The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
The environmental impact of grain production in surplus states, particularly those associated with the Green Revolution (such as Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh), is characterized by the ecological consequences of intensive monoculture, heavy reliance on irrigation, and high chemical inputs.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Rice cultivation is highly water-intensive. In grain-surplus states, the extensive cultivation of rice, often in semi-arid regions, has necessitated the over-extraction of groundwater. This intensive utilization has led to a rapid and significant fall in the water table.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The agricultural development model in these states is not considered completely sustainable. The depletion of groundwater, degradation of soil health, and stagnating yields indicate that the current practices are eroding the natural resource base required for future agriculture.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The excessive and imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers (such as the overuse of nitrogenous fertilizers relative to phosphorus and potassium) has degraded soil health. It has led to soil acidification, micronutrient deficiencies, and a loss of soil organic carbon, thereby reducing, rather than increasing, long-term soil fertility.
Key Takeaway
The intensive agricultural practices in grain-surplus states have generated severe negative externalities, including groundwater depletion and soil degradation, making the current production model environmentally unsustainable.