Strategies of optimizing crop production in rainfed areas

Abstract

 The paper develops a conceptual model of crop production system in rainfed area with an objective to develop appropriate package of practices for maximising production. The model visualises the arable land as a water storage element from which water is depleted over time due to its utilization in crop growth and is replenished by rains. If the rains are scant the water reservoir in the soil is unable to support the crops. The paper proposes how to seek the best crop yields under moisture conditions sometimes unfavourable to them in varying, degrees. The model comprises five elements besides the natural input in terms of seasonal rains and designed strategies involving rate of fertilizer application, choice of harvest time, cultural practices and possible irrigation through stored rainwater. The five elements of the system are: (i) a region under cultivation, (ii) soil sub-system, (iii) kharif soil crop sub-system, (iv)rabi soil-crop sub--system, and (v) reservoir for run-off water from rain. The outputs of the system are crop yields and the crop wastes both of which are usable and have a value. With the known system characteristics, strategies for optimizing the crop yields can be designed using the system model proposed in this paper.