The devastating cyclone Yaas of 2021 and the super cyclone Amphan of 2020 are not only the only two incidents that are liable for the increased salinity in the soil. Sea-level rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion also raise the risk of salinity ingress in the ecosystem of Sundarban. Excess salt can make water undrinkable, ruin soil, and hinder germination of seeds.
Salinity of coastal lands threatens the livelihoods of millions of small paddy farmers living in the delta.
Thinking about their plight, Mukti and “Kolkata Gives” initiated a salt tolerant paddy seed distribution drive for the farmers of Sundarban.
2320 Kg of Dudheswar paddy seed were distributed to 401 farmers. This Amon crop is cultivated during monsoon season. This rice will be produced without using toxic pesticides or inorganic chemical fertilizers. Its 8.7 salt tolerance capacity has made it popular among the farmers.
Area | Gram Panchayat | Block | Number of Beneficiaries | Total Seed Distributed in Kg |
Bhudhakhali, Rajnagar, Fatikpur | Budhakhali | Namkhana | 124 | 1200 |
Ganeshnagar, Narayanpur, Nandabhanga | Narayanpur | Namkhana | 51 | |
Kamdebpur | Durbachoti | Patharpratima | 15 | |
Rudranagar, Kachuberia, Gangasagar | Sagar | Sagar | 10 | |
6 no Sonakhali, 4 no Sonakhali, Sikaripara, Kadamarapara | Ramchadrakhali | Basanti | 35 | 400 |
Charanekhali, Bottala, Amratala, Tentultala | Uttar Mokamberia | Basanti | 25 | |
Ranipur Ghola | Rangabelia | Gosaba | 141 | 720 |
19 Areas | 7 GPs | 5 Blocks | 401 | 2320 Kg |