Desertification is caused by poor land management such as over-cropping, over-grazing, improper irrigation practices, and deforestation. Desertification is exacerbating climate change events, which, in turn, are causing even greater degradation such as an inability to absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxideThe country’s Green Revolution pockets are especially prone to desertification resulting from the cultivation of wheat and paddy. India has pledged to restore 5 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. From 15 per cent in 1991, land degradation increased to 24 per cent in 2008. Currently, 12 million hectares per year are becoming degraded.

Source: The Hindu April 04, 2022 00:51 UTC