Post cyclone rehabilitation of agriculture in the Sidr affected areas in South West Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster prone countries of the world. Every year the country is experiencing one or more natural disasters like cyclone and flood. Bangladesh is an agricultural country. But unfortunately this sector faces different disasters almost every year. So, we should give more focus on the quick rehabilitation processes so that the affected farmers can bounce back and can contribute to the normal development. As like other disasters, Sidr that which took place in 2007, caused huge damage in the southern parts of Bangladesh. Considering the long lasting effects of Sird, through this dissertation the author tried to identify the impacts of this calamity on the agricultural sector. Moreover, the coping mechanism of the farmers has also been identified through this to develop an effective response process so that it can be used in the upcoming disasters. To make this dissertation fruitful and to get some ideas from other researchers at first a literature review has been done. Based on the literature review, a two pages questionnaire has been developed and used to take interview of the farmers. After evaluating the primary and secondary data, the study found that very few farmers could save their crop from the devastation of cyclone Sidr and most of their cattle also died. The salinity of soil increased alarmingly. Even the ground as well as the surface water was contaminated due to severe salinity of sea water. Very few farmers could start their agricultural activities themselves immediately after the cyclone Sidr due to the crisis of agricultural supports like seed, irrigation, power tiller etc. The farmers could not plough their land for missing their cattle. Irrigation system was broken down for contamination of ground and surface water. However, ultimately they started their livelihood with the help of different organizations like BRAC, World vision, Wave Foundation etc. The farmers appreciate these supports but still a few more effective initiatives are needed. So, the study has suggested taking an integrated agricultural program (seed, irrigation, pesticide, power tiller, nursing, training etc.) for a better result in crop agricultural rehabilitation for the upcoming disasters.