Land degradation and economic sustainability

Abstract

Injudicious use of irrigation water due to increased irrigation facilities in some rice-wheat growing regions of northwest India has created the problems of irrigation-induced soil salinity and waterlogging. Apart from disturbing the healthy agri-ecological balance, these soil hazards deteriorate the soil health and fertility status of the soil resulting in low agricultural production, farm income and consequent reduction in farm labour employment. The present study of the Western Jamuna Canal and Bhakra Canal in Haryana (a north-western Indian state) based on a sample of 248 respondents attempts to assess the effect of irrigation-induced soil salinity and waterlogging on farm production, income and employment. The study observed a huge cut in non-land resource use on problem (salt-affected) soils as compared to normal soils, which consequently resulted in low farm production and income. Employment opportunities were also greatly reduced on problem soils.