Determining crop water productivity for major crops in the Rarh region of West Bengal using the CROPWAT model and climatic inputs

Abstract

Efficient water resource management is critical for sustainable agriculture, especially in regions experiencing climatic variability. This study investigates the crop water requirements of major crops in the Rarh region of West Bengal using the CROPWAT 8.0 model developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The analysis is based on climatic parameters such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunshine hours, and wind speed, sourced from regional meteorological data. By integrating these inputs with soil characteristics and crop-specific data, the study estimates reference evapotranspiration (ETo), crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and irrigation water requirements (IWR) for selected major crops including rice, wheat, maize, and pulses. The results highlight seasonal variations in crop water demand. This research provides valuable recommendations for policymakers, farmers, and irrigation planners to adopt climate-responsive irrigation strategies and ensure agricultural sustainability in the Rarh region.