Rain water harvesting techniques to improve crop productivity in rainfed areas

Abstract

Rainfed agriculture accounts for 92.8 m ha or 65% of total cultivated area which contributes about 44% of total food grain production and it supports 40% human and 60% livestock population. Rain water harvesting (RWH) can be done by two methods, in-situ and ex-situ. Among in situ mulching, broad bed and furrow (BBF), zay system and contour cultivation are prominent one. Cover crop and crop residue significantly reduces run off and soil loss under field conditions. In ex-situ watershed, check dams, microcatchments, farm ponds and microirrigation are promising one for soil and water management.