Farmers' Perception Towards Shelterbelts in Hot Arid Regions of Rajasthan: an Analysis by Garrett's Ranking Technique

Abstract

Shelterbelt plantations are one of the biggest ecofriendly technologies to address wind erosion, control sand movement and related problems in the arid areas, which cover 12 per cent of India and more than half of Rajasthan. However, the role of shelterbelts in arid agriculture is changing. A survey was undertaken to investigate the farmers' perception toward field shelterbelts/windbreaks and its impact in farmers' fields in the arid district of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Questionnaire, group discussion and observations were used for data collection. The respondents of the study were the farmers having already established shelterbelts in their farms. The study revealed that farmers were using windbreaks on agricultural lands mainly to protect crops from strong winds, provide shade to livestock, reduce crop damage from frost and cold winds, reduce soil erosion etc.; while the biggest challenge was the competition by trees to the crops growing below them. The farmers' preference for tree species was also noted to have changed over the years. Though old shelterbelts were mainly of Acacia tortilis, farmers now prefer Dalbergia sissoo (45 per cent prevalence), since it does not affect crop growth and for its economic timber value. Other species like Zizyphus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Cordia myxa etc. when used as shelterbelts provide fruits and fuelwood which provide additional income to farmers.