Principles and Agro-Climatic Classification
Dry farming operates in regions where crop evapo-transpiration exceeds total precipitation.
Core classification parameters:
- Dry farming: Areas receiving less than 750 mm of annual rainfall, characterized by high crop failure risks and severe moisture stress.
- Dryland farming: Regions with 750 to 1150 mm rainfall, practicing moisture conservation and double cropping where feasible.
- Rainfed farming: Belts receiving more than 1150 mm rainfall where drainage is as important as moisture retention.
In-Situ Moisture Conservation Practices
Capturing every raindrop where it falls is the central agronomic objective of dry farming.
Recommended land management techniques:
- Deep summer ploughing: Opening the soil before summer rains facilitates deep infiltration and breaks hard subsoil crusts.
- Contour bunding and vegetative barriers: Constructing earth bunds and planting vetiver grass along natural contours slows surface runoff.
- Broad bed and furrow (BBF): Raised beds conserve moisture in the root zone while furrows channel excess runoff safely into farm ponds.
- Mulching: Spreading crop straw, dried leaves, or farm residue across soil surfaces shades soil and drastically reduces surface evaporation.
Drought-Resilient Crops and Institutional Support
Selecting crops with deep root systems and low water requirements ensures harvest security.
Recommended crops and institutional support:
- Nutri-cereals and millets: Pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), and sorghum (jowar) tolerate prolonged dry spells.
- Hardy pulses and oilseeds: Moth bean, horse gram, cowpea, castor, and safflower perform reliably in dry soils.
- CRIDA advisories: The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) and National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) issue contingent farm plans.
Official source
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Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the annual rainfall threshold for dry farming?
Dry farming is typically defined as agricultural cultivation in regions receiving less than 750 millimeters of annual rainfall.
Which crops are best suited for dryland agriculture in India?
Drought-tolerant millets (bajra, ragi, jowar), hardy pulses (moth bean, horse gram), and deep-rooted oilseeds like castor and safflower.
What is the role of CRIDA in dry farming?
The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) conducts research, develops resilient crop varieties, and issues weather contingency plans.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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