International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Lakshmi Muralikrishna and Guntukogula Pattabhi Sandeep

abstract
Water pollution has emerged as a formidable challenge with far-reaching implications for agricultural systems, causing disruptions to crop productivity, ecosystem equilibrium, and overall human welfare. This paper presents an analysis of water pollution confronting agricultural environments within six distinct panchayats from Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala using a Water Pollution Index. By eliciting insights directly from farmers, this study seeks to quantify the extent of water pollution's impact on diverse agricultural systems. The statistical tools used are, survey method to collect relevant data to the farmers and a Water Pollution Index to find the different dimensions of water pollution. This index synthesized information from nine carefully curated statements and, each statement encapsulated various facets of water pollution's influence on agricultural systems. The data collection process was conducted by purposively selecting 180 farmers practicing rice farming, banana cultivation, and vegetable production, i.e., 30 farmers from each panchayat. The respondents were selected using Purposive Sampling Method. The farmers were initially given information and also asked about their opinion about the ill-effects of excessive chemical fertilizers, waste dumping and industrial effluents on the water bodies and their repercussions on the environment, which they were already aware of. The observed variations in pollution levels bear significant implications for the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices and the broader imperative of environmental conservation. By delving into the inter-woven relationships between water pollution and agricultural productivity, the study underscores the urgency of adopting strategic interventions to mitigate and manage the ill effects of water pollution. The findings revealed distinct patterns of water pollution in the agricultural systems of the six Panchayats. Puzhakkal showed a high level of water pollution (index = 70.81), Alathur and Nadathara exhibited a moderate level of water pollution (index = 66.37 and 61.93, respectively), Puthur and Madakkathara demonstrated moderate pollution (index = 63.11 and 64.15, respectively), while Pananchery reported the lowest pollution level (index = 60) among the studied Panchayats. The identification of specific pollution patterns within different Panchayats helps in tailoring targeted interventions, and promoting eco-friendly practices that synergistically address the complex interplay between agricultural activities and water quality.