In Bengal, many farmers are facing a tough situation. Fields are often under water for months at a time, making it hard to grow crops. Popular farming methods that used to work, like rotating jute and rice, are now failing. Farmers in Makaltala remember when they could grow deepwater rice varieties like Jhumpuri. “The rivers flowed, and water never lingered like it does now,” one farmer recalls.
Traditionally, Jhumpuri thrived in areas that drained slowly, but those days are gone. Today, varieties designed to resist flooding, like Swarna-Sub1, survive only about two weeks under water. Experts note that while new techniques in breeding show promise, taking these innovations from labs to actual fields is a slow process. Many smallholder farmers simply can’t afford to wait any longer.
Women farmers feel this crisis even more. Most don’t own land and rely on planting, weeding, and harvesting for income. When crops fail, they lose job opportunities. Men may find work in nearby towns, but women often have limited options, leading them to low-paying domestic jobs or seasonal migration. For them, losing crops means losing their main source of income.
“If farming fails for six months, we’ll have to leave the village in search of work,” says Laxmi Sardar, a local farmer. This is a serious concern for communities like Makaltala, which are already vulnerable. Since 2023, it has become a focus for the CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, where efforts are underway to support marginalized women through innovative programs aimed at building resilience.
Recent surveys show that nearly 60% of smallholder farmers in the region report that climate change is their greatest challenge. The lack of attention to inland waterlogged areas in Bengal can hinder effective solutions. Farmers need immediate responses to adapt to this changing environment. With every passing season, the urgency only grows.
In this fight against climate-induced agricultural breakdown, the collaboration between scientists and farmers is crucial. Bridging the gap between research and practice can lead to more practical, short-term solutions, helping farmers navigate these challenging times.
This situation emphasizes the need for focused research and immediate assistance programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by inland farming areas. The future of many livelihoods hangs in the balance, and prompt action is essential.
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Climate Change,Agriculture,Climate Science,Farming,Ecology,Paddy,bengal,agri science
