The Indo-Gangetic Plain Region (IGPR) entirely depends on the waters from these major river systems of Yamuna, Ganga, Sutlej, Indus, Kosi, Ravi etc. It is a vast space and home to many rivers and their tributaries. It is the world?s most extensive tract of uninterrupted alluvium. Deep, river-deposited sediments give rise to very fertile soils. These plains are one of World?s most intensely farmed areas. Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, cotton and several different types of crops are grown here.
The IGPR receives, on an average, annual rainfall of 150 cm (east) and 50 cm (west). By 2050 this at least 50% of Indo-Gangetic plain which is a ideal low-rainfall, irrigated and temperate region will become heat-stressed, short season area. The conditions here will start looking like Sudan or Nigeria. The reduced yields will affect 200 million people.
This area is considered one of the very vulnerable and high-risk areas in future for water shortages due to a growing population and climate change. This area is already under stress with increasing competition for land, and by the rapidly deteriorating agricultural and water systems. Any changes in rainfall, groundwater or weather patterns will affect this highly vulnerable area and will affect the food production in this area throwing the resource-poor population into chaotic conditions. The IGP will primarily be affected by the glacier melting impacts and heat waves and extreme climates. The overall rainfall pattern is not expected to change too much.