The amount of saline land has increased in many places, including the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Ordinary crops cannot yield good yields on these lands. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on cultivating salt-tolerant crops. Among them, Mug bean, sunflowers, peanuts and watermelons are notable. Cultivation of these crops can bring saline land underutilization.
Advantages and potential of Peanut cultivation: Peanuts are an oilseed and cash crop. It is salt-tolerant and can be cultivated with little water. It improves soil quality and retains nitrogen. It has a high price and demand in the market. Examples of successful almond cultivation have been found in coastal areas. Varieties: BINA peanut-4, BAU peanut-2, Dhaka-1 local variety.
Advantages and potential of sunflower cultivation: Sunflower is a salt-tolerant oilseed crop. It yields good yields with relatively little care and at low cost. Sunflower oil can be produced by processing, which is nutritious. Easily cultivated on fallow or low-yielding land. The crop is able to withstand some cyclones and waterlogging. Varieties: Bari Surya Mukhi 2,3, Haisan-33, Parsidan-95.
Advantages and prospects of Mug bean cultivation: Mung bean can tolerate salinity and gives quick yields. As a legume crop, it adds nitrogen to the soil. It is rich in nutrients and ensures food security at low cost. Since it can be cultivated in the dry season, irrigation pressure is reduced. High-yielding varieties (such as BARImung-6) can also be cultivated in saline lands. Varieties: BARI Mug 6,7,8,9.
Advantages and prospects of watermelon cultivation: There is a possibility of bumper yield of watermelon in coastal saline areas. It is a high-value and profitable crop. It can be cultivated in sandy and saline lands. Production is possible at low cost and quick economic profit is obtained. There is a demand for watermelon abroad as well, so there is an opportunity for export. Varieties: Sugar baby, Crimson sweet, Arkamanik.
The progress and role of the Department of Agriculture is an important issue in agriculture in coastal saline areas. Soil salinity, waterlogging and natural disasters have challenged agriculture in this region. The Department of Agriculture has taken various steps to address these challenges.
Innovation and expansion of salinity tolerant crops: Research and development: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) have developed varieties of salt tolerant rice, wheat, pulses, mustard, etc. Such as: BRRI dhan-67, 84, 92, etc. Crop diversification: Apart from rice, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate sunflower, cucumber, watermelon, various vegetables and sweet pumpkin.
Transfer of modern agricultural technology: Floating bed/step cultivation: For vegetable production in flooded and waterlogged areas. Drip and sprinkler irrigation system: Use of water-saving technology. Training in the use of organic and salt-free fertilizers.
Agriculture will face problems in saline areas: Several problems arise in agriculture in saline areas, which have a negative impact on crop production. The important aspects of these problems are highlighted below:Deterioration of soil quality: Due to salinity, the soil structure collapses, water retention capacity decreases, and aeration is hindered. Water crisis: In saline areas, groundwater and irrigation water often become saline, which is harmful to crops. Decreased production: Due to high salinity, water and nutrients cannot reach the roots of plants properly, resulting in stunted crop growth and reduced yield. Crop-specific limitations: Not all crops can grow in saline soil, so farmers have to rely on a limited number of salt-tolerant crops. Reduced fertilizer effectiveness: Chemical fertilizers cannot work properly in saline soil, resulting in the application of fertilizers not yielding the desired results. Economic losses: Due to low crop yields, farmers' income decreases and interest in investing in agriculture decreases. High risk of natural disasters: Since saline areas are usually coastal, there is a high risk of damage from cyclones, tidal waves, etc.Various strategies can be adopted for remediation, such as selecting salt-tolerant crop varieties, improving irrigation and drainage systems, and using organic fertilizers and soil conditioners.
Coastal regions of Bangladesh face two major water-related challenges: poor water management and excessive salinity. These issues severely affect agriculture, public health, and overall livelihoods. Lack of proper water management stems from unplanned cultivation, the filling of reservoirs and canals, and uncoordinated water use. As a result, the agricultural sector suffers from water scarcity, falling groundwater levels, and increased drought impacts. To address this, it is essential to re-excavate small dams, ponds, and canals for better water conservation. Modern irrigation methods like drip irrigation should be adopted to reduce water wastage. Additionally, training farmers in efficient water management practices can significantly improve outcomes.
Excess salinity is caused by rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion from cyclones and tidal surges, and the use of saline water in shrimp farming. This turns fertile land barren, reduces access to clean drinking water, and increases health risks. Solutions include cultivating salt-tolerant crop varieties, storing rainwater to ensure clean water supply, and constructing embankments and dams to block saltwater intrusion.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach involving the government, NGOs, and local communities. Only through joint efforts and sustainable practices can the coastal regions overcome these threats and secure a resilient future.
To make saline land productive, it is important to select salt-tolerant and suitable crops. Cultivation of almonds, sunflowers, moong dal and watermelons is helpful in increasing the economic development of farmers, food security and land use scope in these lands. If this cultivation is expanded with the cooperation of the government and the Department of Agricultural Extension, the country's coastal agriculture will be more sustainable.
The writer is an agriculture and environment specialist
