Conclusion and Policy Implications

Abstract

Rice plays a major role in meeting the food requirements of half of the world’s population. Around 90% of the rice produced is consumed in the Asian region, and for people who live in Asia, rice security is equivalent to food security. As a major producer and consumer, India plays an important role in the global rice economy. Nonetheless, rice cultivation in India today suffers from several interrelated problems. Increased productivity achieved during the green revolution period through input-intensive methods of high water and fertiliser use in well-endowed regions is showing signs of stagnation and concomitant environmental problems due to salinisation and waterlogging of fields. Since virtually all suitable land is already under cultivation, raising productivity—through simultaneous reduction of negative environmental consequences and improvement of the efficient use of resources—seems to be the only way forward.