Unit-I: Introduction to

Environmental Sciences: Natural

Resources
Table of Content
1. Environmental Sciences
2. Significance
3. Public awareness
4. Natural Resources
5. Forest resources
6. Water resources
7. Mineral resources
8. Food resources
9. Conflicts over resource sharing
Environmental Sciences
• Environmental studies refer to an extensive and systematic study of nature/environment,
its physical, biological, social, and cultural factors, as well as the nature and
characteristics of the relationship between man and environment.
• Environmental studies help us understand the importance of our environment and
teaches us to use natural resources more efficiently and embrace a sustainable way of
living. How far man influences nature and to what extent nature delivers its bounties
constitute another objective of environmental studies.
• Environmental Management and Conservation Act (E.M.C.A) defines the
environment include the physical factors of the surroundings of human beings including
land, water, atmosphere, climate, sound, odor, taste, the biological factors of animals,
plants and others.
• Environmental studies is inter-disciplinary in nature including the study of biology,
geology, politics, policy studies, law, religion engineering, chemistry and economics to
understand the humanity’s effects on the natural world.
Continue..
• The word ‘environment’ is derived from the old French word ‘environer’ – which means to
‘surround, enclose, and encircle’. Environment refers to an aggregate of conditions or
surroundings in which living beings such as humans, animals, and plants live or survive,
and non-living things exist.
• All living beings including man and their environment are mutually reactive, affecting each
other in several ways. It is generally equated with nature wherein physical components of
the planet earth such as , land, air, water, etc. support and affect life in the biosphere.
Constituents of Environment
• Physical elements constitute space, landforms, water-bodies, climate, soils, rocks, and
minerals. These elements determine the variable character of human habitat, and also its
opportunities and limitations.
• Biological elements include plants, animals, micro-organisms, and man.
• Cultural elements include economic, social and political conditions which are largely
man-made features.
Types of Environment
Physical or Abiotic Environment
• Physical environment is made up of the following states - solid, liquid, and gas. These
three elements signify lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere respectively. On the basis
of spatial distribution, smaller units are termed as coastal environment, plateau
environment, mountain environment, lake environment, river environment, maritime
environment, etc.
Living or Biotic Environment
• Biotic environment consists of plants (flora) and animals (fauna) including human beings
as a significant factor. Thus, biotic environment can be of two types such as floral
environment and faunal environment.
Social and Cultural Environment
• This type of environment includes the various aspects of socio-cultural interactions along
with its outcomes such as beliefs, attitudes, stereotypes etc. The tangible and intangible
aspects of environment are included in it.
Continue..
Psychological Environment
• Psychological environment deals with the perception and experiences
related to any environmental setting. Some environment may be
stimulating and exciting for us, while others may be dull and boring.
Psychological environment is more often used in the organizational
context.
Significance of Environmental science
1. Environment Issues Being of International Importance
The rising of international environmental issues such as global warming, marine pollution,
acid rain, and depletion of ozone layer.
2. Problems Cropped in The Wake of Development
Development gave birth to industrial growth, urbanization, transportation system, and
others.
3. Explosively Increase in Pollution
India accounts 16 per cent of the world's population and 2.4% of its land area. India's
emissions had increased from 1.1 metric tons of carbon dioxide per capita in 2001 to 1.9
metric tons in 2019. CO2, the main contributor to climate change, is mainly emitted through
the burning of fossil fuels.
4. Need To Save Humanity From Extinction:
It is incumbent upon us to save the humanity from extinction. Consequences to our
activities cause destructing the environment and depleting the biosphere, in the name of
development.
Continue..
5. Need for An Alternative Solution
There is a need for sustainable and innovative solutions to minimise the harm
towards environment.
6. Need For Wise Planning of Development
Our survival and sustenance depend. Resources withdraw, processing and use of
the product have all to by synchronised with the ecological cycles in any plan of
development. So, our actions should be planned ecologically for the sustenance of
the environment and development.
 Public Awareness
It is essential to make the public aware of the formidable consequences of the Environmental Degradation, if not retorted and reformative
measures undertaken, would result in the extinction of life. We are facing various environmental challenges. Some of these challenges are as
under:
1. Growing population
A population of over thousands of millions is growing at 2.11 per cent every year. Over 17 million people are added each year.
2. Poverty
About 40% of our people are still below the poverty line. Environment degradation has adversely affected the poor who depend upon the
resources of their immediate surroundings. Thus, the challenge of poverty and the challenge environment degradation are two facets of the same
challenge.
