Factors Affecting Crop Production due to Land Degradation in Jhajjar District of Haryana

Abstract

Land degradation, particularly through waterlogging and soil salinization, poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study examined the economic impact of these issues on crop returns in Haryana, India, with a focus on Jhajjar district. The research assessed input utilization, crop yields, and profitability for Bajra and Mustard crops on both normal and degraded farms. Utilizing primary data from 60 farmers and employing tabular analysis and the Cobb-Douglas production function, the study found that soil salinity and waterlogging lead to significant reductions in crop productivity and profitability. For instance, Bajra yields on degraded farms resulted in lower gross returns and net profits compared to normal farms, primarily due to increased costs in field preparation and pest management. The Cobb-Douglas production function analysis further revealed that while fertilizers significantly enhance yields on normal farms, their effect is negative on degraded farms, likely due to over use of fertilizers. Mustard farming showed similar trends, with problematic farms incurring higher variable costs and achieving lower profitability. The study highlighted the urgent need for targeted policies to manage soil health and improve the economic outcomes of farming in degraded lands.