Why in News?
Researchers at the Central University of Rajasthan successfully grew wheat on arid desert land using desert soilification technology with an indigenous bioformulation, demonstrating reduced irrigation needs, higher yields, and potential to combat desertification in western Rajasthan.
Description:
- Desertification in India: Accelerating in western Rajasthan due to:
- Degradation of Aravalli ranges
- Spread of sand dunes
- Rainfall variability & climate change
- Unscientific plantation and land misuse
- Threat: Expansion of Thar desert towards the National Capital Region (NCR).
Soilification Technology:
- Process: Modification of desert sand into soil using polymers + bioformulation.
- Functions:
- Enhances water retention
- Cross-links sand particles → improves soil structure
- Stimulates microbial activity → improves stress resistance of crops
Wheat Experiment (Ajmer, 2024–25):
- Crop: Wheat-4079 (indigenous variety)
- Area: 1,000 sq. m in Banseli village, Ajmer
- Sown: 13 kg seeds → Harvest: 260 kg wheat
- Yield ratio: 1:20 (double compared to arid zone without technology)
- Irrigation: Only 3–4 cycles (vs 5–6 normally)
Other Crops Tested:
- Bajra
- Guar gum
- Chickpea
- Results: 54% higher yield in bioformulation-amended sand (vs normal desert soil).
Institutional Support:
- Lead: CUoR Dept. of Microbiology (Prof. Akhil Agrawal & team)
- Partners:
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
- Rajasthan Horticulture Department
Significance:
- Helps combat desertification (UNCCD relevance).
- Promotes climate-resilient agriculture in arid zones.
- Reduces water use in farming.
- Increases food security in barren desert regions.
- Example of applied science → societal impact.
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