3. Need to ground water
It is essential to restore the water quality of rivers and other water bodies as lakes is an important challenge. So, finding out suitable strategies for
consecration of water, provision of safe drinking water and keeping waterbodies clean which are difficult challenges is essential.
4. Development and forest
Forests in India have been shrinking for several centuries owing to pressures of agriculture and other uses. Vast areas that were once green,
stand today as wastelands.
5. Agricultural growth
The people must be acquainted with the methods to sustain and increase agricultural growth with damaging the environment.
6. Degradation of land
Out of 226 mha, about 175 mha or 66 per cent is degraded to varying degrees. Water and wind erosion causes further degradation of almost 150
mha. This degradation is to be avoided.
Continue..
7. Evil consequences of urbanization
Nearly 27% of Indians live in urban areas. Urbanization and industrialization has given birth
to a great number of environmental problems. Over 30 percent of urban Indians live in
slums. Out of India’s 3,245 towns and cities, only 21 have partial or full sewerage and
treatment facilities. Hence, coping with rapid urbanization is a major challenge.
8. Air and water pollution
Majority of our industrial plants are using outdated and pollution causing technologies and
makeshift facilities devoid of any provision of treating their wastes. A great number of cities
and industrial areas have been identified as the worst in terms of air and water pollution.
Acts are enforced in the country, but their implement is not so easy. The reason is their
implementation needs great resources, technical expertise, political and social will. Again
the people are to be made aware of these rules. Their support is indispensable to
implement these rules.
9. Environment degradation
It has adversely affected the poor who depend upon the resources of their immediate
surroundings. Thus, the challenge of poverty and the challenge of environment degradation
are two facets of the same challenge.
Natural Resources
• Natural resources can be defined as ‘variety of goods and
services provided by nature which are necessary for our day-to-
day lives’.
• Eg: Plants, animals and microbes (living or biotic part), Air,
water, soil, minerals, climate and solar energy (non- living or
abiotic part).
• They are essential for the fulfillment of physiological, social,
economical and cultural needs at the individual and community
levels.
Types of Natural Resources
• There are mainly two types of natural resources, including renewable and non-renewable
resources.
1. Renewable resources
• The resources that can be replenished through rapid natural cycles are known as
renewable resource. These resources can increase their abundance through
reproduction and utilization of simple substances.
Ex: Plants, (crops and forests) and animals. Some examples of renewable resources
though they do not have life cycle but can be recycled.
Ex: Wood and wood-products, pulp products, natural rubber, fibers (e.g. Cotton, jute, animal
wool, silk and synthetic fibers) and leather.
• In addition to these resources, water and soil are also classified as renewable resources.
Solar energy although having a finite life, as a special case, is considered as a renewable
resource in as much as solar stocks is inexhaustible on the human scale.
Continue..
2. Non-renewable resources
The resources that cannot be replenished through natural processes are known as non-
renewable resources. These are available in limited amounts, which cannot be increased.
These resources include fossil fuels (petrol, coal etc.), metals (iron, copper, gold, silver,
lead, zinc etc.), minerals and salts (carbonates, phosphates, nitrates etc.).Once a non-
renewable resource is consumed, it is gone forever.
Non-renewable resources can further be divided into two categories, viz.
A) Recyclable and
B) Non-recyclable
A) Recyclable: These are non-renewable resources, which can be collected after they are
used and can be recycled. These are mainly the non-energy mineral resources, which
occur in the earth’s crust (Ex: Ores of aluminum, copper, mercury etc.) and deposits of
fertilizer nutrients (e.g. Phosphate sock and potassium and minerals used in their natural
state (asbestos, clay, mica etc.)
B) Non-recyclable: These are non-renewable resources, which cannot be recycled in any
way. Ex: Fossil fuels and uranium, which provide 90 per cent of our energy requirements
NATURAL RESOURCES AND
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
• The main problem associated with natural resources is unequal consumption.
• A major part of natural resources are consumed in the ‘developed’ world. The
‘developing nations’ also overuse many resources because of their greater human
population.
• However, the consumption of resources per capita (per individual) of the developed
countries is up to 50 times greater than in most developing countries.
• Advanced countries produce over 75% of global industrial waste and greenhouse gases.
• Energy from fossil fuels consumed in relatively much greater quantities in developed
countries.
