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C O N T E N T S

S. No. Title Page No. Executive Summary 7 I Introduction 15 1.1 Background 15 1.2 Main concerns of agricultural sector 16 1.3 Purpose of DAPs 18 1.4 Methodology 18 II General description of the district 21 2.1 Introduction 21 2.2 District at a glance 23 2.3 Development Vision and Strategy 27 III SWOT analysis 29 3.1 Introduction 29 3.2 SWOT analysis of the district 29 3.3 Emerging issues from SWOT analysis 32 3.4 Sectoral / Regional growth drivers of the district 33 IV Development of Agricultural Sector 35 4.1 Introduction 35 4.2 Land Use 35 4.3 Soil Health 35 4.4 Water Resources and Management 38 4.5 Major Crops and varieties 39 4.6 Input Management 43 4.7 Farm Mechanization 45 4.8 Constraint Analysis 46 4.9 Gaps and interventions 53 4.10 Investments and outcomes 63

V Allied Agricultural Sectors 64 5.1 Introduction 64 5.2 Horticulture Development 64 5.3 Sericulture Development 74 5.4 Animal Husbandry 80 5.5 Fisheries Development 85 5.6 Watershed development 88 5.7 Rural development 90 5.8 Social forestry development 92 5.9 Agricultural marketing 93 5.10 Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) 95 5.11 Irrigation development 100 5.12 Development of rural industries 100 5.13 Agricultural credit and insurance 103

1 5.14 Investments and outcomes 104 VI District Plan 106 6.1 Introduction 106 6.2 Growth Drivers 106 6.3 Innovative Schemes 108 6.4 Vision of XI plan 111 6.5 District plan 112 Annexures Tables 115-195 Convergence of Schemes and Activities for Agricultural 196-203 Development

2 List of tables

Table no Name of the table Page no. 1 General Information 130 2 Farming situations and the areas under them 130 3 Agrarian structure in the district 131 4 Month-wise rainfall distribution in Warangal district, 2001-02 to 2007-08 132 5 Land utilization particulars of the district 133 6 Land Holdings (Agricultural Census 2001) 133 7 Area irrigated by different sources in Warangal district 134 8 Contributions of sub-sectors of agriculture to the district GDP, 2000-01 to 134 2004-05 9 Growth rates in sub-sectors of agriculture 134 10 Land Utilization Statistics(2005-2006) 135 11 Soil fertility index (2000-01 TO 2006-07) 135 12 Micronutrient status (2000-01 To 2006-07) 136 13 Planning of soil testing Program (Year 2007-08 to 2011-12) 137 14 Reclamation and Development of Saline / Alkaline soils in Next Five Years 137 15 Data on Weather (Average) 138 16 Source wise Area Irrigated in 2006-2007 in ha 139 17 Water analysis report (2000-01 to 2006-07) 139 18 Cropping patterns in Ranga reddy district. 140 19 Areas under different types of crops 140 20 Details of area under field crops in kharif and rabi 141 21 Details of area, production and yield of major crops, 2002-03 to 2006-07 142 22 Area, productivity and productivity of major food crops, kharif, 2006 143 23 Area, productivity and production of major food crops, kharif, 2006 144 24 Area, productivity and productivity of major food crops, 2006-07 145 25 Area, Production and Yield of Major Crops in Irrigated/Rain fed Conditions 146 during Kharif Season 26 Area, Production and Yield of Major Crops in Irrigated/Rain fed Conditions 146 during rabi season

27 Planning of Agriculture Inputs in the District - A) Seed 146 28 Infrastructure Available on Taluka Seed Farm / Trial cum Demonstration Farm 147 29 Seed Production at TSF / TCD 147 30 Crop wise NPK Consumption (Average) 148 31 Planning of Fertilizer Requirement 149 32 Planning of Fertilizer Requirement by type of fertilizer 149 33 Agro-service centers in the district 150 34 Farming situations and areas covered by them 150 35 151 Damages due to natural calamities 36 Basic infrastructure for agriculture 156 37 158 Organization and Strength of ATMA Model 38 Convergence of Scheme through ATMA 158 39 Planning for Strengthening of ATMA 159 40 Fertilizer consumption in Warangal district, 2002-03 to 2006-07 160 41 Proposals for the supply of green manure seeds on subsidy 160

3 42 Consumption of Pesticides (technical grade material), 1996-97 to 2006-07 161 43 Farmers Field Schools Projection in XI plan 162 44 163 Progress in farm implements supply, 2002-03 45 Proposals for farm mechanization during XI plan 163 46 Crop Diversification Plan in XI plan 164 47 Proposals for diversification of marginal rain fed areas 164 48 Proposals for strengthening regulatory infrastructure 165 49 Proposals for strengthening extension services during XI plan 165 50 Proposals for supply of sprinklers during XI plan 166 51 Facilities Available in Agro Polyclinics 166 52 166 Additional area to be brought / under Organic Farming in Next Five Year 53 Treatment /Units Proposed for the Organic Farming in XI plan 167 54 IPM Demonstration in XI plan 167 55 INM Demonstration in XI plan 168 56 Tools Utilized for Improving Crop Production 168 57 Proposed investments in field crop sector 169 58 Expected growth rates in agriculture sector during XI plan, 2007-08 to 2011- 169 12 59 Area under other enterprises in Warangal district 170 60 Area under horticultural crops in Warangal district 170 61 Farming situations and horticulture areas in Warangal district 171 62 Details of rythu bazaars in Warangal district 171 63 Area, Production and Yield of Major Horticultural Crops 172 64 Plan for area expansion under horticultural crops 172 65 Planting Material Production Plan 172 66 Proposed interventions in horticulture sector 173 67 Sericulture Information 173 68 Proposed Physical and Financial Targets for Sericulture for XI Plan 174 69 Livestock information 175 70 ADA circle wise veterinary institutions in the district 175 71 Production Plan of Livestock during the XI plan period 176 72 Proposals for vaccination against foot and mouth disease 177 73 Proposals for supply of heifer calves on subsidy 177 74 Proposals for feed subsidy to heifer calves 177 75 Proposals for establishing mobile disease diagnostic lab 178 76 Proposals for health care to sheep and goats and training of sheep growers 178 77 Proposals for supply of chaff cutters on subsidy 178 78 Proposals for establishment of perennial fodder units 179 79 Proposals for induction of milch animals 179 80 Details of district sector plans for livestock development during X plan 179

81 Proposed interventions on livestock sector during XI plan period 180 82 Financial Targets and Achievements during X Plan for Fisheries 181 Development in the District 83 Projected Outlay for the existing schemes in Fisheries Development during 182 XI Plan 84 Investments required for fishery development during XI plan 182 85 Programs under taken by DWMA 183 86 Details of budget requirements during XI plan 184 87 Details of works undertaken during X plan period 184

4 88 Details of watersheds proposed for implementation in XI plan 185 89 Planning of soil survey program (Year 2007-08 TO 2011-12) 185 90 Area Available for Watershed Development and Plan 186 91 Technologies for In situ Moisture Conservation Plan 186 92 Physical and financial provisions of rural development programs 187 93 Action Plan for Social Forestry for XI Plan 188 94 Status of work in community managed organic farming systems 189 95 Major irrigation sources and budget position 191 96 Contribution of different irrigation sources to irrigated area 191 97 Product wise no. of SSI units in the district 192 98 Action Plans for K.V.I Program during XI Plan 193 99 Progress during X Plan under District Industrial Centre 193 100 Action Plan of DIC for XI Plan 193 101 Financial Achievements during X Plan for Development of Handlooms and 194 Textiles 102 Details of the Proposed Industries Under Handlooms and Textiles 194 103 Flow of credit to agriculture, 2004-05 to 2006-07 195 104 Estimated credit flow during XI plan period 195 105 Projections for Agriculture Insurance during XI plan 195

List of figures/graphs

Fig.no Title Page no. 1 District map 21 2 Monsoon wise rainfall 24 3 Source wise irrigated area 26 4 Growth rates in different sectors 26 5 Soils in the district 36 6 Area under different crops 40 7 Area and production of major crops 41 8 Productivity of major crops 42 9 Farming situations in the district 47 10 Area under different sectors 64

5 Comprehensive District Agriculture Plan Warangal district

Executive summary

Warangal district was named after Warangal city which developed both under the political and historical influences of successive great kings. The headquarters of the Warangal district is Hanamkonda. There are 1098 revenue villages, out of which 95 are un-inhabited. The remaining 1003 inhabited villages are organized in to 1006 gram panchayats. Mahabubabad ADA circle has the highest number of revenue villages, while Parkal ADA circle has the highest number of gram panchayats. Mulug ADA circle has the lowest number of revenue villages as well as gram panchayats. The total population in the district is 25.47 lakh as per 2001 census. The density of population is 214 persons per square kilo miter. The male population exceeds the female population. The sex ratio is 1:0.97. The highest population is recorded in Hanumakonda ADA circle followed by Mahbubabad and Marripeda ADA circles. The lowest population is recorded in A-Ghanpur and Mulug ADA circles. The scheduled castes population forms 18.9% of the total population in the district. The scheduled tribes’ population also is quite high at 17.6%. The scheduled tribes are concentrated

6 more in Mahbubabad and Marripeda ADA circles while the scheduled caste population is dominant in Jangaon and Hanumakonda ADA circles.

The district lies between the latitude of 170-19’ and 180-36’ North and longitudes of 780-49’ and 800-43’ East and is above mid sea level by 870 ft.–1700 ft. It is bounded on the North by Karimnagar district, on the west by Medak district, on the south by Nalgonda district and Khammam district on the east and south-east. The soils of the district comprise of sandy loams, with patches of shallow black cotton soils and, at places, even medium and deep black cotton soils. The farm holdings in the district are dominated by small and marginal farmers. Their combined share in the number of holdings adds up to 83 per cent. But, they together own only 45 per cent of the land area. The medium and large farmers, together, account for 17 per cent of land holdings. Their combined share in land area is 54 per cent. Thus, the distribution of land between different size groups of farmers is quite unequal. The normal rainfall of the district is 994 mm. During 2001-02 to 2006-07, three out of six years were sub- normal, while one year was just normal. The rainfall during 2005-06 and 2006-07 was, however, higher than the normal rainfall.

Warangal district has a fairly high normal rainfall of 994 mm per annum. If it is well distributed, it is sufficient to sustain a rain fed crop also. The soils are quite diverse with 54 per cent area under red soils, 28 per cent area under black soils, 11 per cent area under loamy soils and 7 per cent area under sandy soils. Among these, black and loamy soils have better fertility and water holding capacity. Red and sandy soils are suitable for crops which require good drainage. With such diversity in soils, a number of crops can be grown in the district in both the seasons. About 52.5 per cent of the total cropped area is irrigated. The cropping intensity is about 120 per cent. The irrigation sources are fairly diversified. The district has a strong network of tank irrigation from times immemorial. Open wells are still functional in some parts of the district. Bore wells/ filter points are the most important sources of irrigation. Some parts of the district are getting water from the Sri Ram Sagar canals. With more than 50 per cent area receiving irrigation support and fairly high rainfall, the crop production in the district is reasonably secure. Rice is the most important crop followed by cotton, maize and ground nut. Pulse crops like red gram and green gram and other oil seed crops like sesamum are also grown in substantial areas.

7 Horticultural crops like mango and sweet orange are gaining areas. Livestock, poultry, fishery and sericulture are also growing fast because of good demand for their products. The Warangal-Hanumakonda-Kazipet complex is growing in to a big urban agglomeration, which can provide good market for the produce from the district. Hyderabad city is also quite accessible for marketing the surplus products. The district has a good rail and road infrastructure to connect it to all parts of the country. A number of industrial units are located in Warangal city, which helps in providing a ready market for the produce of agriculture and allied sectors. The district has an agricultural research station at Warangal and a horticultural research station and KVK at Mallyal, which provide the necessary technology support to the farmers in the district. The farmers are progressive and risk taking in nature. All these strong features puts the agriculture and allied sectors in a competitive position.

Although the average normal rainfall is 994 mm, there is a considerable variability in it with areas like Jangaon receiving only a little more than 700 mm, while the rainfall in the agency tracts of the district is quite high. The year to year variability in rainfall is also quite high, making it vulnerable to both droughts in bad years and to floods in excess rainfall years. Damages are caused by both these abiotic stresses as well as biotic stresses like pests and diseases, particularly in case of cotton. Consecutive failures of cotton crop have precipitated the deep economic crisis through which the farmers are passing in the form of hundreds of suicides by farmers. A good part of the district is notorious for extremist violence. The conflict between tribals and non- tribals in the Godavari belt has caused a disruption in the agricultural activities of the district for quite some years. More than 60 per cent of the soils are light textured and have poor fertility and water retention capacity. The farms are dominated by small and marginal category farmers who are lacking in investment capacity. The infrastructure and education levels are quite poor in the tribal and remote parts of the district. Due to alternate employment opportunities in the mining, forestry and industrial sectors, there is migration of labor from rural to urban areas, creating a wage spiral and labor shortage. These have increased labor costs, making farming a less viable enterprise, particularly in the rain fed areas. The constraints of water availability have limited the prospects of development in case of horticulture, sericulture and fishery. The quality of livestock is rather poor with very low output of milk and meat. The pressure on land is increasing due to population growth, making

8 the size of holdings smaller and smaller over time, bringing them much below the economic size of holding.

There are several initiatives which bring new opportunities to the farmers in Warangal district. Under the ‘Jalayagnam’ program, Devadula lift irrigation scheme and Sri Ram sagar phase-II project are being constructed /strengthened to achieve both growth and stabilization of irrigated area in the district. Other projects to renovate the tank irrigation are also expected to contribute to growth and stabilization of irrigated area in the district. These projects can change the productivity and profitability of agriculture radically. The advent of surface irrigation may also improve the ground water levels and make tank and well irrigation more sustainable. The land values are going up as a result of the general spiral in land prices through out the state. A part of the district is included in the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) which is causing a surge in the land prices. It provides an opportunity to those who want to quit farming and move to other sectors for their livelihood. People who made money from non-agricultural sectors are investing in lands for speculative purposes in general but out of interest in farming in some exceptional cases. They have the capacity to invest in land development and in improved technologies. This trend may augur well to the farming sector because of infusion of capital from new sources. The output prices, both of food and cash crops, are on the rise and they may alter the rate of return on investments significantly and provide new hope to the farmers. The minimum support price of paddy has been raised to Rs.850 per quintal and there are efforts to increase it further to Rs.1000 per quintal. These price increases will help in increasing the profitability of farming. The demand for milk, meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables is increasing and the process of diversification in to these high value commodities is likely to intensify further. The farmers are taking up micro-irrigation in a big way which will help in improving the water use efficiency and achieving enterprise diversification. Both the crop sector as well as the allied sectors is likely to do well in this scenario. The free power scheme which is being implemented for the last four years has been a boon to the farmers depending on wells/tube wells. The recent loan waiver program has freed marginal and small farmers from the bond of debt. They can avail fresh credit and invest on their farms. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has brought work and income to agricultural labor. The

9 rural economy, in general, is infused with new sources of demand. The product prices are likely to increase further and make agriculture and allied enterprises more remunerative. The agricultural research station at Warangal and horticulture research station at Mallyal are catering to the research support to agriculture and horticulture in the district. The rapid industrialization taking place in the peripheries of Hyderabad and Warangal cities are throwing open employment as well as income opportunities to the people. It is likely to create additional demand for agricultural produce.

The threats to agriculture and allied sectors come from many sources. Due to uncertain rainfall and predominance of light soils, the agricultural enterprises are becoming riskier. The predictions of climate change point out to decrease in rainfall and increase in temperatures. Both these anticipated changes may further dent the viability of agriculture in the district. The labor wages are going up in real terms and after the implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), the working hours have reduced. Due to this increase in real wages without a commensurate increase in productivity, the agriculture tends to become less profitable. The loan waiver scheme has destroyed the credit discipline and farmers may not get access to credit both from institutional as well as non- institutional sources of credit. The increase in fuel prices may apply brakes on farm mechanization trend. The globalization of markets will put the farmers from advanced countries at an advantage because they are backed by huge subsidies from their governments. With in the country, farmers from irrigated areas are expected to do better due to heavy incidence of subsidies for irrigated crops. A partially rainfed district like Warangal may find it an unequal battle to compete with the neighboring districts with higher irrigation coverage. Some of the internal weaknesses may get exacerbated by the external threats looming large on the agricultural sector in the district. The special economic zones are cutting down the availability of land for agriculture. The trends of urbanization are also denting on the availability of land for agriculture.

After analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by agricultural sector and after analyzing the yield gaps that can be recovered in the district, a comprehensive district agricultural plan was prepared with interventions in

10 agriculture and allied sectors. The interventions in agricultural sector include measures such as supply of green manure seed, application of gypsum and supply of zinc sulphate for improving the soil health and fertility. The interventions suggested also included supply of farm equipment and establishment of custom hiring centers to help the farmers get over the problem of labor shortage. There were also proposals on supply of sprinkler sets for increasing water use efficiency, supporting Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS) and strengthening extension support by appointing Agricultural Officers, technology facilitators and model farmers, development of human resources through training etc. The total investments on all the interventions proposed in agriculture amounted to Rs. 7210.1 lakh. The proposed growth rate in the agricultural sector is 5.8 per cent per year.

Horticultural sector which attained some growth in the recent years will be encouraged further by establishing new nurseries for producing quality planting material, establishment of new gardens, rejuvenation of the old and senile orchards, introducing new horticultural crops and multistory cropping systems, hybrid varieties of vegetables, loose flowers, provision of shade nets, plant protection equipment, horticultural tools, drip irrigation etc., organic farming, strengthening extension by appointing more technical personnel, capacity building of technical staff and farmers, integrated orchard management, provision of post-harvest infrastructure, grading and packing facilities etc., for the all round development of horticultural sector in the district. The total investments required for the development of horticultural sector over the next five years period is Rs.2716.4 lakh and they are expected to put horticulture on a higher growth trajectory of 5.2 per cent per year.

Sericulture in Warangal district has just started to give further boost to sericulture development in the district, a massive investment of Rs. 557.47 lakh is planned over the next five years to sustain a 6.5 per cent growth per year. The catalytic development program will be strengthened in all respects to give a further boost to mulberry cultivation and silk production.

Warangal district has substantial populations of livestock and small ruminants. It is proposed to induct a large number of improved milch animals and heifer calves to up grade the quality of livestock. Universal coverage of all livestock and small ruminants

11 by vaccination against foot and mouth disease in case of bovines and against the common diseases in case of small ruminants is planned to reduce the mortality and morbidity. Supply of feed to quality heifer calves, establishment of permanent fodder units, supply of chaff cutters, provision of mobile disease diagnostic laboratories and other measures required for the development of Animal Husbandry sector are planned with a total investment of Rs. 1890.24 lakh over the period of five years. The anticipated growth rate in the animal husbandry sector is expected to reach 10.0 per cent per year as a result of all the development investments planned. Similarly, fisheries sector will be developed through a set of initiatives for strengthening production and marketing of fish at a cost of Rs. 649.0 lakh over the next five years. These investments are expected to the fish production in the district over the next five years period at the rate of 14.2 per cent per year.

Besides, the investments in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, animal husbandry and fisheries, substantial investments are also planned to establish the village markets and market information centers to cut down the marketing costs and improve the price realization by the farmers. Similarly, the development investments on irrigation, watershed development and poverty eradication programs will also be intensified. The provision of production and development credit will keep pace with the requirements of agriculture and allied sectors. This district agricultural plan can bring dynamism to the district economy and raise the incomes of the rural people. It has a potential to reverse the trends of desertification noted in some parts of the district. It can make a big dent on the rural indebtedness and make the farmers optimistic to look forward for a fast pace of development and improvement in their living standards. It is hoped that the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) will support the Comprehensive District Agricultural Plan (CDAP) for Warangal district fully. Since Warangal district is one of the developing districts of Andhra Pradesh state, such a support is justified both from the point of view of increasing production efficiency as well as from the angle of balanced regional development and poverty alleviation. The proposed investments in different sub-sectors of agriculture are summarized in the table below:

Table: Proposed investments in different sub-sectors (Rs in lakh) S.n0 Investment Amount

12 1. Agriculture 7210.1 2. Horticulture 2716.4 3. Sericulture 557.47 4. Animal husbandry 1890.24 5. Fisheries 649.0 6. Marketing 1500.0 7. SERP 860.79 TOTAL 15384.0

The total investment for the development of agriculture and allied sectors during XI plan adds up to Rs.15384 lakh. The major part of Rs.7201.1 lakh was needed for field crops sector. Horticulture and animal husbandry required Rs.2716.4 lakh and Rs.1890.24 lakh respectively. The requirements for sericulture were at Rs.557.47 lakh. The requirements of fisheries and SERP sectors were estimated at Rs.649.0 and Rs.860.79 lakh respectively. The requirement for supporting marketing activities in the district is estimated at Rs.1500 lakh.

Outcomes

The sector wise growth rates anticipated to result from investments proposed are given below:

Table: Proposed sector wise growth rates (in per cent)

S.No Sector 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 Average

1 Agriculture 5.6 6.3 6.0 5.6 5.5 5.8 2 Animal Husbandry 8.2 8.6 9.4 11.6 12.2 10.0 3 Fisheries 6.5 19.8 16.5 14.3 13.8 14.2 4 Sericulture 7.4 6.9 6.5 6.1 5.7 6.5 5 Horticulture 4.0 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 5.2 Agriculture sector 6.1 7.2 7.6 7.4 7.3 7.1

Of all the sectors, fisheries are expected to increase at a high rate of 14.2 per year. Animal husbandry is the next fastest growing sector with a growth rate of 10.0 % per year. Sericulture is expected to grow at 6.5 per cent per year. Agriculture is targeted to grow @ 5.8% per year. Horticulture sector is projected to grow at slowest rate of 5.2% per year. The entire agriculture sector is expected to grow at a fast rate of

13 7.1% per year. These high growth rates are expected to result from the heavy investments suggested in the plan. In all the sectors, the growth rates in the initial year are projected to be slower and they are expected to accelerate over the next two years and taper off in the next two years.

Chapter-I Introduction 1.1 Back ground

Andhra Pradesh is predominantly an Agricultural state. Nearly two-thrid of the labor force in the state depends on it for their livelihoods. But the share of agriculture in the state income dropped below 20 per cent and the indications are that it may further fall to 15% in the next five years. Due to this, the gap between those dependent on other sectors and on agriculture is widening. This phenomenon of ‘retrogression’ which is occurring in all parts of India is impacting the state much more severely. The rural people are migrating urban areas and to distant places for livelihood. The state which was once recognized as the ‘granary of the south’ is now finding it difficult even to meet its needs.

