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desertification: New farming technology to Combat land degradation in Rajasthan
What is desertification and what causes it?
Desertification is the gradual process through which fertile land turns arid and loses its productivity. In Rajasthan, the problem has been intensifying due to multiple factors, including:
• Irregular and scanty rainfall
• Expansion of sand dunes
• Unscientific plantation and farming practices
• Overgrazing and deforestation
• Continuous degradation of the Aravalli ranges
What are the effects of desertification?
The consequences of desertification are severe, both environmentally and socially:
• Shrinking cultivable land and reduced food security
• Falling groundwater levels and rising water scarcity
• Loss of biodiversity and pastureland, forcing migration and poverty
• Expansion of the Thar Desert towards densely populated regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR)
What are the general solutions to desertification?
To tackle desertification, long-term and sustainable measures are essential. Some proven strategies include:
• Afforestation and protection of natural barriers like the Aravalli ranges
• Soil conservation methods such as check-dams, contour bunding, and mulching
• Efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems
• Sustainable land management supported by community-driven conservation programs
How does the new technology address desertification?
Researchers at the Central University of Rajasthan (CuOR) have introduced an indigenous bioformulation-based soilification technology. This innovation improves the fertility of sandy soils by:
• Enhancing water retention capacity
• Binding loose sand particles to strengthen soil structure
• Supporting beneficial microbial activity that improves plant stress resistance
Where was this tested and what were the results?
The new technology has shown promising results in field trials:
First trial (Banseli village, Ajmer district – edge of Thar Desert):
– Wheat was cultivated using only three rounds of irrigation instead of the usual five to six.
– From just 13 kg of wheat seeds, farmers harvested 26 kg of grain on a 1,000 sq. m plot (April 2025).
Second trial (with bajra, guar gum, and chickpea):
– Yields were recorded 54% higher in bioformulation-treated soil compared to untreated land.
What is its broader significance?
The success of these experiments proves that barren desert land can be converted into productive farmland. If implemented on a larger scale, this technology can:
• Slow down or even halt the westward spread of the Thar Desert
• Enhance food and water security in arid regions
• Create livelihood opportunities for rural communities
• Serve as a model for desert-affected regions across India and the world