Land Use and Cover Change as well as Its Impact on Agriculture: A Study on Onda C.D. Block of Bankura District, West Bengal

Abstract

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change has emerged as a critical issue influencing agricultural sustainability, particularly in semi-arid regions like Onda Community Development Block of Bankura District, West Bengal. This study examines the spatio-temporal dynamics of LULC change and its consequent impact on agricultural practices and productivity in the region. Utilizing satellite imagery, the research identifies significant transformations in land use patterns over the past two decades. Agricultural land has gradually declined due to increasing settlement expansion, infrastructural development, and conversion to fallow or degraded land. Simultaneously, there has been a noticeable shift in cropping patterns, irrigation dependency, and seasonal land utilization. The findings reveal that these changes have adversely affected agricultural output, soil fertility, and water availability. Fragmentation of farmland and erratic rainfall patterns have further intensified the vulnerability of farmers. Moreover, the encroachment of non-agricultural activities has disrupted traditional agrarian systems and livelihoods. The study highlights the role of both anthropogenic and environmental factors, including Population pressure, policy gaps, and climate variability, in driving LULC change. The research underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management strategies, integrated planning, and policy interventions to mitigate adverse impacts. Promoting agroforestry, efficient irrigation practices, and land restoration initiatives can help enhance agricultural resilience in the study area. This study contributes to a better understanding of the complex relationship between land use dynamics and agricultural sustainability in rural West Bengal.