Despite significant investments in water conservation and drought management, Jharkhand continues to grapple with a severe drought problem. The latest “Yearly Weather Report-2022 (Jharkhand)” from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) paints a troubling picture, with the state receiving only 817.6 mm of rainfall, a significant 20 percent below the normal average.

Recurring Drought Causes:

1. Heavy Reliance on Rainfed Farming: An alarming 92 percent of Jharkhand’s sown area depends on rainfed agriculture. Moreover, a staggering 82 percent of the annual rainfall is concentrated solely during the monsoon season, making the state highly vulnerable to fluctuations in monsoon patterns.
2. Climate Change: Changing climate conditions play a pivotal role in the increased frequency and severity of droughts, compounding the challenges faced by the state.
3. Diminishing Water Bodies: Improper management and a lack of comprehensive planning have led to the drying up and disappearance of water bodies, further exacerbating the drought crisis.

Impacts of Drought:

The far-reaching impacts of recurring droughts in Jharkhand are evident in multiple ways:

1. Farmer Distress: The harsh consequences of drought have forced many villagers to migrate. They seek better prospects elsewhere due to agricultural losses and a lack of livelihood opportunities.
2. Land Degradation: The loss of soil moisture has caused significant land degradation. According to the Indian Space Research Organization’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India, Jharkhand holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest area under desertification and land degradation in the country. This concerning trend was observed for the period 2011-13.
3. Rural Migration: The harsh consequences of drought have forced many villagers to migrate. They seek better prospects elsewhere due to agricultural losses and a lack of livelihood opportunities.

Response to the Drought Problem:

To address Jharkhand’s persistent drought issue, several strategies are recommended:

1. Crop Diversification: It is advisable to heed the suggestions made by NITI Aayog in 2015.
   • Approximately 70 percent of the sown area during the kharif season is devoted to rice.
   • This area often remains fallow during rabi.
   • The transition to Direct Seeded Rice, especially using shorter-duration varieties, can achieve two key benefits:
   • Optimizing land usage.
   • Creating opportunities for cultivating other crops, such as short-duration oilseeds (rapeseed, mustard, linseed), pulses (gram, lentil, pea), and vegetables.
2. Community Involvement: In light of the changing climate and the projected increase in disease burden in central India, including Jharkhand, there is a pressing need to engage local communities. Involving them in the planning and design of decentralized systems for source sustainability is a vital step towards drought mitigation and preparedness.

Conclusion

Jharkhand’s persistent drought problem is a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures. These measures are crucial to ensure water security and agricultural sustainability. By embracing strategies such as crop diversification and community participation, the state can build resilience. This resilience is essential in the face of changing climate patterns. Furthermore, it can significantly reduce the vulnerability of its farmers to drought-related distress.

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