Question

Kerala's net sown area has steadily declined since 1980-81. Which policy concern arises from this?

• A. Decline in agricultural exports
• B. Increasing employment in agriculture
• C. Decline in rainfall patterns
• D. Urbanisation and land-use change impacting food security

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Urbanisation and land-use change impacting food security

• Net Sown Area Decline: A decline in the net sown area means less land is available for cultivation. This is primarily a result of rapid urbanization, growth in the construction and service sectors (often fueled by remittances), and conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes like housing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure development (land-use change).

• Policy Concern: The most critical long-term policy concern stemming from a loss of agricultural land is the threat to food security. As the state loses its capacity to produce staple crops, it becomes increasingly dependent on food imports from other states, making its population vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price volatility.