Impact of Mineral Extraction on Agriculture: Evidence From Chromite Mining Region in Odisha, India

Abstract

Mining through the extraction of minerals provides an important structure for the development of countries that are endowed with rich minerals. Odisha occupies a prominent position in the mineral map of India. The state enjoys the distinction of being the principal producer of chromite in India. More than 96% of the resources of chromite are located in Odisha. But mineral extraction cannot be done without unduly interfering and damaging the environment, thereby negatively contributing to the livelihood assets like agricultural land. Hence an attempt has been made in the present study to analyse the impact of chromite mining activities on agriculture in the Jajpur district, the premier chromite-producing region of Odisha. A comparative approach with and without mining has been used in the present study. It is based on a primary survey of 100 households i.e. 50 from mining and 50 from non-mining villages respectively. It has been found that mining has affected farming as a source of livelihood. It is seen that people in mining villages have given up farming and have mostly shifted towards mining-related work. Further, those few people who are doing cultivation are cultivating for their home consumption only and not for selling. The production and productivity of different crops in the region have been affected and are comparatively less than in the non-mining region. This implies that mining activities are also degrading the quality of the soil. Thus, it can be concluded that the extraction of minerals has led to negative spillover effects on agriculture in the region, thereby raising the issue of sustainable development. Therefore it is highly required that some policy measures should be taken by the government and mining companies to address the negative impact of mineral extraction on agriculture in the mining region.