by providing input support such as water, fertilizers, and power. However, these subsidies often incentivize inefficiencies, leading to overuse of resources. For instance, in India, energy subsidies for agricultural water pumping have resulted in

excessive groundwater extraction, making Indian farmers among the world's least efficient water consumers [14]. Furthermore, global export-related subsidies contribute to excessive application of fertilizers resulting in negative environmental impacts ranging from soil health degradation to depleting groundwater.

Throughout the value chain, two essential flows connect stakeholders: the material flow, encompassing crops and processed products from farmers to consumers, and the income flow, which reverses from consumers to producers. Although each actor in the chain contributes to value creation and receives economic gains, income distribution is unequal, with farmers typically receiving only a fraction of the final product price paid by consumers. This economic asymmetry underscores the vulnerability of small-scale farmers within the value chain and perpetuates social inequalities.

Value chains, while lauded for enhancing food accessibility within regions, also pose significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. Environmental concerns stem from excessive resource use, leading to increased carbon and water footprints, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and food wastage. Economic disparities arise due to unequal income distribution along the chain, with farmers often receiving minimal returns for their produce compared to other stakeholders. Social inequalities are exacerbated by resource stress and income disparities, particularly affecting small-scale farmers and community well-being.

The water environment can be conceptualized as a foundational element driving the dynamics of agriculture, while food environments emerge as the outcome of agricultural value chains. The three research components (water, food and Agriculture value chains) are intricately interconnected. Considering these three components will provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the interdependencies within the entire system.

The initial stages of input supply and production play a pivotal role in shaping the sustainability of the water environment by favoring crops with lower water and fertilizer requirements. Agriculture value chains serve as systemic tools for water management, emphasizing activities aimed at reducing water usage while maximizing food production. Efforts to minimize water pollution, particularly through judicious fertilizer use, are crucial in this regard. Notably, the agriculture sector alone accounts for 90% of total groundwater extraction for irrigation, underscoring its significant influence on the water environment [27]. Moreover, research on the environment is gaining momentum, especially arising from the need to develop strategies to mitigate human-induced environmental problems [15, 25].

This nexus between water and food extends to food production, wherein factors such as post-harvest storage contribute to reduced food wastage and increased food availability within regions. However, the income component of the value chain determines economic access to food, highlighting disparities in income distribution. Farmers often receive disproportionately low returns compared to consumers, indicating a potential area for enhancing farmer participation and transparency within agriculture value chains through structural reforms and strengthening mechanisms. Later stages of the value chain, including processing units and markets, significantly influence the physical accessibility of food within regions. Thus, it can be concluded that water and food environments are integral sectors of agriculture value chains.

Based on the insights drawn from previous research and above background provided, the current study aims to delve into the intricate relationship between agriculture value chains, water sustainability, food availability, and food accessibility. The study is driven by the recognized need to comprehensively understand the economic, environmental, and social impacts of agriculture value chains, particularly concerning food and water environments. through an impact analysis on food and water environment. Therefore, the objectives of this study are as follows:

1. To elucidate the intricate interlinkages between agriculture value chains, water resources, and food environments.
2. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the baseline scenarios pertaining to food, water, and agriculture sectors within the study area.
3. To undertake a comparative assessment of diverse variables and discern the potential implications of agriculture value chains on food and water environments.

3.1. Study Area

Meerut district, situated in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India, is recognized as one of the top farming regions in Uttar Pradesh, sharing borders with Muzaffarnagar to the north, Ghaziabad to the south, Bijnor and Jyotiba Phule Nagar to the east, and Baghpat to the west. Selected for its significance in understanding agriculture value chains and their impact on water and food environments, the Meerut district offers a blend of positive and negative indicators relevant to the research objectives.

Positive indicators include Meerut's status as a vital food bowl, serving nearly 40% of India's population, owing to its fertile soil and conducive weather conditions [11, 18]. Additionally, the district's strategic location within the National Capital region ensures easy connectivity to state and national capitals, facilitating trade and transportation. However, the region faces challenges such as a declining trend in farm cultivators and food grains production, as evidenced by a 9.0% decrease in farm cultivators and an increase in agriculture laborers by 2.0% within the last decade [5]. Moreover, excessive reliance on irrigation sources like tube wells, coupled with high fertilizer consumption and income disparities among agricultural households, highlight the complex dynamics within the agriculture sector of Meerut district [1, 23, 26].

