Lok Sabha Question No. 2687 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Scientific Study on the problem of Sem in Rajasthan
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Kuldeep Indora

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2687

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON THE PROBLEM OF SEM IN RAJASTHAN

## 2687.  SHRI KULDEEP INDORA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any scientific study or survey to find the source and extent of Sem problem in the State of Rajasthan, if so, the details and key findings thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that the problem of Sem is continuously increasing in Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts of Rajasthan rendering thousands of hectares of fertile land swampy and barren and the livelihood of farmers is being affected;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the short-term and long-term measures taken/being taken so far by the Government to address this issue and preserve agricultural land; and
- (e) the details of the schemes proposed to be implemented by the Government in future?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a): Yes. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) has carried out a comprehensive assessment of soil salinization in the state. The  study  revealed  that  approximately  1,95,571  hectares  in  Rajasthan  are  affected  by  soil salinity (Sem problem). The key findings indicate that the occurrence of Sem is primarily due to impeded drainage, excessive irrigation, and the consequent rise in groundwater table, which leads to the upward movement and accumulation of salts on the soil surface.

OIH

(b) & (c): Yes, the Government is aware that the problem of Sem in the Sri Ganganagar and Hunamangarh  districts  of  Rajasthan.  This  resulted  in  the  swamping  and  degradation  of productive agricultural land, thereby impacting the livelihood of farmers in these districts. The assessment by ICAR indicated that nearly 5,397 hectares in Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts are affected by Sem.

(d) & (e): ICAR  suggests  short-term  and  long-term  measures  to  address  this  issue  and preserve agricultural land.

The short-term measures include assessing soil conditions to locate waterlogged and saltaffected areas, improving drainage to remove excess water, managing irrigation efficiently to reduce  salinity  buildup,  using  mixed  water  sources  to  limit  crop  stress,  and  promoting  salttolerant crop varieties to sustain agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.

The long-term suggested technologies include installing subsurface drainage systems for long-term  reclamation,  using  bio-drainage  through  deep-rooted  and  high-transpiration  tree species  to  naturally  lower  groundwater  levels,  and  adopting  agroforestry  models  with  salttolerant tree species to rehabilitate soils, enhance ecosystem services, and provide diversified income.

ICAR promotes these measures/technologies through trainings, demonstrations, campaign etc. Soil Health & Fertility Scheme is being implemented since 2014-15 to provide Soil Health Cards (SHCs) for all farm holdings for improving productivity & soil fertility including Sem affected areas.

********