Wetland Reclamation in India Linked to High Flood Risks and Limited Agricultural Gains
Wetland Reclamation in India Linked to High Flood Risks and Limited Agricultural Gains
India · Published Oct 17, 2026
• A recent study published in Nature Sustainability highlights the challenges associated with wetland reclamation for agricultural purposes. The research, led by Professor Dong Jinwei from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, examined global croplands reclaimed from wetlands between 2000 and
• It found that these reclaimed lands contributed only 0.1% to global crop production, with no significant yield advantage over existing croplands. Alarmingly, 60% of these areas experienced 'lose-lose' outcomes, where limited agricultural benefits were coupled with high flood exposure. India, along with China and the United States, accounted for 34% of the global hotspots where these trade-offs were most pronounced. The study also revealed that wetland-reclaimed croplands had an average flood-exposure probability 23 times higher than other croplands.

Impact & Risks

The findings indicate significant risks for regions in India where wetlands have been converted into croplands. These areas are highly susceptible to flooding, which could lead to crop damage and economic losses for farmers. The study highlights that wetland reclamation in flood-prone areas compromises the natural flood regulation services provided by wetlands, increasing the vulnerability of local communities. This is particularly concerning for food-importing or low-income regions, where the ecological and economic costs of such practices could exacerbate existing challenges.

Related News