Why in the news?

• An innovative experiment has been initiated to grow wheat for the first time in arid land of western Rajasthan using desert ‘soilification’ technology.

Soilification Technology

• What is it?
  • Soilification is an innovative ecological restoration technology developed in China in the 2010s to transform desert sand into arable soil.
  • It aims to combat desertification, enhance land productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture in arid regions.
• Principle
  • Soilisation agent: A paste-like binding material derived from plant cellulose and other polymers.
  • When it is mixed with sand and water:
    • It gives sand soil-like properties such as water retention, fertility, and air permeability.
    • Creates a topsoil layer that can support vegetation growth.
• Applications
  • Desert reclamation: Turning barren deserts into cultivable land.
  • Afforestation & greening projects in arid/semi-arid zones.
  • Agriculture: Growing crops in desertified areas, improving food security.
  • Urban landscaping: Used for greening projects in sandy areas.
• Advantages
  • Cost-effective and scalable.
  • High water efficiency (reduces irrigation needs by 80–90%).
  • Restores degraded ecosystems and mitigates climate change impacts.
  • Potential to reduce dust storms and desert expansion.
  • Supports UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) and SDG 15 – Life on Land.
• Challenges
  • Long-term ecological impacts are still being studied.
  • Requires periodic maintenance and input costs.
  • Risk of over-dependence on technology vs. natural ecosystem balance.
• Significance for India:
  • Beneficial to combat desertification in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and parts of Deccan Plateau.
  • It aligns with the objectives and actions of-
    • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
    • National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
    • National Mission for a Green India
    • Desert Development Programme