Forest Resources
A forest can be defined as a biotic community predominant of trees, shrubs or any other woody
vegetation usually in a closed canopy. It is derived from latin word ‘foris’ means ‘outside’.
India’s Forest Cover is 6,76,000 sq.km (20.55% of geographic area). Scientists estimate that
India should ideally have 33% of its land under forests. Today we only have about 12% thus we
need not only to protect our existing forests but also to increase our forest cover.
FUNCTIONS OF FOREST
1. It performs very important function both to human and to nature.
2. They are habitats to millions of plants, animals and wildlife.
3. They recycle rainwater.
4. They remove pollutant from air.
5. They control water quality.
6. They moderate temperature and weather.
7. They influence soil condition and prevent soil erosion.
USES OF FOREST
1. Commercial uses: i. Wood – used as a fuel ii. Supply wood for various industries – Raw
materials as pulp, paper, furniture timber etc. iii. Minor forest products – gum, dyes, resins iv.
Many plants – Medicines v. Supply variety of animal products – honey. Ivory, horns etc. vi.
Many forest lands are used for - Mining, grazing, for dams and recreation.
2. Ecological uses: Forest provides number of environmental services.
i. Production of oxygen: Photosynthesis produces large amount of oxygen which is
essential for life.
ii. Reducing global warming: Carbon dioxide is one of the main green house gas. It is
absorbed by plants for photosynthesis. Therefore, the problem of global warming caused by
CO2 is reduced.
iii. Soil conservation: Roots of trees bind the soil tightly and prevent soil erosion. They also
act as wind breaks.
iv. Regulation of hydrological cycle: Watershed in forest act like giant sponges and slowly
release the water for recharge of spring.
Continue..
v. Pollution moderators: Forest can absorb many toxic gases and noises and help in
preventing air and noise pollution.
vi. Wildlife habitat: Forest is the home of millions of wild animals and plants.
REASON FOR DEFICIENCY OF FOREST:
In India, the minimum area of forest required to maintain good ecological balance is about
33% of total area. But at present it is only about 12%. So over exploitation of forest material
occurs.
OVER EXPLOITATION OF FOREST: Due to over population, there is an increased
demand for medicine, shelter, wood and fuel. Hence exploitation of forest materials is going
on increasing.
Cause of over exploitation:
1. Increasing agricultural production.
2. Increasing agricultural activities.
3. Increase in demand of wood resources
Deforestation
It is process of removal of forest resources due to natural or manmade activities (i.e.)
destruction of forests.
Causes of deforestation:
1. Developmental projects: Developmental projects causes deforestation through two
ways.
• Through submergence of forest area.
• Destruction of forest area.
Ex: big dams, hydro electric projects, road construction etc.
2. Mining operations: It reduces forest areas. Ex: Mica, coal, Manganese and limestone.
3. Raw materials for industries: Wood is an important raw material for various purposes.
Ex: Making boxes, furniture and paper etc.
4. Fuel requirement: Wood is the important fuel for rural and tribal population.
Continue..
5. Shifting cultivation: Replacement of natural forest ecosystem for mono specific tree
plantation. Ex: Teak
6. Forest fires: Forest fire destructs thousands of acres of forest.
7. Over grazing: Over grazing by cattle reduces the cultivation land.
Consequences of deforestation (or) impacts of deforestation:
1. Economic loss
2. Loss of biodiversity
3. Destructs the habitats of various species
4. Reduction in stream flow
5. Increases the rate of global warming
6. Disruption of weather patterns and global climate
 Continue..
7. Degradation of soil and acceleration of the rate of soil erosion.
8. Induces and accelerates mass movement / land slides.
9. Increases flood frequency, magnitude / severity.
10.Breaks the water cycle
METHODS FOR CONSERVATION OF FORESTS
1. New plants of more or less of the same variety should be planted to replace the trees cut
down.
2. Use of wood for fuel should be discouraged.
3. Forest pests can be controlled by spraying pesticides by using aero planes
4. Forest fire must be controlled by modern techniques.
5. Over grazing by cattle must be controlled.
Continue..
6. Steps should be taken by the government to discourage the
migration of people into the islands from mainland.
7. Education and awareness programs must be conducted.
8. Strict implementation of law of Forest conservation Act.
Deforestation in the Himalayan region, involves clearing of natural
forests and plantation of monoculture like Eucalyptus. Nutrient in the
soil is poor; therefore soil losing their fertility, hence, Himalayan area
facing the serious problem of desertification.
