RICE-WHEAT CROP SYSTEM IN INDO-GANGETIC REGION - ISSUES CONCERNING SUSTAINABILITY

Some agricultural experts have expressed the apprehension that the eme rgence of rice-wheat rotation crop system as a post-green revolution p henomenon has resulted in waterlogging, soil salinity and over-exploit ation of the natural resource base. Moreover, it is argued that short time duration between rice-wheat crop rotation has led to sub-optimal land preparation and sub-optimal use of other inputs, causing reductio n in yield of rice and wheat. While refuting any plateauing or stagnat ion in yield of rice and wheat, this paper nevertheless suggests that besides technological improvement, strengthening infrastructural facil ities and initiating better land and water management through particip atory approach can go some way in addressing the problems confronting the rice-wheat system in the Indo-Gangetic region.