Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Agricultural Droughts and its Impact Assessment Using the NDVI and LST Geospatial Techniques in Bankura District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2022.v07.i08.023Keywords:
Agriculture drought, GIS, Remote Sensing, NDVI, LST, Water managementAbstract
Bankura district, situated in West Bengal, India, is recognized as one of the drought-prone regions of the state, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 800 mm. The north-western part of the district is particularly susceptible to recurrent drought events. The present study evaluates agricultural drought in a space–time framework and assesses its impacts by integrating multi-source datasets. Remote sensing data from LANDSAT 5 TM and LANDSAT 8 OLI were utilized to analyze seasonal variations (Rabi, Kharif, and Winter) for the years 1989, 1999, 2010, and 2020. The results indicate a substantial reduction in the total agricultural area of Bankura district, with the most pronounced decline observed during the winter season. The analysis further reveals that agricultural production in Bankura district is significantly constrained by drought conditions. Crop yields decline sharply during dry years, often resulting in substantial financial losses for farmers. Beyond the agricultural sector, drought contributes to social instability and food insecurity in the region. Empirical evidence indicates that crop production can decrease by as much as 50% during severe drought events. The severity of impact, however, varies across crop types; for instance, rice is found to be more vulnerable than wheat. Spatially, the northwestern part of the district—already the most drought-prone zone—experiences the most acute effects. These findings suggest that agricultural drought poses a serious threat to the district’s food security. In light of these results, the study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions by the Government of West Bengal. Recommended measures include expanding irrigation infrastructure, introducing drought-resistant crop varieties, and improving water management through the construction of small reservoirs, rainwater harvesting systems, and check dams. The promotion of efficient irrigation techniques such as sprinkler and drip irrigation could further enhance water-use efficiency and reduce agricultural vulnerability. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive spatiotemporal assessment of agricultural drought in Bankura district using geospatial techniques, offering new perspectives for understanding its impacts and informing both environmental and agricultural planning.
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