Drought in Indian perspective, its impact on major crops and livestock and remedial measures

Drought is one of the important natural disasters which lead to maximum severity to human among all others. The vulnerability increases with the resource poor nature of developing and under developing nations. Considering the extent of rainfed area in India, the vulnerability to drought is higher compared to other peer nations. It has implications on agriculture, livestock, fisheries, rural employment, human nutrition and health. However, the impact initiates with crop production and encompasses livestock in medium term which has severe economic implications for farmer. Therefore, it is desirable to present an extensive study on the impact of drought on major crops and livestock in India. Further, we have also emphasized on the remedial measures to be followed for crop production and livestock.