This study was carried out to estimate the economic losses caused by land degradation in different agroclimatic zones of Rajasthan. The economic losses were calculated by using an estimation model based on the amount of degraded land in each zone multiplied by the total value of output per hectare. Economic losses due to land degradation in the state as a whole ` 55.24 billion per year at 2017-18 prices. The highest losses were reported in the flood-prone eastern plain (` 10.67 billion) and the lowest in the Luni basin transitional plain (` 1.37 billion). The magnitude of economic losses in Rajasthan varied according to the severity of degradation, climatic factors, farming activities (including the number of crops cultivated and crop productivity) across agro-climatic zones.

Highlights

• Rajasthan loses ` 55.24 billion every year at 2017-18 prices in terms of the economic losses due to land degradation.
• In Rajasthan the highest economic losses were observed on the flood-prone eastern plains zone due to higher agricultural activities.
• Wind erosion (55.91%) and water erosion (42.26%) contribute major portion to total land degradation in Rajasthan.
• Rajasthan loses ` 55.24 billion every year at 2017-18 prices in terms of the economic losses due to land degradation.
• In Rajasthan the highest economic losses were observed on the flood-prone eastern plains zone due to higher agricultural activities.
• Wind erosion (55.91%) and water erosion (42.26%) contribute major portion to total land degradation in Rajasthan.