Agricultural Sustainability in a Mining Context: An Empirical Inquest in Hemgir Block of Odisha, India

Abstract

Agricultural sustainability plays an important role in improving air, water, soil, and the general environment around the world. The concept of sustainability depends primarily on economic, environmental, and social aspects. These aspects vary by region and type of crop grown, and the environment in which it is grown, so they usually work together to standardize agricultural sustainability. Mining has widespread effects on agriculture especially in the Hemgir block of Odisha, India, which has serious implications for agricultural sustainability, especially for small and marginal farmers. Current research involves designing a structural equation model (SEM) to assess the relationships between indicators that measure agricultural sustainability in the Hemgir block. Primary data were collected from 112 paddy farmers in Hemgir block to assess environmental, social, and economic interactions. The study found that there was a significant and positive correlation between environmental and economic indicators. One of the important things to learn from this study is to help stakeholders and the agricultural sector to understand the interrelationships between specific indicators. The government also needs to emphasize the environmental aspect and facilitate social and economic-focused handholding support.