Significant Features of Dry Farming

Dry farming in India is characterised by the following:

1. Moisture conservation is basic to dry farming. In order to achieve this objective, the field is ploughed repeatedly, especially during the rainy season.

2. Sowing of crops in alternate years or fallowing of land after each harvesting of crop. The fallowing of agricultural land helps in the recuperation of soil fertility.

3. Pulverisation of the soil before sowing.

4. Regular hoeing and weeding of the crop to control weed growth and to conserve moisture. Hoeing is generally done before sun-rise so that the night dew may be mixed into the soil io provide moisture to the crops.

5. Covering of the land with straw to prevent evaporation of the soil moisture and to control soil erosion.

6. Livestock keeping and dairying are also important allied agricultural activities in the dry farming regions.

7. Where ever possible, thrifty use of water.

8. Development and efficient use of solar energy.