Strategy for Faster Development of Agriculture in Poverty Stricken Frequently Flood Affected Areas of South Asia

摘要

South Asia is one of the poverty concentration areas of the world. Within South Asia, poverty is concentrated in the frequently flood affected areas of Ganga-Brabmaputra-Meghna Basin comprising Bangladesh, Nepal and eastern part of India. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the flood affected people. But agricultural productivity low. The paper, therefore, explores possibilities of better utilization of agro-economic potential of flood plains for reducing peoples vulnerability and providing enhanced opportunities for food and livelihood securities to the flood affected people thereby reducing their poverty and improving their quality of life. Emphasis has been laid on a two- pronged strategy. First, changes are proposed in crop calendar, cropping pattern and activities allied to agriculture as a part of developing a flood escaping and flood tolerant cropping strategy to reduce the extent of crop damages caused by floods. Several options have been indicated. Second, a strategy to raise agricultural production in the flood free months through improved agricultural practices has been indicated. These comprise of development of irrigation as the critical element supported by improved technology and other infrastructural facilities and services. Various questions like what is the scope for such a strategy and how to bring it about have been examined.