Major activities in Forests
• Timber extraction
Wood used for engineering purposes like building houses, making furniture is called
timber. The products derived from timber have been important to many civilizations, and
thus it has acquired value within these civilizations. Timber extraction results in
deforestation and in the fragmentation of the last remaining forests. It harms valuable
species of trees, birds and wild animals. In spite of this, it is sometimes necessary to
extract timber, so as to meet the needs of a developing country. During the extraction of
timber, cutting, felling and handling should be done selectively, carefully and in a planned
manner, in order to save the remaining forests and biodiversity.
Effects of Timber Extraction
The major effects of timber extraction on forest and tribal people include:
1. Poor logging results in a degraded forest.
2. Floods may be intensified by cutting of trees or upstream watersheds.
3. Loss of biodiversity.
Continue..
4. Climatic changes such as less rains.
5. New logging roads permit shifting cultivators to gain access to logged areas and cut the
remaining trees.
6. It results in forest fragmentation which promotes loss of biodiversity because some
species of plants and animals require large continuous areas of similar habitat to survive.
7. Exploitation of tribal people by the contractors.
8. Soil erosion especially on slopes occurs extensively.
9. Sedimentation of irrigation systems, floods may be intensified by cutting of trees on
upstream.
DAMS
• Today there are more than 45,000 large dams around the world, which play an important
role in communities and economies that harness these water resources for their
economic development. Current estimates suggest some 30-40% of irrigated land
worldwide relies on dams. Hydropower, another important the use of stored water,
currently supplies 19% of the world’s total electric power supply and is used in over 150
countries. The world’s two most populous countries – China and India –have built around
57% of the world’s large dams.
Dams' problems
• Dams are the massive artificial structures built across the rivers to store water for much
beneficial purpose.
• Dams are considered a “Temples of modern India”. Dams destruct vast area of forest
area. India has more than 1600 large dams.
Continue..
Effects of dams on forest:
1. Thousands of hectares of forest will be cleared.
2. Killing of wild animals and destruction of aquatic life.
3. Spreading of water borne diseases.
4. Water logging increases the salinity of the soil.
Ex: Narmadha Sagar project it has submerged 3.5 lakhs hectares of forest.
Effects of dam on tribal people
1. Construction of big dams lead to the displacement of tribal people.
2. Displacement and cultural change affects the tribal people both mentally and physically.
3. They do not accommodate the modern food habits and life style.
4. Tribal people are ill treated by the modern society.
5. Many of the displaced people were not recognised and resettled or compensated.
6. Body condition of tribal people will not suit with new areas and hence they will be affected by
many diseases.
Mining
• The process of extracting mineral resources and fossil fuels like coal from the earth is called
as mining.
Types of mining
1. Surface mining: Mining of minerals from shallow deposits
2. Underground mining: Mining of minerals from deep deposits
Steps involved in mining
1. Exploration
2. Development
3. Exploitation
4. Ore processing
5. Extraction and purification of minerals
The extent of damage by underground mining is more than that of surface mining, which
needs enormous amount of land area for its operation and management.
Continue..
Effects of mining
1. Pollute soil, water and air.
2. Destruction of natural habitat.
3. Continuous removal of minerals leads to the formation of trench where
water is logged which contaminates the ground water.
4. Vibrations cause earth quakes.
5. Produces noise pollution
6. Reduces shape and size of the forest.
7. Increased risk of landslides.
8. Spoils the aesthetic beauty.
 Water Resources
Water claims to be an important resource.
An important use of water in our country is
for irrigation. Besides, water is also required
in large amounts for industrial and domestic
consumption.
USES
 Is essential for all forms of life.
 Many uses of water include agricultural,
industrial, household, recreational and
environmental activities. Virtually, all of
these human uses, require fresh water.
 No plant or animal species can survive
Hydrological cycle
without water. If water in our body drops by
1% we feel thirst, if it drops by 10% we
face death.
Distribution of
Water Resources
UNDERGROUND WATER
Aquifer: Layers of highly permeable rock that
can store water is called an aquifer. Layer of
sand and gravels are good aquifers. Clay
and crystalline rocks are not good aquifers.
Effects of over utilization of water
1. Decrease of ground water:
i. Increased usage decreases the ground
water.
ii. Insufficient rain fall
iii. Building construction activities sealing the
permeability of the soil.
Continue..
2. Ground subsidence: If ground water withdrawal is greater than it’s recharge rate, then
the sediments in the aquifers get compacted. As a result shrinkage of land surface takes
place.
