ગુજરાતી
English
(Dilip Patel)
The main effect of soil salinity on plant growth is the reduction in water absorption. Despite sufficient soil moisture, the crop dries up and eventually dies due to lack of water absorption. Hence there is a shortage of food grains.
In view of the rapidly increasing population, it is imperative to make about 6.73 million hectares of saline and alkaline soil productive in the country.
The problem of salinity in new areas continues to grow and the current affected area is expected to triple to 20 million hectares by 2050.
The farmers of Gujarat have 50% of the total saline land in the country. In Gujarat, 58.41 lakh hectares of saline and alkaline land has become saline. Which can increase from 90 lakh to 12 million hectares by 2050. Out of which cultivable land is 11 lakh hectare. In which 14% of the land is saline, 40-42% of the land can be saline or brackish water.
13.80% of the land in Gujarat is barren and desolate. In Kutch district 36.92% of such land is due to desert. Due to the small desert, 89 thousand hectares of land in Surendranagar is deserted. There bacteria will work.
Salt accumulation is becoming a serious problem worldwide due to improper soil and water management. Soil salinity affects crop production. There is an adverse effect on grain production.
To prevent and improve saline soils, there is a need for a holistic management system which includes proper management of irrigation schemes and reuse and safe disposal of waste water. Use of gypsum, selection of suitable crops and varieties, proper crop rotation, efficient water management, balanced use of manures and fertilizers, deep tillage, use of green grass etc.
