Diara Land in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary

DIARA LAND IN VIKRAMSHILA DOLPHIN SANCTUARY A Study and Analysis of Agricultural Practices

Submitted By: Amit Kumar G2013EESD022 MAEESD, TISS Guwahati

Submitted To: Dr. Pijush Kumar Dutta Course Coordinator MAEESD, TISS Guwahati

CONTENTS SI No.

Title

Page No.

1

Abstract

01

2

Introduction

02

3

Study Site

04

4

Objective

07

5

Research Design and Methods

08

6

Results

10

7

Cropping Pattern

10

Land Holdings

11

Use of Fertilizer on the field

11

Use of Pesticides/ Herbicides/ Weedicides

13

Discussion

14

Agricultural Practices and its impacts

14

Livelihood dependency of farmers on the island

14

Impacts on Migratory Birds

15

8

Conclusion

16

9

Photo Gallery

17

10

References

21

ABSTRACT This paper attempts to highlight the agriculture practices, cropping pattern, and the extent of fertilizer and use of chemicals on a part of Diara Land, which is located in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary in the Bhagalpur District of Bihar, India. The study analyses the way of agricultural practices, the quantity of fertilizers and pesticides being used by the farmers and the reasons behind it according to farmers. The study site is located in the middle of river Ganga and thus imposed various constraints for farmers in terms of connectivity, mechanisation and irrigation. Farmers are bound to depend on natural form of irrigation only.

The high use of fertilizers and pesticides or herbicides is found after the research which imposed a further risk on the habitat of aquatic species in sanctuary itself. This allows a wide scope for further research about the impacts of agricultural practices being done on Diara lands to aquatic species and their habitat.

Keywords: Agricultural practices, Diara Land, Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, Fertilizers, Pesticides, Aquatic Species, Habitat

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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INTRODUCTION The Ganga originates at 4,000 meters above sea level in Gangotri, Uttarkashi District, and Uttarakhand, India from the southern slopes of the Himalayan range. It flows through five states in India—Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, covering a distance of 2,510 km before it enters the Bay of Bengal. During its long course it embraces many large rivers, small torrents and tributaries of varied origin (Behera 1995, Rao 1995).

The Ganga River has religious and mythological significance. All along the Ganga, most of the Ghats have religious importance. Pilgrims in large numbers, often in thousands, take a holy bath, cremate their dead and perform other post-cremation activities on the banks of the river (Behera 1995; Sinha et al 2000).

The Ganga supports a rich fauna and flora, including the endangered Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) and at least nine other species of aquatic mammals. Reptiles include three species of crocodiles along with one species of monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) and eleven species of freshwater turtles. The Ganga also has the richest freshwater fish fauna (378 species) anywhere in India (Behera 2002; Rao 1995). The Ganges river dolphin is a true river dolphin and is extremely rare and thus considered ‘endangered’ by the IUCN (Sinha 1993; Behera 1995). The Ganges river dolphin is important not only because it is endangered, but perhaps more so because it is a reliable indicator of the health of the Ganga, in fact the whole Ganga river ecosystem. Thus, the Government of India declared it as the ‘National Aquatic Animal’ in 2009. Out of the nine, only one protected area ‘Vikramshila Ganges River Dolphin Sanctuary’ near Bhagalpur is specially notified for the Ganges river dolphin.

The Ganga and its tributaries drain a large—about one million square kilometres—and fertile basin that support one of the world’s highest human population densities. It should be noted that almost half of the population of India lives on one-third of the landscape within 500 km of the Himalayan range, along the Gangetic plains (Mishra, 2010). Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary is having a large area under Diara lands (Saucer shaped flood plain of a river, study site). The flood plains of Ganga, which get reworked and get eroded and deposited at regular intervals, are lighter than “Tal” lands and are known locally as Diara lands (Agriculture profile of the Bihar, BAMETI). The land is very fertile for agricultural practices thus making people dependent on the island for their livelihood and economic benefits. The Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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immigration and extinction, soil variability with the distance from river stream, presence of indicator species and the availability for agricultural practices makes it important in the context of human ecology, river ecosystem and management. The role of this study is to bring out the information about the agricultural practices and the extent of use of chemicals on the island which will raise another opportunity for further study about its impacts on riverine ecology and thus on the indicator species which are the only reliable indicator of health of River Ganga. It is very important to note that more than 6 million tonnes of chemical fertilizers and 9,000 tonnes of pesticides are used annually within the Ganga River Basin (Wong et. al 2007).

