Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Availability of cultivable land and net sown area has declined remark-
ably in West Bengal due to increase in population (fi g. 5). Table 4 shows
that proportion of cultivable land has declined from 67.4 percent to 66 per-
cent during 1995-96 to 2007-08 in West Bengal. Proportion of net sown
area also declined from 63 percent to 61 percent during the same period.
Highest decline in cultivable land was recorded in Howrah district (8.9
percent points) during 1995-96 to 2007-08, followed by Malda (6.6 per-
cent points) and Nadia (4.4 percent points). A signifi cant decline in the net
sown area was recorded in Malda district from 76 percent to 57 percent,
accounting a sharp decline of 19 percent points during 1995-96 to 2007-
08. There are substantial difference between availability of cultivable land
and land used for cultivation. Nearly 66 percent of total geographical area
is available for cultivation but only 61 percent land is used for cultivation
purpose. The gap is highest in Purulia district where 71 percent of total
geographical area is cultivable land but only 50 percent is used for cultiva-
tion. Land utilization of cultivation is very poor in South 24 Pargonas (39
percent), Darjeeling (43 percent), Purulia and Bankura (50 percent).
12.4 CONCLUSION
It may conclude from the foregoing discussion that absolute numbers of
population in West Bengal increased over the last two decades but growth
rate has declined significantly. Average annual growth rate was 2.2 percent
in 1981-91 which reduced to 1.3 percent during 2001-11. A significant
reduction in the growth rate is also recorded in some of the districts in
West Bengal. During 1991-01, total six districts showed a higher annual
exponential growth rate (more than 2.0 percent) but during 2001-11 only
one district showed higher annual exponential growth rate. Surprisingly,
Kolkata showed a negative growth rate during 2001-11. Sudden decline
in the population of Kolkata may be a result of low natural increase of
population or of huge out migration from the city or may be a result of
both. Though growth rate of population is decreasing but absolute growth
in the population is one of the major concerns of population dynamics in
West Bengal. It increases the population density, reduces the availability
of cultivable land and increases the domestic demand for food. The popu-
