Dry Land Agriculture - 1 | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Dry-Land Agriculture

Dryland farming involves agricultural methods suited for cultivating crops without the need for irrigation. Drylands are characterized by low soil moisture, high evapotranspiration rates, and a persistent water deficit throughout the year. These regions are susceptible to droughts and typically have limited water resources. Dryland farming in India encompasses rainfed agricultural practices that primarily focus on cultivating low water-demanding crops in the arid and semi-arid tropical areas of the country. This type of farming is typically practiced in regions that are less conducive to non-irrigated agriculture.

There are three categories of dryland agriculture based on the amount of rainfall:

• Dry farming:
  • Involves crop production in areas with an annual rainfall of less than 750 mm.
  • Crop failures are more common due to extended dry periods during the crop season.
  • Typically practiced in arid regions of India.
• Dryland farming:
  • Involves the cultivation of crops in areas where the annual rainfall exceeds 750 mm.
  • Although dry spells may occur during the crop growth period, crop failures are less frequent.
  • This category includes semi-arid regions.
• Rainfed farming:
  • Encompasses crop cultivation without irrigation in areas receiving 1150 mm of rainfall, primarily in sub-humid and humid regions.
  • Crop failures and water stress are less likely in these areas.

How is it done

Dryland farming involves a range of techniques and management practices that farmers use to adapt to varying moisture conditions within a single crop cycle.

• Capturing and conservation of moisture:
  • Early ploughing and harrowing operations are carried out to capture initial showers.
  • Additional ploughing and harrowing take place during the rainy season to allow for deeper soil penetration of heavier rains.
  • These operations help prevent moisture loss through evaporation.
• Preventing runoff and conserving moisture:
  • Field terracing is employed to prevent rainwater runoff.
  • Weed management is crucial as weeds can compete for and absorb soil moisture.
  • Leaving crop residues on the field provides shade to the soil, reducing evaporation.
• Effective use of available moisture:
  • Seed planting depth and timing are carefully chosen to ensure seeds are placed where sufficient moisture exists or will be available when seasonal precipitation occurs.
  • Drought-tolerant and heat-resistant crop varieties are favored, even if they yield less.
• Soil conservation:
  • Dryland farming is vulnerable to erosion, particularly wind erosion.
  • Erosion control measures like windbreaks, reduced or no-tillage, straw or mulch spreading, and strip farming are employed to minimize topsoil loss.
• Control of input costs:
  • Dryland farming is practiced in regions with an inherent risk of crop failure due to insufficient moisture.
  • Farmers monitor crop potential throughout the season and adjust inputs like fertilizer and weed control.
  • Input efforts may be increased in years with abundant moisture to maximize yields and compensate for poor harvests.