Which one among the following is the major reason for low agricultural productivity in dry regions of India?

The major reason for low agricultural productivity in India's dry regions is the heavy dependence on an erratic monsoon. Dryland farming, which covers about 60% of India's net cultivated area, relies entirely on rainfall and soil moisture [4]. These regions are characterized by uncertain and erratic rainfall, late onset or early withdrawal of the monsoon, and prolonged dry spells during critical crop growth stages [4]. Such climatic variability leads to frequent moisture stress, making water the most limiting factor for crop production. While factors like small landholdings, rural indebtedness, and financial constraints exist, they are often secondary consequences or exacerbated by the inherent risks of rainfed agriculture [3]. The high variability of rainfall (25-60%) in these fragile ecosystems directly results in low and unstable yields compared to irrigated areas [3].

Sources

1. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Dry land farming > p. 359
2. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > DRY FARMING > p. 101
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > DRY FARMING > p. 102