Problems:
a. Structural damages to the buildings
b. Fracture in pipes.
c. Reversing the flow of canals.
3. Lowering of water table: Over utilization of ground water in arid and semi arid regions
for agriculture disturbs the state of equilibrium of the hydrological cycle.
Problem:
a. Lowering of water table
b. Decrease the number of aquifers
c. Change the speed and direction of water.
Continue..
4. Intrusion of salt water: In coastal area over exploitation of ground water leads to the
intrusion of salt water from sea. Therefore, that water cannot be used for drinking and
agriculture.
5. Over utilization of water causes earthquakes, landslides and famines.
6. Drying up of wells: Due to over utilization, ground water level decreases much
faster than can be regenerated. It leads to drying up of dug well and bore wells.
7. Pollution of water: Near the agricultural land ground water decreases therefore
water containing nitrogen enters into the ground and pollute the ground water.
Problem: Water which contains excess nitrate content is not suitable for drinking.
REASONS FOR DECLINE IN GROUND
WATER
Population continues to rise at an unprecedented and unsustainable rate; many
more areas are expected to experience this imbalance in the near future.
1. Population explosion: World population is > 6 billion and will continue to increase
significantly during the next few decades - Enormous demands on the world’s limited
freshwater supply. The total annual freshwater withdrawals today are estimated at
3800 cubic kilometers, twice as much as just 50 years ago (World Commission on
Dams, 2000).
2. Overutilization of Surface and Groundwater: Occurs at various levels. Use of more
water than really needed by human beings. Many agriculturists use more water than
necessary to grow crops. Industries in order to maximize short-term economic gains,
does not bother its liquid waste and releases it into streams, rivers and the sea.
Continue..
3. Deforestation: Once hill slopes are removed of forest cover, the rainwater rushes
down the rivers and is lost. Forest cover permits water to be held in the area
permitting it to seep into the ground. This charges the underground stores of water
in natural aquifers. This can be used in drought years if the stores have been filled
during a good monsoon. This soil and water management and afforestation are long-
term measures that reduce the impact of droughts. The destruction of forests
influences the regulation of natural water cycle. The removal of dense and uniform
cover over the hilly zones leads to occurrence of floods in drainage basins. Nations
situated in tropical climates including India experience disastrous floods caused by
the indiscriminate deforestation of the slopes above the valleys.
4. Hydropower generation: Large amount of water is used for generating power
which otherwise used for human needs.
5. Dams - for Agriculture and Power Generation
Continue..
6. Rain fall: The erratic and inadequate rainfall results in reduction in
storage in subsurface reservoirs. The building construction activities are
sealing the permeable zone, reducing the area for percolation of
rainwater into subsurface and increase in surface runoff.
7. India’s increasing demand for water for intensive irrigated
agriculture, for generating electricity, and for consumption in urban and
industrial centers, has been met by creating large dams. Dams support
30 to 40% of this area.
FLOOD
It is an over flow of water. It happens when the magnitude of flow of water exceeds the carrying
capacity of the channel within its bank.
CAUSES OF FLOOD
1. Heavy rainfall, melting of snow and sudden release of water from dams. (Flash floods)
2. Reduction in the carrying capacity of the channel.
3. Deforestation, mining and over grazing increase the runoff from rains and the level of flood
raises.
EFFECT OF FLOOD
1. Water spreads in the surrounding area and submerges them.
2. Cultivated land gets affected.
3. Extinction of civilization.
Continue..
FLOOD MANAGEMENT
1. Floods can be controlled by dams.
2. Channel management control flood.
3. Flood hazards reduced by forecasting or flood warning.
4. Flood may also be reduced by reduction of run off by increasing
infiltration through appropriate afforestation in the catchment area.
DROUGHT
Drought is nothing but scarcity of water, which occurs due to
1. Inadequate rain fall
2. Late arrival of rain fall
3. Excessive withdrawal of ground water.
Lack of water for the needs of agriculture, livestock, industry or human population may be
termed as a drought. Drought causes serious damages to plants, animals and human life.
CAUSES OF DROUGHT
1. When annual rain fall is below normal and less than evaporation, drought is created.
2. High population.
3. Intensive cropping pattern
Ex: Maharashtra - There has been no recovery from drought for the last 30
years due to over exploitation of water by sugarcane crop.
Continue..
EFFECTS OF DROUGHT
1. Drought causes hunger, malnutrition and scarcity of drinking water an
also changes the quality of water.
