Pune: Crop diversification, with a focus on oilseeds and pulses, will be a key strategy of the state agriculture department to reduce dependence on water-intensive crops amid worsening drought conditions, officials told TOI as they prepared to launch the month-long “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, from Oct 22 to Nov 30.“Oilseeds and pulses are expected to be central to the efforts. The campaign will also focus on improvements in soil health, balanced fertiliser use, natural farming and water conservation,” state agriculture commissioner Suraj Mandhare said.The initiative comes amid a crippling drought, which has spread to 305 of the state’s 358 talukas. A senior agriculture official said crop-cutting results indicated tens of thousands of farmers are now likely to lose more than 50% of their harvest. “And the situation is particularly bad in Marathwada, Vidarbha and some pockets of western Maharashtra,” the official said, adding conditions now looked worrisome even for the rabi season.“That’s why this campaign is important. We will encourage farmers to plant oilseeds and Jowar wherever water is available. If they do not get a harvest, they will at least have fodder for their animals,” the official said.Crop diversification is particularly important in drought-prone Marathwada, Vidarbha and parts of western Maharashtra where erratic rainfall and declining groundwater levels have repeatedly caused crop losses. Agricultural experts have called for shifts to jowar, bajra, pulses and oilseeds in areas with limited water availability, although their suitability depends on local soil conditions, rainfall patterns and market demand. A recent assessment by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), based on groundwater and cropping-pattern data, highlighted the mismatch between water demand from existing cropping systems and water availability in several states, including Maharashtra. ICAR recommended location-specific diversification towards relatively less water-intensive crops, supported by efficient irrigation and locally appropriate farming practices.Narhari Shivpure, president of Marathwada Pani Foundation, highlighted the economic realities behind crop choices. “Farmers cultivate sugarcane when water is readily available because sugar mills provide logistical support and assured prices through the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) mechanism. Pulses and cereals, in contrast, expose farmers to greater uncertainty over prices and marketing. Therefore, it is difficult and challenging to convince farmers to opt for these crops,” added Shivpure.Experts argued diversification cannot succeed through awareness campaigns alone. They said farmers need dependable procurement arrangements, better access to markets and financial incentives to move away from established crops.Officials said the upcoming “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” will also promote efficient use of rice-fallow land after paddy harvesting, crop-residue management, integrated pest management and micro-irrigation under the ‘Per drop more crop’ approach. But experts and activists TOI spoke to said merely asking farmers to switch crops without addressing input costs, price volatility and procurement challenges could limit participation.“For instance, farmers considering pulses or oilseeds need access to suitable seeds, timely technical guidance and reliable buyers. Short-duration and drought-tolerant varieties, intercropping and soil-moisture conservation can further reduce the risks associated with uncertain rainfall,” said Shripad Lonari, an activist from Western Maharashtra.Water conservation must also complement changes in cropping patterns, the experts said, while calling for more farm ponds, better rainwater harvesting, recharge and drip or sprinkler systems. “But irrigation investments need to be aligned with local hydrological conditions to prevent further depletion of groundwater,” said Anil Ghanwat, an agriculture activist.
