Dry agriculture, or dryland farming, refers to farming practices in regions with minimal rainfall, typically less than 750mm annually. In India, dry agriculture is practiced across large semi-arid and arid areas, where farmers rely on rain-fed methods and drought-resistant crops to sustain agricultural productivity. Major dryland regions include parts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Given the water scarcity in these regions, dry agriculture training emphasizes water conservation, soil management, and sustainable crop choices.
Key Features of Dry Agriculture
1. Drought-Resistant Crops: Crops suited for dryland farming are hardy, with low water requirements, deep root systems, and short growth cycles.
2. Soil and Water Conservation: Conservation techniques, including mulching, reduced tillage, and organic matter additions, help maintain soil moisture and fertility.
3. Minimal Dependence on Irrigation: Dryland farmers rely on natural rainfall, so efficient moisture retention and water conservation practices are essential.
Popular Crops in Indian Dry Agriculture
In dryland regions, crop selection focuses on hardy varieties that can thrive in low moisture:
- Cereals: Jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), ragi (finger millet), maize.
- Pulses: Chickpea, pigeon pea (arhar), black gram (urad), and green gram (moong).
- Oilseeds: Groundnut, sesame, and safflower.
- Commercial Crops: Cotton, guar (cluster bean), and certain spices like cumin in areas like Rajasthan.
For organizations like the Farmer Development and Farming Producer Company Limited, this type of training can offer valuable alternatives for farmers practicing dry agriculture, helping to preserve their traditional methods while promoting soil conservation, biodiversity, and economic resilience.