The state is adversely placed with respect to both soils and rainfall, which are the key resources for agriculture. In India, the alluvial soils which are the most fertile type of soils occupy about 40% of the land area. Another 40% of area is covered by black soils which have intermediate levels of fertility. The red and sandy soils, which are poor in fertility, occupy only 20% of the land area. But, in Andhra Pradesh, red and sandy soils occupy as much as 65% of the land area and are very poor in soil fertility. Only 25% of the area is under black soils, while the remaining 10% area is under alluvial soils. Thus, the fertility as well as productivity levels of crops in Andhra Pradesh are generally below the

14 all India averages. The average annual rainfall of the state is only 925 mm, as against the national average of 1150 mm. Besides the low quantum of rainfall, there is a high degree of variability in the rainfall across locations and years.

Only about 38% of the gross cropped area in state is irrigated. It is slightly higher than the national average of about 35%. Due to poor soils and low rainfall, the need for irrigation is quite high in Andhra Pradesh. Rainfed farming gives very poor yields and contributes only about 22% to agricultural production as against 44% which is the estimated contribution of rainfed farming at the national level. The state is frequently affected by droughts of moderate to severe intensity. Equally frequent are the instances of damages to crops by floods, heavy rains and cyclones. Agriculture in the state is risky and less viable when compared with the other parts of the country.

Andhra Pradesh had the benefit of irrigation projects constructed 160 years ago on rivers, Godavari and Krishna. But as the upper riparian states, Maharashtra and Karnataka have built many projects in the up streams of these rivers. During drought years, water flows in the rivers are quite scanty as it happened during the early years of 21st century. The agricultural production received a set back and farmers reeled under continuous droughts. The production costs have risen faster than the output prices and farming has become non-viable, particularly in the predominantly rainfed areas of the state. The farmers have shifted to cash crops because of non-viability of food crops. It increased risks and farmers ended up with losses quite frequently. The tenant farmers and small farmers are unable to access credit from institutional sources and had to depend on moneylenders who charge higher rates of interest. The average debt per farmer in Andhra Pradesh was found to be twice the amount at the all India level. Due to frequent crop failures and harassment of lenders, many farmers lost hope and committed suicides. The relief package of Prime Minister helped some farmers in the chronically drought hit districts. But, agricultural sector needs more investments both from the government as well as from the farmers to face the problems confronting it.

1.2 The main concerns of agricultural sector in the state are summarized below:

1. Land continues to be a critical concern from many angles. On one side, size of the operational holding has been coming down significantly. On the other side, soil health has deteriorated significantly in the recent past affecting factor productivity

15 especially of fertilisers. The reduction of the organic carbon in the soil also led to many micro-nutrient deficiencies, besides deterioration in the texture and structure of the soils which again adversely impacted moisture retention capacity. 2. Wide fluctuations in sown area as well as in irrigated area have become a common phenomenon. Weather changes, monsoon failures, un-scientific ground water exploitation, poor reservoir-management, power shortages and investment-holiday in the 1990s in surface irrigation and drainage, are mainly responsible for this unfortunate development. To get over these problems, the state should focus on conjunctive-use of surface and ground water, investments in surface irrigation and drainage, watershed management in rained areas and special effort to bring current fallows and cultivable wastes under cultivation. 3. There is a clear deceleration in crop-sector growth in recent past. This is, on account of many factors including failure in maintaining soil health and inadequate investments in irrigation. But the most notable among all the factors responsible for the poor performance is the failure to bridge yield gaps in almost all the major crops. These gaps are because of knowledge gaps or lack of skills and awareness or due to resource constraints. Critical interventions are needed to bridge the substantial yield gaps. 4. Reinvigorating extension and research systems is crucial as investment in both these areas is low when compared to the same in neighbouring states. Without a good extension system, other interventions cannot be implemented. 5. Substantial indebtedness in the farming community and poor credit coverage are other matters of concern. Due to rise in cost of production, the credit needs have increased. But due to increase in the oral tenancy contracts, the accessibility to credit from formal financial institutions has become difficult, particularly for the tenant farmers. Decline in long-term credit for making investments in assets like wells has become a serious concern. High rate of failures in digging wells is another issue about which the state has to worry. 6. There is urgency to un-burden agriculture by shifting substantial man-power to non- farm sector, as gainful employment opportunities are limited in agricultural sector. 7. Rainfed agriculture continues to be less rewarding. More than 70% of the area under rained cultivation is covered by oil seeds, pulses and cotton. The poor performance in oil seeds sector has caused stagnation in the crop sector. Besides seed, extension and credit which are common to both irrigated and rainfed

16 agriculture, special focus on watershed management, diversification to tree crops and good mechanization are vital for rainfed agriculture. 8. Improving the marketing efficiency by modernization, expansion of infrastructure and establishment of specialized markets for commodities like banana, turmeric, chillies, onions etc, is the need of the hour. 9. Minimizing production losses, substitution of inefficient native breeds by more input-responsive breeds and expansion of procurement network are needed for the development of livestock sector. 10. Poor productivity levels of fruit crops because of large extents under old and senile gardens needs early attention. Use of hybrid seeds in vegetable crops, expansion of areas under modern and efficient micro-irrigation systems, poly-houses for quality and off-season production and investments for modernizing markets and processing units are the interventions needed in horticultural sector. 11. Poor productivity levels of fish in case of reservoirs and tanks are concerns which need to be addressed. The gap in productivity levels across districts needs special attention. Modern mechanized crafts and quality infrastructure are also necessary for exploitation of marine resources. 12. Productivity levels in mulberry based sericulture are quite lower than what they are in neighbouring China. Reeling infrastructure is also very poor and inefficient in the state. Both the problems related to production and processing are to be addressed.

1.3 Purpose of DAPs The district agricultural plans are being prepared in this background to serve the purpose of attracting more investments for the development of agriculture. While announcing the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Prime Minister mentioned that the central government will support the states which are increasing their own investments for agricultural development. The state government has stepped up investments on surface and lift irrigation projects to utilize the river waters that are flowing in to the sea. On several occasions, the political leadership has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of the farmers in the state. It is supplying power to the farmers who lift water from below the ground free of cost. But the massive investments involved in surface irrigation projects and supply of free power do not normally count as expenditures meant for agricultural development. The state government has been pleading with the government of India to consider these critical investments as agricultural development expenditures. While the decisions on these aspects are awaited, the state government is interested to increase

17 other investments meant for agricultural development. The district agricultural plans are being prepared in a bottom-up manner to assess the requirements of funds for development of agriculture and allied sectors in each of the districts. While seeking support from RKVY, the state government is interested in mobilizing funds for agricultural development from other schemes and sources. Although when the development plans are prepared, the available funds may be falling short of requirements, other opportunities may arise in due course to access additional funds needed from donors and development investors.

1.4 Methodology

The state government has divided the 9 Agro-climatic zones in the state namely High altitude and tribal area, North coastal, Godavari, Krishna, Southern, Northern Telangana, Central Telangana, Southern Telangana and Scarce rainfall zones into 322 farming situations based on the cropping pattern, availability of irrigation source, soil class, temperature levels and rainfall data. In each farming situation, careful analysis was carried out on the yield gaps for each crop. The yield gap was calculated as the difference between the best farmers’ yield of that crop in that specific farming situation and the representative (average) farmers’ yield of that crop in the same situation. The factors responsible for the yield gap were identified through discussions with the farmers and the scientists from SAU. The gap was mainly on account of differences in knowledge, skills, awareness and resources. Knowledge, awareness and skill gaps could be bridged only through strengthening extension system, training and demonstrations. Resource gaps are planned to be bridged by promoting investments and subsidising critical inputs.

The planning is also done from the micro-level. After the setting up of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), there is an emphasis on micro level planning. Block level technology teams are conducting diagnostic surveys in different farming situations and are identifying constraints. Almost all the villages are covered by these surveys and the feedback is collected from a number of groups of farmers. Wherever possible, sarpanches and members of the gram panchayat were involved with the processes of taking feed back and diagnosing the constraints. The data collected from the panchayat level are aggregated first at the mandal level (comprising of 15 to 20 villages) and then at the ADA circle level (more or less corresponding to taluka level in

18 other states). The data on area, production, productivity, problem soils etc are validated at the mandal level. The data are finally aggregated at the district level. The thrust areas are decided based on the feed back from villages. The objectives and concerns expressed by the farmers also relate to increasing productivity, building up of soil fertility, market oriented production, mechanization and micro-irrigation to improve precision and resource productivity. The aspirations of the farmers are reflected in high growth rates targeted for the XI plan period. Production strategies are planned for different sub- sectors and the investment requirements are estimated.

After completing yield gap analysis for all the crops in all the farming situations, the attention has turned to administration of interventions at the field level. There are more than 21000 gram panchayats in Andhra Pradesh, each covering a population of 500 to 15000. There is no delivery system at present at the Grama panchayat level for extension purposes. Appointing extension workers in all gramapanchayats for all departments is found to be not viable and, hence, it was decided to consider mandal parishad as an ideal administrative unit for implementation purpose. Each mandal covers approximately 10000 ha and 15 to 20 villages. Various departments have their field level functionaries located at the mandal level. After zeroing on mandal level, 322 farming situations were superimposed on the 1104 Mandals. As expected, we have the mandal level farming situations covering all the crops grown in that mandal. Using this base data and yield gap analysis carried out already, mandal level crop sector agricultural plans were prepared by the SAU and departmental teams jointly. Horticultural crops and sericulture were also included in the mandal level agricultural plan. Other allied departments like animal husbandry, fisheries etc have developed the plans similarly and given their mandal level plans separately which were integrated in the District Agricultural Plan. However, reporting data by mandal is found to be unwieldy. Some of the large districts have more than 60 mandals and reporting such detailed information by mandal was considered to be too cumbersome. Hence, the mandal level information was aggregated by ADA circle and data were reported by ADA circle. Each district has about 10 to 20 ADA circles and they are akin to taluks in other states. Since the standard formats given by the government of India require reporting of results by taluk, this level of aggregation is considered appropriate.

The departmental plans looked at the availability of resources from existing schemes and the balance amounts required for the interventions were shown as additional funds

19 needed for that intervention at the district level. By integrating all the district plans and prioritising major interventions, the state level agricultural plan will be drawn. Proposals under stream-I of RKVY are worked out based on the major interventions proposed. Of course, plans for research under Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), Horticultural University and broadband connectivity will be aggregated at the state level only. There is a quasi-government agency, ‘Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty’ (SERP), which is implementing some initiatives to reduce use of pesticides and to promote marketing of some products. Wherever possible, the activities of SERP were integrated in to the district agricultural plans.

20 Chapter-II General description of the district

2.1 Introduction Warangal district was named after Warangal city which developed both under the political and historical influences of successive great kings. Historians have divided the growth of city in to four stages of significant historical events and developments that occurred in Warangal city viz., (1)Kakatiya stage (1260-1422), (2) Transition stage (1422-1725), (3) Asif Zahi stage (1725-1948), and (4) Modern stage (1948 onwards). The headquarters of the Warangal district is Hanamkonda.

2.1.1 Administrative divisions and planning unit

Warangal district is divided in to 51 mandals and 1013 gram panchayats. Since the gram panchayat is too small a unit to be considered as a planning and monitoring unit, the next unit in hierarchy i.e. mandal has been considered as a planning unit for various agricultural and allied activities. Therefore, in this report, constraints and strategies/ schemes relevant to each mandal have been worked out and they are first converged to ADA divisions/circles. The ADA divisions/ circles are similar to a taluka in other states in terms of geographical coverage. The data from the ADA circles are eventually converged to district level.

2.1.2 Map of the district Fig 1 District map

21 2.1.3 General statistics 2.1.3.1 Population particulars

The information about villages and population particulars are given in table 1. There are 1098 revenue villages, out of which 95 are un-inhabited. The remaining 1003 inhabited villages are organized in to 1006 gram panchayats. Mahabubabad ADA circle has the highest number of revenue villages, while Parkal ADA circle has the highest number of gram panchayats. Mulug ADA circle has the lowest number of revenue villages as well as gram panchayats. The total population in the district is 25.47 lakh as per 2001 census. The density of population is 214 persons per square kilo miter. The male population exceeds the female population. The sex ratio is 1:0.97. The highest population is recorded in Hanumakonda ADA circle followed by Mahbubabad and Marripeda ADA circles. The lowest population is recorded in A- Ghanpur and Mulug ADA circles. The scheduled castes population forms 18.9% of the total population in the district. The scheduled tribes population also are quite high at 17.6%. The scheduled tribes’ population is concentrated more in Mahbubabad and Marripeda ADA circles while the scheduled caste population is dominant in Jangaon and Hanumakonda ADA circles.

2.1.3.2 Agro-climatic zone and farming situations

Warangal district lies in northern Telangana agro climatic Zone. Although from a climatic point of view, the area in the zone is uniform, it varies considerably from one place to another, even within the villages by virtue of differing soil types, irrigation source etc. It is divided in to several farming situations that are unique in them selves. The farming situations found in the district are listed in table 2 along with the areas under them. A given farming situation, being unique in soil characteristics, mode of irrigation etc., the farming constrains and potentials are uniform and unique in each situation and, therefore, all the management strategies followed are specific and unique to that situation.

2.1.3.3 Agrarian structure

The farm holdings in the district are dominated by small and marginal farmers. Their combined share in the number of holdings adds up to 83 per cent. But, they together own only 45 per cent of the land area. The category wise number and area of

22 operational holdings in the district are given in table 3. The medium and large farmers, together, account for 17 per cent of land holdings. Their combined share in land area is 54 per cent. Thus, the distribution of land between different size groups of farmers is quite unequal.

2.2 District at a glance 2.2.1 Location

The district lies between the latitude of 17-19’ and 18-36’ North and longitudes of 78- 49’ and 80-43’ East and is above mid sea level by 870 ft. – 1700 ft. It is bounded on the North by Karimnagar district, on the west by Medak district, on the south by Nalgonda district and Khammam district on the east and south-east. The district comprises of five revenue divisions, namely Warangal, Mulug, Mahabubabad, Narsampet and Jangaon with 51 mandals and 9 agricultural divisions. It is having 1098 revenue villages (1003 inhabited and 95 uninhabited) and 1013 gram panchayats.

2.2.2 Demographic features

The total population of the district according to 2001 census is 32.46 lakh, occupying 13th place, among the districts of A.P, in population and 12th place in area. The percentage of literates among the males in the district is 49.26, while only 19.16% of the female population is literate. The scheduled castes population in the district is 5.51 lakh and that of the scheduled tribes is 4.5 lakh, which form 16.9% and 14.07% respectively in the district population. The working class population in the district is 6.2 lakh, which forms 55.53% of the total population. 28.12% of the population is engaged in agriculture sector.

2.2.3 Topographic and agro climatic characteristics 2.2.3.1 Hills The district possesses interesting pictures of geographical formation with isolated hills, hill streams, rain fed tanks and large tanks. It also contains minerals of economic importance. These formations are classified in to two i.e. Archean puranas and Gondwans

23 2.2.3.2 Forest The forests of the district come under the category of tropical dry deciduous and tropical forests. Thus, it is quite common to find good quality valuable teak mixed up with poor quality species of low value. The important valuable species commonly found are Teak, Bijasal, Nallamaddi, Boja, Channagi, Turuwaram, Shisham, Station Bandar, Bamboo and Abnus varieties.

2.2.3.3 Agro-climate in the district

The agricultural season commences with the onset of south west monsoon in the later part of June month and ends with the month of September with the tapering off of the south west monsoon. The normal annual rainfall of the district is 994 mm. The maximum rainfall occurs in the months of July, August and September. The highest rainfall occurs in Mulug, Parkal, Mahabubabad and Narsampet mandals. Besides the rains, SRSP canal provides assured irrigation to 1.5 lakh acres.

2.2.3.4 Rainfall The rainfall of the district is influenced by both southwest monsoons and north –east monsoons. South west monsoon is spread over the period from June to September and north-east monsoon extends from October to December. 80% of the rainfall is received from south-west monsoon and the remaining 20% rainfall is spread between north east monsoon, winter period and hot weather period.

Fig 2MONSOON WISE RAINFALL

7% 1% South West 12% Monsoon North East Monsoon Winter Period

Hot Weather 80% Period

24 The particulars of month-wise distribution of rainfall during 2001-02 to 2007-08 in Warangal district are furnished in table 4. Drought is a common phenomenon in the district due to scanty and uneven rainfall from the monsoons. The normal rainfall of the district is 994 mm. During 2001-02 to 2006-07, three out of six years were sub- normal, while one year was just normal. The rainfall during 2005-06 and 2006-07 was, however, higher than the normal rainfall.

2.2.4 Land use pattern and land holdings 2.2.4.1 Land use pattern

The total geographical area of the district is 13.07 lakh ha and land utilization particulars are given in table 5. About 27 per cent of the geographical area is under forests. The net sown area forms 38.1 per cent of the total geographical area.

2.2.4.2 Land holdings

The pattern of distribution of holdings and land area among different categories is detailed in table 6. Marginal farmers account for 45.8% of total land holdings in the district. But they own only 16.4% of the total area. Small farmers have a share of 25% in the land holdings and 21.8% in the total area. Semi medium farmers constitute 18.8% of the land holdings but they own 30.5% of the total land area. Medium farmers have only 6.8% share in the land holdings but they own as much as 27.3% of the total land area. Large farmers constitute only 4.4% of the holdings but they have a share of 15.3% in the total land area. Thus, the distribution of land in the district is quite un-equal. The average size of holding in the district is 1.2 ha.

2.2.5 Irrigation and groundwater

The area irrigated in Warangal district is about 6.052 lakh ha. The area irrigated by different sources is given in table 7. The most important source of irrigation is tube wells/ filter points, followed by others and tanks. Canals have relatively a smaller share in the total irrigated area. Tube wells/ wells/ filter points have a share of 43.4 per cent, while other sources account for 30.1 per cent of the irrigated area. Tanks contribute 19.6 per cent of the irrigated area. Canals have a share of only 6.9 per cent in the irrigated area.

25 Fig 3 SOURCE WISE IRRIGATION (Lakh Ha)

Canals 7% 30% 20% Tanks

Tube wells, filter points and others Wells 43% Others

2.2.6 District income

Agriculture sector plays an important role in the economy of the district. Nearly 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.

2.2.6.1 Contribution of sub-sectors of agriculture to the district GDP

The shares of different sub-sectors of agriculture to the district GDP during 2000-01 to 2004-05 are furnished in table--. The share of crop sector in district GDP ranged between 16.88 in the drought year of 2002-03 and 29.32 in the good year of 2000- 01. Over the five years, it averaged 22.59 per cent. But it has a declining trend over the five years period.

Fig 4 GROWTH RATE 34.77 35 29.96 29.1 30 26.43 25 23.62 Percent 20 15 10 5 0 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 YEAR

26 The contribution of livestock sector showed less fluctuation and had a positive trend. Its share averaged 5.42 per cent of the district GDP. Fisheries sector’s contribution, on the other hand, showed a declining trend. Its contribution to GDP averaged a mere 0.77 per cent. The total agricultural sector, on an average, contributed 28.78 per cent. Its share fluctuated between 23.62 and 34.77 per cent and has an overall declining trend (table 8).

2.2.6.2 Growth rates

The growth rates of different sub-sectors of agriculture during 2000-01 to 2004-05 are given in table--. The performance of crop sector was mixed in the five years period. The growth rate was negative in three out of five years. It was positive only in the other two years. Yet, the average growth rate was 5.95 per cent. The livestock sector turned out a positive performance in all the five years. The growth rate averaged 14.69 per cent over the five years period. But, the performance of fishery sector was also unimpressive, with its growth rate turning negative in three out of five years. Its growth averaged – 4.29 per cent per year over the five years period. The total agricultural sector also reported negative growth in three out of five years. Its growth rate over the five years averaged 6.02 per cent (table 9).

2.3 Development of vision and strategy

The broad vision and strategy have been developed at the state level. The important objective is to accelerate the production of different commodities mainly through improvements in productivity. There is also emphasis on reclamation of problem soils and putting fallow lands under plantations like simarouba, jatropha, pongamia etc to contribute to the production of bio-fuels. But the planning is also done from the micro-level. After the setting up of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), there is an emphasis on micro level planning. Block level technology teams are conducting diagnostic surveys in different farming situations and are identifying constraints. Almost all the villages are covered by these surveys and the feedback is collected from a number of groups of farmers. Wherever possible, sarpanches and members of the gram panchayat were involved with the processes of taking feed back and diagnosing the constraints. The data collected from the panchayat level are aggregated first at the mandal level (comprising of 15 to 20 villages) and then at the

27 ADA circle level (more or less corresponding to taluka level in other states). The data on area, production, productivity, problem soils etc are validated at the mandal level. The data are finally aggregated at the district level. The thrust areas are decided based on the feed back from villages. The objectives and concerns expressed by the farmers also relate to increasing productivity, building up of soil fertility, market oriented production, mechanization and micro-irrigation to improve precision and resource productivity. The aspirations of the farmers are reflected in high growth rates targeted for the XI plan period. Production strategies are planned for different sub-sectors and the investment requirements are estimated. A part of the support to implement these plans will, hopefully, come from RKVY. The district and state level officials of different departments will have to find the balance of resources from other schemes, which are operational in the district.

Reflecting the people’s concerns and aspiration, the plan will work towards achieving the district vision of increasing the growth of district agricultural economy by increased investment for better use and management of the water, soil and agro- biodiversity for increasing the productivity of the sectors of agriculture and allied ones for sustainable livelihoods of the rural masses of Warangal district.

28 Chapter-III SWOT analysis 3.1 Introduction

Before preparing a development plan of the district, it will be useful to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of agriculture and allied sectors in the district to assess what works and what does not. The strengths and weaknesses largely refer to internal environment in which agriculture and allied sectors are operating. The opportunities and threats arise largely from the external environment. The dynamic forces at work do influence the growth opportunities. The sector has to adapt itself to face the threats and to capitalize on the opportunities dawning on the horizon.

3.2 SWOT analysis of the district Strengths

Warangal district has a fairly high normal rainfall of 994 mm per annum. If it is well distributed, it is sufficient to sustain a rain fed crop also. The soils are quite diverse with 54 per cent area under red soils, 28 per cent area under black soils, 11 per cent area under loamy soils and 7 per cent area under sandy soils. Among these, black and loamy soils have better fertility and water holding capacity. Red and sandy soils are suitable for crops which require good drainage. With such diversity in soils, a number of crops can be grown in the district in both the seasons. About 52.5 per cent of the total cropped area is irrigated. The cropping intensity is about 120 per cent. The irrigation sources are fairly diversified. The district has a strong network of tank irrigation from times immemorial. Open wells are still functional in some parts of the district. Bore wells/ filter points are the most important sources of irrigation. Some parts of the district are getting water from the Sri Ram Sagar canals. With more than 50 per cent area receiving irrigation support and fairly high rainfall, the crop production in the district is reasonably secure. Rice is the most important crop followed by cotton, maize and ground nut. Pulse crops like red gram and green gram and other oil seed crops like sesamum are also grown in substantial areas. Horticultural crops like mango and sweet orange are gaining areas. Livestock, poultry, fishery and sericulture are also growing fast because of good demand for their products. The Warangal-Hanumakonda-Kazipet complex is growing in to a big urban agglomeration, which can provide good market for the produce from the district. Hyderabad city is also quite accessible for marketing the surplus products.

