Table of Contents.
- “Uttar Pradesh has a prominent position in the production of food crops in the country.” Evaluate the statements. ( UPPSC 2021)
- Give an account of the Irrigation Projects of Uttar Pradesh in detail with suitable examples. ( UPPSC 2022)
Question.
“Uttar Pradesh has a prominent position in the production of food crops in the country.” Evaluate the statements.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-III/GS-3 2021)
Answer.
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state( Approx 23 crore population in 2022) and the fourth largest state of India after Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Yes, it is true that Uttar Pradesh has a prominent position in the production of food crops in the country as the state has a diverse range of agro-climatic zones, which makes it ideal for the production of a wide variety of food crops. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Uttar Pradesh, and approximately 60 % of employment is generated by agriculture alone.
Uttar Pradesh has a prominent position in the production of food crops in the country;
As far as food grain is concerned, Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of total food grains in India. As per the estimate, in the year 2021-22, Uttar Pradesh produced about 58 million tons of food gains which account for about 18 % of the total food grains produced in India. India produced a total of about 315 food grains in the same year. The state is the largest producer of Wheat and the second largest producer of rice, maize, and chickpea( Chana) in India.
As far as cash crops are concerned, Uttar Pradesh is the second largest producer of sugarcane in India after Maharashtra. In the year 2021-22, Uttar Pradesh produced about 102 lakh tonnes of usage while Maharashtra produced 137 lakh tonnes of sugar.
As far as horticulture is concerned, Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of Amla and Guava in the country. The state has also a prominent position in the Mango and Papaya productions.
Uttar Pradesh has a prominent position in terms of potato, tomato, and onion production.
The state is also a significant producer of oilseeds such as soybean, groundnut, and mustard.
The Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken several initiatives to support the agriculture sector in the state, such as providing access to credit, crop insurance, and improved irrigation facilities.
In conclusion, Uttar Pradesh has a prominent position in the production of food crops in the country plays a vital role in the country’s food security, and contributes significantly to the state’s economy. However, agriculture productivity is very low compared to other states and other part of the world. The diverse agro-climatic conditions and government support for the agriculture sector have enabled the state to become a prominent position in the production of food crops in India.
Question.
Give an account of the Irrigation Projects of Uttar Pradesh in detail with suitable examples.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-I/GS-1 2022)
Answer.
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India and has several irrigation projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring water availability for various purposes.
Irrigation Projects in Uttar Pradesh mainly include Canal irrigation, Tube Well irrigation, Well irrigation, and pond irrigation.
Here are some notable irrigation projects in Uttar Pradesh, along with suitable examples:
Ganga Canal Project:
The Ganga Canal Project is one of India's oldest and largest canal systems. It diverts water from the Ganges River to provide irrigation to the fertile plains of western Uttar Pradesh.
Example:
The Upper Ganga Canal, originating at Haridwar, is a significant part of this project, supplying water to districts like Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur. It has been a crucial source of irrigation for the sugarcane crops in this region.
Ramganga Project:
The Ramganga Project involves the construction of a dam on the Ramganga River in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, which provides water for irrigation in Uttar Pradesh.
Example:
The Ramganga Dam and the associated canals help irrigate agricultural lands in districts like Moradabad, Bijnor, and Rampur, contributing to the state's agricultural output.
Yamuna Expressway Irrigation Project:
Yamuna Expressway Irrigation Project focuses on providing irrigation to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. It involves the construction of dams and canals along the Yamuna River.
Example:
The Rajghat Canal and Matatila Dam are key components of this project, supplying water for irrigation in districts like Jhansi and Lalitpur. It has been instrumental in addressing water scarcity in this region.
Sharda Sahayak Project:
The Sharda Sahayak Project involves the construction of a dam on the Sharda River (also known as the Ghaghara River) to provide water for irrigation in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Example:
The Sharda Sahayak Canal irrigates lands in districts like Balrampur, Gonda, and Bahraich. It has improved agricultural productivity and reduced dependence on monsoon rains.
Canals of Eastern Uttar Pradesh:
Eastern Uttar Pradesh is crisscrossed by an extensive network of canals originating from various rivers, including the Ghaghara and Gandak.
Example:
The Sarayu Canal, originating from the Ghaghara River, provides water for irrigation in districts like Basti and Sant Kabir Nagar. Similarly, the Gandak Canal irrigates lands in parts of Gorakhpur and Deoria.
These irrigation projects have been instrumental in increasing agricultural production in Uttar Pradesh, supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers, and contributing to the state's economy. They also play a critical role in reducing the dependency on monsoonal rains, helping ensure food security in the region.
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