3.2. Methodology

The analysis has been conducted separately for each sector: agriculture, water, and food. In the agriculture analysis, the focus was on understanding the baseline scenario of current agricultural practices in terms of the employment status, net sown area, current crop composition, irrigational statistics, credit facilities etc. For the water and food environments, the objective was to discern trends within each sector individually. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was carried out between all sectors to draw out the interrelations among them. This comparative approach helped highlight the potential implications of current agricultural value chain practices on the broader water and food environments.

3.1.2. Data Collection

Data collection was carried out at two levels: macro level, analyzing the district as the unit of analysis, and micro level, focusing on the Tehsil (Sub District) as the unit of analysis. The data gathering methods included gathering information from secondary sources, government records, conducting surveys and interviews, field observations, mapping using GIS techniques, and analyzing relevant documents. For the Agriculture analysis, temporal data on the district's predominant crops was obtained from the Agriculture Department, alongside various agriculture census indicators such as landholding size and credit facilities. Water and Food environment parameters were sourced from secondary-based sources, covering groundwater tables, nitrate concentration, river water quality, sources of irrigation, irrigational water demand, presence of Notified APMCs (Agriculture Produce Market Committee), and information about the Public Distribution System and Agriculture Infrastructure availability. Primary surveys at the Tehsil level were essential for mapping parameters such as food kilometer mapping, dependency on irrigation sources, on-ground issues, and people's recommendations.

4.1. Agriculture Analysis

Agriculture serves as a foundational sector interlinking the three research components of this thesis. Thus, it is crucial to comprehend the district's agriculture sector holistically before delving into the analysis of specific sectoral components such as water, food, and value chains.

4.1.1. Employment & Area under Agriculture Sector

During 2001, 40 percent of the district's main workers were engaged in agricultural activities (cultivators and agricultural laborers), a Fig that decreased to 32 percent by 2011 [5]. Notably, the district's net sown area constitutes 73 percent of the total area, surpassing the state's average net sown area [17]. In 2012, the cropping intensity in the district reached 153 percent. The agricultural workforce can be categorized into agricultural laborers and farm cultivators. Analysis at the district level reveals a decline of 9 percent in farm cultivators over the past decade, while agricultural laborers increased by 2 percent during the same period [5].

4.1.2. Crops production in Meerut District & Net Sown Area

Crops such as sugarcane, wheat, pulses, rice, potato, and oilseeds are the predominant main crops grown in the district. Sugarcane holds the largest share of the total area at 53 percent, followed by wheat (32.5%), with the remaining 14.5 percent dedicated to other crops. In terms of production, sugarcane accounts for 90% of the total production, while the remaining 10% is contributed by other crops.

4.1.3. Irrigational Statistics

As per the Agriculture Contingency Plan for the Meerut district, 95% of the total net sown area is irrigated, with only 5% being rain-fed. Tube wells are the main source of irrigation, as canals serve only 18% of the total irrigated area [17]. These statistics indicate that irrigation in the district mainly relies on groundwater availability.

According to the projections, which were carried out for the UP NCR Regional Plan with a horizon year of 2031, it is observed that despite the estimated decrease in irrigable land within the district from 214,636 hectares in 2011 to 189,806 hectares in 2031, the trend analysis indicates an expected increase in irrigational water demand from 1,741 MCM/year in 2011 to 1,796 MCM/year in 2031.

4.1.4. Soil Characteristics

The Meerut district is characterized by an alluvial plain, which gives rise to three main types of soil: deep, loamy, and fine soils. The soil quality in the district is conducive to the production of leafy vegetables and food grains. However, despite the district's soil supporting both vegetable and food grain cultivation, the production of these crops remains negligible, as evidenced by the region’s cropping pattern analysis.

4.1.5. Landholding size related Characteristics

According to the Agriculture Census 2015-16, district farmers are categorized based on land holding size into Marginal (0.5 ha to 1.0 ha), Small (1.0 ha to 2.0 ha), Semi-medium (2.0 ha to 4.0 ha), Medium (4.0 ha to 10.0 ha), and Large (Above 10 ha). Out of the total agricultural land area, 54,543 ha are under marginal farmers, 50,099 ha under small farmers, 52,260 ha under semi-medium farmers, 30,866 ha under medium farmers, and 3,580 ha under large farmers [3]. Hence, the majority of farmers in the district fall under the marginal landholding category.

