A study by Professor Johan Rockström warns that modern rice production practices are exceeding planetary boundaries
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
A study by Professor Johan Rockström warns that modern rice production practices are exceeding planetary boundaries, necessitating a shift toward sustainable farming techniques to ensure global food security.
Background
The study highlights that current rice farming pressures Earth's climate, freshwater resources, and nutrient cycles. Proposed solutions include 'alternate wetting and drying' (AWD) to cut methane and precision fertilizer application to mitigate nutrient pollution.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TAlternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): A water-saving irrigation technique for rice that reduces methane emissions by periodically drying the soil.
- FactPlanetary Boundaries Framework: A scientific framework used to identify the safe operating space for humanity regarding Earth's systems.
- EnvironmentMethane (CH4): A potent greenhouse gas primarily emitted from flooded rice paddies due to anaerobic decomposition.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how transitioning to sustainable rice cultivation techniques can balance the dual imperatives of global food security and climate change mitigation.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Methane mitigation: Reducing anaerobic decomposition in flooded paddies through alternate wetting and drying techniques.
- Resource trade-offs: Balancing high-yield requirements for a growing population against the depletion of freshwater and soil nutrients.
Keywords: Planetary Boundaries · Methane emissions · Food security · Sustainable intensification · Nutrient cycling
More Agriculture notes
- Eastern India lead in GI registrations, MP records highest registration in 2025-26 · 6 July 2026
- Helicopters Deliver 11.5 Tonnes of Rice to Flood-Cut Off Arunachal Villages · 6 July 2026
- Maharashtra Farmers Get Up to ₹2 Lakh Loan Waiver, One-Time Settlement Offered · 5 July 2026
- Bengal Tea Workers to Get ₹313.3 Crore Boost: Adhikari Unveils Plan · 5 July 2026
- Adani power infra: Gujarat government notifies new compensation policy for farmers · 5 July 2026
- Telangana Govt. Delivers ₹7,135 Crore to 67 Lakh Farmers in Vanakalam Aid · 4 July 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.