Drought resilience and soil degradation in drought-hit Districts of Karnataka: The relevance of regenerative farming

Karnataka's agricultural sector is tackling significant challenges due to recurring droughts, rising temperatures, unstable rainfall, and soil degradation, particularly in drought-hit districts. These environmental challenges have caused a drop in crop production and increased risk for farmers. This article explores the interrelations between drought, temperature, rainfall, Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Moisture Index (SMI), and soil degradation in Karnataka, highlighting how these factors contribute to changes in agricultural output. It also discusses the role of regenerative farming as a long-term approach to mitigate these challenges. Farmers in Karnataka's drought-prone areas are increasingly adopting regenerative farming practices, including cover cropping, reduced tillage, crop rotation, and agroforestry. These practices are proven to enhance soil health, boost water retention, and strengthen resilience against climatic extremes, presenting a hopeful route for sustainable agriculture in the state.