4.1.6. Net Sown Area v/s Irrigational Facilities availed:

Irrigation facilities availed according to landholding size were also analyzed. Data on net sown area and irrigated area for different landholding sizes indicate that large and medium-scale farmers have better irrigation facilities, with a greater share of irrigated area out of the total net sown area. This suggests that they utilize irrigation facilities for all cropping seasons. Access to irrigation facilities is often facilitated by government subsidies. Through primary surveys and discussions with experts from the Cane Board and Agriculture Department of Meerut, it was found that Society Samitis are responsible for providing irrigation and fertilizer subsidies, but these are only available for sugarcane [4]. For all other crops, there are no such Samitis present, and only seed subsidies are available through the government, which can be availed after registration [12]. Comparing the total net sown area with the areas receiving irrigation facilities, as illustrated in Fig. 1, it can be inferred that small-scale and marginalized farmers receive fewer subsidies due to their involvement in other crops, which increases their reliance on private tube wells.

4.1.7. Institutional Credit Facilities availed:

Institutional credit plays a crucial role in agricultural development. A comparison based on landholding size reveals the distribution of credit facilities among different categories of farmers. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Primary Land Development Banks (PLDB), Commercial Banks (CBB), and Regional Rural Banks (RRBB) are the major sources of credit. Marginal farmers constitute 52,626 beneficiaries, small farmers 201,138, semi-medium farmers 13,563, medium farmers 4150, and large-scale farmers only 120. Some operational holders accessed credit from multiple sources, causing overlapping in the numbers. Marginal farmers exhibit the highest dependency on credit facilities, followed by small-scale farmers.

5.2. Groundwater Table and Tube Well Analysis:

Groundwater table analysis has been conducted using data obtained from the Central Ground Water Board for the years 2010 and 2020. A comparative analysis reveals a significant decline in the deepest levels, from 18 meters to 24 meters, over the past decade (Refer Fig. 2). Particularly noticeable fluctuations have been observed in Meerut Tehsil, the Daurala area in Sardhana Tehsil, and the southwestern part of Mawana Tehsil. Among the 12 blocks in the district, six fall into the critical to semi-critical category in terms of groundwater development stage, posing future challenges for agricultural production reliant on tube well irrigation [7]. Currently, groundwater, the sole source of fresh water in Meerut city, is receding at a rate of half a meter annually, a trend demanding urgent attention and action.

Given the region's significant reliance on tube wells for irrigation, the locations of government tube wells have been mapped from 1930 to 2020. A comparison of these data sets reveals not only an increase in the quantity of tube wells in the district but also an indication that current tube wells reach depths of up to the third stratum of the ground, approximately 60 meters.

5.1.1. Soil Moisture Content:

In light of the escalating trend of declining groundwater levels and the proliferation of tube wells across the district, it becomes imperative to evaluate their impact on land degradation. Mapping of soil moisture content, derived from data sourced through the WRIS-India online portal. The analysis reveals that soil moisture content at depths less than 0.2 meters falls within the very dry to dry category throughout the district. This observation suggests that the increasing number of tube wells and the diminishing groundwater tables not only affect water resources but also contribute significantly to land degradation.

5.1.2. Groundwater resource Fertilizer Pollution points:

An additional concern for the water environment is the escalating trend of fertilizer consumption within the district, with current levels ranging between 200–250 kg/ha and increasing at a rate of 7% every three years [26]. To pinpoint areas of fertilizer pollution, data on nitrate concentration in groundwater resources was analysed. Excessive fertilizer application leads to elevated nitrate concentrations, exceeding the permissible limit of 45 mg/l across the district. Numerous studies have highlighted the repercussions of rising nitrate levels in groundwater, including adverse health effects and soil degradation. This is evidenced by the surge in cancer cases reported in the district [22] and the observed soil acidity levels (PH: ranging from 5.9–6.9) [20].

