Question 17Answer in 250 wordsGS1GS1
What are the key strategies used in dryland farming to overcome water scarcity and maximize agricultural production? Also, discuss the need to promote dryland farming in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Introduction
Dryland farming is method of farming in arid and semi arid areas with specific key strategies.
16 words
Main Body
Key strategies used:
1Mulching - keeping the soil covered 30 days → prevents soil erosion & keeps the moisture content in the soil
2NO TILL Zero Till → to till disturbing the soil → using the micro-bioorganism to enhance
3Using natural manures → productivity - low dung (ZBNF); low use of chemical fertilizer
4Holistic development of canal and irrigation system
5Sprinkler or Drip Irrigation → reduces runoff and increased water use efficiency (saves 70% water)
6Estimate smart Agriculture → Cultivating suitable crops three millets (Saiyama)
7Soil amendments → Biochar
Need for dryland farming:
1Water scarcity → Punjab Vidhan Sabha committee said that there will be no groundwater available by 2070 if extraction at this rate continues
2Increased land degradation as per UNCCD → will help achieving land degradation neutrality (Delhi Declaration)
3Increased water use offline efficiency as water intensive and unsuitable crops are cultivated → Rice, Sugarcane & in Punjab & Rajasthan respectively
4Decreased groundwater table → &. CGWB → 6½ dbp in groundwater between 2007-17
5Increased use of chemical fertilizes → Eutrophication & pollution
What needs to be done:
⊳ Drip Irrigation (Atlas & Daltawi canal) - Reduce runoff and increased water use efficiency / saves 70% water
⊳ Crop choice to be adequateMillets & handycrops
⊳ Using natural waysBNF by Sukhas Pullican
230 words3 paragraphs
Conclusion
We need to shift from green Revolution to evergreen revolution for sustainable Agriculture.
13 words
- Clear categorization of strategies
- Explains mechanism of each strategy
- References government scheme (ZBNF)
- Covers both soil and water management
- Mentions environmental benefits
Topper
Anjali Thakur
AIR 432023
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world
Agricultural practices in water-scarce regions
Dryland farming strategies
Writing Stats
259
Total words
3
Paragraphs
informative and technical
Tone