MEVE 019: Unit 13 - Environmental Changes and Nutritional Security

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 UNIT 13: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AND NUTRITIONAL SECURITY

13.1 Introduction

Environmental changes and agricultural practices are deeply interconnected, influencing food production, agrobiodiversity, and human health. Agricultural intensification, while boosting food output, has led to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and nutritional challenges. This unit explores how modern farming practices have affected the environment and nutritional security and what steps can be taken to ensure a sustainable, food-secure future.

13.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the history and drivers of agricultural intensification.

·         Analyze its effects on soil, biodiversity, and landscape.

·         Understand the relationship between environment, malnutrition, and food security.

·         Learn about government initiatives and future agricultural challenges.

13.3 Agricultural Intensification

13.3.1 History of Agriculture

Agriculture began around 10,000 years ago with the domestication of plants and animals. Over time, methods evolved from shifting cultivation to settled agriculture, and eventually to modern intensive farming systems during the 20th century.

13.3.2 Drivers of Agricultural Intensification in the 20th Century

13.3.2.1 Worldwide Plant Breeding Programmes

High-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat, rice, and maize were developed to meet food demand.

13.3.2.2 Use of Machines and Pesticides

Mechanization and chemical pesticides enhanced productivity and reduced manual labour.

13.3.2.3 Use of Chemical Fertilizers

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-based fertilizers became common to boost crop yields.

13.3.2.4 Irrigation

Large-scale irrigation helped expand agricultural lands, especially in arid regions.

13.4 Effects of Agricultural Intensification

13.4.1 Soil Degradation

13.4.1.1 Loss of Soil Organic Matter

Intensive farming reduces natural humus, decreasing soil fertility.

13.4.1.2 Overuse of Chemical Fertilizers

Leads to imbalance in soil nutrients and long-term fertility loss.

13.4.1.3 Soil Erosion

Monocropping and lack of cover crops increase erosion by water and wind.

13.4.1.4 Soil Contamination

Heavy metals and pesticides accumulate in the soil, affecting health and productivity.

13.4.1.5 Acidification

Continuous use of urea and ammonium fertilizers lowers soil pH, making it acidic.

13.4.1.6 Salt-affected Soils

Excessive irrigation leads to salinization, especially in poorly drained soils.

13.4.1.7 Soil Genetic Diversity

Loss of microbial life and native soil organisms due to chemicals affects soil health.

13.5 Landscape Change and Loss of Agrobiodiversity

13.5.1 Landscape Change

Large-scale clearing of forests and wetlands for agriculture has fragmented habitats and altered natural ecosystems.

13.5.2 Loss of Agrobiodiversity

Modern agriculture favors few high-yield crops, reducing the diversity of traditional crops and wild relatives.

13.5.3 Challenges and Opportunities

·         Challenges: Climate change, pest outbreaks, and soil degradation.

·         Opportunities: Conservation farming, crop diversification, and agroecological practices.

13.6 Malnutrition

Despite increased food production, malnutrition persists due to poor diet quality, inequality, and lack of food access.

13.6.1 Challenges in Alleviating Malnutrition

·         Dependence on calorie-rich but nutrient-poor crops.

·         Poverty and lack of education.

·         Poor sanitation and health services.

13.7 Food Security

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life.

13.7.1 Hunger, Malnutrition and Poverty

·         Hunger and poverty are closely linked.

·         Malnutrition leads to reduced productivity and poor health.

13.7.2 Interdepartmental Approach to Alleviate Hunger

·         Involves collaboration between departments of agriculture, health, rural development, and education.

13.7.3 Agricultural Intensification and Food Security

·         While it improved food supply, it also led to declining food diversity and quality.

·         Need for a shift towards nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

13.7.4 Public Distribution System (PDS) in India

·         Provides subsidized food grains to low-income families.

·         Criticized for focusing mainly on wheat and rice and ignoring nutrition-rich foods.

13.8 Agriculture in the 21st Century

13.8.1 Challenges to Yield Revolution in the 21st Century

·         Climate Change: Alters rainfall patterns, temperature, and pests.

·         Land Scarcity: Urbanization and deforestation reduce cultivable land.

·         Water Crisis: Overuse and pollution of freshwater sources.

·         Energy and Input Cost: Rising costs of fertilizers, electricity, and fuel.

Sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture is the need of the hour.

13.9 Initiatives by the Government of India

·         National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: Ensures subsidized food grains to 67% of India’s population.

·         POSHAN Abhiyaan: Targets malnutrition through diet diversification, maternal care, and sanitation.

·         Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming.

·         Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides information on soil quality and proper fertilizer use.

·         National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes climate-resilient and eco-friendly farming.

13.10 Let Us Sum Up

Environmental changes and agricultural intensification have brought both gains and challenges. While food production has increased, it has often come at the cost of soil health, agrobiodiversity, and human nutrition. Malnutrition and food insecurity still persist in many parts of the world, including India. A holistic and integrated approach—combining sustainable farming practices, policy reform, and public health strategies—is essential to secure both environmental health and nutritional well-being in the future.

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