Keywords: Ganga River; Ganga River Basin; Indicator species; Ganges River Dolphin; Tal lands; Diara lands; fertilizers; pesticides; chemical runoff.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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STUDY SITE

Fig: Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary [Source mentioned in the map] Fig: River Ganga Route [mapsofindia.com]

Study Site

Fig: Study Site [Google Maps]

Map: River Ganga – Vikramshila Dolphin sanctuary – study site.

The Study site (i.e. part of Diara land) is located in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur. The sanctuary got recognition in 2009 for the conservation of river dolphin, Platanista gangetica (Roxburgh, 1801) by Govt of India. The Bhagalpur district of Bihar is also famous as ‘Silk City’ for its Tussar silk and Tussar saree; for ruins of Vikramshila University, which were ranked next to Nalanda University.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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The demographic detail (As per Official Census, Govt of India, 2011) is given below: Description

2011

2001

Actual Population

3,037,766

2,423,172

Male

1,615,663

1,291,658

Female

1,422,103

1,131,514

25.36%

27.24%

Area Sq. Km

2,569

2,569

Density/km2

1,182

943

Proportion to Bihar Population

2.92%

2.92%

Sex Ratio (per 1000)

880

876

Child Sex Ratio (0-6 age)

938

966

Average Literacy

63.14

49.50

Male Literacy

70.30

59.22

Female Literacy

54.89

38.13

546,382

472,126

Description

Rural

Urban

Population

80.17%

19.83%

Total Population

2,435,234

602,532

Male Population

1,295,386

320,277

Female Population

1,139,848

282,255

Sex Ratio

880

881

Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Age)

943

915

Child Population (0-6 Age)

457,010

89,372

Child Percentage (0-6 Age)

18.77%

14.83%

Average Literacy

59.84%

75.87%

Male Literacy

67.61%

80.73%

Female Literacy

50.86%

70.33%

Population Growth

Total Child Population (0-6 Age)

The people of Bhagalpur district are mainly involved in agriculture for their livelihood as well as economic activities. The 80% of population is living in rural areas and majorly contributing to the agrarian economy of the district. The district comes under the agro climate zone III, South Bihar Alluvial Plains, which comprises of Tal, Diara and Chaur lands. The Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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Tal, Diara and Chaur lands are inundated by water for varying periods, and are difficult to manage. All the three zones have Chaur, Maund, Tal and Diara lands, which are submerged during the rainy season (GOI Report, 2008). Diara land (Study site) in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary can be cropped only for Rabi season due to submergence. Major crops are Rice, Wheat, Maize, Lentil, Black gram, Mustard, and Barley (Agriculture profile of the state, Bihar). The major population of communities residing near the coastal areas of Ganga River is dependent mainly upon agriculture and fishing.

Keywords: Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary; Agro climate zone III, South Bihar alluvial plains; Tal lands; Diara lands; Chaur lands; Maund lands.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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OBJECTIVE The Study site (i.e. part of Diara lands) in the Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary lies in the agro climate zone III of the Bihar state. Here, the soil texture varies from sandy loam to heavy clay. The land is also inundated by water for varying periods, and is difficult to manage.

Despite all this, the fertility of soil gives farmers a yield potential of 6-8 tonnes/ha during winter season.

Thus considering the location and characteristics of the Diara region, the study is mainly focussed on the following aspects: 1) Agricultural practices and cropping pattern.

2) The extent of fertilizer and pesticides/herbicides use in the field.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this study, the participant observation and in depth interviews along with the use of questionnaire is done on 25 farmers for collecting objective as well as subjective data. The study includes their way of doing cultivation, their livelihood dependency and other quantitative data like, the number of crops being cultivated, type of seeds being used, quantity of fertilizers and pesticides. The total area of the study is 56.44 ha. The data is collected on their fields as they come from different villages thus it is easier to contact them on their field. The Study site is chosen as per the convenient of the researcher and approximately all the farmers of Rattipur and Shankarpur, who are having the fields on the riversides, are sampled as respondents. Usually one has to pass the river for going to field for collecting data and in the way also one can interact with the farmers as there are only 2-3 Ghats from where farmers are used to go to their field. Simple Boats are the only medium of transportation for any kind of access to the fields.

