Challenges and Remedial Measure for Sustainable Crop Production in Jhargram Red-Latertic Belt of West Bengal- A Case Study

Abstract:

Sustainable crop production is an integral part of food production system. Food and agriculture allied

sector depend on the natural resources, so future food production will depend on how well these resources

are conserved and used. Crop productivity is impacted by urban land expansion and by higher water

demand from other sectors. Observation for last five year (2018 to 2023) in different block of Jhargram

district revealed that, digitalisation holds considerable potential to transform the food, agriculture and

soil productivity system. Mobile devices, proper data analytic, high quality satellite imagery in different

pocket, precision equipment, and artificial intelligence – among others – could contribute greatly to

increase productivity, sustainability and resilience across the district for higher crop output. Use of

appropriate and new technological developments could make it possible for farmers to monitor their

crops and livestock with greater precision, to fine-tune applications of inputs (such as fertilizers and feed

supplements), and to use large amounts of data to determine optimal agriculture production choices.

There is a growing urgency for governments to realign policies in light of the emerging challenges and

opportunities. Changing policies for credit system, crop insurance scheme to food growers of Jhargram

and adjoining tribal belt in agriculture is seldom easy, as potential impacts on rural livelihoods, income

distribution, and competitiveness create significant uncertainties.