2. Drought causes widespread crop failure leading to acute shortage of
food and adversely affects human and live stock population.
3. Worst situation of drought causes desertification.
4. Raw materials of agro based industries are critically affected during
drought time, hence industrial and commercial growth decreases.
5. Drought increases the degradation of natural resources.
6. Drought causes large migration of people and urbanization.
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT
1. Indigenous knowledge is essential.
2. Rainwater harvesting system.
3. Construction of reservoirs to improve ground water level.
4. Modern irrigation technology (drip irrigation) very useful to conserve
water.
5. Afforestation activities also improve the potential of water in the
drought area.
6. Crop mixing and dry forming are the suitable methods which
minimize the risk of crop failures in dry area.
SUSTAINABLE WATER
MANAGEMENT
• Building several small reservoirs instead of few mega projects.
• Developing small catchment dams and protecting wetlands.
• Soil management, micro-catchment development and afforestation permits
recharging of underground aquifer, thus reducing the need for large dams
• Treating and recycling municipal wastewater for agricultural use.
• Preventing leakages form dams and canals and loss in municipal pipes
• Effective rainwater harvesting in urban environments
• Water conservation measures in agriculture, such as using drip irrigation, control
of growing water intensive cash crops ; control of water logging.
• Pricing water at its real value makes people use it more responsibility and
efficiently and reduces wastage.
Mineral Resources
Naturally occurring inorganic crystalline solids with uniform chemical composition are called
as minerals.
USES AND EXPLOITATION OF MINERALS
1. Development of industrial plants and machinery. - Fe, Al & Cu
2. Construction work – Fe, Al &Ni
3. Generation of energy - coal, lignite, uranium
4. Designing defense equipments like weapons and ornaments
5. Agricultural purposes – fertilizers and fungicides – Zn & Mn
6. Jewellery –Au, Ag & Pt
7. Making alloys for various purposes
8. Communication purposes – telephone, wires, cables and electronic devices
9. Medicinal purposes, particularly in ayurvedic system
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGES
CAUSED BY MINING ACTIVITIES
1. De-vegetation:
• Topsoil and vegetation get removed
• Deforestation leads to several ecological losses
• Land scape gets badly affected
2. Ground water contamination: Mining pollutes ground water; sulphur is converted
into sulphuric acid which enters into the soil.
3. Surface water pollution: Radioactive wastes and other acidic impurities affect the
surface water, which kills many aquatic animals.
4. Air pollution: Smelting and roasting are done to purify the metal which emits air
pollutants and damage the nearby vegetation. It causes many health problems.
5. Subsidence of land: Mainly underground mining results in cracks in houses, tilting of
buildings and bending of rail tracks.
Continue..
EFFECTS OF OVER EXPLOITATION OF MINERALS
1. Rapid depletion of mineral deposits
2. Wastage
3. Environmental pollution
4. Needs heavy energy requirements.
MANAGEMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES
1. The efficient use and protection of mineral resources.
2. Modernization of mining industries
3. Search for new deposit
4. Reuse and recycling of the metals.
5. Environmental impacts can be minimized by adopting eco friendly mining technology.
CASE STUDIES-MINING AND QUARRYING IN UDAIPUR 200 open cast mining and
quarrying in Udaipur. But 100 mines are illegal. 150 tons of explosives are used per month.
It pollutes air, soil and water. It affects irrigation and wildlife.
 Food Resources
Food is an essential requirement for survival of life. Main components are carbohydrates, fats,
proteins, minerals and vitamins.
TYPES OF FOOD SUPPLY
1. Crop plants: Grains mostly constitute about 76% of the world’s food. Ex: Rice, Wheat and
Maize
2. Range lands: Produces 17% of world’s food from trees and grazing animals. Ex: Fruits, milk
and meat
3. Ocean: Fisheries – 7% of world’s food
WORLD FOOD PROBLEM
1. In the earth’s surface, 79% is water out of total area. 21% land (forest, desert,
mountain and barren land) . Less % cultivated land, at the same time population
explosion is high therefore world food problem arises.
2. Environmental degradation like soil erosion, water logging, water pollution, salinity affects
agricultural land.
3. Urbanization affects agricultural land. Hence production of rice, wheat, corn and other
vegetable is difficult.
Continue..
• In many developing countries where populations are expanding rapidly, the
production of food is unable to keep pace with the growing demand. Food
production in 64 of the 105 developing countries is lagging behind their population
growth levels.