5.1.3. Surface water Quality Analysis:

The Kali Nadi River traverses the district, originating at Khatuali and converging with the Ganga at Kannauj, as depicted in Fig. 3. This stretch within the Meerut district is identified as polluted, according to assessments conducted by the UP-Pollution Control Board. The primary contributors to this pollution, identified through Fig. 3, are nine sugar industries situated in the catchment area of the contaminated river stretch. These industries collectively consume 16 MLD (Million Liters per Day) of groundwater, while discharging 8 MLD of effluent into the Kali Nadi [28].

5.1.4. Water Degraded Zones

After analyzing the various quantitative and qualitative parameters mentioned earlier, an overlay analysis was conducted to delineate water-degraded zones within the district, as illustrated (Refer Fig. 5). Layers representing groundwater tables, fertilizer pollution, and soil moisture content were given equal weightage during the overlay analysis in ArcGIS. Overall, at the district level, the primary water environment-related issues are concentrated in Meerut Tehsil, one of the three tehsils comprising the district.

5.1.5. Food Environment Analysis

Cropping Pattern

The cropping pattern within the district has undergone significant changes over time, influenced by both climatic and non-climatic factors. There is a shift in crop cultivation from 1970 to 2020. During this period, there has been a notable increase in the sown area dedicated to sugarcane, accompanied by a decrease in the cultivation of wheat, maize, and pulses. Conversely, the areas under rice and potato cultivation have remained relatively stable over the last five decades. This shift can be attributed to farmers' inclination towards water-intensive and cash crops, particularly sugarcane, following improvements in irrigation facilities within the district.

Food Availability v/s Requirement

Analyzing the food requirements of the district's population and assessing the extent to which these requirements are met through local production are essential steps in understanding the food system, as depicted in Fig. 4.

For this analysis, the 2011 population is projected to estimate the 2020 population, and the per capita food requirement for the projected 2020 population is calculated based on the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) standards. Eight food groups, including Sugar and jaggery, Oil and fat, Fruits, Milk, roots and tubers, vegetables, pulses, and cereals, as defined by ICMR, are considered. Calculations for these food groups assume the requirement of adults for the entire population. The yearly per capita requirement for each food group is determined by multiplying the standard requirement by the population and 365 (the number of days per year). Data on vegetable and fruit crop production, sugar production, and cereals, pulses, oils, and fats production are collected from the Meerut Horticulture Department, Cane Board, and Agriculture Department, respectively. The district's in-house production of sugar, milk, fruits (mango), and tubers (potato) exceeds the requirements, while for all other food groups, the district relies on imports. Therefore, in case of any obstruction in the import of food commodities due to external factors, the region would need to rely on sugar and milk to meet its food demand.

5.1.6. Food Kilometer Mapping

Food Kilometers or Food miles is a method used to determine the distance food travels before reaching the consumer. Given that the region relies on areas outside its boundaries for food supply, except for sugar and milk, it is important to understand the quantity and sources of the region's food. Studying the food supply system of the region is crucial for assessing its food security. The provision of food to demand areas varies significantly based on factors such as the size of urban centers, historical and cultural context, regional ties, and connections with surrounding rural areas. Therefore, understanding the structure of food provenance is essential for conceptualizing food supply chains. Food provenance refers to knowing the origin of food, how it was produced, transported, and distributed to consumers. Food provenance zones can be categorized based on concentric zones extending from urban to rural areas, regionally to internationally, or other relevant contexts. Different food zones contribute varying proportions of food to the region. Mapping of food provenance zones for the Meerut Municipal Corporation area has been conducted based on expert surveys.

The analysis reveals that food provenance zones extend from within the district to a radius of up to 900 km, indicating a significant dependency on external sources for food. Importing food has direct implications on food prices due to transportation and associated costs, as well as indirect consequences such as food wastage and carbon emissions. However, it is possible to reduce food kilometers for items like vegetables and grains since the district's soil and climate favor their production. Although local farmers cultivate some food grains and vegetables, the quantity is limited. To better understand the challenges in cultivating and consuming vegetables and other food items, an analysis of the Agriculture Value Chain has been conducted at the Meso level.

5.1.7. Linking Water & Food Environment with Current Value Chain Process

Given the prevalence of sugarcane cultivation in the region, an examination of the current sugarcane value chain has been undertaken to assess its impact on the water and food environment. Mapping of sugarcane-intensive areas has been conducted (Fig. 5), computed based on the village-wise percentage share of sugarcane crop area out of the village's total net sown area. This map facilitates comparative analysis with various indicators of water and food environments, shedding light on dimensions of the value chain that are often overlooked.

