India outlines strategy to revitalize dryland farming with water harvesting and digital tools

India has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to enhance productivity in dryland farming areas, which account for a significant portion of the country's agricultural output. The approach integrates traditional water conservation methods such as farm ponds with modern digital solutions including AI-powered chatbots to provide farmers with real-time guidance.

The initiative aims to address challenges specific to rain-fed agriculture, where water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall patterns have long constrained yields. By combining infrastructure development with technology-driven advisory services, the government seeks to improve soil health, water retention, and crop productivity across dryland regions.