|
Since about 89% of the population in
Sundarban
is dependent on agriculture, the socio-economic
development in the region is also directly related to
support & advancement in agriculture. Resultantly it is
one of the major thrust areas of the Board.
The problem of agriculture in Sundarban is intimately
related to salinity and water logging and
scarcity of irrigation. Inadequate drainage during
monsoon, affects the yield of paddy crop
adversely.
A huge
portion of land remains fallow during dry season because
of shortage of fresh water for irrigation. Moreover,
most of the holdings belong to the small and marginal
farmers who
operate farming activities with low investment. As a
result of a series of interventions e.g. better drainage
system created, early release of land, increased
irrigation potential and promotional activities of
extension programme, the productivity as well as
cropping intensity in the area has been distinctly
raised. The Board has been implementing the agricultural
programme for marginal and small farmers, Bargadars & Pattaholders through supply of improved
agricultural inputs in the rabi season. Support has
also been provided during Kharif season for raising HYV
paddy.
Under the programme, improved seeds and fertilizers are provided to the
beneficiaries against a very small (about 10% of
the actual cost) Token Money. The beneficiaries
are selected by the Growth Centers of the Board
in consultation with the local Panchayats and NGOs.
Cultivation of cotton and mushroom (only for
women beneficiaries) has benefited the rural folk.
Sapota plants have been distributed amongst
school students to transplant in their respective
homestead area. The 27 Growth Centers of the Board implement the scheme under the supervision
of the Branch Offices. |
|
