Dryland farming, which refers to agricultural practices in regions with annual rainfall less than 750 mm, is vital for food and livelihood security in arid and semi-arid zones of India. However, it faces several major challenges. The primary issue is erratic and scanty rainfall, which leads to frequent droughts and crop failures. Soil erosion, moisture stress, and low organic matter content further reduce productivity. Additionally, the lack of irrigation infrastructure, credit access, and technological adoption hampers efficient farming. The region often lacks resilient crop varieties and timely weather forecasts, making decision-making difficult for farmers.

To overcome these constraints, several techniques are employed in dryland farming. In-situ moisture conservation methods like contour plowing, ridge and furrow systems, and mulching help retain soil moisture. Rainwater harvesting through farm ponds and percolation tanks is promoted for supplemental irrigation. Cultivation of drought-resistant and short-duration crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds is widely practiced. Techniques like intercropping, agroforestry, and conservation tillage improve land productivity and resilience. Furthermore, integrated nutrient management (INM) and soil health cards are used to optimize input use. For ICAR exams, understanding the agro-ecological classification, contingency crop planning, and watershed management approaches is crucial, as these form the basis of sustainable dryland agriculture.

Stay updated with C4S Courses.