Farmer’s Perception of River Water contamination in India: A Case study of Rohini River in Maharajganj, India

Abstract

Background: River water is an indispensable natural resource supporting economic and social development. River has largely been exploited for supplying water for human consumption, livestock drinking, irrigation and other purposes. Despite these benefits, in developing countries, rivers are subjected to various anthropogenic and natural sources of pollution. Hence, the present study aimed to capture farmers’ perception of river water contamination and its impact on farm productivity and human health. Methods: A comprehensive field survey was carried out in the villages of Maharajganj district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India from 1 September to 30 September 2021. One control village (polluted) and one uncontrolled (non-polluted) village were selected using a multistage sampling technique. In totality, 1 state, 1 district, 1 Tehsil, 1 Development Block, 2 villages and 100 samples were selected. Result: The results from the study show that farmers are well aware of river water contamination. Hence, the present study recommends the following policy measures. First, a necessity for proper policy, training, and more information on health precautions as well as on food safety in using contaminated river water. Second, when formulating relevant measures, differentiated should be taken for different groups of farmers. Lastly farmers with high dependence on cultivated land may need the most attention.