Sustainable Intensification and Climate Resilience in the Rice-wheat Cropping System of North-Western India: Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

In northwestern India, the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is a key component of agriculture. However, the region's ongoing usage of it has resulted in serious problems and a halt in productivity. Similar problems are also present in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan's Indo-Gangetic Plains. Key issues include the loss of soil nutrients, deteriorating soil health, groundwater depletion, increased production costs, a lack of workers, pollution from burning crop residue, increased greenhouse gas emissions, climate vulnerabilities, and plants that are resistant to herbicides. To address these issues, a number of sustainable intensification methods have been proposed, such as crop diversification, zero tillage, or residue retention, which reduce tillage, handle straw more efficiently, and use less labour and irrigation. In order to adopt successful, context-specific tactics, it is necessary to concentrate on increasing awareness, developing stakeholder capacity, and coordinating policies. The current status of the RWCS and its problems in northwest India are summarised in this report, along with specific management strategies for boosting output, profitability, and sustainability.