29 The district has a good rail and road infrastructure to connect it to all parts of the country. A number of industrial units are located in Warangal city, which helps in providing a ready market for the produce of agriculture and allied sectors. The district has an agricultural research station at Warangal and a horticultural research station and KVK at Mallyal, which provide the necessary technology support to the farmers in the district. The farmers are progressive and risk taking in nature. All these strong features puts the agriculture and allied sectors in a competitive position.

Weaknesses

Although the average normal rainfall is 994 mm, there is a considerable variability in it with areas like Jangaon receiving only a little more than 700 mm, while the rainfall in the agency tracts of the district is quite high. The year to year variability in rainfall is also quite high, making it vulnerable to both droughts in bad years and to floods in excess rainfall years. Damages are caused by both these abiotic stresses as well as biotic stresses like pests and diseases, particularly in case of cotton. Consecutive failures of cotton crop have precipitated the deep economic crisis through which the farmers are passing in the form of hundreds of suicides by farmers. A good part of the district is notorious for extremist violence. The conflict between tribals and non- tribals in the Godavari belt has caused a disruption in the agricultural activities of the district for quite some years. More than 60 per cent of the soils are light textured and have poor fertility and water retention capacity. The farms are dominated by small and marginal category farmers who are lacking in investment capacity. The infrastructure and education levels are quite poor in the tribal and remote parts of the district. Due to alternate employment opportunities in the mining, forestry and industrial sectors, there is migration of labor from rural to urban areas, creating a wage spiral and labor shortage. These have increased labor costs, making farming a less viable enterprise, particularly in the rain fed areas. The constraints of water availability have limited the prospects of development in case of horticulture, sericulture and fishery. The quality of livestock is rather poor with very low output of milk and meat. The pressure on land is increasing due to population growth, making the size of holdings smaller and smaller over time, bringing them much below the economic size of holding.

30 Opportunities

There are several initiatives which bring new opportunities to the farmers in Warangal district. Under the ‘Jalayagnam’ program, Devadula lift irrigation scheme and Sri Ram sagar phase-II project are being constructed /strengthened to achieve both growth and stabilization of irrigated area in the district. Other projects to renovate the tank irrigation are also expected to contribute to growth and stabilization of irrigated area in the district. These projects can change the productivity and profitability of agriculture radically. The advent of surface irrigation may also improve the ground water levels and make tank and well irrigation more sustainable. The land values are going up as a result of the general spiral in land prices through out the state. A part of the district is included in the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) which is causing a surge in the land prices. It provides an opportunity to those who want to quit farming and move to other sectors for their livelihood. People who made money from non-agricultural sectors are investing in lands for speculative purposes in general but out of interest in farming in some exceptional cases. They have the capacity to invest in land development and in improved technologies. This trend may augur well to the farming sector because of infusion of capital from new sources. The output prices, both of food and cash crops, are on the rise and they may alter the rate of return on investments significantly and provide new hope to the farmers. The minimum support price of paddy has been raised to Rs.850 per quintal and there are efforts to increase it further to Rs.1000 per quintal. These price increases will help in increasing the profitability of farming. The demand for milk, meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables is increasing and the process of diversification in to these high value commodities is likely to intensify further. The farmers are taking up micro-irrigation in a big way which will help in improving the water use efficiency and achieving enterprise diversification. Both the crop sector as well as the allied sectors is likely to do well in this scenario. The free power scheme which is being implemented for the last four years has been a boon to the farmers depending on wells/tube wells. The recent loan waiver program has freed marginal and small farmers from the bond of debt. They can avail fresh credit and invest on their farms. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has brought work and income to agricultural labor. The rural economy, in general, is infused with new sources of demand. The product

31 prices are likely to increase further and make agriculture and allied enterprises more remunerative. The agricultural research station at Warangal and horticulture research station at Mallyal are catering to the research support to agriculture and horticulture in the district. The rapid industrialization taking place in the peripheries of Hyderabad and Warangal cities are throwing open employment as well as income opportunities to the people. It is likely to create additional demand for agricultural produce.

Threats The threats to agriculture and allied sectors come from many sources. Due to uncertain rainfall and predominance of light soils, the agricultural enterprises are becoming riskier. The predictions of climate change point out to decrease in rainfall and increase in temperatures. Both these anticipated changes may further dent the viability of agriculture in the district. The labor wages are going up in real terms and after the implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), the working hours have reduced. Due to this increase in real wages without a commensurate increase in productivity, the agriculture tends to become less profitable. The loan waiver scheme has destroyed the credit discipline and farmers may not get access to credit both from institutional as well as non- institutional sources of credit. The increase in fuel prices may apply brakes on farm mechanization trend. The globalization of markets will put the farmers from advanced countries at an advantage because they are backed by huge subsidies from their governments. With in the country, farmers from irrigated areas are expected to do better due to heavy incidence of subsidies for irrigated crops. A partially rainfed district like Warangal may find it an unequal battle to compete with the neighboring districts with higher irrigation coverage. Some of the internal weaknesses may get exacerbated by the external threats looming large on the agricultural sector in the district. The special economic zones are cutting down the availability of land for agriculture. The trends of urbanization are also denting on the availability of land for agriculture.

3.3 Emerging issues from SWOT analysis Despite some weaknesses and threats, Warangal district has a lot of potential for the growth of agricultural and allied enterprises. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is becoming popular in the district. Cotton yields have gone up after the introduction

32 of Bt varieties. The rice and cotton yields are poised to take off. The high minimum support price of Rs.850 per quintal of paddy may instill new confidence and enthusiasm among the rice farmers to intensify their investments to achieve still higher yields. The proposals to increase it further to Rs.1000 per quintal of paddy, if materialized, will put more enthusiasm in the farmers to produce more. Maize, groundnut, red gram and sesamum cultivation are becoming popular because of the growing demand for these products. Other pulses like green gram and black gram are also becoming profitable due to high market prices. Thus, all the major field crops are having a favorable environment for increasing production. The full potential for horticultural development is not yet fully utilized. The research centers at Warangal and Mallyal are catering to the needs of agriculture and horticultural sectors respectively. There are some problems of soil salinity in some parts of the district but these can be sorted out through appropriate investments. Labor scarcity is an issue but selected mechanization of farm operations can relieve the pressure in the long run. The livestock and fisheries sectors may see acceleration in their rates of growth due to burgeoning demand for livestock and fisheries products. Some companies have come forward for contract farming, particularly in case of broiler poultry. This system minimizes the risk to farmers and is hence attracting many farmers. Sericulture is also poised for growth due to the initiatives of the department and favorable weather for both mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing. The district is leading in farm forestry enterprises which are quite profitable. Thus, the problems faced by agricultural sector in the district can be overcome through appropriate policies and investments. The prices of agricultural commodities are ruling high and they will surely attract more investments to overcome problems and achieve higher levels of production in both agriculture and allied sectors in the district.

3.4 Sectoral / Regional growth drivers of the district With reasonably good resource endowments and resilient farmers, all the sub- sectors of agriculture can be good growth drivers in the district. Among the field crops, rice, cotton, maize, pulses and oilseeds like ground nut and sesamum are all poised for growth because of the favorable price and demand situation. Besides new varieties, new cultivation methods make it possible to achieve yield growth in these crops. The scope for receiving irrigation facilities to new areas makes it possible to increase areas under these crops. It should not be difficult to achieve the production

33 growth exceeding 5 per cent per year in case of the field crops. Horticulture is definitely a growth driver with a possibility to grow at 7 to 8 per cent per year. Fruit crops like mango, sweet orange, sapota, guava, papaya and pomegranate have good scope for expansion. There is a good response to efforts made for rejuvenation of mango and sweet orange gardens in the district. Farmers are likely to take it up if there are incentives from the government. The demand for vegetables is increasing and higher prices can attract more farmers to make investments in vegetable cultivation. With the government willing to subsidize the supply of hybrid seeds, farmers can easily increase the yields of vegetable crops by 30 to 40 per cent. The growing demand for flowers may attract more farmers towards it to realize higher profits. Besides horticulture, aquaculture can continue to be a good growth sector. With virtually no demand constraint for fish and prawns, there is good scope for both increasing the area under the ponds as well as to increase the productivity of ponds. This sector can also easily achieve a growth rate of 5 per cent. Animal husbandry sector which always received a high emphasis in the past has still got potential to remain a good growth sector because of constantly increasing demand for milk, meat and eggs. It can also achieve a target growth rate exceeding 7 per cent. Sericulture has not spread much but the farmers who have taken it up are realizing good returns. The expansion of area under high yielding varieties of mulberry and use of advance equipment for rearing can accelerate the growth rate in this sector. Due to low base, this sector can grow at more than 8 per cent per year, if the infrastructure is strengthened to supply DFLs in adequate number. Besides mulberry, tasar silk has good scope for expansion in the agency and forest areas. The upland areas are also buzzing with the activity of farm forestry. Eucalyptus clones and subabul are becoming quite popular through the efforts of nurseries and more areas are coming under farm forestry. Each one of these sub-sectors of agriculture can grow at growth rates ranging between 5 to 10 per cent per year if the necessary interventions are supported to reduce the yield gaps in all the farming situations. Rural industries are also an important growth sector with the scope for processing and cold chains being brighter. Many small scale industries can come up in the district because of the existence of a pool of entrepreneurs with sufficient resources. In a booming economy like India, a growing district like Warangal is all set to grow fast to meet the aspirations of the people.

34 Chapter-IV Development of Agriculture Sector

4.1 Introduction

Warangal district is well known for the large irrigation tanks built by Kakatiya kings several centuries ago. Open wells and bore wells are the important sources of irrigation which is supplemented by canal water from Sri Ram sagar project. New projects like Devadula lift irrigation scheme from Godavari are likely to irrigate more areas in the district. It is an important agricultural district with paddy, cotton, maize, ground nut and pulses as important crops. It has good rainfall and diverse soils to support a variety of crops. More than one-half of the cropped area is irrigated. SRI cultivation in rice and Bt varieties in cotton have opened up new technological vistas to the farmers in the district. With surging output prices, agriculture is poised to have a take off, overcoming the constraints faced by it. The expected support from the RKVY is likely to accelerate the growth rate in agriculture.

4.2 Land use

The land utilization pattern in Warangal district during 2005-06 is presented in table 10 by ADA circle. 27% of the geographical area in the district is under forests. 5% of the total area is barren and uncultivable while another 5% area is put to non agricultural uses. 6% of the total area is under permanent pastures. 10% of the area is under current fallows while another 6% area is classified as other than cultivable fallow. 38% of the geographical area is sown to crops in Warangal district. The average cropping intensity in the district is about 124.5%. Jangaon ADA circle has the highest cropping intensity of 145.6%, followed by Mulug ADA circle with 141.9%. The lowest cropping intensity is noted in case of Parkal ADA circle followed by A- Ghanpur and Ghanpur ADA circles.

4.3 Soil health 4.3.1 Soil types

The soils of the district comprise of sandy loams, with patches of shallow black cotton soils and, at places, even medium and deep black cotton soils. Red soils constitute 54%, with an area of 346,093 ha. They are followed by black soils, which

35 constitute 28%, with an area of 179, 456 ha. Loamy soils constitute 11%, with an area of 70, 500 ha, while the sandy loam soils constitute 7%, with an area of 44, 864 ha. All the soils are well drained with high organic carbon (N), Phosphorous (P2O5) and Potash (K2O), but are deficient in Zinc, compared to other micronutrients. There are problematic soils with saline/ alkaline nature in an extent of 657 ha in the district, which require reclamation.

Fig 5 SOILS IN WARANGAL DISTRICT

11% 7% Red soils Black Cotton Soils 54% Sandy Soils 28% Loamy soils

4.3.2 Soil fertility index The results of soil analysis carried out between 2000-01 and 2006-07 are summarized in table 11.A and 11.B by ADA circle. Between 2000-01 and 2006-07, 157006 soil samples were analyzed in Waranagal district. 98.4% of the samples showed neutral reaction. 1.3% of the samples showed alkaline reaction while the remaining 0.3% of the samples displayed acidic reaction. 97.6% of the samples exhibited medium levels of electrical conductivity. About 2% of the samples showed low levels of electrical conductivity, while the remaining 0.4% of the samples had high levels of electrical conductivity. 97.1% of the samples contained low levels of organic mater in them. 2.4% of the samples had medium levels of organic matter in them while the remaining 0.5% of the samples contained high levels of organic farming. 97.1% of the samples also showed low levels of available nitrogen. 2.4% of the samples displayed medium levels of available nitrogen while the remaining 0.5% of the samples contained high levels of available nitrogen (table 11).

36 One third of the samples contained low levels of available phosphorus. 48.4% of the samples contained medium levels of available phosphorus, while the remaining 18.5% of the samples had high levels of available phosphorus. 25.8% of the samples only contained low levels of available potash. 25.3% of the samples had medium levels of available potash. The remaining 48.9% of the samples showed high levels of available potash in them. Thus, the samples in general had neutral reaction, medium levels of electrical conductivity, low levels of organic carbon and available nitrogen, low to medium levels of available phosphorus and medium to high levels of available potash in them (table 11).

4.3.3 Micro nutrients status

During the years, 2000-01 to 2006-07, 6601 samples were analyzed for micro nutrient status in Warangal district. With respect copper, iron and manganese, all the samples displayed sufficient quantities of nutrients in them, suggesting that there is no deficiency of any of these three micro nutrients in the district. With respect to zinc also, only 9% of the samples were deficient. The remaining 91% of the samples contained sufficient quantities of zinc in them. Thus, the micro nutrient analysis brought out that there is no problem of micro nutrient deficiencies in Warangal district (table 12).

4.3.4 Plan for soil testing during XI plan

The plan for soil testing during XI plan period in summarized in table 13. During the XI plan period, it is proposed to soil and water samples from all the 1071 villages in Warangal district. The plan is to draw 50000 soil samples for general analysis during the five years period. 2500 samples will be subjected to special soil analysis, while another 2500 samples will be subjected to micronutrient analysis. 1500 water samples will be drawn and analyzed. There are no proposals to test tissue samples. All the farmers from whose fields soil and water samples will be drawn will be distributed soil health card.

4.3.5 Plan for reclamation in XI plan

The proposals for reclamation of saline / alkaline soils during XI plan period are furnished in table 14 by ADA circle. The total area under saline alkaline soils is

37 estimated as 18514 ha in the district. Out of that, only 3412 ha area was reclaimed so far. The remaining 16880 ha has to be reclaimed during the XI plan period. During 2007-08, 2870 ha will be reclaimed at a cost of Rs.38.82 lakh. In 2008-09, 3737 ha will be reclaimed at a cost of Rs.46.29 lakh. In 3rd year scaled down to 3421 ha at a cost of Rs.43.82 lakh. The target is increased to 3631 ha in 2010-11 at a financial provision of Rs.44.4 lakh. During the last year, 2011-12, the target comes down to 3501 ha at cost of Rs.40.06 lakh. Over the five years period, it is proposed to cover 17555 ha at a total cost Rs.215.12 lakh. The maximum area of 12547 ha will be reclaimed by Application of gypsum at a cost of Rs.147.17 lakh. Green manuring is taken up in 4794 ha at a cost of Rs.38.7 lakh. 214 farm ponds will be dug at a cost of Rs.29.25 lakh.

4.4 Water Resource and Management 4.4.1 Weather information

The details of rainfall, temperature and humidity in Warangal district during 2006-07 are given in table 15. The average rainfall in the district is 1016 mm. The lowest amount of rainfall is recorded in Jangaon ADA circles, while the highest rainfall is noted in case of A-Ghanpur ADA circles. Besides Jangaon, Ghanpur and Marripeda ADA circles receive less than 1000 mm rainfall per year. The number of rainy days average 49 in the district. The lowest number of rainy days is 42 in case of Parkal, Hanumakonda and Ghanpur ADA circles. Mulug ADA circle recorded the highest number of rainy days, followed by Narampet and A-Ghanpur ADA circles. The average minimum temperature in the district is recorded as 18.6 degree centigrade. The average maximum temperature was 40 degree centigrade. The average minimum relative humidity is 50% while the average maximum relative humidity was recorded has 80.6%.

4.4.2 Irrigation sources and area irrigated

The area irrigated by different sources in Warangal district during 2006-07 is given in table 16. Canals irrigate some areas in Mulug, Narsampet, Parkal and Hanumakonda ADA circles but their share in total irrigated area is only 1.9%. Tanks are important source of irrigation in Mahbubabad, Marripeda, A-Ghanpur and Narsampet ADA circles. They have a share of 25.1% in the total irrigated area of the

38 district. Open wells are the most important sources of irrigation with a 40.4% share in total irrigated area. They are particularly important in Narsampet, Mahbubabad and Parkal ADA circles. Tube / Bore wells have a share of 23.9% in the total irrigated area. They have most important contribution in Jangaon, Ghanpur, Mulug, Marripeda and Parkal ADA circles. Lift irrigation is important only in Parkal, Mulug and Mahbubabad ADA circles. It contributes only 2% of the total irrigated area. Other sources of irrigation constitute 6.8% of the total irrigated area in the district. They are important in Marripeda, Ghanpur and Narsampet ADA circles. Among the ADA divisions, Mahbubabad and Marripeda ADA circles have the highest shares in irrigated area of the district at 15% each. They are followed by Parkal and Ghanpur ADA circles. The smallest share in irrigated area is noted in case of A-Ghanpur ADA circle, followed by Jangaon and Hanumakonda ADA circles.

4.4.3 Quality of irrigation water

The results of water sample analysis during 2000-01 to 2006-07 are summarized in table 17. During the period, 2000-01 to 2006-07, 1785 water samples were analyzed in Warangal district. Only 8% of them have fallen in the permissible category. 14.7% of the samples lied in the permissible range. The bulk of 73.9% samples fell in the moderately unsafe category. The remaining 3.4% of the samples belonged to the unsafe category. Thus, there is problem with the quality of irrigation water in Warangal district because nearly 77% of the samples fell either in moderately unsafe or unsafe category.

4.5 Major crops and varieties 4.5.1 Cropping pattern The cropping patterns in the district vary from situation to situation due to different agro-climatic conditions existing in them. The major cropping patterns prevailing in the district are furnished in table 18.

4.5.2 Major crops and areas 4.5.2.1 Area cultivated under different types of crops

The area cultivated (normal) under different crops in the two seasons are given in table 19. Field crops account for 85 per cent of the total cropped area. Horticultural crops account for a mere3.9 per cent of the cropped area. About 10.6 per cent area

39 is left fallow. Others like fodder crops and sericulture account for only 0.4 per cent of the total area. Thus, field crops dominate the cropped area in the district.

4.5.2.2 Area under field crops

Major crops: The major crops grown in the district in different seasons are given below: Kharif: Rice, jowar, maize, green gram, red gram, castor, sesame and cotton. Rabi: Rice, bengal gram, black gram and groundnut.

The details of field crops grown in the district during the two seasons are given in table 20. Paddy alone accounts for 35.6 per cent of the total area under field crops. Cotton occupies 27 per cent of the cropped area. Maize comes next with 12.4 per cent share in the cropped area. Groundnut, chilly, pulse crops and sesame are the other important crops grown in the district.

Fig 6 Area Coverage Under Different Crops (Ha) 1502 1532

438 Rice 1470 Maize 579 GreenGram 9218 Redgram 15304 790 Ground Nut Castor 153639 202811 Chillies Cotton Sesamum 24647 Turmeric Horsegram 3389 70810 Cowpea 20263 40593 Blackgram 22238 BengalGram Tobbaco Sunflower

4.5.3 Area, production and productivity

The area increase in rice is mainly dependent on the inflows in to the reservoirs in the monsoon season. The maximum area covered under rice during 2006-07 was 2.01 lakh ha, which represents a 33% increase over that in the year, 2002-2003 (1.351 lakh ha). The other major crops, maize, cotton, green gram, sesame, ground nut and chilly have also provided good returns due to favorable seasonal conditions.

40 4.5.3.1 Trends in the area, production and productivity Area sown, Production and Yield details of the major crops over the last 5 years are furnished in table 21.

4.5.3.2 Rain fed agriculture

All crops except paddy are mainly grown under rainfed situation. The crops raised during kharif mainly depend on south west monsoon from June to September. Nearly1.81 lakh ha area (40%) is under rainfed agriculture out of the total cropped area of 6.29 (lakh ha.).

4.5.4 Productivity and production of major food crops

The details of area, productivity and production levels of major food crops in the district during kharif, 2006 are presented in table 22. The details of area, productivity and production levels of major food crops in the district during rabi, 2006 are presented in table 23. The details of area, productivity and production levels of major food crops in the district during 2006-07 are presented in table 24.

Fig 7 AREA AND PRODUCTION OF MAJOR CROPS

Area in lakh Ha Production Lakh tonnes s t i

n 6 U

H 5 K A

L 4 3 2 1 0

e t s e z m m m u m ic i a a ra n u lie a r r g d m il R g g k n a h M n d c u s c e e a o e re R l r s G B g

CROP

41 Fig 8 Productivity (Kg/Ha.) of Major Crops

3500 2909 2977 3000 a 2566 H / 2500 g

K 2000 1500 1178 1000 554 500 349 204 0 t e e m m u m s c iz a a n u ie i a r r d m ill R g g n h M n d u sa c e e o re R r se G g

Crops

4.5.4 Contribution of irrigated and rain fed areas to production

The contribution of irrigated and rain fed components to production of different crops during kharif 2006-07 is given in table 25. Green gram and red gram are the only two crops which are grown completely under rain fed condition during kharif season in Warangal district. 96.9% of Paddy area was grown under irrigation, while 89.4% of Chilly area also received irrigation. More than half of the cotton area also received irrigation. 43.4% of maize area and 17.9% of groundnut area were irrigated. The yield of chilly was 7.6 quintals higher under irrigation when compared to the same under rain fed condition. The response to irrigation was only 0.69 quintals in case of cotton. But groundnut yield under irrigation was more than three times that under rain fed condition. Maize yield was 5.36 quintals higher under irrigation when compared with that under rain fed condition. Rain fed paddy gave virtually no yield. Red gram and green gram yielded reasonably well under rain fed condition.

The contribution of irrigated and rain fed components to production of different crops during rabi 2006-07 is given in table 26. Paddy, chilly, black gram and green gram are all grown completely under irrigation. 6.2% of the area under groundnut and 3.4% of the area under maize were grown under rain fed condition. The response to irrigation was substantial in case of maize at 13.3 quintals per ha. But, the response to irrigation in case of groundnut was quite less at one quintal per ha. The paddy yield under irrigation during rabi was about twice that of paddy yield under irrigation

42 during kharif season. Thus, most of the crops in rabi season were grown only with irrigation.

