Drought

Drought is a temporary reduction in water or moisture availability significantly below the normal or expected amount for a specific period. This condition occurs either due to inadequacy of rainfall, or lack or irrigation facilities, under-exploitation or deficient availability for meeting the normal crop requirements in the context of the agro-climatic conditions prevailing in any particular area.

Drought produces both direct and indirect impacts. Direct impacts or primary impacts are usually physical and include reduced agricultural production; increased fire hazard; depleted water levels; higher livestock and wildlife mortality rates; and damage to wildlife and fish habitats. Indirect impacts include a reduction in agricultural production that may result in reduced income for farmers and agribusiness, increased prices for food and timber, unemployment, reduced purchasing capacity and demand for consumption, default on agricultural loans, rural unrest, and reduction in agricultural employment leading to migration and drought relief programmes.

Types of Drought

1. Meteorological drought

2. Hydrological drought

3. Agricultural drought

Meteorological drought is defined as the deficiency of precipitation from expected or normal levels over an extended period of time. Meteorological drought usually precedes other kinds of drought. According to the legend, meteorological drought is said to occur when the seasonal rainfall received over an area is less than 25% of its long-term average value. It is further classified as moderate drought if the rainfall deficit is 26–50% and severe drought when the deficit exceeds 50% of the normal.

Hydrological drought is best defined as deficiencies in surface and subsurface water supplies leading to a lack of water for normal and specific needs. Such conditions arise, even in times of average (or above average) precipitation when increased usage of water diminishes the reserves.

Agricultural drought usually triggered by meteorological and hydrological droughts, occurs when soil moisture and rainfall are inadequate during the crop growing season causing extreme crop stress and wilting. Plant water demand depends on prevailing weather conditions, biological characteristics of the specific plant, and its season causing extreme crop stress and wilting. Plant water demand depends on prevailing weather conditions, biological characteristics of the specific plant, and its stage of growth and the physical and biological properties of the soil. Agricultural drought thus arises from variable susceptibility of crops during different stages of crop development, from emergence to maturity.

Drought Relief

Following drought declaration, planning and implementation of drought relief and response measures is initiated. It is necessary that these measures are undertaken promptly, so that it would mitigate the hardships faced by the people. Some of the drought relief measures are:

1. Contingency crop planning
2. Relief Employment
3. Water Resource Management
4. Food Security
5. Gratuitous Assistance
6. Relief through Tax Waivers and Concessions
7. Cattle Camps and Fodder Supply
8. Health and Hygiene
9. Institutional Response
10. Financing Relief Expenditure
11. Information Management and Media Coordination
12. Drought Preparedness and Response Checklist

Drought Mitigation

Mitigation means actions that can be taken before or at the beginning of drought to help reduce the incidence or impacts of drought. These measures are important for adapting to climate change, restoring ecological balance and bringing development benefits to the people. Most of these measures are related to integrated soil, water, and forest management and form part of soil conservation, watershed development, and forestry programs.

1. Water Harvesting and Conservation
2. Contour Bunding
3. Water Saving Technologies: Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems
4. Afforestation
5. Crop Insurance
6. Climate Variability and Adaptation
7. Inter-basin water transfer