Authors : Shweta R. Valanju and Mangesh N. Jamble
Page Nos : 77-79
Description :
Salinity intrusion is an increasing problem in the coastal areas around the world. Climate change and its associated hazards like sea level rise, global warming and cyclone has been increasing the salinity problem in many folds. The coastal zone of Devgad Tehsil has now came into focus due to reduction in agricultural production due to rise in the soil salinity in last few years. Although the salinity ingression has been putting its negative impact on the crop production over the years, the impact of salinity in the interior coast in terms of loss in crop production has been ignored so far. The agricultural lands are now covered with mangrove vegetation including their associates and marine fauna. Thus crop production have been hampered in coastal zone. Present study was intended to explore the impact salinity on agricultural area, crops productivity, drinking water, animal husbandry and socioeconomic condition of farmers. This study also intends to quantify the cause and gives possible solutions to address the problem. The changing scenario of sea level rise will promote salinity intrusion in coastal area; thereby creating more pressure to the farmer by reducing yield on one hand and threatening livelihood and food security on the other hand. Therefore, to reduce the future loss and to prevent the land degradation, the study recommends some adaptive techniques like check dam, adding lime and gypsum to check salinity.
Keywords: Devgad, Salinity ingression, sea level, agriculture, livelihood
