Abstract— The fly ash emitting from Kolaghat thermal power plant (KTPP), India, is affecting the crop production in the vicinity of power plant. Use of NPK fertilizers for cereal crops has increased by 0-50% in the surrounding area (<4km) during last four years (2011-2015) whereas it is 14.29% – 33.33% for the rest of Kolaghat block. Increase in use of nitrogen and phosphorus bearing fertilizers have been observed but potassium requirement (0-25%) has become lower within area 4km radius from KTPP. For the remaining area of the block, it is quite higher than that of adjacent area. Pest incidence has increased (66.67%) throughout the study area. But a considerable increase in pest attack has been observed in the nearer circles of KTPP. Doses of pesticides are higher (25% – 100%) in the adjacent area (<4km) than the rest of the block (12.5%-46.67%). Yields of different cultivated crops also have decreased by 1.08% – 24.7% in the area close to KTPP. On the other hand, the rest of the block has experienced little yield deviation (-0.2% to -9.34%) for all crops expect wheat (+6.48%), maize (+0.41%), mustard (+10.08%), and moong (Vigna radiata) that have gained more yields (+10.25%). Consequently, the cost of cultivation (<4km) is higher (12.5%-76.47%) than the rest (6.58%-62.5%) of the block. The results clearly show that the adverse impact of fly ash on crop production in the proximity (<4km) of KTPP. Site-specific crop adaptation, resources management, organic farming and good agricultural practices can nourish the agricultural sustainability and improve the socio-economic status in the affected area of coal-fired thermal power plant in rural India.
Keywords— crop production, cultivation cost, fertilizer application, fly ash, pest incidence.
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