4.6 Input Management 4.6.1 Seed management

The requirements of seed and the plan for its supply from different sources are summarized in table 27. The present seed replacement ratio was estimated at 60 per cent in case of paddy which is projected to go up to 75 per cent over the period of five years. The SRR is already high at 90 per cent in case of maize and 70 per cent in case of cotton. It is targeted to reach 100 per cent SRR in maize and 80 per cent SRR in cotton. The SRRs are projected to increase from 50 to 60 per cent in case of turmeric, from 40 to 50 per cent in case of green gram and red gram and from 30 to 40 per cent in case of ground nut. As against the total seed requirement of 181229 qtls in case of paddy, arrangements are made to supply 183478 qtls during the XI plan period. Only six per cent of the requirement will be met from the village seed production program. The government agencies will meet about 7.2 per cent of the requirement and the remaining 87 per cent of the requirements is expected to be met from the private sector. In case of maize, two-thirds of the seed requirement will be met by the public sector. The entire requirement in case of cotton and most of the requirement in case of red gram will also be met by the private sectors. Public sector will meet the entire requirement in case of turmeric and 80 per cent of the requirements in case of green gram. In case of ground nut, all the three sources will contribute to seed production, but the dominant share will only be that of private sector.

4.6.2 Infrastructure available for seed production on government farms

The infrastructure available on government farms in Warangal district for production of seed is described in table 28. There is a government seed farm at Palampet with an area of 16 ha. All this area is cultivated and irrigated. The farm has two mould board ploughs, rotavator and a Taiwan pump. It has also got four bore wells with pumps attached to them. They have a godown with a capacity to store 17 M.tons but it needs repairs as it is very old.

43 4.6.3 Seed production targets during XI plan

The targets for seed production during XI plan period at government seed farm, Palampet are present in table 29. During 2006-07, the government seed farm, Palampet produced 222 qtls of paddy MTU-1001 variety, 240 qtls of JGL-384 variety and 387.9 qtls of JGL-1798 variety. During the XI plan period, it is targeted to produce paddy seed from the farm. In 2007-08, the target is to produce 340.2 qtls of MTU-1001 variety, 504 qtls of MTU1010 variety and 152.1 qtls of Warangal-3962 variety. During the next four years, only MTU-1001 and MTU-1010 varieties will be produced. The target for 2008-09 is 497 qtls of both these varieties which is increased to 545 qtls of paddy seed in 2011-12.

4.6.4 Rates of fertilizer application

The rates of fertilizer application in different crops are given by ADA circle in table 30. Among all the crops, cotton received the highest level of fertilizer application. It received as much as 361.2 kg per ha in Marripeda ADA circle. The application of fertilizers was exceptionally high in Marripeda ADA circle, even for paddy. But, in general, the application of fertilizer was more in case of cotton than in paddy. Chillies and maize also received substantial levels of fertilizer application. Ground nut received higher application of phosphorous than other nutrients. The levels of fertilizer application were lower in case of pulse crops, red gram and green gram. The fertilizer use was lower in case of A.Ghanpur ADA circle.

4.6.5 Planning of fertilizer requirement

The estimates of fertilizer requirement during XI plan period are given in table 31 by ADA circle. The fertilizer use in 2006-07 was estimated at 1.57 lakh tons. During the XI plan period, it is expected to go up to 1.65 lakh tons. It represents an increase of 5.1 per cent over the five years period. Among the ADA circles, Hanumakonda ADA circle leads in fertilizer use, followed by Parkal and Mahbubabad ADA circles. Mulug ADA circle, followed by Ghanpur, A.Ghanpur and Narsampet ADA circles have relatively lower quantities of fertilizer use. During the XI plan period, Mahbubabad ADA circle is expected to have the highest consumption of fertilizers followed by Parkal and Hanumakonda ADA circles. Mahbubabad ADA circle is expected to have

44 an increase of 42.7 per cent in the fertilizer use over the five years period. Hanumakonda ADA circle is targeted to have a reduced used of fertilizer over the five years period by nearly 10 per cent. The reduced use of fertilizer is also projected in case of Mulug, Marripeda and A.Ghanpur ADA circles, where organic farming is expected to make rapid strides.

The estimates of fertilizer requirement during XI plan period are given in table 32 by type of fertilizer. Out of the total fertilizer use of 1.57 lakh tons during 2006-07, urea alone accounted for 39.2 per cent. Next to urea, DAP has a share of 18.8 per cent closely followed by total complexes which have a share of 18.7 per cent. MOP, SSP and total mixtures have relatively a lower share during the base year of 2006-07. The use of urea is expected to go down over the five years period of XI plan. The requirement of all other fertilizers is expected to go up. The use of DAP will go up by 8.8 per cent, while that of MOP is targeted to increase by 16.9 per cent. The use of SSP will increase by 10.2 per cent, while that of total complexes will increase by only 8.1 per cent. The use of total mixtures will increase by 14.1 per cent. In general, the emphasis is more on straight fertilizers than on complex fertilizers.

4.7 Farm Mechanization 4.7.1 Status of farm implements and equipments and agro-service centers

The status of agro-service centres, which supply farm inputs including farm implements in Warangal district is given in table 33 by ADA circle. There are a total of 887 agro-service centers in the district. The maximum number of 291 is located at Hanumakonda, followed by Ghanpur and Narasampet ADA circles. The smallest number of them is noted in case of Jangaon ADA circle, followed by Parkal and Mulug ADA circles. Most of the agro-service centers deal with seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Six out of the seven shops dealing with irrigation systems are located at Hanumakonda ADA circle, with the other one located at Mahbubabad. Similarly, 13 out of 18 shops dealing with farm equipments and machinery are located in Hanumakonda ADA circle. Three of them are in Ghanpur ADA circle while Mahbubabad and Narasampet ADA circles have one each of them. There are three agricultural consultancy centers in the district, two of which are located at Hanumakonda itself. The other agricultural consultancy center is at Ghanpur. There

45 are two diagnostic service centers in the district and one each of them is at Hanumakonda and Ghanpur ADA circles.

4.8 Constraint Analysis 4.8.1 Farming situations

Based on the resource availability, the district is divided into 9 farming situations. They are listed in table 34 along with the areas covered under them.

Farming situation no.1

This farming situation has rain fed red soil conditions, with an area of 139851 ha in the district.

Farming situation no. 2

This situation is under rain fed black soil condition, with an area of 42138 ha.

Farming situation no 3

This farming situation has well irrigated red soils in an area of 181056 ha.

Farming situation no 4

This farming situation is prevailing under well irrigated black soil conditions and the area involved is 81574 ha.

Farming situation no 5

This farming situation is prevailing under tank irrigated red soil condition and the area involved is 71002 ha.

Farming situation no 6

This farming situation is prevailing under tank irrigated black soil condition involving an area of 47015 ha. Farming situation no 7 This farming situation is prevailing under tank irrigated problematic soil conditions and is covering 657 ha in the district.

Farming situation no 8

This farming situation is prevailing in the canal irrigated red soil conditions and the area involved is 25200 ha in the district.

46 Farming situation no 9

This farming situation is prevailing under canal irrigated – black soil conditions and the area involved is 16800 ha in the district. The farming situation -wise areas in lakh ha are shown in diagram below: Fig 9 Farming situations

FARMING SITUATIONS (Lakhs Ha.) 0.25

0.01 FS-1 0.17 0.47 1.40 FS-2 FS-3 0.71 FS-4 FS-5 0.42 FS-6 0.82 FS-7 1.81 FS-8 FS-9

4.8.2 Analysis of productivity levels in different crops

Rice Rice is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons. Area during kharif (140255 ha) is higher than that in rabi (62556 ha). Rice is grown in seven farming situations (FS Nos 1 to 7). The present productivity of rice in different situations ranges from 2591 kg to 4042 kg/ha in kharif and 2533 to 2733 kg/ha in rabi. The total production gap in rice is 1.379 lakh tons, out of which 0.969 lakh tons is in kharif and the remaining 0.41 lakh tons is in rabi.

Maize Maize is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons in four farming situations (FS 1 to 4). The yield gap is 469 kg in kharif and 912 kg in rabi. The production gap is 0.236 lakh tons in kharif and 0.185 lakh tons in rabi.

47 Cotton

Cotton is grown in kharif season only under six farming situations (FS 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 9). The yield gap in different situations ranges from 1720 to 1970 kg/ha. The production gap is 2.803 lakh tons.

Turmeric

Turmeric is grown in kharif season only. Two farming situations (FS 3 & 4) are having the concentrations of turmeric. The yield gap is 4084 kg/ha and the production gap is 0.452 lakh tons.

Chilly

Chilly is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons. Three farming situations (FS 2, 3 and 4) have large areas under Chilly. The yield gap in chilly in different situations is about 900 kg/ha in kharif, while it ranges from 1000 to 1100 kg/ha in rabi. The production gap in kharif is 0.147 lakh tons while it is 0.181 lakh tons in rabi.

Tobacco

Tobacco is grown in Kharif season only. Two farming situations (FS 3 & 4) have most of the area under tobacco. The yield gap is 784 kg/ha and the production gap is 0.012 lakh tons.

Pulses Red gram

Red gram is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons. Area during kharif (21039 ha) is higher than that in rabi (1199 ha). Red gram is grown in three farming situations (FS 1, 2 & 3). The present productivity gap in red gram under different situations ranged from 237 to 240 kg /ha in kharif while it is 275 kg /ha in rabi. The total production gap in red gram is 0.053 lakh tons out of which, 0.050 lakh tons is in kharif and the remaining 0.003 lakh tons is in rabi.

Green gram Green gram is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons. The area is higher during kharif than in rabi. Three Farming situations (FS 1, 2 & 3) have the major areas

48 under green gram. The yield gap in green gram ranged from 150 to 153 kg/ha in kharif while it was 84 kg/ha in rabi. The total production gap is 0.030 lakh tons out of which, the gap in kharif is 0.029 lakh tons while the remaining 0.001 lakh tons.

Black gram

Black gram is grown in rabi season only. Two farming situations (FS 3 & 4) have large areas of black gram. The yield gap in black gram ranges from 500 to 610 kg/ha. The production gap is 0.003 lakh tons.

Bengal gram Bengal gram is grown in rabi season only. Four farming situations (FS 1 to 4) have concentrations of bengal gram. The yield gap in bengal gram ranges from 300 to 400 kg/ha and the production gap is 0.005 lakh tons.

Cowpea

Cowpea is grown in rabi season only. Three farming situations (FS 1 to 3) have most of the areas under cowpea. The yield gap in cowpea ranges from 200 to 410 kg/ha. The production gap is 0.004 lakh tons.

Horse gram

Horse gram is grown in rabi season only. Only one farming situation (FS 1) has most of the area under horse gram. The yield gap in horse gram is 350 kg/ha and the production gap is 0.002 lakh tons.

Oilseeds Ground nut

Groundnut is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons and it is grown in three farming situations (FS 1 to 3). The yield gap identified in kharif is 442 kg/ha while it is 465 kg/ha in rabi. The total production gap is 0.159 lakh tons out of which, the gap in kharif is 0.014 lakh tons while the remaining 0.145 lakh tons is in rabi.

Sunflower

Sunflower is a minor oilseed crop in the district grown in rabi season only. The crop is grown in two farming situations (FS 3 & 4). The productivity gap identified in rabi is 542 kg/ha. The production gap in rabi is 0.004 lakh tons.

49 Sesame Sesame is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons but mostly grown in kharif season. Two Farming situations (FS 1 & 2) have maximum area under Sesame. The yield gap noticed is 123 kg/ha in kharif and 150 kg/ha in rabi. The present production gap is estimated at 0.018 lakh tons and most of it is confined to kharif only.

Castor

Castor is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons under two farming situations (F S 1and 2). The yield gap identified in kharif is 410 kg/ha while it is 430 kg/ha in rabi. The Production gap in kharif is 0.013 lakh tons, while it is 0.001 lakh tons in rabi.

4.8.3 Constraints

The Constraints responsible for productivity gap in different m crops are analyzed. The major constraints affecting crop productivity are poor soil health, lack of efficient irrigation facility and lack of water reach to tail end areas, low degree of farm mechanization, inadequate extension. The following are crop specific constraints identified for low productivity:

Rice

 Non adoption of green manuring / non adoption of grain legumes preceding rice in kharif.  Improper nursery management.  Low plant density.  Indiscriminate use of nitrogenous fertilizers and top dressing of complex fertilizers containing Phosphorous.  Among micro nutrients, Zinc deficiency is the common factor which is limiting the productivity.

Pulses

 Non adoption of location specific, high yielding varieties.  Non adoption of seed treatment and proper plant protection management.  Non application of phosphatic fertilizers.

50 Oilseeds

 Non usage of improved variety and quality seed.  Non adoption of seed treatment.  Low usage of gypsum  Poor mechanization

4.8.4 Damages due to natural calamities The losses which occurred due to different natural calamities during the last decade in Warangal district are summarized in table 35 by mandal. In most of the mandals of the district, drought was an important natural calamity, which occurred in 1997. Most of the mandals in the district were affected by it. The drought was of moderate severity, affecting about 20% of the crop area and 15 to 30% of the farm families. In the same year, pests and diseases also caused substantial losses. Heavy rains also affected crops in 2006-07 in many of the mandals. About 10 to 20% of the cropped area was affected by them, causing losses to about 10 to 30% of the farm families in the district. During 2007-08, hailstorms also caused havoc in many mandals of the district. About 20 to 40% of the cropped area was affected in different mandals, causing losses to about 20 to 30% of the farm families. All the natural calamities which occurred in the district, whether, drought or heavy rains or hailstorms or pests and diseases, was only of moderate severity. But none of these calamities caused any livestock mortality.

4.8.5 Marketing / storage / processing gaps The basic infrastructure available for storage and marketing in Warangal district is summarized in table 36. There are 44 godowns in the district with the total storage capacity of 24090 tons. Hanumakonda mandal has eight of them and it is followed by Jangaon with six and Athmakur and Khanpur mandals with five each. The total storage capacity of these godwons is 24090 tons. In terms of capacity, Hanumakonda mandal has the highest capacity of 12000 tons followed by Kesamudram mandal with 6000 tons capacity and Jangaon mandal with 4100 tons capacity. There are 11 cold storages in the district. Seven of them are located in Hanumakonda mandal. The other four are spread over in Geesukonda, Dornakal,

51 Kuravi and Kesamudram mandals at the rate of one each. There are 13 main markets in the district catering to the marketing needs of the farmers. 4.8.6 Existing organizational infrastructure

The basic details about Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in Warangal district are given in table 37. The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in Warangal district was registered on 1st February, 2007. It has nine official and eight non-official members on its governing board. There are nine block level technical teams and nine farmer advisory councils. There are 5065 members in Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), while woman farmers’ interest groups have 2026 members in them. There are five departments involved with the activities of ATMA. It is managed by one project director from Agricultural department and one deputy project director from Animal husbandry department. Horticulture department has appointed a responsible officer to work in ATMA, while fisheries department has a nodal officer.

The targets and achievements of ATMA in different activities taken up in convergence with different development departments are furnished in table 38. The targets set by ATMA have not been achieved fully. In case of farmers’ training, only 120 programs were organized by all departments put together as against the target of 244. Only fisheries department nearly achieved the target for training of extension functionaries while agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and sericulture departments did not organize any training programs for their extension staff. As against a target of 1200, only 117 extension staff trained. In case of demonstrations, only animal husbandry department accomplished more than the target, while fisheries department just met the targets. All other departments could not achieve the targets. Same is the story with respect to farmers’ tours. Only seven tours were organized as against the target of 25. In the same way, only six exhibitions were organized while the target was for 22. But in case of individual self-employment generation activities, the achievement was much higher than the target. In case of publicity and group formation, the targets were achieved while the same for mobility were not achieved.

The proposals for increasing by area under integrated farming systems are detailed in table 39. The objective of ATMA is to bring more and more areas under integrated

52 farming systems. So far, only 56791 ha area under field crops is integrated with other enterprises. It is proposed to bring 11061 ha field crop area additionally under integrated farming system during XI plan period. Similarly, 2724 ha area under horticulture systems and 2960 ha area under animal husbandry farming systems during the XI plan period. Some of the mono-cropped areas will be diversified in to integrated cropping systems during the five years period.

4.9 Gaps and Interventions 4.9.1 Strategies to bridge yield gaps Certain strategies are formulated to bridge the gaps in productivity levels. There is a possibility of increasing production by 30% in rice and by15% in pulses and oilseeds. This additional production can be achieved by two fold strategy.

 Bringing additional irrigated area by creation of new irrigation sources and through conjunctive use by installation of bore wells in command areas.  By bridging the technological and agronomic gaps.

4.9.2 Technological and agronomic gaps

The major technological and agronomic gaps noted are: Poor soil health. Nutrient deficiencies Insufficient plant protection Low degree of mechanization Inadequate extension 4.9.3 Interventions For bridging the technological and agronomic gaps listed above, the following interventions are proposed under the crop sector in the action plan for XI five year Plan. 1. Gypsum for reclamation of problematic soils and nutrition for groundnut 2. Scaling up of green manure seed supply 3. Zinc sulphate application in paddy and oilseeds 4. Seed management / revolving funds. 5. Farmers Fields Schools(F.F.S) 6. Intensifying mechanization

53 a. Custom hiring centre : b. Farm implements. 7. Diversification in rainfed areas : a. Simarouba plantations b. Other crops.

8. Extension activities a. Graduates AO’s and technology and service facilitators. b. Model farmers (CIG Leaders ) c. Strengthening farmers’ organizations. d. Support to Public and Private partnership e. Mobility, training and other contingencies.

9. Regulatory infrastructure.

10.Micro irrigation.

4.9.3.1 Gypsum for reclamation of problem soils and nutrition to groundnut

Calcium and sulphur are the two nutrients which are useful for reclamation of problematic soils and also for increasing the yields of oil seeds, especially in ground nut. In order to supply the said nutrients at less cost, application of gypsum is essential. It is proposed to supply a quantity of 136820 Mts of gypsum over five years with a financial out lay of Rs. 557.2 lakh. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.562.5 lakh to Warangal district for supply of gypsum on subsidy during the XI plan to cover an area of 7500 hectares. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.1 and A.2.

4.9.3.2 Scaling up of green manure seed supply

Use of chemical fertilizers for supplementing the nutrients is a common practice followed in the district for so many years. The fertilizer consumption in the district over the last five years is furnished in table 40. The fertilizer consumption fluctuated between years depending on the seasonal conditions. It touched a low level of 88516 tons in 2004-05, but surged to a new high of 140911 tons in the next year itself. It fell back to 117790 tons in 2006-07. Due to non availability of sufficient quantities of organic material, the farmers are not able to provide required quantities of organic matter to the soil and are mainly adding chemical fertilizers, due to which the health of the soil has deteriorated considerably in the district. The soil health can

54 be improved by adopting green manuring, which builds up soil health and increases productivity, besides reducing cost of cultivation. Govt. is already distributing a quantity of 510 qtls. of green manure seed by incurring a subsidy of Rs.10.20 lakh per year to enrich the soil in an extent of 1275 ha. In order to improve the soil health, it is crop seeds to the farmers on 50% subsidy, with a financial out lay of Rs. 49.00 lakh over 5 years (table 41). The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.3.

4.9.3.3 Zinc sulphate to paddy and oilseeds

Zinc deficiency is one of the major limiting factors in rice production. In order to correct its deficiency, the agricultural department is supplying 75 mts of zinc sulphate to the farmers growing rice, pulses and oil seeds on 50% subsidy by incurring an expenditure of Rs. 10.88 lakh per year covering 1500 ha. In order to correct zinc deficiency in an area of 1.90 lakh ha, the required quantity of zinc sulphate is 2488 mts and the same is proposed to be supplied on 50% subsidy, which amounts to Rs. 489.38 lakh. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.525.0 lakh to Warangal district for supply of zinc sulphate on subsidy to cover an area of 70000 hectare during the XI plan. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.4.

4.9.3.4 Seed management / revolving fund

Seed is the major critical input, which directly relates to productivity of the crop. Steps were already taken to supply good quality seed to the farmers on subsidy under PM’s special package. To extend support to breeder seed and foundation seed production program, revolving fund requirement is proposed under support for general seed plan earlier. It is proposed to provide a total revolving fund of Rs. 150 lakh to all the Mandal Agricultural Officers @ Rs. 3.00 lakh each. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted to the state department of agriculture Rs.49232 lakh for seed management activities. Warangal district can expect to get about 3 to 4 per cent of this amount for seed management activities in Warangal district. The requirement of revolving fund can easily be met from those funds.

55 4.9.3.5 Farmers’ fields schools (F.F.S)

Farmers’ fields schools are aimed at reducing the cost of cultivation and increasing the productivity of crops, duly empowering the farmers to take sound economic decisions by adopting practices of integrated crop management, which aim to balance production with economic and environmental needs. It implies a combination of measures, including crop rotation, cultivation of appropriate crop varieties and careful use of inputs etc. Because of the transfer of technology activities of the agricultural department over a decade, the consumption of pesticides in the district has been decreasing as shown in table 42.

Farmers are decreasing the use of pesticides and are tending towards I.P.M practices for protecting the crops. Already the department is implementing the FFS program science 2004-05 in a massive way. However, as per the proposed plan, additional extension personnel i.e., agricultural officers, technical facilitators and model farmers are expected to be available. With their help, it is proposed to organize 1065 FFS in the coming five years period additionally for which an amount of Rs. Rs. 267.68 lakh is required.

The targets for organizing farmers’ field schools and their details of coverage by ADA circle to reduce the use of pesticides in the district are given in table 43. There are 93 trained manpower available in the district for organizing farmers’ field schools. The bulk of the trained manpower is in Jangaon ADA circle. During the last five years, 466 FFS were organized in 512 villages covering 5391 ha. The yield obtained in the FFS plots was 16.3 per cent higher than the yields in the control plots. The maximum number of FFS was organized in Hanumakonda and Mahbubabad ADA circles. The targets for FFS in the XI plan period are set at 290 in 2007-08, covering 324 villages. The target is increased to 313 in 2008-09 but later it is reduced to 267 in 2009-10 but again increased to 302 in 2010-11 and 319 in 2011-12.

4.9.3.6 Intensifying mechanization 4.9.3.6.1 Custom hiring centres

It is proposed to establish 30 Custom Hiring Centers in potential areas so as make all the implements available at the reach of farmers. For establishing Custom Hiring Centers, an incentive of 25% subsidy on the cost of implements is proposed to the

56 entrepreneurs and the total out lay over five years is Rs. 375.00 lakh. The farm implements proposed to be made available in the custom hiring centers for irrigated and rain fed areas are listed below:

4.9.3.6.1.1 Irrigated Area

1. Laser guided land leveler 2. Paddy transplanter 3. Mini-Combine harvester 4. Battery weeder. 5. Paddy thresher 6. Automatic sugarcane planter 7. Sugarcane harvester 8. Power tiller etc.

4.9.3.6.1.2 Rain fed Area

1. Heavy duty tractor with sub-soiler and other attachments 2. Laser guided land leveler 3. Row-Crop cultivator 4. Rotovator 5. Aeroblast sprayer 6. High clearance sprayer 7. Multi- crop thresher 8. Maize de-husking – cum – Sheller etc.