• These countries are unable to produce more food, or do not have the financial
means to import it. India is one of the countries that have been able to produce
enough food by cultivating a large proportion of its arable land through irrigation.
The Green Revolution of the 60’s reduced starvation in the country.
• Globally 5 to 7 million hectares of farmland is degraded each year. Loss of nutrients
and overuse of agricultural chemicals are major factors in land degradation. Water
scarcity is an important aspect of poor agricultural outputs. Salinization and water
logging has affected a large amount of agricultural land worldwide.
TYPES OF NUTRITION
1. Nutritious nutrition: To maintain good health and disease resistance, we need large
amount of carbohydrate, proteins, fats and smaller amount of micronutrients such as
vitamins and minerals such as Fe, Ca and iodine. Food and agricultural organization (FAO)
of United Nations estimated that on an average, the minimum calorie intake on a global
state is 2500 calories/day. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends
per-person per-day calorie norms of 2400 kcal for rural areas and 2100 kcal for urban
areas.
2. Under nutrition: People who cannot buy enough food to meet their basic energy
needs suffer from under nutrition. They receive less than 90% of this minimum dietary
calorie.
Effect of under nutrition: Suffer from mental retardation and infectious diseases.
3. Malnutrition: Besides minimum calorie intake we also need proteins, minerals,
vitamins, iron and iodine. Deficiency leads to malnutrition resulting in several diseases.
India 3rd largest producer of crops, nearly 300 million Indians are still under nourished.
OVER GRAZING
It is a process of eating the forest vegetation without giving a chance to regenerate.
EFFECTS OF OVER GRAZING
1. Land degradation
• Over grazing removing the cover of vegetation
• Exposed soil gets compacted
• Soil moisture reduces.
• Desertification - OG leads to poor, dry and compacted soil.
• Land cannot be used for further cultivation.
2. Soil erosion: When the grasses are removed the soil becomes loose and gets eroded by the
action of wind and rain fall.
3. Loss of useful species: OG affects the plant population and their regenerating capacity. OG
replace the plant of high nutritive value with plant of low nutritive value.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is an art, science and industry of managing the growth of plants and animals for
human use. It includes cultivation of the soil, growing and harvesting crops, breeding and
raising livestock, dairying and forestry.
TYPES OF AGRICULTURE
1. Traditional agriculture
2. Modern (or) industrialized agriculture
1. Traditional agriculture
Small plot, simple tools, surface water, organic fertilizer and a mixture of crops constitute
traditional agriculture. They produce enough food to feed their family and to sell it for
their income.
2. Modern agriculture
Hybrid seeds of single crop variety, high tech equipment's, lot of fertilizers, pesticides and
water to produce large number of single crops.
Continue..
EFFECTS OF MODERN AGRICULTURE
1. Problems in using fertilizers
Excess of fertilizers causes micronutrient imbalance. (e.g) Punjab and Haryana deficiency of nutrient
zinc in the soil affect the productivity of the soil.
b. Blue baby syndrome (nitrate pollution): Nitrate present in the fertilizer
causes blue baby syndrome, when the amount exceeds the limit leads to
death.
c. Eutrophication: Nitrogen and phosphorus in the crop fields washed out by
runoff water in the water bodies, which increases the nourishment of the
lakes called eutrophication. Hence algal species increases rapidly. Life time of
the species is less and they decompose easily and pollute the water which
affects the aquatic life. It is an enrichment of water by nutrient salts that causes structural changes to
the ecosystem.
Continue..
2. Problems in using pesticides
1. Death of non target organism.
2. Producing new pest – super pest
3. Bio magnification – Most of the pesticides are non-bio-degradable, keep on
concentrating in the food chain and it is harmful to human beings.
4. Risk of cancer:
a. It directly acts as carcinogen
b. It indirectly supports immune system.
3. Water logging: Land where water stand for most of the year.
Continue..
Causes of water logging:
1. Excessive water supply
2. Heavy rain
3. Poor drainage
Remedy:
1. Preventing excessive irrigation
2. Subsurface drainage technology
3. Bio drainage trees like Eucalyptus
CASE STUDY- PESTICIDES IN INDIA
In Delhi the accumulation of pesticide in the body of mother causes premature
delivery and low birth weight infant.
Continue..
Pesticides in Pepsi and Coca Cola India has reported that Pepsi and coca
cola companies are selling soft drinks with pesticide content 30-40
times higher than EU limits. This damages the nervous system.