5.1.8. Impacts on Water Environment

The initial comparison was made between the sugarcane crop intensity map and the zones of water degradation (Refer Fig. 5).

It can be inferred that the areas of water degradation coincide prominently with the sugarcane-intensive cropping areas. Additionally, the locations of tube wells are primarily concentrated within the identified hotspots. The analysis conducted in the surface water quality assessment has already been elaborated upon, detailing the implications of sugarcane processing units on the water environment in Fig. 3.

5.1.9. Impacts on Food Environment

On comparing the trend of sugarcane area with the area dedicated to food grains, it can be inferred that there has been an overall declining trend, resulting in a reduction of approximately 80% in the total food grains area since 1970. In contrast, the area under sugarcane cultivation has increased by almost 93% since the same period.

Crop yields for the main crops in the district were studied and compared with the Indian average to analyze the district's performance in crop production, as presented in Table No. 1. The average yield in Meerut district exceeds the Indian average for sugarcane, while for other crops, it is comparatively lower than the country’s average.

Table 1

Average Crop Yield, Meerut District [16]
Crop name	Meerut district	For India	Potential yield (highest in world)
SUGARCANE	700–900	715	1210 (Peru)
WHEAT	25	26.9	88.9 (Namibia)
RICE	23	30.3	97.1 (Egypt)
OILSEEDS	16	8	42.9 (Peru)
POTATO	75	108	108 (India)
PULSES	12	24	Not Available

Comparing the potential yield, which represents the maximum yield achievable worldwide, reveals that there is still room for improvement in crop yields through interventions. The potential yield is determined based on the highest yield recorded for a particular crop globally according to FAO statistics. While achieving the highest yield may not be feasible in India due to agro-climatic conditions, the existence of yield gaps suggests potential for increased yields not only in Meerut but throughout India.

Table 2

Crop wise requirement of Water, Fertiliser and Income generated per hectare
Crop Name	Area Share (%)	Production Share (%)	Growing Period	Water req. per growing period (mm)	Fertiliser req. (kg/ha)	Minimum Support Price (Rs. Per Quintal)	Yield (Quintals per ha.)	Income generated (Rs. per ha. )
Sugarcane	53	93	270–365	1500–2500	212	300	500	1,50,000
Wheat	32.5	04	120–150	450–650	136	1925	25	48,125
Rice	07	< 01	90–150	450–700	119	1868	23	42,964
Oilseeds	04	< 01	110–120	300–400	97	4425	16	70,800
Potato	02	02	105–145	500–700	120	800	75	60,000
Pulses	1.5	01	90–100	300–500	36	5100	12	61,200

Furthermore, an examination of total sugar production (848200 Tonnes) compared to the region’s demand reveals that only 10% of the total production is utilized locally, with the remaining 90% being exported to other areas. Given that sugarcane consumes 4–5 times more water and double the amount of fertilizer compared to other crops (Refer Table 2), the production of large quantities of sugar for trade contributes to the state's virtual water movement, which is particularly pronounced in Uttar Pradesh [29].

To comprehend the unsustainable nature of current agriculture value chain practices, projections have been conducted for various parameters for the projected year 2030. By examining various parameters for the projected year 2030, several alarming trends emerge. Firstly, there is a projected increase in groundwater depth from 18 meters below ground level (mbgl) to 32 mbgl, indicating a significant depletion. Moreover, the projection suggests a decline in irrigable land from 214,643 hectares to 189,806 hectares, underscoring potential limitations in agricultural expansion. Additionally, there is a notable uptick in irrigational water demand, expected to rise from 1,741 million cubic meters per year (mcm/yr) to 1,796 mcm/year, indicating heightened pressure on water resources. Lastly, the projection indicates a reduction in the area under food grain cultivation from 100,780 hectares to 86,835 hectares, potentially increasing food dependency and impacting food security. These projections clearly highlight that persisting with the current scenario will result in severe environmental impacts, potentially leading to disruptions in production activities in the longer run. Several organizations have also provided certain projections indicating or supporting the findings of this paper. The following are as follows:

6.1. Irrigational water demand and Irrigable land

Projections conducted by the National Capital Region Planning Board indicate that while irrigable land is anticipated to decrease in the district, irrigation demand is projected to increase from 1741 MCM/year to 1852 MCM/year between 2011 and 2050 [21].

