1988 - Rainfed Farming | Commemorative Coin

The first commemorative coin of 1988 was issued with the theme ‘Rainfed Farming’ as part of the 8th World Food Day.

Rainfed farming, highlighted under the theme of the 8th World Food Day in 1988, brought global attention to one of the most fundamental yet vulnerable pillars of agricultural production. With the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) placing emphasis on the significance of rain-dependent agriculture, the year served as a reminder of the millions of farmers whose livelihoods rely entirely on the natural rhythm of rainfall. In countries like India, where a large portion of agricultural land is rainfed, the theme underscored the urgent need to strengthen resilience, improve resource management, and promote innovation in regions where water availability remains uncertain and climate variability poses constant challenges.

Rainfed farming represents both a strength and a risk within the global food system. On one hand, it supports a vast share of the world’s cereal production and sustains rural communities that form the backbone of agricultural economies. On the other, its dependence on monsoon patterns and seasonal rainfall exposes it to droughts, delayed rains, crop failures, and soil degradation. The FAO’s focus in 1988 aimed to raise awareness about these vulnerabilities while encouraging countries to adopt strategies that enhance productivity and sustainability. This included promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, improving soil moisture conservation, expanding watershed development programmes, and integrating traditional knowledge with scientific advancements to strengthen agricultural resilience.

World Food Day that year also highlighted the socio-economic dimensions of rainfed regions, where farmers often face limited access to credit, markets, technology, and extension services. By drawing attention to their struggles, the observance emphasized the need to create supportive policies, infrastructure, and community-based initiatives that empower farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The FAO encouraged collaborative efforts between governments, research institutions, and local communities to ensure that interventions were practical, region-specific, and sustainable in the long term.

Rainfed farming remains a crucial focus for food security, especially in developing nations. The emphasis placed in 1988 continues to echo today, reminding the world that strengthening rainfed agriculture is essential not only for boosting food production but also for improving rural livelihoods, reducing poverty, and building climate-resilient societies. The observance of the 8th World Food Day reinforced the understanding that ensuring food security begins with supporting those who cultivate the land under the most unpredictable circumstances.