ABSTRACT
The arid zone of India covers about 12% of the country’s geographical area and occupies over 31.7 mha of hot desert and about 7 m ha under cold desert. However, diversified farming system, including crops, animal husbandry, horticulture, agroforestry and silvi-pasture is more remunerative and eco-sustainable than mere crop cultivation. Considering the importance of diversification in existing farming system in the arid zones, several studies were undertaken in arid Kachchh region of Gujarat and combinations of arable crop, horticulture and tress based diversified cropping system have been developed, demonstrated and validated on the farmers fields. Castor in the intercropping system produced 900 kg/ha and sesame 320 kg/ha. Water resources in Kachchh region are very limited. The minimum depth to ground water is 10-20 m. The discharge from open well is poor. The excessive groundwater exploitation has led to increased salinity and deepening of ground water.
