Drought Management in India

Climate change is the primary cause of droughts in India, as it leads to changes in precipitation patterns and increased temperatures, resulting in reduced water availability.

Western India, particularly the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, is the most prone to droughts due to its arid and semi-arid climate, low rainfall, and high evaporation rates.

Drought cycle refers to the occurrence of two or more consecutive droughts, often separated by periods of normal or above-normal rainfall.

Maharashtra has the highest number of drought-prone districts in India, with 26 out of its 36 districts classified as drought-prone.

The primary objective of drought management in India is to mitigate the impacts of droughts by implementing measures to reduce water scarcity, improve water conservation, and enhance agricultural resilience.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body responsible for coordinating drought management efforts in India, including the formulation of policies, guidelines, and strategies.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is the flagship program launched by the Indian government to address drought-prone areas by promoting efficient water use, expanding irrigation coverage, and enhancing water conservation.

Johad is a traditional water conservation technique used in India, particularly in Rajasthan, to collect and store rainwater during the monsoon season for use during dry periods.

Drought-tolerant farming refers to the practice of planting crops that require less water and are more resistant to drought conditions, thereby reducing the impact of droughts on agricultural production.

Maharashtra has implemented a successful rainwater harvesting program called 'Jalyukt Shivar' to address drought conditions, which involves the construction of small dams, ponds, and other structures to capture and store rainwater for agricultural and domestic use.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is the Indian government scheme that provides financial assistance to farmers affected by droughts, floods, and other natural calamities, by providing insurance coverage for their crops.

Drought preparedness in India involves a combination of early warning systems, drought monitoring, vulnerability assessment, and other measures to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of droughts.

Water use efficiency refers to the process of reducing water consumption and increasing water efficiency in agriculture by adopting practices such as drip irrigation, mulching, and crop rotation.

Gujarat has implemented a successful drought mitigation program called 'Sujalam Sufalam Jalabhiyan', which involves the construction of check dams, ponds, and other water conservation structures to improve water availability during droughts.

Per Drop More Crop is the Indian government initiative that aims to promote sustainable water management practices in agriculture, with a focus on increasing crop yields while reducing water consumption.