6.2. Climatic Change Projections

Simulations from the AgMIP Indo-Gangetic Basin project suggest a slightly wetter future for the district compared to present conditions. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are projected to increase, with maximum temperatures potentially rising by up to 2.8°C and minimum temperatures by up to 3.5°C. This global warming poses threats to the environment, including depletion of energy, food, hydraulic resources, and increased pollution [30, 31]. Crop model projections emphasize the significant impact of climate variability on crops such as Rice, Wheat, and Pulses. A vulnerability assessment for farms has been conducted under three scenarios: Current Cultivation System, Green India (Sustainable Development Pathway), and Grey India (Unsustainable High Growth Pathway). By 2050, it's projected that 74%, 45%, and 55% of farm households will be vulnerable under Scenarios 01, 02, and 03, respectively. Crop model projections emphasize the significant impact of climate variability on crops such as Rice, Wheat, and Pulses, further highlighting the highest vulnerability observed under the current unsustainable agriculture value chain practices.

The analysis of the agriculture sector in Meerut district highlights several critical environmental and socio-economic challenges driven by current agricultural practices, particularly the prevalence of sugarcane monoculture. This section will delve into the implications of these findings and how they contribute to the broader field of environmental management.

7.1. Environmental Implications

Water Resource Depletion

The reliance on groundwater for irrigation, especially for water-intensive crops like sugarcane, has led to a significant decline in groundwater levels. The analysis shows that tube wells are the primary irrigation source, with groundwater levels receding at an alarming rate. This trend, if left unchecked, will exacerbate water scarcity issues, posing a severe threat to the sustainability of agricultural practices in the region. The projected increase in irrigational water demand, despite a decrease in irrigable land, highlights the urgency for water conservation and efficient irrigation practices.

Soil Degradation

The intensive use of fertilizers for sugarcane cultivation has resulted in elevated nitrate levels in groundwater, contributing to soil acidification and reduced soil health. This not only affects the immediate agricultural output but also has long-term consequences for land productivity. The high fertilizer consumption rate, increasing at 7% every three years, further stresses the need for sustainable fertilizer management practices.

Pollution and Health Risks

The pollution of surface water bodies, such as the Kali Nadi River, due to effluents from sugar industries, poses significant environmental and health risks. The elevated nitrate levels in groundwater and the corresponding rise in health issues like cancer underscore the critical need for stringent pollution control measures and the adoption of cleaner production technologies in agro-industries.

7.2. Socio-Economic Implications

Economic Vulnerability of Farmers

The skewed distribution of irrigation and credit facilities, favoring larger landholders, leaves marginal and small farmers vulnerable. This disparity affects their productivity and income stability, limiting their ability to invest in sustainable farming practices. The high dependency on credit facilities among marginal farmers also indicates financial instability and the need for more inclusive and equitable support mechanisms.

Food Security Concerns

The shift towards sugarcane monoculture has reduced the area under food grain cultivation, impacting local food availability. With most of the sugar produced being exported, the district faces a potential food security risk, especially in scenarios where external food supply chains are disrupted. The reliance on sugar and milk to meet local food demand highlights the critical need for crop diversification to ensure a balanced and resilient food system.

Impact of Climate Change

Projections indicate that climate change will exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, with increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affecting crop yields. The increased vulnerability of farm households under current cultivation practices calls for adaptive strategies to enhance resilience to climatic variability.

The findings of this study contribute to the field of environmental management by providing empirical evidence of the adverse effects of monoculture and highlighting the necessity for sustainable agricultural practices. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated water management, including promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems and enhancing groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting. It also advocates for sustainable fertilizer use by encouraging the adoption of organic fertilizers and precision farming techniques to optimize fertilizer use and reduce environmental pollution. Additionally, the study highlights the need for crop diversification, implementing policies that incentivize reducing reliance on water-intensive crops and improving soil health and biodiversity. Furthermore, it calls for equitable resource distribution, ensuring access to irrigation and credit facilities for all farmers, regardless of landholding size, to enhance productivity and income stability.

