Question

Kerala's irrigation statistics show wells are the largest source of irrigation. What is the critical implication of this reliance?

• A. Dependence on rainfall has increased
• B. Groundwater depletion risks make agriculture unsustainable
• C. Irrigation is evenly distributed across all sources
• D. Kerala no longer requires government canals

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Groundwater depletion risks make agriculture unsustainable

• The critical implication of Kerala's reliance on wells as the largest source of irrigation is: Groundwater depletion risks make agriculture unsustainable

• The reliance on wells for a significant portion of irrigation means that the water is being drawn from groundwater sources.

• Groundwater depletion: Continuous, heavy extraction of groundwater for irrigation, especially without adequate natural replenishment (recharge), can lead to a drastic lowering of the water table.

  1.Wells may dry up, rendering the land un-irrigable.

  2.The cost and energy required to pump water from deeper levels increases.

  3.In coastal areas, excessive pumping can lead to saline intrusion, contaminating freshwater aquifers.