Abstract:
Droughts, in India, occur every year at varying intensities. It results due to high temporal and spatial variations in rainfall and climatic conditions. About 68 percent topography of the country is prone to drought of varying degrees. The economic, environmental and social impact of drought varies with the regional topography and other conditions. The loss in agriculture due to drought adversely affects the income of farmers and their purchasing power. Lack of drinking water supply and food insecurity, lack of fodder, reduction in sale of livestock, depletion of soil moisture and ground water table, malnutrition, starvation etc. are other possible impacts. India has created an institutional mechanism that ensures coordinated action between various ministries and institutions. Communities, gram sabhas, volunteer organizations, etc. play a significant role in drought management through their participation; Application of traditional values and knowledge has reduced its adverse impact on public at large scales. However, these efforts need more emphasis on environmental protection and management practices at the micro level, like rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, basin or water conservation. Incorporation of advanced technologies in farming operations like rainwater harvesting and its appropriate use, in-situ moisture conservation, drought management strategy, seed and fodder banks, timely and accurate farming and ICT techniques in effective agriculture and advisory system would be helpful in rain-fed areas of western Rajasthan. Drought can be effectively countered by their appropriate use, which would certainly benefit small and marginal farmers. So, mitigation of drought disaster is possible through good management techniques.
