Impact of ineffective measures on the increasing land degradation in a monsoon‐dominated region of India: Issues and policy implications

Abstract

AbstractLand degradation is a phenomenon that affects many environment, including drylands, resulting in a long‐term decline in ecosystems and productivity loss in agriculture. Asia has the highest ranked position in land degradation, followed by Africa and Europe, respectively. In more than 100 countries, 2.6 billion people are suffering from land degradation, and more than 33% of the Earth's land surface is under desertification. Various natural causes are drought, tsunami, earthquake, fire, flood, etc., while anthropogenic causes are land degradation through land clearance, overgrazing, planting of unsuitable species, wrong agricultural practices, inappropriate irrigation schemes, urban sprawl, and pollution from industries. The implications and effects of land degradation have reduced the productivity of agricultural land, damaged basic resources and ecosystem functions, and caused biodiversity losses. The main aim of this study is to identify the impact of ineffective measures on land degradation in a monsoon dominated region of India. In our this study, we have applied the Indian soil erosion model to predict soil erosion due to the implementation of structural and non‐structural measures. Our study finally found non‐structural measures effective for the health of the soil. Implementation of sustainable agriculture practices can reduce environmental effects without affecting productivity. This research we hope will be beneficial to local and global policymakers and those developing regulations to manage the land degradation process.