Objectives: This work deals with some remote villages characterized with rugged topography in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. The main objectives are firstly to analyze the physical background of the study area in relation to agricultural practice; Next to make crop suitability analysis and fertilizer recommendation for the agricultural development of the rural villages and also major thrust is given on the agro marketing.
Methods: In the selected villages a study is made on the physical background in relation to agricultural practice. Then crop suitability analysis is also done. Based on this analysis, fertilizer recommendation is done by increasing and reducing the amount of P2O5 and K2O and soil pH. Important and rational transport routes are identified through which agricultural surplus production are transported. Finally some suggestions are given for the overall development of the area.
Findings: The economy of the study area completely depends on the agriculture and specially the surplus production of potato and vegetables. Infrastructural development to the rural markets is also necessary especially for the agro marketing. The study area is characterized by rugged topography and prone to excessive erosion. So attention should be given on the soil and water conservation by construction of bunch, field channel, and barren land may be developed by fodder cultivation. For enhancing the agricultural production it is very much essential to adjust the amount of K20, P2O5, pH for the various crops. Cashew nut cultivation and sabai grass cultivations are also suggested as because these cultivations are needful for infertile and laterite track and also bring economic benefits. Construction, repairing and maintenance of the road both rural road and main also need more attention as these roads are the mode of connectivity for agro marketing.
Application: Research work related to surplus production of crops and agro marketing can be applied for the management and development of the rural villages where agriculture is the back bone of the economy. Besides crop suitability analysis and fertilizer recommendation can also be applied for increasing agricultural production.