Agronomic research in dryland farming in India: An overview

Dryland farming is as old as agriculture in India. The focused research and development efforts addressing dry land regions started as early as preindependence period. During 1970–87, through All India Coordinated Research Project for Dry land Agriculture (AICRPDA) agronomic research with type experiments emphasized on basic crop production practices, moisture conservation practices, suitable varieties, crops and cropping systems, crop substitution, crop contingency planning, alternate land use systems etc. During post 1987 period, while agronomic research continued in these thematic areas, much thrust was given on ex situ rainwater management for higher water productivity, integrated nutrient management, crop diversification, alternate land use, integrated farming systems, location specific coping strategies for climate variability including crop contingency planning, crop planning as per soil-site suitability, validation of indigenous knowledge, action research for demonstration and or refinement of dryland technologies etc. An attempt has been made to give an overview of the agronomic research carried out in dryland farming with suggestions for the future agronomic research in dryland farming.