Suitable Wasteland Management strategies for Productive land zoning in Purulia District of West Bengal

Geographically, Purulia is an agriculturally drought-prone and backward district of India.The mapping of degraded and wasteland distribution and district base figures are very important for land resource assessment and management.This study explores ways to reduce the effects of agricultural drought in the district by implementing management strategies for seven types of wastelands.The main objective of the present study is to study the spatial distribution of different types of wastelands, to suggest suitable measures for reclamation of different types of wastelands and to recommend some possible indigenous management measures.The present study is based on both primary and secondary sources of data.Primary data were collected by intensive field survey and secondary data were collected from various Government departments like Census of India, Geological Survey of India, District statistical handbook and District statistical office of Purulia, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of West Bengal, Block Development Offices.Wasteland classes are separated by rigorous field surveys and represent higher-resolution satellite data and new topographical sheets.Based on the analysis of secondary and primary data and information, the authors in the present context have given appropriate suggestions towards the sustainable development of the wastelands of Purulia district.As a result of this study, it is promising to decrease the amount of wasteland in the district in the future.