EFFECT OF FLOATING AGRICULTURE ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION AND BIO-DIVERSITY

A study was carried out in 2007 at Basudebpur, Muksudpur under Gopalganj District. The study revealed that the production system was the major livelihood option for about 70-90% of the locals. Bio-diverse vegetables and spices crops are grown sustainably over the years on floating substrata made mainly of water hyacinth and other minor aquatic weeds on flooded water. The land with the water is used for production of fish in the open water and crops on the floating beds. Thus, ensures a sustainable utilization of agro biodiversity, natural resources and multiple use of the land. It was required to construct a floating bed about 4,500/-6,000/- BDT only and can earn BDT15, 000-BDT 250,000/season from a floating bed. This traditional cultivation technique is, therefore an environmental-friendly means to utilize the natural resources of wetlands to grow vegetables and other crops almost all year round. With the floating gardens, numerous social, economic, agricultural and ecological benefits are provided to the local population.