Advances in Agronomic and Related Management Options for Sundarbans

Abstract

Agriculture, including livestock, fishery and production of various crops, like rice, maize, sunflower, mustard, vegetables, fruits, etc., is the primary occupation of the people of Sundarbans. However, productivity of crops in this region is low due to preponderance of various factors, which include abiotic stresses like salinity, flooding, occasional drought; biotic stresses, like high infestation with insect pests, diseases, weeds and rodents; and natural calamities, like cyclones, tsunami, etc. For a successful crop production, selection of suitable crops and varieties along with commensurate management practices are essential. In this chapter a succinct account of appropriate salt tolerant crops, varieties and their descriptions, area of suitability with advanced package of practices, crop management practices to reduce salinity, particularly during boro/rabi (summer/winter) season, are discussed. The cropping pattern in Sundarbans eco-region is mostly mono-cropped, therefore information on suitable cropping patterns/systems with natural resource management strategies are also described.