A comparative study of farming systems in two regions of West Bengal, India

Abstract

The present article has discussed the diversification of cultivation in two regions of Indian state of West Bengal, particularly the district Purba-Medinipur and the district South 24 paraganas. This study focuses on farming systems in Mahatpur village of the Panskura region and Sasan village of the Baruipur region. The contemporary farmers of these two villages still cultivate their traditional rice beside cultivation of one important profitable crop. It is seen that flower production is fully operative in the village Mahatpur and guava production is very well-known in the village Sasan. This study also examines and compares the field types, mixed-crops, farming methods, and labor forms of the purposively selected flower farmers and guava farmers by using the methods of participant observation, case histories, individual and group interviews. It also analyzes farmer’s own appraisal and plans to describe local knowledge, practices and problems among the selected farmers. This study concludes that differences in farming systems of two villages have historically developed in ways that reflect the activities and choices of local cultivators, influenced by local climatic conditions.

Keywords

• Farming systems,crops,farmers,West Bengal

References

1. Balguru T, Manikandan P. (2001) Implementation of farming systems research in India-case study. Rajendranagar, Hyderabad: National Academy of agricultural research Management.