Based on the analysis provided above, it is evident that sugarcane, being a robust industrial and cash crop, is prevalent within the region, leading to a monoculture of Sugarcane. However, this mono cropping practice, supported by current agriculture value chain, has detrimental effects on the environment. The conceptual diagram illustrating this relationship is presented below as Fig. 6.

Findings revealed significant implications associated with current agriculture value chain in the Meerut district with a focus on mono cropping practices, particularly in the cultivation of sugarcane. Despite being financially rewarding, monoculture farming has led to adverse environmental effects and contributed to declines in farm cultivators and food grain production. These challenges stem from the crop's intensive water, fertilizer, and labor requirements.

This study emphasizes the critical role of crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices in ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and resilience to climate change in the region. Crop diversification enables agriculture to grow and adapt to meet the ongoing challenge of providing sufficient and nutritious food for an ever-increasing population [10]. It calls for concerted efforts from policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders to transition towards a more diversified and resilient agricultural system that can meet the challenges of the future while safeguarding the well-being of current and future generations. As a pathway forward, the paper emphasizes the strategic utilization of value chains approach to promote and sustain crop diversification across the region. Harnessing the potential of value chains offers a practical strategy for realizing the advantages of diverse agriculture, such as increased resilience, sustainability, and food security.

In conclusion, the agricultural practices in Meerut district, particularly the dominance of sugarcane monoculture, present significant environmental and socio-economic challenges. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for a transition towards more sustainable and diversified agricultural practices. By adopting integrated water management, sustainable fertilizer use, and promoting crop diversification, the region can enhance its resilience to climate change, ensure food security, and improve the livelihoods of its farming communities.

The study's projections for 2030 highlight the potential severe impacts of continuing current practices, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action from policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders. The strategic utilization of value chains offers a practical pathway to promote and sustain crop diversification, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and economic stability.

Future research should focus on developing and implementing adaptive strategies tailored to local conditions, incorporating comprehensive data to support decision-making processes. Collaborative efforts across disciplines and sectors will be essential to address the complex challenges of sustainable agriculture and environmental management in Meerut district and beyond.

Credit author statement

Sajida Shahnum

Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Validation, Software, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Conceptualization.

Mohd Sajid Shah

Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Validation, Software, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Conceptualization.

Hamad Ahmed Altuwaijri

Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Validation, Project administration, Methodology, Funding acquisition, Conceptualization

Credit author statement

Sajida Shahnum: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Validation, Software, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Conceptualization.

Mohd Sajid Shah: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Validation, Software, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Conceptualization.

Hamad Ahmed Altuwaijri: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Validation, Project administration, Methodology, Funding acquisition, Conceptualization

Declaration of competing interest:

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. All participants in this study provided their informed consent to participate, and none were under the age of 16.

Data availability: Data will be made available upon request by contacting the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments:

The authors extend their appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project number (RSPD2024R848), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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You are reading this latest preprint version

Assessing the Impact of Agriculture Value Chains on Food and Water Environments in Meerut District, India

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Version 1

Abstract

Figures

Introduction

Background

Materials and Methods

3.1. Study Area

3.2. Methodology

3.1.2. Data Collection

Results and Analysis

4.1. Agriculture Analysis

4.1.1. Employment & Area under Agriculture Sector

4.1.2. Crops production in Meerut District & Net Sown Area

4.1.3. Irrigational Statistics

4.1.4. Soil Characteristics

4.1.5. Landholding size related Characteristics

4.1.6. Net Sown Area v/s Irrigational Facilities availed:

4.1.7. Institutional Credit Facilities availed:

Water Environment Analysis

5.2. Groundwater Table and Tube Well Analysis:

5.1.1. Soil Moisture Content:

5.1.2. Groundwater resource Fertilizer Pollution points:

5.1.3. Surface water Quality Analysis:

5.1.4. Water Degraded Zones

5.1.5. Food Environment Analysis

5.1.6. Food Kilometer Mapping

5.1.7. Linking Water & Food Environment with Current Value Chain Process

5.1.8. Impacts on Water Environment

5.1.9. Impacts on Food Environment

Future Projections based on Current practices

6.1. Irrigational water demand and Irrigable land

6.2. Climatic Change Projections

Discussion

7.1. Environmental Implications

7.2. Socio-Economic Implications

Conclusion

Declarations

Credit author statement

Declaration of competing interest:

References

Additional Declarations

Supplementary Files

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