Barmer District of Rajasthan: Spearheading paradigm shift in land utilization in Thar Desert.

Gaur, Mahesh Kumar; Goel, R. K.

The depletion of groundwater resources has resulted in the conversion of hectares of irrigated double-cropped land into single-cropped or wasteland areas, posing a significant threat to agricultural sustainability. This trend is expected to worsen in the future, jeopardizing the livelihoods of local farmers. Rainfed farming, once a mainstay for peasants, is now becoming less reliable, leading to a gradual decline in interest among farmers. Illegal, unscientific, and unplanned mining activities have further exacerbated the situation, causing environmental degradation, disrupting natural drainage systems, and creating additional wastelands. Farmers often struggle to sustain crop plants and generate economic returns amidst these challenges. To address these issues, there is a need to promote animal husbandry-based major and micro-farming systems in rainfed areas. Key strategies for the development of the district include implementing innovative integrated farming systems based on livelihood models, enhancing water productivity, ensuring equitable and judicious use of water resources, adopting scientific and environmentally friendly methods for mineral resource exploitation, rehabilitating and developing degraded lands, and fostering traditional skills and related enterprises.

GROUNDWATER; WASTE lands; SUSTAINABILITY; AGRICULTURE; ANIMAL culture

Current Agriculture, 2024, Vol 41, Issue 1, p11

0254-1092

Academic Journal

10.61080/CA/V41/i1/2024/11-17