This book provides a comprehensive explanation of rainfed farming, dryland agriculture, and watershed management concepts. Despite utilizing all available water resources for irrigation, approximately half of the cultivated land will still rely on rainfall. With limited scope for expanding cultivated areas, meeting future food demands becomes an immense challenge. It is within this context that the significance of dryland agriculture emerges.
Indian agriculture relies heavily on the monsoon, making water crucial for sustainable development. Unequal distribution of the global average rainfall (about 1000 mm) contributes to disparities in agriculture and socio-economic conditions. Around 70% of India's agriculture depends on rainfall, producing nearly 44% of the food and supporting 40% of the human and 60% of the livestock population. Even with full irrigation potential, half of cultivated land still relies on rain. Approximately 30% of the country is prone to drought and water scarcity, posing challenges for rainfed agriculture. Inefficient water use affects other inputs, emphasizing the need for resource management and indigenous systems.
This book serves as a valuable resource for farmers, students, and scholars by providing guidance on various aspects of rainfed agriculture, dryland farming, and watershed resource management techniques. It aims to optimize the use of irrigation water and foster sustainable agricultural development. Additionally, it caters to the needs of graduate and postgraduate students studying agriculture, offering specific insights relevant to their designated course on rainfed agriculture and watershed management.