What do you mean by dryland agriculture? List the issues related with dryland agriculture.

Introduction:

A Simple Introduction about dryland agriculture

Dryland agriculture refers to farming practices conducted in regions characterized by limited soil moisture and high rates of evapotranspiration, resulting in a continuous water deficit throughout the year. In India, approximately 65 per cent of the arable land, totalling around 140 million hectares, falls under rainfed or dryland agriculture. Despite its prevalence, dryland farming faces several challenges that impact productivity and sustainability.

Body:

The following information in the body of your answer might be appropriate

Issues associated with dryland agriculture include:

Soil and Moisture Management

• Variability in soil types, with alfisols and vertisols being predominant in semi-arid regions, while inceptisols and entisols are found in river basins and desert areas.
• Crops grown in alfisols are highly susceptible to drought stress, whereas vertisols possess better water-holding capacity, reducing drought vulnerability.
• Water erosion poses a significant threat in mountainous and undulating terrains of Central India.
• Salinization contributes to soil degradation, particularly in areas affected by irrigation.

Environmental Changes: Waterlogging and Salinity

• Waterlogging and salinity exacerbate soil degradation issues, often stemming from overirrigation, poor drainage systems, and improper irrigation practices.
• These problems adversely affect dryland crops, leading to reduced yields and economic losses.

• Dryland agriculture primarily yields oilseed pulses and coarse grains such as bajra, limiting dietary diversity.
• The profitability of dryland crops is often low, leading to economic imbalances for farmers and potentially discouraging investment in dryland agriculture.
• Crop substitution may offer alternatives but requires careful consideration of market demand and ecological suitability.

A Balanced answer in your conclusion should be there 

Addressing the challenges of dryland agriculture requires holistic approaches that encompass soil and moisture management, environmental sustainability, and diversification of crops. Watershed-based strategies show promise for conserving water and soil resources. Additionally, the adoption of technologies tailored for dryland farming can mitigate climate change impacts and enhance resilience, ultimately contributing to food security and economic well-being in dryland regions.

Other Related Topics

Contribution of Drylands to Indian Agriculture

Importance of dry land farming