Analysing Challenges and Strategies in Land Productivity in Sikkim Himalaya, India

Prabuddh Kumar Mishra, Aman Rai, Kamal Abdelrahman, Suresh Chand Rai and Anuj Tiwari
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Prabuddh Kumar Mishra: Department of Geography, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110027, India
Aman Rai: Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110027, India
Kamal Abdelrahman: Department of Geology and Geophysics, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Suresh Chand Rai: Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110027, India
Anuj Tiwari: Discovery Partners Institute, University of Illinois System, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: Agriculture is the major source of livelihood in rural areas and is considered the backbone of the Indian economy. In Sikkim, agriculture is being practiced by 80% of the rural population, and having no other major livelihood options has created immense pressure on the farmers and agricultural land. Agriculture sector is under great stress as the farmers are being confronted by various challenges in Sikkim Himalaya in recent years, such as land degradation, climate change and socio-economic problems. Despite the number of indigenous agriculture management methods being practised in Sikkim Himalaya, the agricultural production system is weakening. In this context, this paper presents an analysis of challenges faced by indigenous communities, local farmers and potential sustainable strategies for their management in Rani Khola watershed of Sikkim Himalaya. Data and information were collected by field observation, questionnaire surveys of 300 households, key informant interviews and focus group discussions conducted during 2017–18. Data processing and analysis were carried out with a combination of techniques, such as the application of remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS)-based data processing and descriptive statistics. Major challenges identified in the watershed are water scarcity (80%), climate change (88%), soil erosion and runoff (72%), higher investment cost (100%), lack of irrigation facilities (77%), fragmentation and size of landholdings (100), human–wildlife conflict (59%) and pests and disease (60%). Some possibilities and innovations that could address these problems are the use and retaining of various indigenous soil and water conservation (SWC) measures, diversified farming systems, community involvement in the government development process, better irrigation facilities, strengthening the local economy, coordinated planning between stakeholders and development of market feedback mechanism within the system.

Keywords: agriculture; erosion; sustainability; watershed; Sikkim; Himalaya (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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