Towards suitable cultivation

The Indian government launched a pilot project to produce cash crops in saline coastal regions using halophytes plants. The project is expected to transform agricultural production in coastal areas where large parts of land have become unsuitable for any other form of cultivation.
The area in Tamil Nadu will house dozens of species of halophytes, or salt-loving plants – that can be used for producing cash crops.
A pilot project to see if cash crops can be grown in the salty ground of India’s coastal areas has been launched.
Halophytes can be used to produce edible oils, medicines, vegetables, and cattle and fish feed.
Salt-resistant plants are important for people living in coastal areas, where vast tracts of land have turned saline and unsuitable for any other form of cultivation.
In recent years, river water and groundwater supplies have depleted rapidly, principally because of increasing irrigation.
Backers of the scheme say it could transform agricultural production in coastal areas which are becoming increasingly saline not only in India but in other parts of South Asia as well.
Saline water plants can also be used to produce fine chemicals, biofuels and even building materials.
Field studies conducted in the US and East Africa have suggested that halophytes such as sea asparagus can be grown as commercial crops.
Innovative project to empower local citizens is the need of the hour and such initiatives needs the support of the government. It must be ensured that every citizen get equitable support in funding to ensure sustenance.