Definition, Concept, and Characteristics of Dry Land Farming

Dry land farming is the cultivation of crops in the regions with annual rainfall more than 750 mm and crop growing season of 75–120 days with shortage of moisture availability. Single crop/multi-cropping systems are followed in these areas. Dry spells and crop failure are less frequent. However, wind erosion/water erosion are the main constraints of dry land areas. In these regions, maximum quantity of water is conserved by soil and water management practices. Dry land agriculture occupies 60% of cultivated area and supports 40% of human population and 60% livestock population and thus plays a distinct role in Indian agriculture. Rainfed area constitutes more than 90% of the area under sorghum, groundnut, and pulses, 82 to 85% under maize and chickpea, 78% under cotton, 65.8% under rapeseed/mustard. Moreover, 61.7, 44.0, and 35.0% area under rice, barley, and wheat, respectively, is rainfed.