Ans. Dryland agriculture refers to farming practices in regions with limited and erratic rainfall, where water is a key constraint for crop production. In India, approximately 65% of the arable land (about 140 million hectares) is rainfed, making dryland agriculture critical to the nation’s food security. These areas experience water deficits, high evaporation rates, and low soil moisture, making farming conditions harsh. Despite these challenges, dryland farming can improve soil fertility and contribute to mitigating hunger and malnutrition by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Challenges in Dryland Agriculture

1. Soil and Moisture Constraints:
   • Soil Types: Semiarid regions are characterized by alfisols and vertisols. Alfisols are highly prone to drought stress due to low moisture retention, while vertisols, with their higher water-holding capacity, are less vulnerable to water deficits.
   • Soil Degradation: Salinization is a significant issue, especially in coastal or irrigated drylands, leading to reduced soil fertility and crop yields. Over time, the fertility of soils diminishes, making farming less viable.
2. Water Management Issues:
   • Water Erosion: Central India’s mountainous and undulating terrains experience severe water erosion, which reduces the soil’s ability to retain moisture.
   • Water Logging & Salinity: Poor irrigation practices and inadequate drainage result in waterlogging, which is exacerbated by excessive irrigation. This, along with the problem of salinity, further degrades soil quality and hampers crop productivity.
3. Crop Selection and Economic Viability:
   • Limited Crop Range: Dryland farming is often restricted to drought-resistant crops such as oilseeds, pulses, and coarse grains like bajra. These crops have lower economic returns compared to more water-intensive crops.
   • Profitability Issues: Due to the limited profitability of dryland crops, farmers face economic challenges. Crop diversification and the introduction of more profitable drought-resistant varieties could address this imbalance.

Conclusion

Dryland farming faces significant challenges due to soil moisture deficits, water erosion, and salinity issues. However, watershed-based approaches focusing on water and soil conservation have shown promise in improving productivity. Implementing dryland farming technologies, including water-efficient irrigation systems, soil fertility management, and crop diversification, can help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance soil carbon.