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DROUGHT MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN DRYLAND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Author:
[ Ghaffari ] - Dryland Agricultural Research Institute (DARI)

Abstract:

Dry year as well as wet year is a normal part of climate and occurs in virtually all regions of the world. Recent droughts have illustrated the vulnerability of all parts of the Islamic Republic of Iran to extended periods of precipitation deficiency. Drought preparedness planning has become a widely accepted tool for governments at all levels to apply to reduce the risks to future events. Agricultural drought is a complex phenomenon. Its impacts vary greatly since they depend not only on the magnitude, timing, duration, and frequency of rainfall deficits but also on the differing responses of various soils, plants, and animals to water stress. The essence of good drought management is to use this range of responses to best advantage. In recent years, because of growing human population, soil degradation, decreases in water resources, and future projected climate change scenarios, sustainable agriculture has become an important area of research. Agriculture is probably the most weather-dependent activity. Particular, early drought and terminal drought are predominant in the most crop growing seasons. Thus, an early warning system for sustainable agriculture is very important. Although, the government of Iran and its various agencies has taken steps for drought management, but drought forecasting has not been developed for various growth stages of the crop. This paper provides an outline of drought mitigation strategies in Iran, including breeding crops for drought tolerance, soil management to conserve moisture (minimum tillage, crop rotation, etc.), supplementary irrigation, water harvesting, agro-ecological zoning, establishment of National Committee of Agricultural Aridity and Drought Management within the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture. A brief description of related drought research and management options is included. Future action regarding sustainable agriculture in Iran has also been highlighted.

Keywords:

Agricultural drought, drought mitigation strategies, supplementary irrigation, water harvesting, sustainable agriculture.