4.9.3.6.2 Farm implements In the present situation, labor has become costly in the district and the efficiency of labor is also low, which are contributing factors for increasing the cost of cultivation, resulting in low returns to the farmers. Further, the farmers are unable to complete their field operations in time, especially sowing, weeding and harvesting. Due to delayed sowing of crops, the soil moisture has become a constraint, which is resulting in poor establishment and less plant population, resulting in low yields. Due to delayed harvesting of crops, the quality of harvested produce becomes poor since the produce is exposed to occurrence of cyclones and depressions, which are a

57 regular phenomenon in the district. Mechanization plays an important role in Warangal district to overcome this situation and to achieve higher returns by producing quality harvest. Therefore, it is proposed to supply farm implements to the small and marginal farmers on subsidy to a tune of Rs. 1172.50 lakh.

This statement showing the progress under farm mechanization in Warangal district during 2002-03 to 2006-07 are given in table 44. The proposals for supply of implements and custom hiring centers put together are furnished in table 45. The total requirement for the two activities is estimated at Rs. 1547.5 lakh. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.225.0 lakh to Warangal district for establishing 18 custom hiring centers in the district. It has also allotted Rs.1369.98 lakh for supplying 31860 farm implements on subsidy to the farmers in the district.

4.9.3.7 Diversification in rain fed areas

In traditional farming, farmers used to take up different Agriculture and allied farming activities simultaneously which covered the risk factor. Now, the farmers are taking up mono cropping, specially raising cash crops which are severely affected due to drought or floods. Failure of crops is resulting in farmers becoming laborers and they are not showing any interest in farming. In order to change the mindset of farmers and to make agriculture more profitable, the areas of the field crops which are unsuitable to give economic returns can be diversified to other plantations like Sima rouba, Jatropha, Pongamia and Ber in rain fed areas. To support diversification, an amount of Rs. 120.90 lakh is proposed to cover an area of 200 ha.

The plans for crop diversification from paddy to irrigated dry crops during rabi season are furnished in table 46. In general, it is proposed to diversify area under paddy to irrigated dry crops like maize, ground nut, pulses etc. Because of scarcity of ground water and problem of electricity, the experts suggest replacing of paddy area with I.D crops. During the XI plan period, it is proposed to bring 18819 ha area under I.D crops from paddy. The highest target for crop diversification is set for A.Ghanpur ADA circle. The lowest target is seen in case of Narsampet and Jangaon ADA circles. The target for diversification starts with 3424.2 ha in 2007-08 and goes up to 3492 ha in 2011-12.

58 4.9.3.7.1 Simarouba plantations

It is proposed to take up simarouba plantations in an area of 250 ha with the financial support of Rupees 30 lakh over a period of five years. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.5.

4.9.3.7.2 Other crops

It is also proposed to a take up other crops such as Jatropha, Pongamia and Ber for diversification in rainfed areas in an area of 650 ha, with a financial requirement of Rupees 90.90 lakh. The requirement for the detailed plan under diversification of Rain fed areas is estimated at Rs. 120.90 lakh (table 47).

4.9.3.8 Extension support Crop yields mainly depend on the adoption of latest technologies. In the post-WTO scenario, the transfer of latest technology is essential for producing good quality produce. To bridge the technology gaps, extension is the most important tool. To meet the aspirations and growing demands of the farmers, the department is unable to provide required personnel to transfer the technology. In order to overcome this constraint, the following interventions are proposed:

4.9.3.8.1 Graduate AO’s and technology and service facilitators It is proposed to engage 1 agriculture officer for every five thousand ha of farm holdings and also one technology and service facilitator each for every 2500 ha of area. It is proposed to engage 154 technology service facilitators additionally over a period of five years with the financial requirement of 922.98 lakh. This is to supplement the existing 48 A.E.Os at gram panchayat level.

4.9.3.8.2 Model farmers (CIG leaders) It is proposed to select Adarsha Rythus (Model Farmers) from each village by providing an honorarium of Rupees 1000/- per month after duly imparting the required training to them in all agriculture and allied subjects. They will act as coordinators between government departments and farmers. It is proposed to provide 2308 number of model farmers for a period of five years with the financial requirement of rupees 1384.8 lakh

59 4.9.3.8.3 Strengthening of farmers’ organizations For transfer of technology, the extension activity like strengthening of Farmers’ organizations is felt necessary and as such a financial assistance is required to the extent of Rupees 51.89 lakh in the district over a period of five years.

4.9.3.8.4 Support to public and private partnership Support to public and private partnership is also felt necessary as one of the extension activity for facilitating transfer of technology. For this, it is proposed to provide financial assistance of Rupees 113.75 lakh in the district over the five years period.

4.9.3.8.5 Mobility, training and other contingencies Production of various crops is directly related on the knowledge of farmers on modern agriculture techniques. To improve the knowledge of farmers and to make them selves as scientists, it is proposed to enhance the number of training programs to the farmers from the present level. Besides trainings of the farmers, some more activities are aimed at their capacity building, for which the amounts proposed for five years are earmarked against the activities. For successful conduct of training, mobility and other contingences are required. For meeting the above expenditures, the budget required for five years is proposed at Rupees 113.75 lakh.

4.9.3.9 Regulatory infrastructure

In this district, it is planned for strengthen the regulatory infrastructure in order to strengthen the functioning of laboratories such as soil testing laboratories, Fertilizer control order lab, Pesticides testing laboratories and Seed testing laboratory with an outlay of Rupees 87.63 lakh over five years. The particulars of requirements under this intervention are given in table 48.

The budget required for all the interventions under extension for transfer of technology, including regulatory infrastructure, is detailed in table 49. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.778.61 lakh to Warangal district for appointing 51 agricultural graduates and 103 technology service facilitators during the XI plan period. It is also allotted Rs.565.46 lakh for supporting 1154 model

60 farmers in the district during the plan period. It has allotted to the state department of agriculture Rs.1000 lakh for strengthening farmers’ organizations in the state, Rs.1000 lakh for strengthening public-private partnerships in the state and Rs.9047 lakh for providing mobility, training and other contingencies. Warangal district can expect to get about 3 to 4 per cent of these funds for implementing these activities in the district.

4.9.3.10 Micro irrigation

Micro irrigation is one of the most important tools in modern agriculture for efficient use of water resources. To bring more area of pulses, oilseeds, maize, and cotton under assured conditions, it is proposed to increase supply 800 sprinklers in addition to the regular supply of 200 sprinklers per year to the pulses, oilseeds, maize and cotton crops over a period of five years, with a financial out lay of Rs.88.00 lakh. Warangal district occupies 6th position among the districts in the state under water management through the intervention of micro irrigation. The details of budget required are furnished in table 50.

4.9.3.11 Training

The facilities available in agro polyclinics are indicated in table 51. There are no agro-polyclinics in Warangal district so far. But there are facilities for conducting farmers training and diagnosis of soil and water samples.

4.9.3.12 Organic farming

The proposals for bringing additional area under organic farming during XI plan period are furnished in table 52. The present area under organic farming in the district is estimated at 1697 ha. Most of it is concentrated in the ADA circles of Hanumakonda, Ghanpur and Marripeda ADA circles. It is proposed to bring 26557 ha area under organic farming in the district. Most of it is targeted in A.Ghanpur, Hanumakonda, Mahbubabad and Ghanpur ADA circles. The target starts with 2465 ha in first year and it gradually goes up to 9450 ha in 2011-12.

The details of targets for individual components of organic farming in Warngal district are presented in table 53. In order to increase the area under organic farming, it is

61 proposed to strengthen different components of organic farming during the XI plan period. 46 units will be established to produce bio-fertilizers. Vermin compost is proposed to be produced in 3287 units. Bio-dynamic compost will be produced in 160 units. Bio-pesticides will be produced by 122 groups while 134 units will produce botanical pesticides. Seeds required for organic farming will be produced in 264 groups. All these 264 groups will be registered as organic farming groups, out of which 50 groups will seek organic certification. 123 activities are planned at the district level to promote organic farming. Most of these activities are planned in A.Ghanpur ADA circle. The total investment required for implementing all the interventions in organic farming is estimated at Rs.440.2 lakh over the five years period. Nearly one-half of the total investment will be made in A.Ghanpur ADA circle alone.

4.9.3.13 Demonstrations

The targets for conducting IPM demonstrations during XI plan period are furnished in table 54 by ADA circle. Paddy, cotton, chillies and maize are the crops in which integrated pest management practices are focused. Out of the total area of 1.1 lakh ha under these crops, only 19695 ha is brought under IPM practices. During 2006- 07, 262 IPM demonstrations were conducted involving an area of 2959 ha. Hanumakonda ADA circle, followed by Mahbubabad ADA circle, lead in these demonstrations. Very few demonstrations are organized in Jangaon and Mulug ADA circles, while none of them were organized in Narasampet ADA circle. It is proposed to conduct 234 IPM demonstrations in 2007-08 at a cost of Rs.50.8 lakh. These targets are scaled up gradually to reach 349 IPM demonstrations in 2011-12 at a cost of Rs.135.6 lakh. The average cost of an IPM demonstration works out to Rs.38853.

The targets for conducting INM demonstrations during XI plan period are furnished in table 55 by ADA circle. The INM demonstrations were also organized in case of paddy, cotton, chilly and maize. Only 5399 ha area is brought under INM demonstrations out of the 1.15 lakh ha under these crops. Ghanpur ADA circle alone accounted for more than one-half of the area under INM practices. During 2006-07, 109 demonstrations were conducted in an area of 1060 ha. During XI plan period, the number of INM demonstrations is projected to go up many folds. The target for

62 INM demonstrations start with 728 in 2007-08 at a cost of Rs.41.97 lakh and goes up to 1237 INM demonstrations with a budget of Rs.79.09 lakh. The average cost of an INM demonstration works out to Rs.6394. The targets for implementation of different production tools during XI plan period are given in table 56. The total area under crops in Warangal district is 6.0 lakh ha. Out of it, only 0.91 ha area was so far brought under improved crop production technology. A.Ghanpur and Parkal ADA circles had the maximum coverage under improved crop production tools. During the XI plan period, these targets are set much higher. The target for improved crop production tools is increased from 43832 ha in 2007-08 to 1.24 lakh ha in 2011-12.

4.10 Investments and outcomes 4.10.1 Investments

The investments proposed for implementing the interventions in the field crop sector are given in table 57.The total investments required for implementing the interventions in crop sector are estimated at Rs.7210.1 lakh. About one-third of it is meant for strengthening the extension services in the district. About 15 per cent of the investment is meant for initiatives aimed at improving the soil health. Mechanization accounted for about 20 per cent of the total allocation. The remaining schemes like demonstrations, organic farming, crop diversification, seed management and FFS filled the remaining part of the total investment.

4.10.2 Outcomes

The expected growth rates that will result from the investments made in field crops sector are given in table 58. The pulse sector is expected to grow at the fastest rate of 7.7 per cent per year. Oil seeds are expected to register a growth rate of 5.2 per cent per year. Rice and maize are targeted to register smaller growth rates of 4.6 and 4.0 per cent respectively. The entire agricultural sector is expected to grow at 5.8 per cent per year.

63 Chapter-V Allied Agricultural Sectors

5.1 Introduction

Although Warangal is a major agricultural district, other allied sectors are also developing quite fast in the recent years. The area under horticulture has already reached 25825 ha. The area under fodder crops is 2000ha, while the area under other crops is about 2500 ha. Out of 500 ha area under sericulture, only 100 ha is under mulberry and the remaining 400 ha is under Tasar. An extent of 71000 ha is kept fallow because of unfavorable seasonal conditions. All these sectors have a great scope to attract more areas and develop faster than crop sector because there is no demand constraint in case of products produced from animal husbandry, fisheries, sericulture and horticulture. The area under other enterprises is given in table 59.

5.2 Horticulture Development 5.2.1 Area under horticultural crops

The area under horticultural crops in Warangal district is summarized in table 60. Mango alone accounts for 83.5 per cent of the total area under horticultural crops. Vegetables have a share of 8.7 per cent in the area under horticultural crops. Sweet orange, banana and papaya are the other important horticultural crops in the district.

Fig 10 AREA COVERAGE UNDER DIFFERENT SECTORS IN WGL DISTRICT(Ha) 71000 2500 2000 500 25825 Agriculture Horticulture Sericulture Fodder Others Fallows

569223

64 5.2.2 Farming situations and horticulture areas

Horticulture is one of the thrust areas in the overall development of Warangal district. The department of horticulture aims at sustainable development of horticulture by increasing area and productivity and by encouraging post harvest management in horticulture sector. The major horticultural crops under cultivation in the district are mango, sweet orange, banana, papaya, chilly, tomato and vegetables. The area under horticultural crops in different farming situations of warangal district are given in table 61. The horticultural crops are confirmed to only two farming situations in the district. The Farming Situation-3 (FS-3), which has well irrigated red soils, has the maximum area of 22595 ha under mango, sweet orange, papaya, banana and vegetables. The Farming Situation-4 (FS-4), which has well irrigated black soils, accounts for the remaining 3230 ha under mango, sweet orange, papaya and vegetables. The total area under horticultural crops adds up to 25825 ha.

5.2.3 Infrastructure facilities / farmer support systems available in the district

Agriculture Credit

Agriculture and allied sectors like horticulture, animal husbandry and social forestry are the primary sectors in the district and nearly 70% people depend on this sector. Agriculture credit is the key for development and there are 159 commercial bank branches including those of private banks. 40 branches of rural banks and 21 branches of district cooperative central bank also cater to the needs of the farmers under service area approach.

Soil testing laboratories

There are 3 soil testing laboratories in the district in the three agricultural market committees at Kesamudram, Eturunagaram and Jangaon. One soil testing laboratory is located at the district head quarters at Hanamkonda for catering to the soil testing needs of the farmers in the district. K.V.K

Warangal district is having one horticulture research station known by name Jennareddy Venkat Reddy Horticulture Research Station at Malyal along with a

65 K.V.K to cater to the training needs of the farmers in the district in various horticulture crops.

Voluntary Organizations

Rythu Sangams and other non governmental organizations are working with the farmers with an objective to up lift the status of small and marginal farmers.

Crop Specific Associations

Crop specific associations are also being formed to impart trainings in various aspects of crop management, marketing and to take up important operations like plant protection on a community basis for effective control of pests and deceases, by providing them with farm machinery and other equipments.

Agriculture Research Support 1) A.R.S., Warangal. 2) J.V.R.H.R.S., Malyal campus. 3) K.V.K. Malyal near Mahabubabad. 4) District Agriculture Advisory and Transfer of Technology Centre, Enumamula, Warangal. (DAATT Centre).

Rythu bazars

There are three rythu bazars functioning in the district. Their details are given in table 62.

Convergence with other departments

The National Horticulture Mission Program is converging with the following departments.

1. District S.C,Society - The Scheduled Caste component of the Mission Schemes are implemented together with S.C Society.

2. Tribal Welfare Department:- The S.T component of the Mission Schemes are converging with the activities of district Tribal Welfare Officer.

3. D.W.M.A:- In the district, under C.L.D.P, wherever the blocks are having water potential, horticulture program are planned to be implemented under State Horticulture Mission.

66 5.2.4 Contribution of irrigated and rain fed areas to production of horticultural crops The contribution of irrigated and rain fed areas to the production of different horticultural crops in Warangal district is given in table 63. Out of the total area of 53910 ha under horticultural crops in the district, only 789 ha is under rain fed condition. All the remaining 53, 121 ha is under irrigation. Among the horticultural crops, mango, sweet orange, banana, chilly and turmeric are completely grown under irrigation. In case of acid lime, 60% of the area is under rain fed condition while 40% is under irrigated condition. 35% of the area under tomato and 40% of the area under bhendi are also grown under rain fed condition. The tomato under irrigation gives two quintals per ha more than that under rain fed condition. Same is the case with bhendi where also the response to irrigation is only two quintals per ha. The yields of horticultural crops are quite good in the district because of irrigation facilities to most of the area under horticultural crops.

5.2.5 Interventions proposed for horticulture development 5.2.5.1 Area expansion under fruits – perennials 5.2.5.1.1 High density mango plantations Mango is one of the major fruit crops in the district with an area of 21089 ha. In order to expand the area under it and establish new gardens, it is proposed to expand the area in 2500 ha with high density plantation on 75% subsidy. The additional budget required over five years is expected to be Rs.562.50 lakh.

5.2.5.1.2 Sweet orange This crop is also grown in the district as one of the major crops. Under this program, it is aimed to take up in an additional area of 500 ha. The budget requirement is estimated at Rs.112.50 lakh.

5.2.5.2 Area expansion under non perennial fruits 5.2.5.2.1 Banana This crop is also one of the major food crops in the district under non-perennials. Under this program, it is planned to take up banana plantation in 500 ha and the budget required over five years is estimated at Rs.75.00 lakh.

67 5.2.5.2.2 Papaya This crop is also an important one grown in the district. Under this program, it is proposed to take up papaya plantation in 250 ha area. The additional budget proposed for five years is Rs. 37.50 lakh.

5.2.5.3 Area expansion under loose flowers Under this program, it is planned to take up cultivation of flower crops (loose flower) in an area of 100 ha with a financial out lay of Rs.12.00 lakh over a period of five years in this district.

The proposals for area expansion under fruits and flowers during XI plan period are furnished in table 64. The area under horticultural crops is increasing in the recent years. It is proposed to encourage further expansion of area under horticultural crops during the XI plan period. The area under mango in 2006-07 is estimated at 22100 ha. It is proposed to increase its area by 1500 ha in the first year and 1000 ha in the second year. The target for expansion is further brought down to 500 ha in the next two years and to 250 ha in the fifth year. Similarly, the area expansion plan in case of sweet orange is also reduced from 250 ha in 2007-08 to 50 ha in 2011-12. The expansion plan under banana is maintained at 100 ha per year from second year onwards after having a smaller target of 50 ha in 2007-08. In case of papaya, the target for expansion is 120 ha in the first year and then reduced to 50 ha per year from second year onwards. The area expansion plan under loose flowers is maintained at 20 ha per year. Over all, the area expansion plan starts with 1940 ha in 2007-08 and goes down to 470 ha in 2011-12.

To facilitate area expansion, the planting materials of good quality should be produced in adequate quantity. The plan for planting material production during the XI plan period is presented in table 65. There is only one nursery with 4.8 ha under other plants and 30,000 seedlings/grafts were produced during 2006-07 from them. The target for planting material production starts with 20,000 at a cost of Rs.2.0 lakh in 2007-08. But it is reduced to 15000 during second year at a cost of Rs.1.5 lakh. The target is restored back to 20000 at cost of Rs.2.0 lakh in 2009-10. In the next two years, the target is increased to 30000 per year at a cost of Rs.3.0 lakh. Over the five years period, the target is to produce 1.15 lakh planting materials at a cost of

68 Rs.11.5 lakh. The average cost of producing a seedling/graft works out to Rs.10. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.6. The detailed project analysis for rejuvenation of old gardens is presented in annexure tables A.7.

5.2.5.4 New intervention /other schemes 5.2.5.4.1 Perennials Vegetable cultivation

Under this intervention, it is proposed to take up cultivation of perennial vegetables, in an area of 100 ha over five years with the additional financial requirement of Rs. 25.00 lakh. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.24.0 lakh to Warangal district for erecting pandals for growing cucurbits and coccinia during the XI plan period.

5.2.5.4.2 Hybrid vegetable cultivation

The productivity of vegetables is very less due to the use of local varieties. For increasing the productivity levels and to meets the consumption needs, it is essential to use the hybrid seeds of vegetable crops. Hence, it is proposed to take up cultivation of hybrid varieties of vegetables in 870 ha every year on 50% subsidy. It is proposed, under this scheme, to take up the cultivation of hybrid vegetables in an additional area of 4375 ha at a support of Rs. 65.63 lakh in the district over five years period. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.56.25 lakh to Warangal district for supply of hybrid vegetable seeds on subsidy to 2500 ha area during the XI plan.

5.2.5.5 IPM / INM (Good management practices) 5.2.5.5.1 Mango Under this intervention, it is proposed to take up mango cultivation in an additional area of 3000 ha and the budget proposed is Rs.30 lakh over five years in the district.

5.2.5.5.2 Turmeric It is planned to take up turmeric cultivation in an additional area of 1750 ha over five years. The budget required is estimated at Rs.17.50 lakh in the district.

69 5.2.5.5.3 Vegetables Under this intervention, it is planned to take up vegetable cultivation in an additional area of 5000 ha. The additional budget required is Rs.50.00 lakh in the district. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.8.

5.2.5.6 Organic farming 5.2.5.6.1 Fruits (mango, areconut, betelvine, graphs, spices.) Organic culture is an eco-friendly natural system. Under this, no chemicals and synthetic fertilizers / pesticides are used. But, emphasis is given on sustaining soil fertility buildup by recycling the organic waste and using botanicals or bio pesticides. By the indiscriminate usage of fertilizers / pesticides, the organic matter content of different soils has already deteriorated alarmingly. Development of resistance in pests, destruction of beneficial flora, resurgence of sucking pests, secondary pest out breaks with toxic residues are on a increasing trend. To overcome these problems in vegetables and chilly crop, adoption of organic farming is proposed to maintain soil fertility and fruit quality and to sustain the productivity level. It is proposed to take up vegetable and chilly cultivation in 200 ha per year under organic farming with an allocation of Rs.100.00 lakh over five years. It will be taken up in 1000 ha over the five years period.

5.2.5.6.2 Vermin compost Production of organic manures of good quality in sufficient quantity is essential for the implementation of organic farming. It is proposed to organize 250 vermin compost units with an additional budget of Rs.37.50 lakh in the district.

5.2.5.7 Human Resource Development 5.2.5.7.1 Establishment of horticulture resources centers Under this intervention, it is proposed to establish 16 Horticulture Resource Centers over five years with an additional financial out lay of Rs.80.00 lakh 5.2.5.7.2 Gardeners Training Course Under this intervention, it is programmed to conduct 25 courses for gardeners during 2007-08. As the budget is available for this activity, no additional courses are needed.

70 5.2.5.7.3 Training programs for officers at other institutes in India / abroad It is proposed to conduct 50 additional training programs for officers at other institutes / abroad over a period of five years with an out lay of Rs.1.25 lakh.

5.2.5.7.4 Exposure visits Under this intervention, it is planned to organize exposure visits to 360 farmers over a period of five years with an additional budget of Rs.9.00 lakh .

5.2.5.8 Post harvest management As most of the horticulture produce is highly perishable, 30 to 40% of it is being lost during the process. To reduce the post harvest losses and to increase the quality standards of the produce, it is essential to render assistance to the farmers as well as entrepreneurs to set up a new post harvest infrastructure. The present level of 25% subsidy is not attracting the interest of the farmers. To motivate more farmers towards post harvest infrastructure, it is proposed to provide it on 50% subsidy.

