Soil moisture is the most limiting factor in dryland agriculture. It is lost as evaporation from the soil surface and as transpiration from the plant surfaces. The evaporation losses can be reduced by: Mulches, Anti transparent, Wind breaks and Weed control. Anti-transparent is any material applied to transpiring plant surfaces for reducing water loss from the plant. These are of four types: Stomatal Closing, Film forming, Reflective and Growth retardant. Water conservation through Construction of bunds and tanks for reducing the scarcity, improve infiltration through, Control of runoff through: Land shaping, Land levelling, Other land configuration practices like growing of vegetative barrier, bonding, ridge and furrow system against slope. Dry land fruit trees being deep rooted and hardy, can better tolerated monsoonal aberrations than short duration seasonal crops. Rainwater harvesting can support sustained food production in rain fed regions by: Supplementing irrigation: During periods of low rainfall, stored rainwater can be used to supplement irrigation, ensuring a continuous water supply for crops. conservation tillage, deep tillage, conservation farming, contour farming, mulching, growing of cover crops, and strip cropping.

Dr Prem Baboo thank you for your contribution to the discussion

To improve crop yield in arid and irrigated regions, as well as to promote sustainable development in water-deficient areas, it is necessary to adopt a range of technologies and techniques. Here are some significant strategies: Methods to Improve Crop Yield in Arid Regions: Drought-Resistant Crops: Genetically Modified Crops: Crops that have been genetically altered to have the ability to survive in dry environments. Conventional Breeding: Creating drought-tolerant cultivars by carefully selecting and mating plants with desirable traits. Techniques for managing water: Drip Irrigation: Efficiently provides water directly to the plant roots. Mulching: Conserves soil moisture by minimising evaporation. Rainwater harvesting refers to the process of collecting and storing rainwater specifically for the purpose of irrigation. Soil management: Conservation tillage minimises soil erosion and preserves moisture. Soil amendments involve the addition of organic matter or other substances to enhance the structure and water-holding capacity of the soil. Agroforestry refers to the practice of integrating trees and shrubs with agricultural crops or livestock in order to create a sustainable and productive land-use system./ Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to increase soil health and water retention. Precision Agriculture: Using GPS and remote sensing technology to optimize field-level management about agricultural farming. Cover Cropping: Growing cover crops during the off-season to protect and enhance soil quality. Agro Technologies for Sustainable Development in Rain-Fed and Water-Scarce Areas: Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Coordinating the management of water, land, and related resources to promote economic and social wellbeing without compromising the sustainability of ecosystems. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Practices that boost production and resilience to climate change while minimising emissions. Agroecological Practices: Applying ecological concepts to agriculture, such as crop diversification, using natural pest predators, and boosting biodiversity. Efficient Water Use Technologies: Subsurface Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to the root zone, decreasing evaporation. Soil Moisture Sensors: Help farmers apply water more efficiently based on soil moisture levels. Conservation Agriculture: Minimal soil disturbance (no-till farming), maintaining soil cover, and crop rotations. Biotechnologies: Developing crops that are more resilient to drought, pests, and diseases through genetic engineering. Solar-Powered Irrigation: Using solar energy to power irrigation systems, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and boosting sustainability. Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Mobile apps and platforms that supply farmers with real-time data on weather, soil health, and market prices. Agroforestry Systems: Combining agriculture and forestry to generate more diverse, productive, and sustainable land-use systems. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. Implementing these technology and techniques can considerably boost productivity and sustainability in dry-land, rain-fed, and water-scarce agricultural settings.

Dr Abhishek Kumar thank you for your contribution to the discussion