Sustainable Agriculture in Saline Coastal Belt of West Bengal

Abstract

In recent times Sundarbans along with parts of South and North 24 Parganas are severely facing the crisis of fresh and suitable water required for agriculture. Factors like the frequent occurrence of cyclones over the Bay of Bengal, inundation of saline water from the sea, narrowing of river bed, and improper drainage system are all contributing to agricultural difficulties in southern deltas. Agriculture is the main and the only mean of survival for the rural people of Sundarbans, but the farmers are facing serious challenges in cultivating high yielding crops due to soil salinity, entrapping them in financial loss. Hence the purpose of this project is to find out the threads and challenges that are hampering the livelihoods of the people of Sundarbans and look for alternative studies which are sustainable to provide alternative agricultural sources for the farmers of Sundarbans and coastal areas of Bengal. This will help to increase financial gains and also will give ways to sustain the lives of the farmers. Preliminary it was found that river embankment and inundation of oceanic waves in coastal lands had lead to saline ingression in the mainland and thereby increased the soil salinity. Salt build up on agricultural land has lead to crops damage by preventing them from absorbing water and stunting its growth. For example yielding of boro rice has been severely affected by increased soil salinity in groundwater impacting the livelihood of the boro farmers. We looked for traditional methods of agriculture practiced in ancient India to analyze its importance in promoting soil tolerant cultivation in southern deltas of West Bengal and a sustainable agriculture.