Wheat Cultivation in Desert

Context:

Researchers at the Central University of Rajasthan successfully cultivated wheat in the Thar Desert using bioformulation-based desert “soilification” technology with high water-retention capacity.

Biotechnological Innovation for Combating Desertification

Background and Rationale

Desertification Challenge: Western Rajasthan’s Thar Desert has been expanding towards the National Capital Region due to degradation of the Aravalli ranges, changing rainfall patterns, and sand dune spread.
Agricultural Stress: Harsh desert ecology, unscientific plantation, and limited water resources restrict cultivation in the region.
Innovation Need: Ensuring food security and preventing land degradation necessitated scientific intervention.

Technology and Experimentation

Bioformulation Development: Researchers used an indigenous bioformulation that enhanced water retention, cross-linked sand particles, and stimulated beneficial microbial activity.
Pilot Experiment: Conducted at Banseli village, Ajmer district, with wheat-4079 variety. Wheat grown on 1,000 sq. m desert land required only three irrigations.
Yield Outcome: Harvested 26 kg wheat per 100 sq. m with a 1:20 seed-to-harvest ratio—double compared to untreated desert soil.
Irrigation Efficiency: Reduced irrigation cycles from 5–6 (normal agriculture) to 4.

Field Trials and Expansion

Extended Experiment: Conducted on 400 sq. ft. sand plot at CUoR campus with bajra, guar gum, and chickpea, resulting in 54% higher yield.
Institutional Support: Backed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and Rajasthan Horticulture Department for scaling field-level trials.
Future Plans: To expand cultivation to millet and green gram, potentially replicating the model across arid zones of India.

Significance of the Innovation

Agricultural Potential: Demonstrates that barren desert land can be transformed into productive soil through biotechnology.
Water Conservation: Reduced irrigation needs highlight sustainable water use in water-stressed regions.
Food Security: Provides scope for enhancing crop diversity and productivity in semi-arid and arid ecosystems.
Climate Change Mitigation: Offers a method to counter desertification processes accelerated by ecological degradation.

Desertification in India

As per ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas (2018), ~30% of India’s land is degraded, with Rajasthan being one of the most affected states.
Drivers: Deforestation, overgrazing, water scarcity, unsustainable agricultural practices, mining.
Policy Response: India has committed to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 under UNCCD.