Conflicting Issues of Agriculture in West Bengal – An Introspection

Abstract

Agriculture includes cultivation of lands and farming in waters. It dominates in the State of West Bengal even though there are conflicts between them towards conversion of lands for aquaculture. Agri-farmers depend on cultivation of lands over the generation here. Apathy in agriculture arises in recent years due to intensive labour dependency, increasing crisis of agri-labours, remote rural farming occupation, increasing child education of agri-farmers, and general unwillingness to adopt strenuous livelihood as well as soil-mud substratum of the agri-fields. Aquaculture is relatively easier enterprise and less labour intensive. Cultivation is mechanised with the procurement of power tiller, tractor, paddle or electrical power thrashers, and highly efficient harvesters for cultivation purpose. It is not possible for poor farmers. Breaking down of joint families is another reason to add to its conflicts. Currently, there is an increasing tendency of conversion of agri-lands for human settlement as well as into water bodies for aquaculture. In aquaculture, hard labour and lengthy stretches strenuous works are not required. These conflicting issues are communicated to address and help resolve them administratively at the state and national level with appropriate legal frame work, administrative reforms and management options.