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Abstract
The economic feasibility of land reclamation technologies adopted by the
farmers of Tungbhadra Command Area in Karnatka for amelioraion of
irrigation-induced soil degradation has been studied. The data have been
analysed using tabular method and partial budgeting method. It has been
found that the available technologies are not being spread effectively among
the affected farm households. Amongst different technologies followed
by the farmers, adoption of leaching has been found least costly and could
result in an incremental output of 14 quintals per hectare on saline soils of
both head- and mid-regions. Green manuring has been observed to be
another effective technology and could enhance crop yields on saline as
well as waterlogged soils. Partial budgeting analysis has suggested that
the technologies are viable irrespective of the farm size. Biological
measures such as adoption of salt-resistant crop varieties can be profitable
for small and marginal farmers. Instead of leaving their lands fallow due
to their inability to adopt capital-intensive technologies, they should adopt
them for land reclamation and higher returns.