Course Content
Crop Production (Unit 6)
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ASRB NET / SRF / Ph.D. Agronomy

History & Development of Dryland Farming in India

  1. Ancient & Traditional Background
  • Dryland farming in India is as old as agriculture itself, since a large part of the country receives limited rainfall.
  • Farmers in semi-arid regions traditionally practiced millet-based subsistence farming, with hardy crops like sorghum, bajra, ragi, pulses, and oilseeds.
  • Traditional practices included fallowing, mixed cropping, intercropping, contour bunding, and use of bullock-drawn implements to conserve soil and water.

 

  1. Post-Independence Era (1947–1960s)
  • After independence, focus was mainly on irrigated agriculture (Green Revolution crops like wheat and rice).
  • However, nearly 70% of India’s cultivated area remained rainfed, highlighting the need for dryland farming research.

 

  1. Institutional Development

(a) 1923 – First Dry Farming Station

  • First dry farming research station established at Manjri, Pune (Maharashtra) by the then Bombay Government.
  • Objective: Improve dryland crop varieties and promote practices like contour bunding & mixed cropping.

(b) 1923–1947

  • Dry farming stations opened in Bijapur, Solapur, Rohtak, Raichur, and other semi-arid regions.
  • Work was limited and fragmented; focus on sorghum, pearl millet, pulses, and oilseeds.

(c) 1950s–1960s

  • Establishment of Dry Farming Research Schemes under State Agricultural Universities (SAUs).
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recognized dryland agriculture as a priority.

 

  1. National Programs & Projects

(a) 1970 – All India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA)

  • Launched by ICAR to conduct location-specific research on dryland problems.
  • Coordinating unit initially at Hyderabad (later became CRIDA).
  • Network of dryland research centers across India.

(b) 1983 – Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad

  • Established as a nodal institute for rainfed & dryland farming research.
  • Coordinates AICRPDA, NICRA (National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture), and watershed management programs.

(c) Technology Mission on Oilseeds (1986)

  • Focused on boosting oilseed production in dryland areas (groundnut, sunflower, safflower, mustard).

(d) Watershed Development Programs (1990s onwards)

  • ICAR & Ministry of Agriculture launched National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA).
  • Emphasis on integrated soil and water conservation, agro-forestry, and livelihood security.

 

  1. Present-Day Importance
  • India has the largest area under rainfed farming in the world (~85 million ha).
  • Dryland areas contribute:
    • ~40% of total food grain production.
    • ~75% of pulses.
    • ~90% of millets.
    • ~80% of oilseeds.
  • Current research focuses on:
    • Climate-resilient varieties (drought & heat-tolerant).
    • Water harvesting & watershed-based systems.
    • Sustainable intensification of dryland cropping systems.

 

Quick

  • 1923 – First Dry Farming Station at Manjri (Pune).
  • 1950s – Dry farming schemes under SAUs.
  • 1970 – AICRPDA launched.
  • 1983 – CRIDA established, Hyderabad.
  • 1986 – Oilseed Mission launched.
  • 1990s – Watershed Development Programs.
  • Present – NICRA & sustainable dryland farming focus.

 

Exam Tip (ASRB NET):

  • Remember Manjri, 1923 (first station),
  • AICRPDA, 1970, and CRIDA, 1983 as key milestones.
  • Quote stats: “Drylands cover ~70% of cultivated area, contribute ~40% to food grains.”

 

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