Energy consumption pattern of rice and wheat in Jabalpur

Abstract

Efficient energy utilization is crucial for improving food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability in agriculture. This study emphasizes the role of renewable energy sources and enhanced input efficiency in bridging the gap between current and sustainable agricultural practices. An analysis was conducted to assess energy consumption patterns in rice and wheat cultivation in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, focusing on strategies to enhance energy efficiency. Rice and wheat, key contributors to India's food security, occupy a significant share of the cultivated area. Energy input-output analysis, covering both direct (diesel, electricity, human labour) and indirect (fertilizers, seeds, machinery) energy forms, was employed to evaluate sustainability. Results showed that energy input was higher for rice (69,800.47 MJ ha⁻¹) than wheat (69,800.47 MJ ha⁻¹), with fertilizers, irrigation, and electricity as major contributors. Nitrogen and phosphorus inputs were greater in rice (7,272 and 666 MJ ha⁻¹, respectively), while potassium input was higher in wheat. Diesel consumption was also higher in rice (5,659.5 MJ ha⁻¹), while human labour and machinery energy use were comparable for both crops. Energy output was greater for rice, yielding 143,350 MJ ha⁻¹ compared to 116,000 MJ ha⁻¹ for wheat, largely due to higher grain and straw production. These findings provide a basis for promoting more energy-efficient and sustainable agricultural practices in major staple crops.