5.2.5.8.1 Cold storages It is proposed to establish cold storages under this intervention. Three cold storages are proposed additionally in the district in the coming five years period with a budget support of Rs.100 lakh. 5.2.5.8.2 Ripening chambers It is proposed to establish five more ripening chambers over five years periods with a financial out lay of Rs.20 lakh in the district. 5.2.5.8.3 Market intelligence It is proposed to provide market intelligence to the farming community by establishing a centre with the infrastructure facilities in the five year period and the budget required additionally is estimated at Rs. 25 lakh. 5.2.5.9 Farm mechanization and post harvest tools 5.2.5.9.1 Plant protection equipment a) Hand operated sprayers / knapsack sprayers It is proposed to supply as many as 2500 hand operated sprayers over a period of five years, for which the budget requirement is estimated at Rs. 23.80 lakh.

71 b). Taiwan/ Power operated sprayers It is proposed to supply 750 Taiwan/power operated sprayers additionally over a period of five years and the budget required as central assistance is Rs. 47.25 lakh. c) Tractor mounted sprayers It is planned to supply 20 tractor mounted sprayers on subsidy to the farmers over five years period with a financial out lay of Rs. 3.43 lakh.

5.2.5.9.2 Post harvest tools a). Poly sheets For reduction of post harvest loses, it is proposed to supply 5000 poly sheets in five years to the farmers for which the budget required is Rs. 26.50 lakh. b). Germination trays for hybrid vegetables and chilly It is proposed to supply 10,000 germination trays to the farmers on subsidy. The budget required for this is estimated at Rs.3.00 lakh. c). Drying platforms (Chilly, areca nut) It is proposed to support drying platforms in 800 ha area on subsidy to the farmers over five years with a financial out lay of Rs. 400 lakh.

5.2.5.9.3 Farm implements a) Power Trailers It is proposed to supply on subsidy 50 power trailers over five years with a financial outlay of Rs. 50 lakh. b) Power weeders It is proposed to supply on subsidy 250 power weeders to the farmers on subsidy over five years with a financial outlay of Rs. 33.80 lakh.

5.2.5.10. Development of market yards/infrastructure 5.2.5.10.1 Collection centre / grading and packing yards (common infrastructure) In the district, there is no separate market for selling the horticultural produce. Keeping the fast expanding area under horticultural crops, there is a need to establish collection centers with packing, grading and cold storage facilities. It is

72 proposed to establish 10 collection centres additionally in five years period and the budget required is Rs. 81.80 lakh.

5.2.5.11 Extension needs 5.2.5.11.1 Horticultural extension services Though horticulture is a fast growing sector and the area is increasing at more than 10% every year, there is no adequate staff for providing supervision and giving good guidance at the field level. Hence, it is essential to strengthen the staff at the district level. It is proposed to appoint one D.D., two ADHs, ten Horticultural Officers, Twenty field consultancy staff and seventeen Supporting staff along with mobility and infrastructure to DDH and ADH. For this the additional budget required under this intervention is Rs. 60 lakh per year and Rs. 300 lakh for a period of five years.

5.2.5.11.2 Infrastructure For providing extension services, offices are to be provided with the necessary infrastructure facilities with an amount of Rs.30 lakh for one year and Rs.75 lakh over a period of five years.

5.2.5.12 Drip irrigation 5.2.5.12.1 Vegetables

Under this intervention, it is proposed to provide drip irrigation facilities to the vegetables growers in an area of 600 ha over five years with a financial out lay of Rs.300 lakh. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.148.24 lakh to Warangal district for supply of 212 drip irrigation systems to vegetable crops during the XI plan period. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.9.

5.2.6 Investments The investments required for implementing the proposed interventions for horticulture development during XI plan period are given in table 66. The total investment required for horticulture development during XI plan period is estimated at Rs.2716.4 lakh. Nearly one-third of the investment is meant for area expansion under fruits and planting material production. Infrastructure development and

73 sprinkler supply received 14 and 11 per cent of the total requirement respectively. A lot of emphasis was put on farm mechanization including tools and implements and post harvest management puts together accounted for about one-fourth of the total investment. Other schemes made up for the balance amounts in the total investment.

5.3 Sericulture Development Andhra Pradesh is giving more thrust for development of bivoltine sericulture to face the global challenges during XI five year plan through cluster approach. A view was taken to develop bivoltine hybrid program in the state, duly providing associated facilities such as pucca rearing sheds with verandah, shoot rearing equipment, drip irrigation system etc.

5.3.1 Status of sericulture

The details of area under sericulture, cocoon yields and yield gaps are presented in table 67 by mandal. There are 1231 sericulture units with an average of one ha under mulberry per unit. The average cocoon production is only 96 kg per ha of mulberry. The average production in the state is about three times the average yield obtained in the district. The low productivity in the district is because of some of the mulberry gardens remaining unproductive and some new gardens have not yet reached the stage of rearing. By bringing about improvements in mulberry cultivation as well as silk worm rearing, the yield gaps in sericulture can be bridged.

5.3.2 Interventions for development of sericulture

A brief description of the schemes proposed in Warangal district for sericulture development during XI plan is given table 68.

5.3.2.1 Mulberry plantation It is proposed to bring an additional area of 125 acres over five years commencing from 2007-08 to 2011-12 under this program. Farmers will be supplied with HYV mulberry saplings worth of Rs.6000/-, which will be equally shared by state and centre. These saplings will be procured either from government or from private kissan nurseries on cost basis. The kissan nurseries are being encouraged to ensure

74 supply of high yielding varieties of mulberry saplings for production of quality leaf and increasing the productivity, which has a direct bearing on the production of cocoons at a considerably lower / marginal cost.

5.3.2.1.1 Requirement of saplings The required saplings of high yielding mulberry varieties shall be raised for supply to the farmers, since saplings have advantages over cuttings in the cultivation of mulberry.  Mulberry is a vegetative propagated perennial crop and the most popular practice of propagation is through cuttings.  Though mulberry plantation can be established by planting cuttings, cultivation through saplings has many advantages over plantation of cuttings. Saplings of rooted cuttings are used as planting material. Advantages of saplings

 High survival rate due to established root system.  Coverage of more area due to better use of planting material.  Scope for removal of undesirable varieties at nursery stage.  Quick and better establishment of garden.  Plants can be trained suitably.  Uniform development of the garden.  Saplings can be raised in time to take up timely plantation during monsoon.

To bring the proposed additional area under mulberry, farmers who take up plantation will be supplied mulberry saplings raised either in government or kissan nurseries. The unit cost for raising nursery in one acre is Rs 63,000/- . The saplings raised in one acre are sufficient to take up plantation in about 20 acres.

5.3.2.2 On-farm training and supply of startup tools to new Seri culturists In order to provide technical know -how to the new farmers, the department is providing on farm training and will supply start up tools. The objectives of the scheme are as follows:

 To help the farmers take up sericulture on scientific lines and equip them with essential tools for use in farming and rearing of silkworms and to improve the

75 quality and productivity of cocoons through adoption of scientific package of practices in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing.

 Under the scheme, new farmers will be provided on-farm training in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing under package of new technologies for a period of one month. Each farmer will be provided stipend of Rs.500/- per month and tool-kits worth Rs.2000/- will be supplied on 100% subsidy basis. It is proposed to cover 25 farmers / annum (125 farmers for the entire project period) in Warangal district.

5.3.2.3 Supply of rearing appliance / farm equipment to bivoltine farmers

In order to encourage the farmers to take up bivoltine sericulture, the department:  Is assisting the farmers for purchase of modern tools and equipment for making the practices easier and improve the efficiency.

 The farmers are being provided assistance for procurement of shoot rearing equipment and supply of plastic trays and mountages for conducting bivoltine silkworm rearing with a subsidy of Rs.20,000/- at 50% cost as against the unit cost of Rs.40,000/-. The balance Rs.20,000/- will either be beneficiary’s contribution or arranged through bank loan. It is proposed to cover 25 farmers / annum or 125 farmers for the entire project period in the district.

5.3.2.4 Providing assistance for drip irrigation system In order to utilize the available water resources effectively and to increase area under mulberry cultivation with the same amount of water, the department is assisting the farmers for installation of drip irrigation systems. The details are as follows:

 The farmers are being encouraged to take up drip irrigation for effective usage of the available water, and to conserve water and utilize the surplus water for other agriculture purposes, and to control weeds and reduce the labor without affecting the quality and quantity of leaf production.  The farmers belonging to SC, ST and women categories are being provided 90% subsidy and the other farmers will be given 70% subsidy with the unit cost of

76 Rs.23, 040/- per acre / unit of mulberry for installation of drip irrigation system. It is proposed to cover 25 farmers / annum or 125 farmers for the entire project period in Warangal district.

5.3.2.5 Supply of quality disinfectants to bivoltine farmers In order to inculcate the habit of effective and adequate usage of disinfectants before the commencement of each rearing and after completion of each rearing, the department is providing quality disinfectant materials to the farmers. The objective of the scheme is as follows.

 To encourage farmers to use quality disinfectants and to prevent crop losses due to diseases.  Farmers will be provided assistance for supply of quality disinfectants worth Rs.3000/- each. It is proposed to cover 25 farmers / annum or 125 farmers for the entire project period in the district.

5.3.2.6 Assistance for construction of rearing houses

In order to ensure success of bivoltine crops, farmers require separate pucca rearing sheds to conduct silkworm rearing. Since, the construction of rearing shed is a costly affair, in order to lessen the burden of the farmers, the department is providing subsidy for construction of separate rearing shed with the following objectives:

 To assist the farmers for construction of separate rearing houses which contribute for improvement both qualitatively and quantitatively, as effective disinfection is possible only in separate pucca rearing sheds, where it is easy to maintain the hygienic conditions and thereby helps the farmers to produce quality cocoons and improve the productivity also.  Farmers are being provided Rs.100, 000 lakh as subsidy which is shared by state (8.335%) and Centre 25.005% as against the unit cost of Rs.300, 000 lakh for construction of separate pucca rearing shed for conducting silkworm rearing. The balance amount of Rs.200, 000 lakh (66.66%) will be mobilized either by farmer himself or through bank loan. It is proposed to cover 25 farmers / annum (125 farmers for the entire project period) in the district.

77 5.3.2.7 Assistance for construction of chawkie rearing buildings

The success of silkworm crop depends on the chawkie rearing practices, which involve professional and scientific management of young age silkworm rearing. The chawkie worms are to be reared very carefully. Therefore, the department is encouraging the elite farmers to take up chawkie rearing and supply chawkie worms to the farmers in and around the vicinity of the elite farmer. In order to encourage elite farmers to go in for running CRCs, the department is providing the following assistance. Farmers are being provided Rs.50,000/- (50% subsidy) as against the unit cost of Rs.100, 000 lakh for construction of chawkie rearing house for conducting bivoltine chawkie silkworm rearing. The rest of the amount is being mobilized either by farmer himself or by bank loan. It is proposed to establish 10 units in the district during the project period.

5.3.2.8 Assistance for procurement of chawkie rearing equipment In order to encourage elite farmers to go for running CRCs with sufficient rearing equipments, the department is providing the following assistance: 1.To assist the farmers for purchase of modern tools and equipment for conducting chawkie rearing of bivoltine silkworms to ensure the success of cocoon crops. 2. Farmers are being provided Rs100, 000 lakh as 50% subsidy as against the unit cost of Rs.200, 000 lakh for procurement of chawkie rearing equipment for conducting chawkie rearing. The remaining amount of Rs.100, 000 lakh is being mobilized either by himself or through bank loans. It is proposed to supply equipments to 10 CRC units in the district during the project period.

5.3.2.9 Vermin compost units In order to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers in mulberry gardens and to avoid the effect of chemicals on silkworm rearing for successful crop, the department is encouraging the farmers to go in for usage of vermin compost. Application of vermin compost in recycling of mulberry waste and other biodegradable waste has tremendous potential. Vermin-culture is a technology of using earthworms as versatile natural bioreactor for rapid conversion of any organic waste into valuable manure. The earthworms feed on the organic waste, which is rich in N P K,

78 micronutrients, enzymes and vitamins suitable for crop growth, besides developing a number of useful micro-organisms. NABARD has approved the unit cost Rs.7,600 for two pits with thatched shed. But the department has formulated a scheme for Rs.14,000 with four pits and pucca shed of 8 m X 4m and a height of 10 feet, either tiled or with asbestos sheet. The department will provide Rs.7,000/- as subsidy. The approximate vermin compost available for one cycle would be five tons. It is proposed to cover 25 farmers / annum (125 farmers for the entire project period) in the district.

5.2.2.10 Strengthening of government silk reeling unit .

It is proposed to strengthen the government silk reeling unit at Parkal of Warangal district as a part of post cocoon activity development. The mulberry cocoons produced by the farmers in the district shall be converted in to raw silk in the unit, thereby creating marketing facility.

15.3.2.11 Improvement of two seed farms in the district

There are two functional seed farms in the district at Parkal and Salvai. These seed farms are being utilized for production of cocoons. The infrastructure available in the seed farms is not adequate to meet the growing demand. There is a need to go for either flushing of bore wells or deepening of wells to improve the water resources and supply adequate inputs. It is also proposed to provide drip irrigation facilities to the mulberry gardens to conserve water and bring additional area in to cultivation. It is also proposed to utilize these seed farms for raising high yielding varieties of mulberry nursery and supply them to the new farmers. It is proposed to meet 10% of the requirement of saplings through departmental seed farms.

5.3.2.12 Training needs

Conducting training programs on new technologies and bringing out certain training materials and training aids in well identified sericulture clusters in both traditional and non-traditional areas are necessary for upgrading the technical and managerial skills of the rearers / reelers in new technologies. These programs will help in understanding the needs and in enhancing the quality and productivity to ensure viability of the sector.

79 5.3.2.13 Publicity

The extension messages on latest technologies in local language are to be disseminated to all the rearers and reelers engaged in sericulture activity in the form of literature/posters/calendars/brochures, fliers, pamphlets etc., It is also proposed to produce documentaries / video films /success stories and audio-visual messages for wide publicity through departmental units and T.V, Doordarshan channels and broadcasts through All India Radio.

5.3.3 Investments The investments required for implementing the interventions in sericulture during XI plan period are detailed in table 68. The total investment required for implementing all the interventions in Sericulture sector during XI plan period is estimated at Rs.557.4 lakh. Assistance for construction of rearing houses is the single biggest scheme, accounting for two-third of the total investment. Supply of rearing appliances to bi-voltaine farmers, assistance to drip irrigation and publicity were the other important schemes which required substantial investments. Assistance to mulberry plantations, assistance to supply of chawkie rearing equipment, support to vermin compost units, improvement of seed farms, supply of quality disinfectants etc received relatively lower allocations. The expected expenditures are more in the first year than in the later years. During the XI plan period, an additional area of 50 ha will be brought under mulberry cultivation. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.10.

5.4 Animal Husbandry Warangal is one of the important districts for supply of milk, meat and eggs to the people in the state. The bovine population of the district is 10.5 lakh. It includes 5.7 lakh white cattle and 4.8 lakh buffaloes. The district has 13.28 lakh sheep and 3.27 lakh goats. The poultry population in the district is 38.33 lakh.

5.4.1 Livestock population

The details of livestock population by ADA circle are presented in table 69. There is a substantial area of 15063 ha under fodder crops in Warangal district. But the area under grazing lands is rather limited in the district at 3032 ha. Jangaon ADA circle

80 followed by Marripeda ADA circle have the highest area under fodder crops. Narsampet ADA circle has more area than any other ADA circle under grazing lands. The district has considerable area under permanent pastures. All these resources of grazing land, pasture land and fodder crops support the livestock population in the district. The proportion of cattle is slightly higher than that of buffaloes in the district. Only 2.5 per cent of the cattle in the district belong to cross-bred types. In case of buffaloes, the proportion of improved buffaloes is nearly 10 per cent. Buffalo population is more than cattle population in the ADA circles of Hanumakonda, Ghanpur, Jangaon and A,Ghanpur. In the other five ADA circles, the population of cattle exceeds that of buffaloes. The population of sheep is several times higher than that of goats in the district. Only 0.6 per cent of the sheep belong to improved breeds while all the goats belong to indigenous breeds only. The proportion of broilers in the district is only about one-fifth in the total poultry population in the district. Hanumakonda and Ghanpur ADA circles lead others in poultry population of the district.

5.4.2 Veterinary institutions

The veterinary institutions functioning in different ADA circles are summarized in table 70. There is a total of 238 veterinary institutions catering for the health of livestock, besides 306 Artificial Insemination Centers (AIC), which work for breed improvement of livestock in the district. 777 out of 1015 gram panchayats in the district do not have any veterinary institutions in them. The highest number of institutions is found in Hanumakonda ADA circle followed by Ghanpur and Jangaon ADA circles. There are 14 veterinary hospitals and 82 veterinary dispensaries mainly to treat the animals.

5.4.3 Production plan of livestock

The production targets of milk meat and eggs during XI plan period in Warangal district are furnished in table 71. The milk production in the district is estimated at 2.02 lakh M.tons in 2006-07. The average productivity of animals is estimated at 2 liters per day. The target of milk production during XI plan period starts with 2.54 lakh M.tons in 2007-08 and reaches finally 3.26 lakh M.tons. It represents an increase of 48.2 per cent over the period of five years. It is expected that both the number of

81 milch animals as well as productivity of animals will increase over the years to meet the targets. The meat production is estimated at 19328 M.tons with productivity of 6 kg per animal. It is expected that the number of meat producing animals will increase from 15 lakh in 2006-07 to 22 lakh in 2011-12. The productivity of animal is also expected to increase from 6 kg to 9 kg per animal. As a result, the meat production is targeted to increase by 53.9 per cent over the period of five years. The egg production in the district is estimated at 5259 lakh with an average productivity of 250 eggs per year. It is projected to increase to 7269 lakh with an average productivity of 290 eggs per year. It represents an increase of 38.2 per cent over the five years period.

5.4.4 Interventions for livestock development

The following are the interventions proposed over the next five years along with the budget required for implementation of the programs.

5.4.4.1 Vaccination against foot and mouth disease Foot and mouth disease is one of the major and dreadful diseases, which is causing enormous harm to live stock development. At present, vaccine is being supplied on 50% subsidy and only 5% interested farmers are getting their animals vaccinated against this dreadful disease. Hence, it is proposed to vaccinate all the cattle in campaign mode with an aim to eradicate the dreadful disease from the district completely with a financial outlay of Rs.881 lakh over a period of five years (table 72). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.1211.76 lakh to Warangal district for supplying 72.72 lakh doses of vaccine against foot and mouth disease. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.12.

5.4.4.2 Calf induction program It is one of the programs essential for breed improvement and thereby to contribute to increase in the milk production in the district substantially over a span of five years. The present cross bred germ plasm program has resulted in only 5% of cross breds in the total cattle population. Hence, it is proposed to supply 5000 cross bred murrah / graded murrah heifer calves of 10-12 months age to identified beneficiaries on 50% subsidy with an outlay of Rs.536.20 lakh over a period of five years. This

82 program will develop milch animals with capacity to yield 8-10 liters per day, thereby contributing to an increase in milk production in the district (table 73). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.214.48 lakh to Warangal district for supplying 2000 heifer calves on subsidy during the XI plan period. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.13.

5.4.4.3 Heifer Calf feed Subsidy

Under this program, it is proposed to supply feed to heifer calves on subsidy with an additional financial out lay of Rs.268.10 lakh (table 74).

5.4.4.4 Mobile disease diagnostic labs

Under this program, it is proposed to establish mobile disease diagnostic lab for catering to the needs of farming community in the district with a financial out lay of Rs.86.55 lakh over a period of five years (table 75). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.82.16 lakh to Warangal district for establishing one mobile disease diagnostic laboratory.

5.4.4.5 Health care to sheep and goat and training of sheep growers

Under this program, it is proposed to provide health care to sheep and goats and also to train the sheep growers, for which an amount of Rs. 201.49 lakh is proposed over a period of five years (table 76). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.104.48 lakh to Warangal district for supplying 52.24 lakh doses of de- worming medicine free of cost.

5.4.4.6 Chaff cutters

Under this program, it is proposed to supply of 5000 chaff cutters to the farmers on subsidy and the budget required over five years is estimated at Rs.370.00 lakh (table 77).

5.4.4.7 Establishment of perennial fodder units

Green fodder plays a vital role in increasing the milking capacity of the milch animals. The existing perennial fodder units are not sufficient to meet the demand of

83 the district in the lean season of summer. Hence, to make green fodder available to the milch animals through out the year and there by helping to increase milk production, it is proposed to establish 7200 perennial fodder units with a financial out lay of Rs.90.00 lakh over a period of five years (table 78). The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.14.

5.4.4.8 Induction of milch animals Under this program milch animals are proposed to be inducted in to the district with an out lay of Rs.2250 lakh over a period of five years (table 79). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.800.0 lakh to Warangal district for supplying 4000 miltch animals on subsidy. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.15.

5.4.5 Investments The targets for district sector schemes for livestock development during X plan period are given in table 80. Since no funds were allotted by Zilla Parishad for livestock development during 10 plan period, no data were furnished on them. The investments required for the development of livestock sector during XI plan period are furnished in table 81. The total investment required for livestock development during the XI plan period is estimated at Rs.1890.24 lakh. The biggest allocation is for the supply of chaff cutters. It is followed by the scheme to provide feed support to female calves born out of A.I. They are followed by scheme to induct and supply heifer calves and health care to sheep and goats. An amount of Rs.86.55 lakh is earmarked for establishment of mobile disease diagnostic laboratories. Establishment of perennial fodder units received the reaming Rs.90 lakh.

The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.14.55 lakh for supply of 970 breeding rams on subsidy. It has also allotted Rs.25.0 lakh for establishing one sheep market yard and Rs.30 lakh for training of dairy farmers and shepherds. It has allotted Rs.2.75 lakh for establishing five bulk milk cooling units in the district.

84 5.5 Fisheries Development 5.5.1 Introduction The fishery sector in the state has contributed 2.36% to the gross state domestic product in 2005-06. The important objectives of department of fisheries are:  Develop value chain for fisheries and boost exports  Ensure sustainable development  Set up institutions to build skills  Promote welfare of fishermen

Following are some of the welfare schemes / interventions that are planned and proposed for the period of next five years in Warangal district. For implementing these interventions, the following strategies have been formulated.

5.5.2 Need for increasing the fish / prawn production

 To make fish available to common man at an affordable price.  To provide protein rich food to the poor  To supplement the incomes of the fishermen  To increase the livelihood standards of fishermen  To earn foreign exchange and to generate more income to the fishermen

5.5.3 Interventions proposed  Maintenance of the existing departmental fish seed farms by providing the necessary budget  Establishment of fish seed farms in the private sector should be encouraged where ever assured water sources are available  Continuous extension services should be given importance  Regular capacity building to the stake holders, in which good management practices, latest modern techniques of culture, optimum utilization of available water bodies, stocking of quality fish seed in sufficient quantity, will be taught. It will not only increase the fish production, but also helps in the economic development of the stake holders, for which regular budget provision should be made.

85  Regularly provide inputs like nets, teppas etc., to fishermen who have licenses  Modernization of existing fish markets and establishment of new fish markets wherever potential is available.

