Status of Groundwater Table in Haryana State of India and its Implications for Sustainability of Agriculture

Abstract

The rapid depletion of groundwater in Haryana, driven by intensive agricultural practices and over-reliance on irrigation, poses a significant threat to the state’s agrarian economy. This study examines the correlation between multiple cropping patterns and groundwater depletion, highlighting how the rice-wheat cropping system has exacerbated water stress. Analysis of district-wise data reveals that over 44% of the total cropped area is cultivated more than once annually, leading to excessive groundwater extraction. The study further links these findings with a historical decline in the water table between 1990 and 2020, demonstrating the unsustainability of current agricultural practices. The environmental consequences include soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased risks of desertification, while the social implications involve rising irrigation costs and economic distress for farmers. Urgent policy interventions promoting crop diversification, water-efficient irrigation technologies, and groundwater recharge initiatives are essential for ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability in Haryana.