Rainfed agriculture covers nearly 60% of cultivated land in India and remains highly vulnerable to climatic risks. Building climate resilience in these areas requires agronomic measures that optimize resource use and reduce production uncertainties.

Agronomic measures:

Drought-tolerant varieties: Adoption of short-duration and stress-tolerant crops like pearl millet, sorghum, pigeon pea, and groundnut ensures yield stability.

Diversification: Intercropping cereals with pulses or oilseeds reduces risk and improves soil fertility.

Soil moisture conservation: Practices such as contour bunding, mulching, and reduced tillage help conserve soil water.

In situ water harvesting: Farm ponds and check dams improve supplemental irrigation availability.

Nutrient management: Use of integrated nutrient management (INM) with biofertilizers and organic manures maintains soil productivity.

Cropping calendars: Adjusting sowing windows as per monsoon onset helps avoid crop failures.

Agroforestry integration: Planting trees on field boundaries reduces evapotranspiration, provides fodder, and improves carbon sequestration.

Pest and disease management: Resistant varieties and biological control methods minimize losses under changing climates.

Livelihood support systems: Combining farming with livestock, poultry, or horticulture ensures resilience in income.

Weather-based advisories: ICT tools and mobile-based services help farmers take real-time decisions on sowing and irrigation.

Conclusion: Climate-resilient agronomy in rainfed areas must integrate scientific innovation with traditional knowledge. Such strategies not only reduce the impact of climate change but also enhance food security and rural income.