Scientific Endeavours for Natural Resource Management in India

Natural resource management (NRM) based on scientific principles plays a crucial role for an inclusive and sustainable growth in India. The shrinking per capita natural resources leads to intensive land use and results in further environmental degradation. This calls for developing agroecoregion-specific land-use plans based on homogeneity in soil, water and climatic features in a particular region and managing a particular land unit on watershed basis involving the local community. This article consolidates information on the science-based efforts made by the Government of India through various scientific establishments and science-led development schemes for NRM over time. Despite the existence of a number of institutions for NRM research, there is hardly any coordination across the Departments and Ministries. The missing links in NRM research are discussed in this article keeping in view the emphasis of the government and the importance of natural resources in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in India.