Natural Resource Management Problems and Prospects

摘要

Sustainable agricultural development largely depends on scientific management of land and water resources without environmental degradation to meet food, nutritional and environmental security of the nation.Widespread land degradation (36.5% of total geographical area), spatial and temporal variability of monsoon rainfall resulting in frequent drought and floods, deteriorating soil health, poor input (nutrient and water) use efficiency and low water productivity are some of the major constraints affecting the agricultural production and productivity in the country. Micro level land use planning, development of location specific bio-engineering soil and water conservation measures, reclamation of salt affected and waterlogged soils, amelioration of acid soils, integrated nutrient management, adoption of resource conservation technologies, conjunctive use of rain, surface and groundwater resources, adoption of efficient and energy saving irrigation methods, multiple use of water and participatory watershed management including agro-forestry interventions are some of the viable technological options available for sustainable natural resource management. These technologies coupled with application of geo-informatics, information and communication technology as well as climate smart agricultural practices may go a long way in managing natural resources vis-a- vis improving land, water and crop productivity.