On first day, the way of cultivation and cropping pattern was being analysed by observation and informal interaction with farmers, which gives the idea about the normal land holdings and major crops being cultivated, along with the community settings on the field.

On second day, five farmers were contacted according to the convenience and in depth interview was carried out with them, which gives the information about the extinction and immigration of Diara land every year and shift of the whole patch of land after every 25 years.

On third day, again five farmers were contacted from the point of land where researcher end last day, and gathered information about same set of questions along with some new experience shared by the farmers about the different herbs and weeds which troubles them the most during cultivation.

Similarly the same process carried out for next three days which results in a very subjective study with some objective results of a set of questions and about the experiences of farmers, faced by them during cultivation every year.

The study is done on cultivating farmers who are cultivating the land irrespective of the land ownership as many of the owners do not cultivate the land and gives on a lease to other farmers as it is very difficult to go there due to lack of proper transportation.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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Observation and Informal Interaction with farmers

Cropping Pattern

Community Setting

Interaction with farmers about the resources and facilities

Cultivation Process

Land setting

Interviews

Objective Data Collection

Experiences

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices

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RESULTS

Study site

Fig. The Study site (Ref. Google Earth Map) Agricultural Practices and Cropping Pattern: The Study is done on 25 farmers of 56.44 ha of land. After collecting all the data it is analysed that the major crop being cultivated is Maize (80-90%), Rice, Wheat and Mustard (1-2%). The farmers come from near and far place to cultivate their own land as well as the leased land for their livelihood and economic purposes. According to farmers, besides lack of infrastructure, irrigation, mechanisation and other advanced agricultural techniques, the productivity is varying from 7 to 9 tonnes/ha which is very high as compared to state average of only 2.34 tonnes/ha, where it is also stated that Diara land has the yield potential of 6-8 tonnes/ha.

Cropping Pattern 30

No. of Farmers

25

Mono-cropping is being done all across the area. Mono cropping is done mainly because 20

dependency on rainfall for irrigation and lack of transportation and other advanced 15

techniques. The Major crop is maize for all the farmers as it is more economical for them on 10

this land. 18 farmers are doing cultivation only for maize production, one farmer is doing 5 production, whereas three farmers are involved in production of Maize and wheat only wheat

and three0 farmers are for wheat, maize and mustard at a time on their field. Thus making Maize

Wheat

maize highly shared crop in terms of land also.

Different Crops

Mustard

Fig. Cropping Pattern as per the data collected by farmers.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 10

Land Holdings 8.00

7.00

Land in ha.

6.00 5.00 4.00

Average Land size = 2.25 ha

3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Farmers Fig. Land holdings under individual farmer studied.

The average land holding size across the area is 2.25 ha. Out of 25 farmers, only 9 farmers are having land more than that. This shows the majority has the small fields which also includes 10 farmers who have land holdings less than 1 ha. Thus it compels majority of farmers to depend on every year’s production for their livelihood.

The extent of fertilizer and pesticides/herbicides use in the field:

20000

Fertilizer Use

Fertilizer quantity (in Kgs)

18000 16000 14000 12000

10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Farmers Fig. Total quantity of fertilizers used.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 11

Fertilizer use 3500

Quantity (Kgs/ha)

3000

2500

Average = 1793 kg/ha

2000 1500 1000 500 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Farmers Fig. Quantity used per hectare per farmer.

The use of fertilizers is very high in this area i.e. 1793kg/ha during the cultivating season.

