The Sustainability of Rice Cultivation: Evidence from Sundarbans in India

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture is an essential component of economic growth and the battle against poverty worldwide. This paper attempts to empirically test the sustainability of rice cultivation in Sundarbans region, India.  The results show that the sustainability of rice cultivation is threatened in this area. It seems that the existing agricultural practices need to be modified. We have identified five yield influencing factors, out of which four imperative factors such as size of the cultivated land, fertilizer cost, level of education of the farmers and income of the farmers have significant impact on rice production. Therefore, framing of policies should take into account these factors to make it sustainable.