Food Security
• Food security, as defined by the United Nations' Committee on World Food
Security, means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and
economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food
preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
• It is estimated that 18 million people worldwide, most of whom are children, die each
year due to starvation or malnutrition, and many others suffer a variety of dietary
deficiencies.
• The earth can only supply a limited amount of food. If the world’s carrying capacity to
produce food cannot meet the needs of a growing population, anarchy and conflict will
follow. Thus, food security is closely linked with population control through the family
welfare program. It is also linked to the availability of water for farming. Food security is
only possible if food is equitably distributed to all. Many of us waste a large amount of
food carelessly. This eventually places great stress on our environmental resources.
Continue..
• A major concern is the support needed for small farmers so that they
remain farmers rather than shifting to urban centers as unskilled
industrial workers. International trade policies regarding an improved
flow of food across national borders from those who have surplus to
those who have a deficit in the developing world is another issue that
is a concern for planners who deal with International trade concerns.
• ‘Dumping’ of underpriced foodstuffs produced in the developed
world, onto markets in undeveloped countries undermines prices and
forces farmers there to adopt unsustainable practices to compete.
Fisheries
• Fish is an important protein food in many parts of the world. This includes marine
and fresh-water fish. While the supply of food from fisheries increased
phenomenally between 1950 and 1990, in several parts of the world fish catch
has since dropped due to overfishing.
• In 1995 FAO reported that 44% of the world’s fisheries are fully or heavily
exploited, 16% are already overexploited, 6% are depleted, and only 3% are
gradually recovering. Canada had to virtually closed fishing in the 1990s due to
depletion of fish reserves.
• Modern fishing technologies using mechanized trawlers and small meshed nets
lead directly to overexploitation, which is not sustainable. It is evident that fish
have to breed successfully and need to have time to grow if the yield has to be
used sustainably. The worst hit are the small traditional fishermen who are no
match for organized trawlers.
Loss of Genetic diversity
• There are 50,000 known edible plants documented worldwide. Of these only 15 varieties produce
90% of the world’s food. Modern agricultural practices have resulted in a serious loss of genetic
variability of crops. India’s distinctive traditional varieties of rice alone are said to have numbered
between 30 and 50 thousand. Most of these have been lost to the farmer during the last few
decades as multinational seed companies push a few commercial types.
• If plant genetic losses worldwide are not slowed down, some estimates show that as many as
60,000 plant species, which accounts for 25% of the world’s total, will be lost by the year 2025.
The most economical way to prevent this is by expanding the network and coverage of our
Protected Areas. Collections in germplasm, seed banks and tissue culture facilities, are other
possible ways to prevent extinction but are extremely expensive.
• Scientists now believe that the world will soon need a second green revolution to meet our future
demands of food based on a new ethic of land and water management that must be based on values
which include environmental sensitivity, equity, biodiversity conservation of cultivars and insitu
preservation of wild relatives of crop plants.
Alternative food sources
• Food can be innovatively produced if we break out of the current agricultural patterns. This
includes working on new avenues to produce food, such as using forests for their multiple non-
wood forest products, which can be used for food if harvested sustainably.
• Several foods can be popularized from yet unused seafood products such as seaweed as long as
this is done at sustainable levels. Educating women about nutrition, who are more closely involved
with feeding the family, is an important aspect of supporting the food needs of many developing
countries.
• Integrated Pest Management includes preserving pest predators, using pest resistant seed varieties
and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.
• Using unfamiliar crops such as Nagli, which are grown on poor soil on hill slopes is another
option. This crop grown in the Western Ghats now has no market and is thus rarely grown. Only
local people use this nutritious crop themselves. It is thus not as extensively cultivated as in the
past. Popularising this crop could add to food availability from marginal lands. Several crops can
be grown in urban settings, including vegetables and fruit which can be grown on waste household
water and fertilizers from vermicomposting pits.
Conflict over resources
WATER CONFLICTS
1. Conflict through use: Unequal distribution of water led to interstate and
international
disputes.
National conflicts:
a. Sharing of cauvery water between Karnataka and TamilNadu.
b. Sharing of Krishna water between Karnataka and Andrapradesh
c. Siruvani – TamilNadu and Kerala
International conflicts:
Indus – India and Pakistan & Colorado river – Mexico and USA
Assignment
• What are the current conflicts over the resources in India?
• 300 (word count)

• Email: sanaparveen_sch@jamiahamdard.ac.in
Thank You