The farmers spread fertilizer three times on their field, at the time of sowing the seeds, after 40-50 days and lastly 50 days before the final yield. If we divide the average use of fertilizer in three different rounds, then the average fertiliser use will comes out 597.67 kg/ha which is very high as compared to 211 kg/ha of state average. According to some of the farmers, the high use of fertilizer is required due to lack of soil alteration and due to use of herbicide which affects the fertility of top soil, although the second argument needs proper research for further agreement. The quantity also depends on the method of spreading the fertilizer, some of the farmers who have small fields use the intense spreading of fertilizer in which they put fertilizer directly around the roots of the crop whereas farmers having large fields do not involve much labour for intense spreading and just spread in a general manner on all the field which requires more quantity of fertilizer. The varying fertility level is also due to varying soil texture from heavy clay to sandy loam. Mostly, farmers use Urea as fertilizer whereas DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), zinc is also popular among some of them, which they spread after mixing with urea.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 12

Pesticides/Herbicides/Weedicides use Pesticides/Weedicides

48%

Don’t Use

52%

Fig. Use of pesticides/herbicides by farmers The majority of farmers use herbicide for removal of grass and other weed which grows abundantly after water runoff from the field after monsoon. Many small scale farmers do intensive manual removal of weeds which further supports as a fodder for their cattle whereas large scale farmers either use herbicide or allow other community members to do weeding for their fodder need. Atrazine is the major herbicide used here along with the use of thymate, nithel and others for protection from weeds or pests. They usually mix the atrazine with water and sprinkle on the field before sowing and after that according to their need. The average quantity they need per hectare is 3.96 kgs per ha of atrazine. In total 13 farmers use herbicide out of 25 farmers and collectively 94 kgs of atrazine is used by them on 24.95 ha of land out of total 56.44 ha of land cultivated by 25 farmers.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 13

DISCUSSION Agricultural Practices and its impacts: The study site (a part of Diara land in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary) is very important in various aspects as it is supporting the livelihood of farmers as well as giving them economic benefits along with this, the site under study is coming under the Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary which is a habitat for the Gangetic Dolphins, an indicator species for health of Ganga River. Dolphins are listed as an endangered species in IUCN red list of threatened species.

The way of cultivation is of high importance as it will directly affect the riverine ecology, which directly has impacts on the population of dolphins and other indicating species such as turtles and other migratory birds who are mainly dependent on fish, insects and phytoplankton. The use of fertilizers is very high on this land i.e. 1793 kg/ha as per the study and thus there is a need of proper impact analysis due to the chemical runoff on the different aquatic species and especially on the reproduction complexities they face due to excess concentration of chemicals in water. There was an analysis done in past which shows that the sudden imbalance in pH and nutrient content due to chemical runoff during rainy season in the river is directly affecting the species living there (Anderson et al; 2002).

The excessive use of Herbicide like Atrazine has also some serious affects on growth of phytoplankton, periphyton, macrophytes and frogs (Hyla Veriscolor). The excessive use means the presence of atrazine is of different levels like 200x10 -6gm/L (first level) and 2000x10-6gm/L (Second level). Due to first level of excessive use of atrazine, the body mass reduced by 10% and 5% shorter than normal growth is observed as compared to a very low and controlled level of atrazine concentration. Whereas if we go to second level, then the increase in larval period by 5% is observed (Diana G. et al.; 2000) and likewise these type of effects can be found on other aquatic species but it needs a highly extensive scientific research on impacts of fertilizers and pesticides/herbicides in this type of lands which is directly connected to the river stretch of high importance.

Livelihood dependency of farmers on the island: Most of the farmer’s livelihood is directly dependent on the agriculture whereas they depend on cattle and labour mostly as an alternative. Some of them are also doing small business and Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 14

contractual job as an alternative occupation. As this island shifts from this end to other end of the river, the ownership also shifts from the farmer to farmer of villages of both ends. The ownership and lease agreement thus revolves in between the farmers due to difficulties in going to the field for cultivation for a farmer from far villages. The farmer cultivating on leased land has mutual agreement of equal sharing of the yield and the expenditure of fertilizers, seeds and pesticides/herbicides. The farmers are very less economically independent and thus making them dependent on the every year’s production. The production is very much dependent upon the island behaviour and characteristics during the cultivation season.

Impacts on Migratory Birds: Apart from the effects of agriculture on riverine ecology, it also has some indirect effect on migratory bird that is being hunted out for money by some section of villagers. Hunting of migratory birds for money has been reported during January month of 2014 in Dainik Jagran, a regional edition of national newspaper. They are mostly, heron species, river lapwing, Asian open bill stork and Ibis species etc. Some of the species hunted out comes under the category of near threatened and endangered species in IUCN red list of endangered species.

