Author(s)

S. K. Tripathi & B. Chintamanie

Abstract

The use of urban wastewater in agriculture and vegetable production is receiving renewed attention with the increasing scarcity of freshwater resources in many parts of the country. In many cities the wastewater used for irrigation is often inadequately treated. Uttar Pradesh, in India, produces about five thousand tonnes of vegetables annually and most of them are sold in large cities. Most of the rainfall received is during June to September and the rest of the year the crops need irrigation. A survey was conducted and it was found that tomatoes, eggplant, cauliflower, cabbages, carrot and leafy vegetables are grown using urban waste water. The cropping systems are variable according to available manpower, size of holding, access to wastewater, socio-economic condition, proximity to markets and access to roads, etc. The study found that most of such farmers were prone to stomach disorders. Developing a programme to aid a safe production system is felt to promote safer agro produce. The living and working conditions of farmers in a waste water use environment in India needs the attention of Governments in improving their socio economic conditions and undertake technological research to improve the quality of farm produce in the interest of the public at large. Keywords: socioeconomic, farm produce, urban, wastewater, irrigation. 1 Introduction The use of urban wastewater in agriculture is a centuries-old practice that is receiving renewed attention with the increasing scarcity of freshwater resources in many arid and semi-arid regions. Driven by rapid urbanization and growing wastewater volumes, wastewater is widely used as a low-cost alternative to

Keywords

socioeconomic, farm produce, urban, wastewater, irrigation