Climate change effects and adaptation measures for crop production in South-West coast of Bangladesh

Derek Clarke,M Jahiruddin,M Zulfikar Rahman,Mohammad Asadul Haque,Rajib Jodder,Tapan Kumar

doi:10.3329/ralf.v3i3.30727

Abstract

A survey was conducted to determine the effect of climate change on crop production and water quality in 12 villages of Deluty and Garaikhali unions under Paikgacha upazila of Khulna district, Bangladesh. Total of 100 farmers were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The climatic hazards as reported on the study area are salinity, cyclone, drought, hailstorm, river erosion and waterlogging, of them salinity is the most dominant hazard. Due to salinity the cropping system has undergone changes. Many crops and varieties have been either extinct or their cultivation has come down. Both soil and water are severely affected by salinity. Most of the farmers (90%) use pond water for irrigation and the majority farmers use pond and rain waters for drinking purpose. Results of the present study serves as a good basis for in-depth study to achieve successful crop production in the south west coastal area of Bangladesh.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(3): 369-378, December 2016

Highlights

Bangladesh is often cited as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world (MoA and FAO, 2013)
Crop agriculture is often constrained by different hazards and disasters such as floods, droughts, soil and water salinity, cyclones and storm surges (MoEF, 2009).Salinity is a great constraint to growing crops, especially in rabi season when water and soil salinity arises and reaches to the peak in March-April before monsoon starts (Haque et al, 2008, 2014)
Haque (2006) reported that most of the coastal areas are located over medium highlands, where flooding depth ranges from 0.3-0.9 meter

Summary

Introduction

Bangladesh is often cited as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world (MoA and FAO, 2013). The country often experiences natural disasters as an effect of climate change, in coastal areas. The main crop grown in the saline areas is local transplanted aman rice which has low yield potential. Haque (2006) reported that most of the coastal areas are located over medium highlands, where flooding depth ranges from 0.3-0.9 meter. This category of land is suitable for the minimum two crops and three crops could be possible if some suitable interventions are done. Kim et al, (2016) described that the decrease in crop yields with the increase in the salinity of irrigation water was caused by disturbances in physiological and biochemical activities under saline conditions

Methods

Results

Conclusion