Percentage of India's Landmass Degraded as of 2019

According to the UNCCD's (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) data, as of 2019, approximately 9.45% of India's landmass was degraded. This means that a significant portion of the country's land has been negatively affected by various forms of degradation, such as soil erosion, deforestation, desertification, and land pollution.

Factors Contributing to Land Degradation in India

Several factors contribute to land degradation in India, including:

1. Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and industrial activities leads to the loss of valuable vegetation cover, which in turn increases the vulnerability of the land to erosion and degradation.

2. Soil Erosion: Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as overgrazing, improper irrigation, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, can accelerate soil erosion. This results in the loss of fertile topsoil, reducing agricultural productivity and further exacerbating land degradation.

3. Desertification: Certain regions in India, particularly in the arid and semi-arid zones, are prone to desertification. This process involves the gradual transformation of productive land into desert-like conditions, often due to climatic factors and human activities.

4. Land Pollution: The improper disposal of solid waste, industrial effluents, and chemical pollutants contaminates the soil, rendering it infertile and unsuitable for agricultural or other productive purposes.

5. Urbanization and Industrialization: The rapid expansion of cities and industrial areas leads to the conversion of agricultural land into built-up areas. This process not only reduces the availability of arable land but also contributes to increased pollution and environmental degradation.

Impact of Land Degradation

The degradation of land in India has several adverse consequences, including:

1. Reduced Agricultural Productivity: Land degradation affects the fertility and productivity of soil, leading to lower crop yields and food shortages. This can have a significant impact on the livelihoods of rural communities and exacerbate poverty and hunger.

2. Loss of Biodiversity: Degraded land often results in the loss of plant and animal species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This can disrupt ecosystems, affect ecological balance, and reduce the availability of important resources and ecosystem services.

3. Increased Poverty: Land degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly those dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. The loss of productivity and income from degraded land can further perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

4. Climate Change: Land degradation contributes to climate change by releasing carbon stored in the soil, reducing its capacity to act as a carbon sink. Additionally, degraded land is more susceptible to flooding and erosion, exacerbating the impacts of extreme weather events.

Efforts to Combat Land Degradation

Recognizing the seriousness of land degradation, the Indian government has implemented various measures to combat this issue. These include:

1. Soil Conservation: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as terracing, contour plowing, agroforestry, and the use of organic fertilizers, to reduce soil erosion and