Released by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
Theme (2025): Impact of human-driven land degradation on agricultural productivity, food security, and ecosystem resilience.
Key Highlights
Land Degradation: Defined as the long-term decline in the land’s ability to provide essential ecosystem services.
Causes:
Natural: Soil erosion, salinization.
Human-induced: Deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable cropping and irrigation.
Major Findings:
Yield Loss: Around 1.7 billion people live in areas where crop yields are 10% lower due to land degradation.
Most Affected: Asia — due to high population and accumulated degradation.
Productivity Loss: Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth has declined since 2000s, especially in the Global South.
Food Security Link: 47 million children under 5 suffering from stunting live in areas with major yield losses.
Ecosystem Impact: Degradation affects crops, livestock, forests, and biodiversity, disrupting climate patterns and ecosystem balance.
Significance for India
India is among the countries facing serious land degradation due to soil erosion, deforestation, and overuse of water.
Supports need for:
oSustainable land management and soil conservation,
oWatershed restoration and climate-resilient farming,
oAfforestation and agroforestry initiatives (e.g. National Mission for a Green India).
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
