Homestead production systems in Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India – Current status and opportunites

Abstract

Homestead production systems (HPS) are an integral part of the daily household activities and produce food (fruits, vegetables, fish and livestock) for household consumption in coastal areas of West Bengal. They contribute significantly towards meeting daily food and nutrition requirements, generate income when surplus produce is grown and can therefore help to mitigate price or output shocks due to unforeseen events and can help to reduce poverty. A survey was conducted in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India to understand the current status of HPS and opportunities to improve HPS and livelihoods of rural communities. Aquaculture in homestead ponds (average area 445 m2) and homestead gardens (vegetables and fruits; average area 120-240 m2) were the two key components of the system. The ponds were mostly perennial but some held a limited amount of water during non-monsoon months. On average, 70 to 75% of the total vegetables produced (average total of 340 kg/household) in the HPS were consumed by the households (HH) and this accounted for 30 to 40% of the total household requirement. Part of the harvest (25 to 30%) was marketed every one to two days. Similarly, around 30 to 35% of the fish produced (143 kg/household) in the HPS was consumed by the farm family. Around 50 to 60% of the total !sh produced in the HPS were sold. In the case of livestock production was minimal, resulting in 80 to 85% of production being consumed by the households. Nevertheless this provided almost 50% of the households needs, with a small amount left over to sell at the local markets. Productivity of HPS could be improved and these systems could provide greater contribute on to the goal of regional food security. To achieve this, farmers need assured supply of quality inputs and training on production and management of the main components: fish, vegetables and livestock. Since HPS are attended to by all members of the household, training programs should focus on the whole family, including men, women and children (12 to 18 years of age). In addition to technical training farmers need financial advice, and improved support groups and technical resources. Enhancing the production level would increase the quantity of marketable surplus and thereby increase the contribution of HPS to regional food and nutrition security.