Impact of Industrial Effluents on Crop Production in Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam

Abstract

The present study assessed the impact and consequences of the industrial effluents that emerged from the Nagaon Paper Mill (NPM) and Brick Kilns Industry (BKI) in the Nagaon and Morigaon districts of Assam, respectively. The impact of the industrial effluents was analyzed with particular reference to Sali rice. The study depicted that the net sown area was less in the areas close to both industrial units due to the conversion of productive land to wastelands, which results in changes in cropping patterns and crop productivity close to industrial units compared to areas further away from industrial units. The findings also revealed that farms polluted with industrial effluents had much higher labour expenses, pesticide prices, and wastewater disposal costs, raising the overall cultivation cost. The study suggested treating the effluents appropriately before being disposed of in the environment to lessen the effect on agricultural output. For the brick kiln industry, agricultural land should not be exploited, and BKI regulations need to be strictly regulated because many unregistered BKIs are sprouting up throughout Assam.