How do the farmers cope with salinity on the Southwestern coast of Bangladesh?

Abstract

Salinity is one of the major disasters faced on the southwestern coast of Bangladesh, and it causes a lot of damage in the agriculture sector. This study explores the impact of salinity on agriculture in coastal areas. It outlines the strategies adopted by farmers and the government to overcome the adverse effects of salinity on agriculture. Using qualitative methods, data are collected from Raruli Union in Paikgaccha Upazila of Khulna district, Bangladesh. Findings show that salinity spread in most of the cultivable land due to Cyclone Aila, which struck on May 25, 2009. Aila caused extensive damage to fruits, forestry, and fisheries in the region. Many cultivable lands have become fish ghers due to salinity, and the farmers are leaving the agricultural production and are willing to involve themselves in the gher business after Aila. Some farmers are leaving farming and moving to different occupations (garments, brick kilns). The government has already undertaken a project to repair the coastal embankments and dig dead rivers to overcome this saline effect. Farmers are also taking collective strategies to resolve this problem, such as preparing land for 3-5 days before cultivation, irrigating the land with fresh water, and not leaving the land for a long time. The study argues that indigenous strategies help coastal farmers cope with salinity-induced problems, but government support is needed to increase their farming capacity. The study suggests that medicine for livestock, fisheries and poultry to combat viral diseases, salinityresilient vegetables, rice varieties, and the supply of virus-free small fry to fishermen, raising awareness among the farmers, and providing training are needed to minimize the effect of salinity.