The Sonamukhi project of West Bengal Comprehensive Area Development (WBCADC) has roped in experts of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) to train growers on how to grow alternative crops in the backdrop of flood-like situation causing damage to agriculture in parts of Bankura district.
Due to heavy rainfall coupled with water release from DVC, six blocks in Bankura are affected, including four in the lower Damodar basin area — Indus, Patrasayer, Sonamukhi, and Barjora — and another two in the upper Damodar namely Saltora and Mejia. "The flood water contaminates the quality of soil. Hence, growers were apprised of the method using which they can conduct the soil test to determine the kind of bacteria affecting a particular patch of land and accordingly take measures for purification.
Leaflets were circulated among them regarding the measures they need to take before starting agriculture on such inundated lands," said Suvasish Batabyal, chairman of Sonamukhi project. WBCADC is an organization under the Panchayats and Rural Development Department.
As part of alternative agriculture, the farmers were advised to cultivate different types of spinach which can grow within a month. Chilli and tomato seeds were distributed as these can be cultivated in a short span of time. Seeds of cauliflower and brinjal will also be distributed with the winter season to follow autumn.
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