Administration of Desert and Drought-Prone Arid Areas

Book Details:

• Author: Rakesh Hooja

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2009

• ISBN: 8131602427

• Pages: 353

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches

About the Book:
The development of desert and drought-prone arid areas is a crucial challenge for India, especially for regions dependent on rainfed and dry farming. This comprehensive volume addresses key topics such as desert development, arid zone agriculture, watershed and “watershed plus” initiatives, water use in semi-arid regions, drought management, and sustainable rural development.

The book examines a wide spectrum of subjects, including:

• Scientific and planned approaches to combating desertification

• Monitoring desertification and assessing its social impact

• Grassland management, forestry, and agriculture in arid zones

• Watershed development programs, including the role of government, panchayats, and community-based organizations

• Water harvesting projects and effective land-water management

• Crop optimization, agriculture marketing, and drought prediction

• Administrative approaches for desert and drought-prone regions, including area development authorities and integrative delivery systems

With 24 insightful articles by experts and practitioners, divided into four thematic sections, and a concise editorial introduction, this book is an essential reference for those engaged in rural development, desert administration, environmental planning, and sustainable agriculture.

About the Author:
Rakesh Hooja, Ph.D. (Social Sciences), is a senior IAS officer with extensive experience in land-water management, decentralization, and development administration. He has served in key positions in the Government of India and Government of Rajasthan, and as Vice Chancellor, Rajasthan Agricultural University.

He has authored or edited 24 books and 21 monographs, along with over 375 articles, research papers, and reviews. Two of his books have received Government of Rajasthan awards. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of “Prashasnika” and Editor of ASTI Journal of Training & Development, besides serving on several editorial boards.

Co-editor R.K. Chobisa, Associate Professor at HCM Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration, Jaipur, is a national resource person in training design and management and has conducted professional training in India and the UK.

This authoritative volume is an indispensable resource for policy makers, researchers, NGOs, and students interested in desert and drought-prone area development in India.