Authored By: Pankaj Kumar
ISBN: 9789367558225
Binding: Hardback
Year of Publishing: 2026
Imprint: CONTENT VIBES
Pages: 380
Language: English
Length: 229
Breadth: 25
Height: 152
Weight: 0
Dryland / Rainfed Agriculture and Watershed Management provides a comprehensive understanding of farming systems practiced under limited and uncertain rainfall conditions. The book systematically covers the concepts, characteristics, history, problems, and future prospects of dryland and rainfed agriculture, along with detailed discussions on agro-ecological environments, soil moisture dynamics, drought, and climate-related challenges. Special emphasis is given to soil and water conservation, water harvesting, efficient water utilization, cropping systems, contingent crop planning, and weather forecasting for sustainable crop production.
The book also highlights watershed management principles, integrated resource management, and alternate land use systems for improving productivity and resilience in dryland regions. Practical approaches such as drought mitigation strategies, conservation farming, agroforestry, and allied enterprises are included to promote sustainable livelihoods. Written in a clear and student-friendly style, the book is highly suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, extension workers, and professionals in agronomy, soil science, watershed management, and sustainable agriculture.
Introduction to Dryland and Rainfed Agriculture
Types and Characteristics of Dryland/Rainfed Agriculture
History of Dryland Agriculture in India
Problems and Prospects of Dryland Agriculture in India
Soil and Climatic Conditions of Dryland Areas
Length of Growing Period (LGP)
Soil Moisture Availability (SMA) and Its Impact
Soil and Water Conservation Techniques
Drought: Types and Characteristics
Effect of Water Deficit on Plants
Crop Adaptation and Drought Mitigation
Water Harvesting: Importance and Concepts
Techniques of Water Harvesting
Efficient Utilization of Water
Crops and Cropping Systems in Dryland Areas
Crop Management in Dryland Conditions
Contingent Crop Planning
Rainfall Analysis and Weather Forecasting
Watershed Management
Alternate Land Use Systems and Sustainable Dryland Farming
Pankaj Kumar is presently working as Project Coordinator at the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (CIMMYT), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from C.S. Azad Agricultural University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agronomy (both with first-class distinction) from R.A.U, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. During his academic journey, he received various scholarships and fellowships to support his education.
He has more than a decade of experience in the field of Agronomy as a Scientist in the CIMMYT system. He is a dedicated professional committed to uplifting rural farmers’ incomes and enhancing their knowledge of new agricultural technologies through FLDs, OFDs, training programs, and technology transfer. His work covers diverse areas such as residue management, direct-seeded rice (DSR), zero-tillage wheat, mechanical rice transplantation, maize-based intercropping systems, seed replacement, seed production, organic farming, crop diversification, weed management, and fertilizer management.
Dr. Kumar has published numerous research papers, book chapters, technology leaflets, and edited books. He has been conferred with several prestigious honors, including the Popular Extension Worker Award, Excellence in Extension Award, Outstanding Agronomist Award and Outstanding Achievement Award. He continues to pursue research and extension work for the benefit of rural farmers.