Arsenic contamination of irrigation water, soil and crops in Bangladesh: A paper from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation

Agriculture, an important sector of our economy accounts for 14 per cent of the nation’s GDP and about 11 per cent of its exports. India has the second largest arable land base (159.7 million hectares) after US and largest gross irrigated area (88 milion hectares) in the world. Rice, wheat, cotton, oilseeds, jute, tea, sugarcane, milk and potatoes are the major agricultural commodities produced. More importantly, over 60 per cent of the country’s population, comprising several million small farming households, depends on agriculture as a principal income source and land continues to be the main asset for livelihood security. 

Agriculture

Irrigation

Contamination, Pollution and Quality

Geogenic Contamination

Arsenic

Drinking and other Domestic Uses

Explore various groundwater recharge methods to sustainably replenish groundwater levels. Learn about innovative techniques and best practices for groundwater conservation.



Arsenic contamination of irrigation water, soil and crops in Bangladesh: A paper from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation

Data indicates that approximately 20 percent of the shallow tubewells in Bangladesh exceed the standard and 10000 to 30000 people have been diagnosed with arsenicosis to date