The Impact of Soil Erosion on the Villages of Ibrampur and Sal

Ibrampur and Sal are peaceful villages nestled on either bank along the Chapora River in Goa. This is an area known for its abundant diversity and deep-rooted farming traditions. The Chapora is more than just a picturesque river; it's the lifeblood of the communities that reside here. Farming is the main livelihood, with the river’s fertile banks providing ideal conditions for cultivating various crops. Rice, a staple for the community is the primary crop, while pulses, vegetables, and fruits are also cultivated for both family sustenance and local markets. However, the heavy monsoon rains coupled with climate change pose a challenge, as they cause significant soil erosion, especially on slopes and riverbanks, which can wash away the topsoil and reduce the land’s fertility, affecting long-term agricultural productivity.

In Ibrampur and Sal agriculture is central to life, not just as a means of income but as a way of living passed down through generations. A large proportion of the farming is done manually, with families often working together in the fields, during the busy planting and harvesting seasons. These communal activities along with their associated rituals and festivals strengthen the community bonds and keep the village traditions alive. This traditional way of life creates a strong attachment to their land, strengthens social bonds between its people and ensures that traditional knowledge is passed on to the younger generation fostering a sense of pride and identity. Furthermore, this deep-rooted connection makes the challenges posed by environmental changes and soil degradation particularly distressing.

The farmers used compost and cow dung, to maintain soil fertility as these practices were environmentally sustainable. These practices now, do not fully compensate for the loss of nutrients caused by soil erosion and continuous cropping. The farmers also grow pulses and beans, which are important for protein in their diet, as well as numerous seasonal vegetables and fruits like bananas, coconut, etc. These diverse varieties of produce add nutritional enrichments and variety to the local diet and are also sold in local village and district markets to supplement their income. Alongside farming, the village residents fish in the river to supplement their income and diet.

During the monsoon season, heavy rains in conjunction with the swelling of the river, lead to the overflow of water onto agricultural fields. This flooding washes away the fertile topsoil, which is crucial for crop growth. The erosion of topsoil, which contains the highest concentration of organic matter and nutrients, leads to a decline in soil fertility. The loss of this nutrient-rich soil layer directly impacts the productivity of the land, making it harder for farmers to achieve good yields. This impact on riverbanks, low-lying areas and the fields adjacent to the Chapora River are among the most affected by soil erosion. This, in turn, reduces the amount of land available for farming and depletes the fertility of the remaining soil, lowering crop yields. To compensate for the loss of soil nutrients, farmers often need to apply more fertilizers, which increases the cost of farming and may not fully restore the soil’s productivity. As a result, farmers have to work harder to produce the same amount of yield.