India’s battle against land degradation and desertification represents a critical environmental challenge that threatens both ecological stability and food security. According to the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India, approximately 97.84 million hectares of land was affected by degradation and desertification in 2018-19, highlighting the magnitude of this environmental crisis.

Major Causes of Land Degradation and Desertification

• Natural Factors:
  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns accelerate soil erosion and reduce water retention capacity.
  • Wind Erosion: Particularly severe in states like Rajasthan, affecting over 21 million hectares of land.
  • Water Erosion: Leading to soil nutrient depletion and reduced agricultural productivity.
• Anthropogenic Factors:
  • Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and intensive farming.
  • Deforestation: Loss of natural vegetation cover increasing soil vulnerability.
  • Overgrazing: Leading to soil compaction and vegetation loss.
  • Industrial and Mining Activities: Open-cast mining, quarrying, and industrial waste disposal.
  • Urbanisation and Infrastructure Expansion: Encroachment on fertile land, soil compaction, and loss of vegetation cover.

Consequences

• Environmental Impact:
  • Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • Reduced carbon sequestration capacity.
  • Increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
• Socio-Economic Impact:
  • Decreased agricultural productivity affecting food security.
  • Rural-urban migration due to loss of livelihood.
  • Economic losses in agriculture-dependent regions.
• National Security:
  • Pressure on water and land resources can intensify regional disputes.

Strategies Adopted

• Policy Initiatives:
  2023. Implementation of National Action Plan to Combat Desertification (NAP) 2023.
  2024. Target to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 (Bonn Challenge).
  2025. Alignment with SDG Target 15.3 for Land Degradation Neutrality.
  2026. National Mission for a Green India.
  2027. National Afforestation Programme.
• Conservation Measures:
  • Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Implementation of watershed management programs.
  • Development of agroforestry and soil conservation techniques.
  • Use of remote sensing and GIS for monitoring.
• Climate Action:
  • Creation of additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent under Paris Agreement.
  • Integration of climate-resilient farming practices.
  • Promotion of drought-resistant crop varieties.

India’s comprehensive approach through the National Action Plan and commitment to international environmental agreements demonstrates a strong resolve to combat these challenges. The success of these initiatives will be crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and ensuring ecological security for future generations.