What are barani areas?

Barani areas refer to regions in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, characterized by rain-fed agriculture. These areas receive limited rainfall, primarily between 250 to 800 millimeters annually, making them dependent on seasonal rains for crop production. The term "barani" translates to "rain-fed" in Urdu, and farmers in these regions often cultivate drought-resistant crops suited to the variable climatic conditions. Due to their reliance on rain, barani areas face challenges such as soil erosion and water scarcity.