Due to increase in human settlements on the island, the fisherman hunts them, when the birds are resting in the night on the island. Thus, humans who are involved in hunting are making the region not a safe place for migratory birds as well.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 15

CONCLUSION Based on the study and analysis of agricultural practices of a part of Diara land in the Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, it can be conclude that the island is of high concern and thus the activities should be studied properly with more scientific inputs so that the habitat of aquatic species along with the health of river Ganga remain conserved. The agricultural practices in this locality involve a lot of fertilizer and pesticide inputs. It can be lower down by technical interventions such as mechanisation for soil alteration, irrigation facilities and others. The farmers are bound to use high inputs of fertilizer to meet the productivity level which can benefit them for a year long period as the land support cultivation for a season only. Thus it can be solved with proper incentives or promotion of multi cropping to avoid the pest attack and lesser nitrogen inputs.

The livelihood of farmers is mainly dependent upon the agricultural activities and thus there is a need of holistic approach to make sure their living and the conservation initiatives within the sanctuary. Many farmers come from far places and due to lack of transportation for going to field, they face various difficulties in using machineries as it is not viable to take them on the field.

The impact of agricultural practices on the habitat of indicator species and other aquatic species within Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary needs to be studied as the amount of chemical use on the field is very high and it can increase with time for more productivity. The migratory birds need attention of local legal bodies for proper monitoring of illegal activities like hunting.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 16

PHOTO GALLERY

Maize Cultivation

Wheat Cultivation

Mustard Cultivation

The only means for transportation

Spraying herbicide (Atrazine)

Effect of herbicide on the field (right side has been treated with herbicide)

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 17

Bags of Fertilizer

Taking fertilizer to the field

Applying fertilizer around the roots

Going home after applying fertilizer

Children enjoying after their work

Weed: Commonly found there

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 18

Weed growth pattern

A farmer demonstrating about the weed

Fodder for livestocks

Asian open bill stork

Night heron species

River Lapwing (Near Threatened species in IUCN red list)

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 19

Red napped ibis

River Lapwing

Gangetic Dolphins

Fishing nets

Way of fishing and fishing nets

A woman trapped at the shore of island

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 20

REFERENCES 1) Maps: River Ganga Map: mapsofindia.com, accessed on 05th March, 2014.

Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: BR11, image 11; http://ibcn.in/?gallery=bihar-2, accessed on 05th March, 2014.

2) Study site: Google maps [Earth], accessed on 05th March, 2014.

3) Major Crops: BR13_Bhagalpur_28.12.2013; Agricultural contingency plan for district: Bhagalpur; accessed on 08th February, 2014.

4) Chauncey W. Anderson; Water-Resources Investigations Report 01–4047: Ecological Effects on Streams from Forest Fertilization—Literature Review and Conceptual Framework for Future Study in the Western Cascades; Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management Portland, Oregon: 2002, Online source: http://oregon.usgs.gov, accessed on 28th January, 2014.

5) Stephen G. Diana, William J. Resetarits Jr., David J. Schaeffer, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, and Val R. Beasley, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Center for Aquatic Ecology, Illinois Natural History Survey: Effects of Atrazine on Amphibians Growth and Survival in Artificial Aquatic Communities (Received 21 July 1999; Accepted 4 April 2000) 6) Bihar’s Agricultural Development: Opportunities and Challenges; A Report of the special task force on Bihar; Govt of India, New Delhi, April 2008.

7) Agriculture Profile of the state; Bihar Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute [BAMETI].

8) A Report of the special task force on Bihar, Government of India: Bihar’s Agriculture Development: Opportunities & Challenges; April, 2008.

9) Sandeep Behera, G. Areendran, Parikshit Gautam, Viveksheel Sagar; A WWF Report: For A Living Ganga, Working with People and Aquatic Species; October, 2011 10) Dr. A. S. Pearse, Professor of Zoology, Duke University: The Ganges Delta; The Scientific Monthly, Vol. 42, No. 4 (Apr., 1936), pp. 319-354.

Diara lands in Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary: A study and analysis of Agricultural Practices 21