History & Development of Dryland Farming in India
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.”