Emerging Issues and Problems of Soil Salinity and Water Logging A Case Study of Indira Gandhi Canal, Rajasthan

Abstract

Soil salinity negatively affects plant growth and induces soil degradation. Saline soils indicate lower agricultural productivity and their impact on the livelihood security of farmers and the socio-economic status of the Indira Gandhi Canal region, Rajasthan.  In the context of irrigation development, problems of rising groundwater levels and the development of salinity have arisen in the Indira Gandhi Nahar Priyojana (IGNP) area. The irrigation has recently decreased to about 1 meter, much higher than the specified value of 0.51 m in phase I. In phase I, severe inundation was observed. found in a variety of locations. It is anticipated that by the end of this century, roughly 49.6 percent of the region being studied will be at risk of experiencing flooding. The waterlogging, soil salinity, and alkalinity that plague India's agricultural landscape pose a challenge to the viability of irrigated farming. It has been determined that the most effective technique for halting the reduction in agricultural output is to use enhanced irrigation management in conjunction with a combination of surface and subsurface drainage. The method of reclaiming waterlogged lands by bio drainage is one that is efficient and economical. For the objectives of rehabilitation, species such as Salvador, Tamarix, Eucalyptus, and Prosopis Juliflora are among those that are recommended for planting in afflicted regions. The bio-drainage system helped in reducing the waterlogged areas and soil salinity by lowering the water table in the study area. Traditional knowledge and modern agricultural management good practices should be adopted for efficient and optimal use of water resources. This can be achieved by maintaining irrigation through the minimum pumping hours according to the minimum water requirements of the crop, as well as choosing more cost-effective planting methods. This research paper recommends policies to improve traditional and scientific knowledge into policies and improve mutual understanding, cooperation, and collaboration for better policy results for sustainable development and mitigate the emerging Issues and problems of soil Salinity and water logging in the area of Indira Gandhi Canal, Rajasthan.