Anticipated results The fish seed production can be increased and seed can be made available to the stakeholders, so that they can stock optimum quantity of quality fish seed and thus help in fish production doubling over the next five years.

Implementation period The implementation will be for over a period of five years. Implementation strategy  To take up regular maintenance of existing fish seed farms for achieving optimum fish seed production  To encourage establishment of new fish seed farms by private entrepreneurs, wherever there is a possibility, by giving them subsidies etc.  To give importance to extension services  To give importance to capacity building, feed management practices, latest / modern techniques of culture practices, optimum utilization of available water bodies, stocking of quality and quantity fish seed, encouraging stocking of fingerlings.  To give inputs like nets, teppas, boats etc. to stake holders

5.5.4 Fish retail outlets With a view to increase the domestic consumption of fish by supplying fresh and hygienic fish to the consumers at their respective places, this scheme was proposed. Through this scheme, the percentage of spoilage of fish may be reduced drastically. Further, through this scheme, we can create employment to the educated fishermen. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.50.00 lakh to Warangal district for establishing 10 fish markets in major gram panchayats and Rs.10 lakh for establishing one fish market in municipal areas. It has also allotted Rs.40 lakh for

86 setting up 20 modern fish retail outlets in the district and Rs.12 lakh for supporting 80 individual fish retail vending units.

5.5.5. Post harvest fisheries including value addition It is proposed to reduce the spoilage of marine fish / prawn by converting the marine fish / prawn into different by products like fish pickles, dry fish, fish cutlet etc. By implementing this scheme, optimum utilization of the total production of fish / prawn can be achieved.

5.5.6 Construction of new fish seed farms With a view to meet the increasing fish seed demand day by day and to reduce the mortality of fish seed while transporting the fish seed to distant places, it is proposed to construct new fish seed farms where there is great demand and where there are no fish seed farms in near by places. To encourage water logged areas and low lying areas, which are not suitable for agriculture, being converted into fish ponds, it is proposed to help the farmers in constructing fish ponds. The fishermen co-operative societies may be encouraged for adoption of semi-intensive fish culture in tanks. An amount of Rs.69.00 lakh is proposed over five years.

5.5.7 Investments The financial targets and achievements for fishery development in Warangal district during X plan period are detailed in table 82. During 2002-03 only 0.5 lakh was spent for group accident scheme. In 2003-04, the target was enhanced to Rs.838.2 lakh, mainly on account of fisher men housing program. The targets were achieved completely. The target was scaled down to Rs.2.3 lakh in 2004-05, while the achievement was more than twice that of allocation. The budget has again gone up in 2005-06 because of fisher men housing program and most of the target was achieved. The target was again scaled down to Rs.48.4 lakh in 2006-07 and the achievement was more than the amount allocated.

The investments required for continuation of the on going schemes during XI plan period are furnished in table 83. The investment required for development of fisheries during XI plan period is estimated at Rs.154 lakh. One half of the total investment is meant for supplying fish seed on 50% subsidy. The special component

87 plans for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes required Rs.27 lakh each. Providing revolving fund to fisher women cooperative societies and supply of ice boxes received Rs.14 lakh each.

The total investments required for implementing the interventions in fishery sector, including new schemes and interventions are presented in table 84. The total investment required for fishery development in the state is estimated at Rs.649 lakh. The major funds are proposed for fresh water fish culture in tanks, construction of fish markets and strengthening of departmental farms. Construction of new fish ponds, training and capacity building and revolving fund for fisher women cooperative societies also require substantial funds. Other schemes like supply of nets and boats and establishing fish retail outlets required relatively less funds. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.80 lakh to Warangal district for taking up fresh water fish culture in tanks. It has also allotted Rs.28.75 lakh for supporting 27 matsya mitra groups in the district during XI plan period. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure tables A.11.

5.6 Watershed Development 5.6.1 Introduction A great opportunity exists for improving productivity, profitability and sustainability of dry farming areas, through social mobilization. Rain fed agriculture can become productive only if it is based on watershed as a unit of development. Watershed is not a technology but a concept which integrates conservation, management and budgeting of rain water through simple but discrete and logical units. Simultaneously, a watershed supports holistic frame work which means the combined application of technologies on soil and water conservation along with improved crop varieties, farming systems and agronomic management, taking into account both arable and non farm land, water resource development, management, harvesting, and equity in sharing from the nucleus watershed development. With assured availability of water, farmers are motivated to accept more profitable, sustainable, and innovative farming systems. Water availability will also catalyze adoption and spread of value added activities in the entire area of water shed, such as horticulture. Crop systems need to be tailored to suit different rainfall-cum-soil zones. Water shed development is the

88 only solution to ensure drought proofing and to mitigate the distress caused by frequent droughts.

5.6.2 Programs implemented by DWMA The District Rural Development Agency, Warangal is taking up the watershed development works through District Water Management Agency for the waste and barren lands after identifying them, so that these lands are developed for taking up cultivation in order to improve the rural economy. The program under taken by the D.W.M.A., is detailed in table 85.

In Warangal district, the DWMA, has under taken 50 watershed programs. In addition to the existing watershed programs, it is proposed to under take another 100 watershed programs during the XI plan period in the district. Under DWMA, the additional central assistance is planned for taking up water shed development work in the next five years. The details are given in table 86.

5.6.3 Programs implemented by Assistant Director of Agriculture (A.D.A.), soil conservation

The watershed development works are also being taken up by the Department of Agriculture in Warangal district through Asst. Director of Agriculture, (Soil Conservation), Warangal. So far, five watershed programs have been under taken by the A.D.A., (soil conservation),Warangal The works undertaken and expenditure incurred during the last five years under watershed program by soil conservation division of the agriculture department in the district are furnished in table 87.

5.6.4 New watersheds proposed during XI plan The watersheds proposed to be under taken during XI plan for the years 2007-08 to 20011-12, are furnished in table 88 along with the financial outlay.

5.6.5 Soil survey program in watersheds during XI plan

The proposals for conducting soil survey in watershed areas during XI plan period are furnished in table 89. Five villages from Palkurthy mandal of Warangal district will be taken up for watershed development during the XI plan period. The entire

89 watershed has an area of 15867 ha. Since none of the area has to be deleted from survey, all the 15867 samples will have to be surveyed over the five years period.

5.6.6 Areas for watershed development in XI plan

The water sheds areas proposed for development during XI plan period are detailed in table 90. Out of the 15867 ha area under the watershed, 2500 ha is available for watershed development during the XI plan period. It is proposed to take up 250 ha in 2007-08 at a cost of Rs.3 lakh for watershed development activities. In 2008-09, the area to be treated will be doubled at a cost of Rs.6.00 lakh. The area to be treated will be further increased to 682.5 ha in 2009-10 at a cost of Rs.8.19 lakh. In 2010-11, the area to be treated is reduced to 530 ha at a cost of Rs.6.36 lakh. The remaining 537.5 ha area will be treated for development in 2011-12 at a cost of Rs.6.45 lakh. Thus, over the five years period, all the 2500 ha area will be treated at a total cost of Rs.30 lakh.

5.6.7 Technologies for in situ soil moisture conservation

The plan for implementing different technologies for achieving in situ moisture conservation in Warangal district during XI plan is furnished in table 91. Till 2006-07, 2887.2 ha area was covered under different technologies for in situ moisture conservation. It is proposed to take up these technologies in a wider scale during the XI plan period. Contour cultivation will be taken up in 1100 ha every year. Ridges and Furrows will be implemented in 280 ha per year. Other measures will be implemented in 20 ha per year. Dead furrows will be laid in 250 ha in the first year and in 500 ha in the next year. It will be further increased to 682.5 ha in 2009-10. In the next two years, this target is reduced to 530 ha per year.

5.7 Rural development

In Waragnal district, about 70% of the population stays in rural area and depends mainly on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. These activities are being under taken by the agency called district rural development agency. This agency undertakes the programs mentioned below for the benefit of rural poor farmers on 100% grant for their uplift. These programs envisage increasing the

90 productivity of degraded lands, while creating huge employment opportunities for the poor families.

5.7.1 Integrated Waste Land Development Program (IWDP)

To arrest the rapid depletion of green cover and to bring back vast starches of marginal lands lying fallow which are causing ecological imbalance and negligible productivity on account of soil erosion and marginalization of lands, a massive integrated development project was undertaken with 100% central assistance.

Strategy of implementation:

 The works are executed by user groups under the supervision of gram panchyats  Overall economical development of poor farmers, by investing on waste lands to convert them into productive use.  It also provides gainful employment generation and poverty alleviation through gram panchyats.  Area treated with soil and moisture conservation works and rain water harvesting structures and plantations.  Afforestation of degraded forest and non-forest waste lands.

5.7.2 Comprehensive land development project (Indira Prabha) The main objective of the scheme is to provide an integrated and comprehensive livelihood options centered on development of compact blocks of assigned lands owned by the poor to ensure that these lands become productive assets for the poor. The coverage of beneficiaries should be a minimum of 50 % in case of SC’s and 10% in ST’s. Where ever percentage of B.C.’s is higher, the coverage will be based on the percentage of BPL families with in the B.C. category. For undertaking this program, the budget allocation is made by the Government.

5.7.3 National Rural Employment Guarantee Program (NREGP)

In Warangal district, this program is aimed at providing work to all the eligible in rural areas for 100 days in every financial year. This program has been started on

91 2.2.2006. In this district, so far gram sabhas were conducted in 50 mandals and job cards were issued to 535041 persons. So far, 13000 works have been sanctioned in 1014 villages, which are worth Rs.213.26 crore. Out of which, 2969 works have been completed in the district by providing work to 437628 laborers. Under this program, work has been provided to the laborers for 8843844 days. On an average Rs.82.76 per day has been paid to each labor for 100 days and this provision was made available to 3045 families. Under this scheme, labor shall get the payment with in a week in any case not later than a fortnight. The works to be taken up under the scheme includes 1) Water conservation and water harvesting. 2) Drought proofing 3) Irrigation works 4) Provision of irrigation facilities to land holders / house holds belonging to SC and ST beneficiaries of land reforms under Indira Avas Yozana of Govt. of India. 5) Renovation of traditional water bodies including de-siltation of tanks 6) Land development. 7) Flood control and protection works including drainage in water logged areas 8) Rural connectivity to provide all weathers access and 9) Any other work which may be notified by the Central Government.

The physical and financial targets of different rural development programs are presented in table 92.

5.8 Social forestry development The action plan for social forestry development during XI plan period is given in table 93. For implementing the different activities under social forestry during 2006-07, Rs.81.33 lakh was spent. The major expenditure was for maintenance of 10 lakh pongamia plants and maintenance of undistributed seedlings. Raising of nurseries and plantations and maintenance of plantations also received higher amounts. The targets for the continuation of the same activities during XI plan period are raised to Rs.90.16 lakh per year. The total investment for social forestry activities over the five

92 years period amounted to Rs.415.94 lakh. The activities are essentially the same like maintenance of seedlings in the nurseries and plantations in the main fields.

5.9 Agricultural Marketing Marketing is one of the major and important aspects to the farming community. The economic status of the farmers directly depends on market price of the produce. In Warangal district, there are 12 market committees which are functioning in 12 market yards and 31 sub yards to cater to the marketing needs of farming community, covering 15 mandals, 1071 revenue villages, 1014 gram panchayats and 463397 cultivators in the district. The most important farmer friendly program is Rythu bandhu pathakam, which is providing facility for storing farmers’ produce, besides providing 75% of its value as loan. The interventions proposed under marketing in Warangal district for seeking central assistance during XI plan are as follows:

a. Rural Markets – Provision of common facilities at procurement and collection centres.

b. Establishment of Farmer Information Centers (FICs) in agricultural market yards.

c. E-trading infrastructure facilities for market extension.

5.9.1 Rural markets Farmer – producers are discouraged from accessing existing market yards, as they are supposed to incur huge transportation cost for traveling 12 to 15 km at present as against the national average of 5 to 7 km. As such, there is a need to under take decentralized market operations near farm gate / village cluster to enhance market access to the farmer producers. In this context, it is proposed to organize procurement / collection centers near the farm gate or at village clusters identified by local AMC’s.

In order to improve the functioning of regulated markets in the district, which are suffering from locational disadvantages and lack of needed infrastructural facilities, an alternate system is felt necessary. It is not proper to regulate the transactions “out side” the market yards by breaking the traditional and functional strong links existing between traders and growers without an alternate system. To overcome the problem

93 of existing traditional and un-scientific ways of weighing and grading and traditional ways of declaring prices for the commodities, it is proposed to use electronic weighing machines, moisture meters and other post harvest support technology including storage space and drying plat form, duly placing the services of trained graders – sorters among educated youth who are well settled in cultivation near the proposed village markets.

5.9.2 Farmers Information Centers (FICs) The government of Andhra Pradesh is aiming to transfer the technology to the farmers at their door steps to improve quality and productivity, there by benefiting the economic condition of the farmers. The main advantage in providing FIC systems is to avoid the involvement of middlemen and provide comprehensive information regarding crop techniques to the farmers. The proposed FIC systems consists of interactive information KIOSK, IVRS (Interactive voice Response System), automatic display and announcement system and an exclusive web site portal. From FIC system, latest information on prices can be made available, enabling the farmers to get best price for their produce. Critical information on crop diseases and detailed information on pesticides for a given location and availability of genuine pesticides can also be provided. Farmers can be given details which help in marketing his produce and crop management. The F.I.C system disseminates online price and arrival information in all market yards in the LOCAL LANGUAGE. Apart from this, information on cultivation, general health care, news and food and nutrition can also be made available to the farming community.

5.9.3 E-trading infrastructure facilities The proposal is aimed at improving the overall functioning of 202 functional agricultural market committees in the state. The project is envisaged to computerize markets and monitor operations by providing e-trading solutions.

 Project is going to be developed with the support of National Informatics Center (NIC).  Project operation and maintenance and creation of minor terminal infrastructure with the help of private vendor.

94  Incrementally, within a span or 3 to 4 months, the project is going to be implemented throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh.  District wise local operators are going to be selected.  For creating the minor terminal infrastructure as per the technical specifications, the local operator can even raise loan from bank.  This is also an employment generation scheme.  The farmers shall be immensely benefited as the role of intermediaries gets diminished.  The transaction time shall get reduced.

Market department officials shall maintain up-to date and accurate records of all the transactions easily without any capital investment.

5.10 Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) 5.10.1 Organic farming in rain fed agriculture

The growth of organic farming sector in Andhra Pradesh currently has been largely due to the demand from western countries through expensive certification route. Only large basmati farmers, spice, cashew and coffee estates could reap the benefits. Even the initiatives by the departments and NGOs are in default organic areas so that the conversion is easier. However, it is the small and marginal farmers who form 80% of the farming community in rain fed areas who need to be targeted for organic farming, as it will greatly reduce their costs of cultivation and minimize the risks, meet most of their nutrition and food needs and improve their livelihood. Several studies and experiences have shown that the scope for adoption of organic farming is all the more relevant for the small holdings. These farmers are getting into distress when they switch over to chemical agriculture under rain fed farming due to frequent droughts. The transition from conventional to organic farming is rapidly taking place, where local NGOs, supported by government agencies, facilitate the conversion and proper resource management and institutional systems are established. Special focus is given to tribal and hilly areas, which are depending on traditional farming, to enable increase the economic benefits through scientific crop rotation and efficient use of on farm inputs.

95 Andhra Pradesh, with its very diverse agriculture production system with different types of soils and natural vegetation is blessed and placed with farmers who are hard working and innovative mind have unlimited possibilities for adoption of organic farming practices without affecting the present level of food grain production. By adopting multiple cropping, increasing cropping intensity by adopting suitable cropping patterns, rational intercropping systems etc the production at the village level would be maintained and enhanced. The state is having full potential to adopt organic agriculture, and with implementation of NPM for the past three years, they are on a march to organic farming in the 18 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Strategies adopted: In traditional rain fed agriculture with low external input, organic agriculture has huge untapped potential to increase yields. Under drought conditions, crops in organic agriculture system produce significantly and sustainable higher yields when compared to conventional agriculture crops. Hence, rain fed and drought prone areas are priority areas for conversion to organic agriculture. There are apprehensions that the farmers may experience some yield reductions in initial years, if they switch over to organic agriculture. If the switch over is made suddenly by discarding synthetic inputs before restoration of full biological activity viz growth in beneficial insect population, nitrogen fixation from legumes etc., pests and fertility problems are common. The strategy involved is taking up non pesticidal management as an entry level activity so that, pests and diseases management is sorted out. Now soil health is given focus during this year, which includes soil moisture conservation measures, recycling of on-farm inputs, tank-silt application, farm ponds, compost pits during off season with the help of NREGP. As practicing bio-diversity would be the key for achieving natural ecological balance below and above the ground, tree crops, on farm forestry crop rotation, diversified production is built into system to help bio-diversity. Diversity of plants and animals on land prevent pest and disease out breaks. Soil bio-diversity reflects variability build up among living organisms in the soil ranging from myriad of invisible microbes, bacteria and fungi to the more familiar macro fauna such as earth worms termites etc. These diverse organisms interact with one and various plants and animals, forming complex web of biological activity which is critical to the functioning of natural eco systems and for sustainable agricultural productivity. Healthy soil with good diversity is the base for food production. During 2007-08, plans are made and are being implemented for growing culture and application of Azolla, BGA, Azotobactor,

96 Azospirellum, PSB and VMA for enhancing soil health. Maize/Jowar/Bajra/Korra + red gram in 2:1 (red soil)

5.10.2 Crop rotations and cropping systems

In addition to crop rotation and multiple cropping, inter cropping would be given a major thrust, with adoption of recommended inter cropping ratios as shown below.

1. Maize/Jowar/Bajra/Korra + red gram in 3:1 (black soil)

2. Groundnut + red gram 5:1 for bunch variety, 7:1 for spreading variety

3. Rain fed castor + red gram - 4:1

4. Cotton + soybeans 1:1 or 1:2 (not in practice by and large).

5. Chilly + green gram / black gram / soybeans etc (not in practice) 2:1 or 1:1 (any suitable ratio in consultation with farmers).

6. Tree crop + on farm forestry trials done with glyricidia, paired row and lopped at 2 meter height as is done on ICRISAT will be scaled up for green leaf manuring and recycling of nutrients from sub soil up to 60 cm.

7. Perennial red gram, ICPL 7035 is being popularized across the rain fed farm boundaries as trap crop. Being resistant to sterility mosaic, it will be of economical value. Seed is obtained and distributed among a few active NGOs and SHGs.

8. Efforts are on to procure perennial jowar seed and popularize perennial- napier, bajra plantation along rain fed farm boundaries to serve as border crop.

9. The huge potential of production of compost with organic raw-material available in the forest would be tapped by involving VSS members as income generating activity.

10. Social forestry schemes and nurseries available with SHGs will be used for massive biomass plantation with neem, gliricidia, subabul and other botanicals.

11. The green manure schemes available with agriculture department would be made use of.

12. Panchaganya, amruthapani and jeevamruth will be encouraged in a big way and their application is ensured by applying them to the soil and crop for improving soil health. This will also be taken as one of the entrepreneurial activities with groups of young farmers who are landless agriculture labor / marginal farmers.

97 13. Neem processing units, at custom hiring centres with implements, would be established.

14. Seed banks will be established in the villages to make them self-sufficient with the seed requirements of improved varieties. Started with seed banks in 70 villages and spread to all NPM villages by the end of 5th year to take care of 75 % of the requirements in the villages of 5 to 6 important crops with varieties.

5.10.3 Encouragement to organic farming

The quality assurance of organic produce: As it is obvious by this time that organic farming is promoted not only because it is sustainable and environment friendly, but also ensures healthy food to local communities and better livelihoods for its producers. The certification adopted would be by group certification and /or Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) to cut down prohibitively high certification charges. KVKs, NGOs, PCs (producer companies farmer groups including women SHGs) and ATMA will be promoted as service providers, who will undertake internal control system under group certification. To start with, it would be on the basis of trust of the community and documentation process generated during Farmer Field Schools mechanism held every week.

Market developments (Domestic): As mentioned earlier, there is a total integration of market support operations taken up by SHGs with NPM and vice versa. The primary purpose of switching over to organic agriculture is to provide healthy food i.e pesticide free to the local communities. The products are procured at the village level and integrated with the ongoing food security program. In addition, keeping in view, the huge demand for organic food at a premium, in urban and rural areas in domestic markets, government, private sectors and producers association will play the role in promoting and facilitating marketing of organic produce by forming about 1000 producer collectives or PCs in coming five years. They develop supply chain system, encourage setting up exclusively organic market centres including rythu bazaars, and facilitate organizing weekly organic bazaars and arranging producer and buyers meets regularly. GCC and ITDA will be actively involved in production and marketing of organic crop and forest produce.

98 Credit: To promote organic farming, credit would be extended by NABARD and commercial banks along with SHGs.

Research and education: Current research is heavily biased towards external inputs, knowledge and practices. Organic farming is a paradigm shift which internalizes the inputs and depends on the local resources, farmers’ knowledge and skills which make best and different uses of natural processes. It is not the same as the traditional subsistence agriculture in that it is holistic, improves soil health, and enhances use of locally available natural resources and is based on farming system approach involving crops, animals, poultry and social and environmental aspects. It is a sustainable system and yield has to be comparable to that of neighbor are conventional farmers. We need to evolve various forms of validating these approaches and agriculture universities and research institutions would be involved to further refine the practices where ever required. In addition, there is a need to characterize biological inputs widely used by practicing organic farmers for crop production and protection. Much of the research needs to be done on farmers’ fields for validation of resource conservation and natural resource recycling technologies. The agriculture and veterinary universities of state and centre along with KVKs would be taking up following tasks:

Development of organic farming systems suitable for each area of different agro climatic zones:

 Research on nutrition management aids, efficiency of various botanical that are documented and used by farmers.

 Diseases management in organic farming.

 To identify, screen and develop native live stock breeds, which are locally adaptable and are resistant to drought, parasites and diseases.

 Screening of herbal remedies for control of diseases and parasites on live stock.

 To act as knowledge transfer centres for farmers, NGOs, SHGs and farmers CRPs by starting model organic farming in their agriculture research stations and KVKs.

 Research on agri – horti – silvi – pastoral fodder systems to establish biodiversity in farming. Similarly, work on identification, evaluation, improvement and preservation of native cultivars suitable for organic farming.

99  Involving farmers / SHGs closely in research design and implementation by working with them on their fields.

5.10.4 Status of work in community managed organic farming systems

The status of work in 2007-08 in the community managed organic farming systems in rain fed areas is summarized in table 94.

5.10.5 Construction of godowns at star centers

It is planned to acquire 1 to 1.5 acres of land for housing the VO building, a godown with 1000MTs storage capacity, a drying platform with 100MTs capacity, a mini processing unit, a laboratory for quality testing of various commodities, a training centre by providing all required machinery and physical infrastructure to each centre. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.860.79 lakh to Warangal district for implementing community managed organic farming systems in the district.

