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Brackish Water Shrimp Cultivation Restrict the Coastal Agriculture

M.R. Karim*
Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

M.S. Shah
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Impact of brackish water shrimp culture on agriculture was studied in the Rampal Thana of Bagerhat district. Evidences for serious land degradation were obtained through surveys on the land use patterns, areas of land available for agriculture and level of production in various field crops covering a period of about two decades since 1975 when shrimp cult ure began in the area. The progressive accumulation of salt in the soil threatens permanent loss of soil fertility and has restricted the crop production in the area. The negative impacts of brackish water shrimp cultivation in the area is substantial in totality. Shrimp cultivation needs proper legal framework for providing check on furthering deterioration.

Keywords: Shrimp culture; Agriculture; Brackishwater; Soil fertility; Crop production

Location: Rampal Thana of Bagerhat district

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Shrimp, Water salinity

Objectives:

The broad objective of the study is to know the extent of changes of land use from crop production to shrimp farming and the impacts of shrimp farming on crop production. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: · To review the land use changes over a period of twenty-four years in 1975, 1985 and 1999). · To identify and assess the effects of salinity on soil fertility and · To identify and assess the effects of salinity on agricultural farming.

Methodology:

The study was aimed at assessing the causes and extent of salinity, change of cropping pattern and consequences of shrimp production over time. With a view to achieving these and to fulfilling the objectives, the broader methodology was chosen to include land use study, perception study information based on and data on environmental study. The nature of the impacts was obtained by examining the baseline conditions with that of the amount of change occurred due to shrimp farming. The Environmental change was calculated by deducting post project (existing shrimp cultivation) situations from that of the pre project (before shrimp farming) conditions.

In selecting the sample area, certain sets of criteria were looked into, such as (a) Extensive shrimp cultivation in and around the area. (b) Long time shrimp cultivation provides better results than immediate culture practices. Thus, shrimp cultivation was being practiced in the area for not less than ten years considered in the study. (c) The change in the physical environment in the area was geographically homogenous. (d) Whether shrimp was the main crop and major share of the farmers’ income. Considering all these criteria the Rampal Thana of Bagerhat district was found to satisfy all and consequently selected as the study area. Information relating to the socieconomic aspect was made through field observation, questionnaire survey and RRA method. All 44 mauzas were covered in the survey. Information were collected from 373 respondents belonging to five landowner categories of the households.

Source of Information: Khulna University Studies 2(1): 123-134

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The results of this study indicate that shrimp cultivation in Rampal Upazila causes several inter-related problems which arise from both inappropriate and environmentally unsound shrimp culture and pond management system. The conversion of paddy field into shrimp ponds and pumping in or introductions of seawater into shrimp ponds have caused salinization of nearly all paddy fields in the area. Despite the environmental consequences, the income from shrimp ghers remains to be relatively profitable, which draws an interest to invest more in shrimp cultivation rather than in traditional agriculture. As a result, severe land use conflicts concerning utilization ownership of land, water, space and other resources. Conversion of agricultural land into shrimp farm and increased soil salinity have been created problems for poor crop yields, reduction of grazing land that has an influence for decreasing livestock and poultry also. Development activities produced in the study area reflect little benefit to a large section of the local community. On the other side, it has caused for destroying the life and livelihood of the larger section of people.

Hence, Shrimp farming should be allowed to expand in the line of proper resource management and environmentally accepted way, which ensures a sustainable social and economic welfare. Horizontal expansion of extensive shrimp cultivation should be stopped by introduction of semi-intensive and intensive shrimp farming in a small area. So, it is the high time to take appropriate measures and planning approaches to promote systematic development of shrimp culture to reduce its negative impacts on society and environment.

Thus, there should be a strong planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation committee to be set up by the government for the effective planning and controlled management of the coastal resources. This committee will look after the development of shrimp farming in a controlled manner and will propose a highly potential land use plan separating shrimp farm from other valuable resources by land use zoning. Construction of shrimp farm area outside the proposed area should be strictly prohibited for regulatory purpose.

Knowledge Management: Journal