Dryland Farming in India: Meaning, Techniques, and Dry Farming Crops

Table of Content

• Introduction
• Meaning of Dryland Farming
• Dryland Farming in India
• Techniques of Dryland Farming
• Dryland Farming Crops in India
• Challenges Faced in Dryland Farming
• Government Support for Dryland Farming
• Conclusion

Introduction

Dryland agriculture is a farming practice in which farmers opt for the arid and semi-arid regions and cultivate a variety of crops which are drought resistant. It is a farming practice which is dependent upon the rainfall, and hence, sometimes it is interchangeably referred to as rainfed farming. In both these types, irrigation is excluded. However, you should not construe both as one and the same. They both are vastly different. Let us understand what exactly dryland agriculture is, including its techniques, and major dry farming crops in India.

Meaning of Dryland Farming

Dryland farming is a major type of agriculture practiced in India. In simple words, dryland farming means the practice of growing crops in arid and semi-arid areas or in areas with deficient rainfall. And in its broadest terms, it means the use of land in all its phases under semi-arid conditions. Sometimes, it is interchangeably referred to as rainfed irrigation as dryland agriculture depends upon vagaries of rainfall. Also, it excludes irrigation.

Now, you might have a question in your mind, what is dry farming? How dry farming and dryland farming are different? To answer your question both types of farming practices are done in semiarid regions of India, but they differ in accordance with the rainfall received in semi-arid areas. See below:

Dry Farming: It is the practise of growing crops in areas where rainfall received is less than 750 mm per annum.

Dryland Farming: This is practised in areas receiving more than 750 mm of rainfall in a year.

Rainfed Farming: It is practised in areas receiving more than 1150 mm of rainfall per annum.

Dryland Farming in India

Dryland farming is an age-old practice in India, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, where farmers used to grow crops on terraced fields that were carefully designed to catch and conserve rainfall.

In modern times, dryland farming techniques have evolved to maximize the use of available water resources, and farmers have come up with innovative ways to grow crops and raise livestock in arid and semi-arid regions.

Dryland farming is a major agricultural practice in India, where it is used to produce a variety of crops, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables.

In India, dryland farming accounts for a significant portion of the country's agricultural output, particularly in the dry regions of the Deccan Plateau, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Dryland Farming Areas in India

In India, almost 128 districts are identified as dry farming regions. Among these, around 91 districts are situated in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh.

The remaining 37 districts are situated in Central Rajasthan, the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, and the rain shadow region of Western Ghats.

Moreover, the widely used tractor models in these dryland regions are Mahindra Yuvo 575 DI 4WD and Sonalika Mahabali RX 42 Puddling Special, among others.

Techniques of Dryland Farming

There are several techniques that are used in dryland farming. These techniques are designed to conserve water and improve crop yields. Some of the most common techniques include conservation tillage, mulching, water harvesting, and drip irrigation, among others.

Conservation Tillage

Conservation tillage is a type of tillage that minimizes soil disturbance. It helps to conserve water and prevent soil erosion.

Mulching

Mulching is the technique of protecting the soil with a layer of organic matter, such as straw or leaves. It helps to conserve water, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility.

Water Harvesting

Water harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater. The conserved water can then be used to irrigate crops during dry periods. However, the rainfall in the dryland area must be around 250 mm (10 inches) per year.

Drip Irrigation

It is a type of irrigation system that supplies water directly to the roots of plants. This method of irrigation is very efficient, and it can help to conserve water.

Contour farming

It involves planting crops across the slope of the land to reduce soil erosion and increase water retention.

Dry Farming Crops in India

There are several crops that are well-suited for dryland farming. These crops are able to tolerate drought conditions and produce high yields with limited water. Some of the most common dryland farming crops include:

Cereals

Cereals, such as wheat, maize, and rice, are major crops in dryland farming. These crops are able to tolerate drought conditions and produce high yields with limited water.

Millets

These are small-seeded grasses that are highly tolerant to drought and are a staple food in many parts of India. Some of the common millets grown in dryland areas include sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet.

Pulses

Pulses, such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans, are another major crop in dryland farming. These crops are a good source of protein and can help to improve soil fertility.

Oilseeds

Oilseeds, such as mustard, rapeseed, and sunflower, are valuable crops in dryland farming. These crops can be used to produce oil, which is a valuable commodity.

Vegetables

Vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, can also be grown in dryland areas. These crops are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help to improve the diet of people in dryland areas.

Challenges Faced in Dryland Farming

Dryland farming is a challenging agriculture practice. Farmers in dryland areas face a number of challenges, including:

Drought

Drought is the most serious challenge facing dryland farmers. Drought can cause crop failures and economic hardship.

Low Soil Fertility

Dryland soils are often low in fertility. It can limit crop yields and make it difficult to grow crops.

Erosion

Erosion is a major problem in dryland areas. Wind and water can erode soil, which can reduce crop yields and make it difficult to grow crops.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can be the primary issue in dryland areas. These pests and diseases can damage crops and reduce yields.

Government Support for Dryland Farming

The Indian government provides several programs and services to support dryland farming. These programs and services include:

Extension Services

The government provides extension services to farmers in dryland areas. These extension services provide farmers with information on improved farming practices, such as conservation tillage and water harvesting.

Credit

The government provides credit to farmers in dryland areas. This credit can be used to purchase inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Insurance

The government provides insurance to farmers in dryland areas. This insurance can help to protect farmers from financial losses caused by drought and other natural disasters.

Conclusion

Dryland farming is a major agricultural practice in India. It is a challenging farming practice, but the government provides several programs and services to support dryland farmers. With the right support, dryland farmers can produce high yields and improve the livelihoods of people in dryland areas.

We hope this blog is helpful enough to learn what dryland farming is and its meaning. To learn more about agricultural practices in India, stay tuned for the Tractorkarvan blogs.