5.11 Irrigation Development

The farmers of Warangal district depend for their crop growth on various irrigation sources, such as rain fed, open wells / tube wells / bore wells, minor irrigation sources such as tanks and kuntas, medium irrigation sources such as SRSP canals etc., There are 220, 577 wells (open wells / tube wells / bore wells) and the area under wells is 47182 ha. There are 72 minor irrigation sources with the irrigation potential created at 6941 ha. There are 6 medium irrigation sources, namely Pakal lake, Ramappa lake, Lacknavaram tank, Malluru Vagu project, Chalivagu project, Large tank Ghanpur (Mulug) project.

5.11.1 Major irrigation sources

The registered ayacut of the major irrigation sources is given in table 95.

5.11.2 Irrigation sources and their contribution

The Source wise irrigation potential created in Warangal district is given in table 96.

5.12 Development of Rural Industries 5.12.1 Status of small scale industries

The status of small scale industries in terms of number, investment and employment is presented in table 97. There are a total of 3887 small scale industry units in

100 Warangal district. More than one fourth of them are units producing food and agriculture based products. Another roughly one fourth of the units were dealing with repairing and servicing. Metal based products, wood based products, electrical machinery and apparatus and non metallic mineral based products are the other important groups of industries. Miscellaneous manufacturing industries, leather based products, hosiery and garments and rubber and plastic based products are the other important groups of industries. The total investment on all the SSI units is estimated at Rs.15084 lakh. They are providing employment to 35066 persons. In terms of investment, food and agro based products have the highest investment in them. Repairing and servicing units have the next biggest investment in them, followed by non-metalic mineral based products and wood based products. Metal based products, paper products and print based products, electrical machinery and apparatus, cotton and textile based products and Rubber and plastic based products also involved substantial investments. Non metallic mineral based products, leather based products, metal based products and wood based products are the other important units providing employment.

5.12.2 Targets for Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) program

The proposals for establishing units with the support of Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) are furnished in table 98. There are 110 units which benefited from the margin money provided by Khadi and Village Industries Program (KVIP) as they were providing employment to rural people. The target for 2007-08 is fixed for supporting 65 units at a cost of Rs.113 lakh during 2007-08. The targets for other years in XI plan are not yet set so far.

5.12.3 The progress of District Industries Scheme in X plan

The targets and achievements under District Industries Centre (DIC) during X plan period are detailed in table 99. During the X plan period, the targets set by District Industries Centre (DIC) for supporting units were not generally met. Under the Prime Ministers Rozgar Yojana (PMRY), the target was 2002-03 was set at 1318 but only 63.8% of it was met. In the next year, the target was increased further to 1416, but the achievement was only 71%. The target was further increased in 2004-05 to 1990, but the achievement was even less than one half at 47.2%. In the next two

101 years, the targets were reduced to 1641 in 2005-06 and to 1246 in 2006-07. The achievement was only 49.5% in 2005-06 and 68.6% in 2006-07.

5.12.4 Targets for District Industries Centre (DIC) schemes in XI plan

The physical and financial targets for establishing units under PMRY scheme are presented in table 100. The District Industry Centre (DIC) has set relatively modest targets during XI plan under PMRY scheme. They start with 1217 units in 2007-08 and 2008-09 at a cost of Rs.819 lakh per year and gradually move up to 1400 units in 2011-12 at a cost of Rs.1000 lakh.

5.12.5 Progress of schemes under development of handlooms and textiles

The progress of expenditure in different years of X plan under schemes for development handlooms and textiles is given in table 101. Under the development of handlooms and textiles during X plan period a major scheme of DDHPY – marketing incentive scheme was implemented during the first four years and discontinued in 2006-07. The total expenditure by the handlooms and textile department was Rs.291.68 lakh in 2002-03, which increased to Rs.838.26 lakh in the next year. The allocation was brought down to Rs.298.27 lakh and Rs.286.08 lakh in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Due to discontinuation of three major schemes in 2006-07, only Rs.2.37 lakh was spent in 2006-07. Cash credit facility from NABARD was the remaining scheme with substantial allocation of funds.

5.12.6 Targets for development of handlooms and textiles in XI plan

The physical and financial targets set for implementation of schemes for development of handlooms and textiles during XI plan period are furnished in table 102. The physical targets proposed for handlooms and textile department during XI plan period were heavily loaded in the first years and tapered of in the subsequent years. The physical target was quite high at 13837 in 2006-07, which drastically fell from second year onwards due to the cessation of health insurance scheme; however the financial targets were quite in tact till the third year. But from the fourth year, the financial targets fell down drastically even though the physical targets remained the same.

102 5.13 Agricultural Credit and Insurance

5.13.1 Agricultural credit flow in X plan period

Credit is the most important input in agriculture. The financial institutions have provided both the crop as well as term loans to an extent of Rs. 886 crore, covering 6.49 lakh farmers during 2006-07 in Warangal district. Despite the initiatives taken by the state government and district administration, the banks have not been able to increase the credit flow to the agriculture sector in the last three years due to unfavorable seasonal conditions A comparative statement on credit flow is furnished in table 103.

5.13.2 Targets for agricultural credit in XI plan period

The estimated credit plan for next five years in Warangal district is given in table 104. It is expected that the credit up take will decline from Rs. 886 crore in 2006-07 to Rs. 358.63 crore in 2007-08. But, over the five years period, it is expected to increase to Rs. 660 crore.

5.13.3 Targets for agricultural insurance during XI plan

The targets for area coverage and premium collection under crop loan insurance scheme during XI plan are presented in table 105 by ADA circle. The projections for agricultural insurance start with a low target of 14800 ha in 2007-08 with a premium of Rs.38 lakh. Only Hanamkonda, Mahbubabad and Ghanpur ADA circles are targeted to participate in insurance. In the next year, it is expected that all the ADA circles will be covered by insurance and that the total area covered by insurance will go up to 34650 ha and a premium of Rs.92.87 lakh is expected to be collected. These targets increase progressively to reach 52200 ha in 2011-12. The total premium collected will be Rs.151.5 lakh. Hanamakonda, Mahbubabad and Narsampet ADA circles will have a greater coverage by agricultural insurance during the XI plan period. The participation of A-Ghanpur ADA circle, followed by Marripeda and Mulug ADA circles is expected to be quite less.

103 5.14 Investments and Outcomes 5.14.1 Investments

The total investments proposed under different sectors are given below: Table: Proposed investments in different sub-sectors (Rs in lakh) S.n0 Investment Amount 1. Agriculture 7210.1 2. Horticulture 2716.4 3. Sericulture 557.47 4. Animal husbandry 1890.24 5. Fisheries 649.0 6. Marketing 1500.0 7. SERP 860.79 TOTAL 15384.0

The total investment for the development of agriculture and allied sectors during XI plan adds up to Rs.15384 lakh. The major part of Rs.7201.1 lakh was needed for field crops sector. Horticulture and animal husbandry required Rs.2716.4 lakh and Rs.1890.24 lakh respectively. The requirements for sericulture were at Rs.557.47 lakh. The requirements of fisheries and SERP sectors were estimated at Rs.649.0 and Rs.860.79 lakh respectively. The requirement for supporting marketing activities in the district is estimated at Rs.1500 lakh.

5.14.2 Outcomes

The sector wise growth rates anticipated to result from investments proposed are given below:

Table: Proposed sector wise growth rates (in per cent)

S.No Sector 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 Average

1 Agriculture 5.6 6.3 6.0 5.6 5.5 5.8 2 Animal Husbandry 8.2 8.6 9.4 11.6 12.2 10.0 3 Fisheries 6.5 19.8 16.5 14.3 13.8 14.2 4 Sericulture 7.4 6.9 6.5 6.1 5.7 6.5 5 Horticulture 4.0 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 5.2 Agriculture sector 6.1 7.2 7.6 7.4 7.3 7.1

104 Of all the sectors, fisheries are expected to increase at a high rate of 14.2 per year. Animal husbandry is the next fastest growing sector with a growth rate of 10.0 % per year. Sericulture is expected to grow at 6.5 per cent per year. Agriculture is targeted to grow @ 5.8% per year. Horticulture sector is projected to grow at slowest rate of 5.2% per year. The entire agriculture sector is expected to grow at a fast rate of 7.1% per year. These high growth rates are expected to result from the heavy investments suggested in the plan. In all the sectors, the growth rates in the initial year are projected to be slower and they are expected to accelerate over the next two years and taper off in the next two years.

105 Chapter VI District Plan 6.1 Introduction Warangal district is well known for the large irrigation tanks built by Kakatiya kings several centuries ago. Open wells and bore wells are the important sources of irrigation which is supplemented by canal water from Sri Ram sagar project. New projects like Devadula lift irrigation scheme from Godavari are likely to irrigate more areas in the district. It is an important agricultural district with paddy, cotton, maize, ground nut and pulses as important crops. It has good rainfall and diverse soils to support a variety of crops. More than one-half of the cropped area is irrigated. SRI cultivation in rice and Bt varieties in cotton have opened up new technological vistas to the farmers in the district. With surging output prices, agriculture is poised to have a take off, overcoming the constraints faced by it. The expected support from the RKVY is likely to accelerate the growth rate in agriculture. Although Warangal is a major agricultural district, other allied sectors are also developing quite fast in the recent years. The area under horticulture has already reached 25825 ha. The area under fodder crops is 2000ha, while the area under other crops is about 2500 ha. Out of 500 ha area under sericulture, only 100 ha is under mulberry and the remaining 400 ha is under Tasar. An extent of 71000 ha is kept fallow because of unfavorable seasonal conditions. All these sectors have a great scope to attract more areas and develop faster than crop sector because there is no demand constraint in case of products produced from animal husbandry, fisheries, sericulture and horticulture.

6.2 Growth drivers in the district With reasonably good resource endowments and resilient farmers, all the sub- sectors of agriculture can be good growth drivers in the district. Among the field crops, rice, cotton, maize, pulses and oilseeds like ground nut and sesamum are all poised for growth because of the favorable price and demand situation. Besides new varieties, new cultivation methods make it possible to achieve yield growth in these crops. The scope for receiving irrigation facilities to new areas makes it possible to increase areas under these crops. It should not be difficult to achieve the production growth exceeding 5 per cent per year in case of the field crops. Horticulture is definitely a growth driver with a possibility to grow at 7 to 8 per cent per year. Fruit

106 crops like mango, sweet orange, sapota, guava, papaya and pomegranate have good scope for expansion. There is a good response to efforts made for rejuvenation of mango and sweet orange gardens in the district. Farmers are likely to take it up if there are incentives from the government. The demand for vegetables is increasing and higher prices can attract more farmers to make investments in vegetable cultivation. With the government willing to subsidize the supply of hybrid seeds, farmers can easily increase the yields of vegetable crops by 30 to 40 per cent. The growing demand for flowers may attract more farmers towards it to realize higher profits. Besides horticulture, aquaculture can continue to be a good growth sector. With virtually no demand constraint for fish and prawns, there is good scope for both increasing the area under the ponds as well as to increase the productivity of ponds. This sector can also easily achieve a growth rate of 5 per cent. Animal husbandry sector which always received a high emphasis in the past has still got potential to remain a good growth sector because of constantly increasing demand for milk, meat and eggs. It can also achieve a target growth rate exceeding 7 per cent. Sericulture has not spread much but the farmers who have taken it up are realizing good returns. The expansion of area under high yielding varieties of mulberry and use of advance equipment for rearing can accelerate the growth rate in this sector. Due to low base, this sector can grow at more than 8 per cent per year, if the infrastructure is strengthened to supply DFLs in adequate number. Besides mulberry, tasar silk has good scope for expansion in the agency and forest areas. The upland areas are also buzzing with the activity of farm forestry. Eucalyptus clones and subabul are becoming quite popular through the efforts of nurseries and more areas are coming under farm forestry. Each one of these sub-sectors of agriculture can grow at growth rates ranging between 5 to 10 per cent per year if the necessary interventions are supported to reduce the yield gaps in all the farming situations. Rural industries are also an important growth sector with the scope for processing and cold chains being brighter. Many small scale industries can come up in the district because of the existence of a pool of entrepreneurs with sufficient resources. In a booming economy like India, a growing district like Warangal is all set to grow fast to meet the aspirations of the people.

107 6.3 Innovative schemes The schemes to improve the organic matter content in the soil and productivity of crops are quite innovative. Although they involve substantial investments, the schemes of green manuring and gypsum application in the irrigated areas of the district are helpful both in the reclamation of the soils as well as in improving the organic matter content in the soils along with the availability of both the macro as well as the micro nutrients.

Similarly, the schemes to produce seeds of different crops through seed village production program are also quite innovative. For the first time, a logical link and sequence is established between the production and supply of nucleus, breeder, foundation and certified types of seed in the district. Dependence on seed produced in other districts was causing serious bottlenecks in the supply of seed to the farmers on time. The massive program of seed production will remove this bottleneck and will contribute significantly to the productivity of crop.

Farm mechanization is another innovative scheme. Many farmers migrate seasonally to the urban centers in Karnataka and Andhra. It has created acute labor scarcity in the rural areas. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has been instrumental in improving the purchasing power of the working class, but has also exerted an upward pressure on the wages. Under these circumstances, mechanization has become inevitable. Helping the farmers through subsidies in accessing the farm machinery and equipment is quite an innovative scheme. Farmers can improve precision and minimize losses due to farm mechanization.

The proposal to take up diversification in marginal lands in favor of plantation crops is another innovative scheme. These trees can yield fruits from which bio-fuels can be produced. The trials on the research stations have vindicated their economic viability on less fertile lands. Some of these marginal lands are unable to yield viable crop yields and, in that sense, does not involve much sacrifice and opportunity cost. With the oil prices soaring in the international market, this tree crop holds enormous opportunities for earning profits.

108 The scheme of model farmers is the most innovative scheme to bridge the extension gap effectively. Even with some increase in the extension manpower, it is literally not possible to reach all the farmers and transfer the technologies to them. Farmers also need someone locally to whom they can look at as a friend and guide. These model farmers will have opportunities to imbibe the latest technologies from the scientists and extension workers. They can effectively transmit the information to other farmers. Since they are provided with some honorarium to cover their expenses, they can serve as an effective link between extension officers and farmers.

Drip irrigation is another innovative scheme to improve water use efficiency in a water scarce environment. Its potential was not capitalized in the district. The present scheme of using drip sets in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits are quite an innovative and profitable investment. In rabi groundnut, there is a good scope for sprinkler irrigation to obtain maximum returns per unit of water.

Scheme to expand area under mango and sweet orange is another innovative method of developing horticulture in the district. Both these fruit crops have a good potential to perform well in Warangal district.

Supply of hybrid seeds of vegetables is another innovative scheme. The productivity of vegetables can be increased easily by 20 to 50% by adopting hybrid varities of vegetables. The yields of vegetables are quite low in the district and with the new initiative; they are likely to go up. It will improve the economic viability of vegetable cultivation in the district.

Induction of milch animals and heifer calves is quite an innovative scheme. It is being tried on a substantive scale. The productivity of local milch animals is quite low and their response to good feed and fodder management is not economical. By inducting milch animals with higher potential, there is a scope to achieve a break through in milk production in the district. While the induction of milch animals will contribute to increase in milk production immediately, the induction of heifer calves will ensure the increase in milk production in the future. Better health care and insurance coverage will complete the package to increase profits and to cover risks. Since the animals

109 are being supplied on 50% subsidy by tying them up with bank loans for the remaining amount, insurance coverage is automatically there.

Provision of bulk milk cooling centers at five locations in the district is another innovative scheme. The induction of milch animals is likely to create surpluses in milk production, which need to be procured and stored under hygienic conditions. Availability of milk cooling centers will reduce the chances of spoilage of milk and helps in processing it locally.

Establishing fish markets at important locations in the district and opening retail outlets will help the fishermen and farmers to get better prices for their produce. Certainly, creation of markets will increase the demand for fish and will reduce the losses and transaction costs. Both the producers and consumers will benefit from this initiative.

Although, the support to sericulture is quite limited under RKVY, the catalytic development scheme being implemented by the department is quite an innovative scheme. It is contributing to the development of the sericulture both on the farm and non-farm sectors.

The program of Jalayagnam has raised the hopes of the farmers about agriculture. Expansion of surface irrigation will contribute to the increase in ground water. It will help in the conjunctive use of both surface and ground water. This program will make a substantial difference to farming in the district.

Marketing is the essence of agriculture. Realization of a remunerative prices and cutting down the marketing costs are important to keep the interests of both the producers and consumers safe from the exploitation by middlemen. Creation of more marketing infrastructure will cut down the costs of transportation and the time needed for marketing. The massive program for expansion of marketing infrastructure will help in farmers realizing better prices for their produce.

Strengthening of rural credit will facilitate the adoption of new technologies. The recent loan waiver has reduced the debt burden of the farmers. They can start from

110 a clean slate and obtain fresh loans both for crop production and development. This substantial expansion of credit targets for the next five years will reduce the dependence of farmers on non-institutional sources of credit at high and usurious rates of interest.

6.4 Vision of the XI plan Obviously the vision of XI plan is to accelerate rate of growth in agricultural sector. It was noted that the growth rates in agriculture have always lagged behind those in non-agricultural sectors. But the gap between them has certainly widened after the introduction of new economic policies in the early 90’s of twentieth century. The investment in agriculture has declined. The public investment declined because of the imperative need to keep down the fiscal deficit and the need to increase the input subsidies. The output prices have lagged behind the growth in input prices and wages. It has caused a reduction in the rate of return on the investments in agriculture. Due to this reason, the private investment also stagnated. There were signs of growing indebtedness among the farmers, which has erupted in to suicides by some farmers in the partially rain fed districts like Warangal. Suddenly, it was discovered that agriculture is in crisis.

With fast rate of growth in the economy, other sectors of economy were blooming and agriculture was diagnosed as the only sector lagging behind and needing immediate attention. While the economy is growing at nine per cent, the growth in agriculture sector oscillated between –3 to +5 percent, with the medium term growth recording less than two per cent. The national commission on farmers headed by Dr.M.S Swaminathan has dissected the sickness of agriculture and called for an immediate increase in the investments on agriculture to stimulate growth in it. The RKVY is a response and reflection to the report prepared by the commission led by Dr.M.S Swaminathan.

It was found that the share of agriculture in the national GDP is rapidly declining in the last decade. For a long time, the government of India was targeting a 4% growth in the agricultural sector. But it consistently faltered by ending up around two per cent. The Vision 2020 document prepared by government of Andhra Pradesh nearly a decade ago has aimed even at 6% growth in the agricultural sector of the state.

111 But these wishful dreams and schemes were not backed by necessary investments and policies. The farmers in the state have lost hope in farming due to rising costs, stagnant output prices and widening gaps between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Many young farmers find it difficult to get a bride and farming has become a loosing and dis-respectful profession.

In this backdrop, the RKVY has come as a beacon of light. The state government has advised the agricultural and allied departments to think it big and plan for substantial investments in these sectors. There is also a determination on the part of young farmers in the villages to voice their aspirations for growth and equity. The project teams, which studied the constraints faced by agriculture quite in-depth, have highlighted the problems of diminishing organic matter content and declining water table. It is no more an easy solution to raise productivity by applying more fertilizer. In fact, the response to fertilizer has come down from about 20 kg per kg of N-P-K to about 8 kg. The long neglect of agriculture has made it necessary to invest more for solving both the long term and short-term problems of agriculture.

The combined vision of the farmers and planners has resulted in the preparation of ambitious and innovative schemes for the development of agriculture. It is significant that the district plan for Warangal district has come out with such investment needs, which cannot be met by the existing budgets of the department and what RKVY can offer through project funding. More resources are needed through other schemes to make that one big investment effort needed to accelerate the growth in agricultural sector. The vision of XI plan cannot be fully understood by looking at the numbers of physical targets and financial investments projected, but it should be seen as a document that reflects the aspirations and hope of the farmers. Besides growth, it also seeks to re-assert the honor and pride of farming profession.

6.5 District Plan The total investments proposed under different sectors are given below:

The total investment for the development of agriculture and allied sectors during XI plan adds up to Rs.15384 lakh. The major part of Rs.7201.1 lakh was needed for field crops sector. Horticulture and animal husbandry required Rs.2716.4 lakh and

112 Rs.1890.24 lakh respectively. The requirements for sericulture were at Rs.557.47 lakh. The requirements of fisheries and SERP sectors were estimated at Rs.649.0 and Rs.860.79 lakh respectively. The requirement for supporting marketing activities in the district is estimated at Rs.1500 lakh.

Table: Proposed investments in different sub-sectors (Rs in lakh) S.n0 Investment Amount 1. Agriculture 7210.1 2. Horticulture 2716.4 3. Sericulture 557.47 4. Animal husbandry 1890.24 5. Fisheries 649.0 6. Marketing 1500.0 7. SERP 860.79 TOTAL 15384.0

Outcomes The sector wise growth rates anticipated to result from investments proposed are given below:

Table: Proposed sector wise growth rates (in per cent) S.No Sector 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 Average 1 Agriculture 5.6 6.3 6.0 5.6 5.5 5.8 2 Animal Husbandry 8.2 8.6 9.4 11.6 12.2 10.0 3 Fisheries 6.5 19.8 16.5 14.3 13.8 14.2 4 Sericulture 7.4 6.9 6.5 6.1 5.7 6.5 5 Horticulture 4.0 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 5.2 Agriculture sector 6.1 7.2 7.6 7.4 7.3 7.1

Of all the sectors, fisheries are expected to increase at a high rate of 14.2 per year. Animal husbandry is the next fastest growing sector with a growth rate of 10.0 % per year. Sericulture is expected to grow at 6.5 per cent per year. Agriculture is targeted to grow @ 5.8% per year. Horticulture sector is projected to grow at slowest rate of 5.2% per year. The entire agriculture sector is expected to grow at a fast rate of 7.1% per year. These high growth rates are expected to result from the heavy investments suggested in the plan. In all the sectors, the growth rates in the initial year are projected to be slower and they are expected to accelerate over the next two years and taper off in the next two years. Monitoring mechanism proposed

113 A sound Monitoring Information System has to be developed based on sectoral interventions and expected outputs to review and track the progress. A baseline data like income of the different categories of the farmers, yield of different crops, sectoral growth rates etc. may be generated to measure the quantitative and qualitative changes resulting of the proposed interventions. Quarterly review meetings becomes a part of monitoring system over and above the reports received, registers maintained, field visits by concerned personnel. Based on the mid-term evaluation by the external agency, the change of the targets and inter-sectoral adjustments will be made. Social audit about the funds available and utilized under major schemes, periodical physical progress and highlighting deviations and deficiencies is proposed to carried out at gram Panchayat level. The proposed social audit facilitates publicity on status of the implementation and maintains transparency.

114 List of tables in Annexure

1. Reclamation of Problematic soils – Gypsum application 2. Gypsum application for Ground nut crop 3. Supply of green manure seed to rice growers 4. Application of Zinc sulphate to rice, pulses and oilseeds 5. Diversification of rain fed areas through Sima rouba plantations 6. Establishment of new fruit gardens 7. