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.

Dr. 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.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Dryland and Rainfed Agriculture

Chapter 2. Types and Characteristics of Dryland/Rainfed Agriculture

Chapter 3. History of Dryland Agriculture in India

Chapter 4. Problems and Prospects of Dryland Agriculture in India

Chapter 5. Soil and Climatic Conditions of Dryland Areas

Chapter 6. Length of Growing Period (LGP)

Chapter 7. Soil Moisture Availability (SMA) and Its Impact

Chapter 8. Soil and Water Conservation Techniques

Chapter 9. Drought: Types and Characteristics

Chapter 10. Effect of Water Deficit on Plants

Chapter 11. Crop Adaptation and Drought Mitigation

Chapter 12. Water Harvesting: Importance and Concepts

Chapter 13. Techniques of Water Harvesting

Chapter 14. Efficient Utilization of Water

Chapter 15. Crops and Cropping Systems in Dryland Areas

Chapter 16. Crop Management in Dryland Conditions

Chapter 17. Contingent Crop Planning

Chapter 18. Rainfall Analysis and Weather Forecasting

Chapter 19. Watershed Management

Chapter 20. Alternate Land Use Systems and Sustainable Dryland Farming