Factors behind under-utilization of wasteland and prospects for their development in Nalanda district of Bihar

Abstract

The present study focused on the exploration of wasteland utilization in the Nalanda district of Bihar. Information gathering involved surveying 140 families through questionnaires and conducting field visits to assess the current status and potential opportunities for utilizing these lands. By examining the perspectives and practices of local communities, the study aimed to identify strategies for unlocking the productive potential of wastelands and promoting sustainable land management practices in the region. The study shows that 0.07 acre land per family was found to be as wastelands. The total area under trees was estimated at around 58.19 acre which is about 19.00 percent of the area of the surveyed families; most of the trees were found on cultivated land. Among the different tree species present in area Albizia lebbeck (38.57%), Bamboo spp. (26%), Acacia nilotica (Babul) (24.28%) and Tectona grandis (Teak) (20.71%) was grown on individual household land area of families. Various reason was observed for peoples are not practicing the planting of tress on wasteland such as lack of awareness (71.42%), lack of quality planting material (54.28%), lack of time (48.57%) due to engaged in tradition agricultural practices and other job work, marketing problems (30%), very small returns from trees (22%), very late return from the trees (17.85%) and damage from cattle and wild animal (17.85%). The perspectives of the farmers towards adaptation of planting trees on the wasteland was also collected and it was showed positive response as - 75.71% respondent families are favored for raising multipurpose tree plantation on wasteland, 20.71% families preferred horticulture trees and remaining 4.28% indicated preference for other plants. Hence, it may conclude that wasteland of the district may be systematically utilized under forestry, horticulture land Agroforestry sectors for optimum utilization of land. Also helpful to develop forest base green economic generated model like Aquaculture, Beekeeping, Sericulture and Silvopastural etc. which may increase the socioeconomic status of the families.