EFFECT OF LAND DEGRADATION ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of land degradation on agricultural productivity in Kashmir, India.
Research methodology: The study used a descriptive research design. The study purposively sampled 384 farmers from West Bengal. The analysis of the data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Conclusion: It is concluded that land degradation is negatively and significantly related to agricultural productivity. The issue of land degradation has led to a low level of agricultural productivity in many parts globally. Human activities are the ones that cause the land degradation. Land degradation can reduce the amount of rainfall experienced in an area, reducing agricultural productivity.
Recommendations: The study recommended that sustainable agricultural practices need to be developed to deal with soil degradation. Estimating short, medium and long-range costs and benefits associated with soil degradation mitigation is essential. The government needs to put more effort into regulating land degradation since there are few extension officers. The government should actively provide environmental education, particularly on land conservation practices. Strict policies need to be established to ensure that land degradation is discouraged.
Keywords: Land degradation, agricultural productivity, West Bengal, India
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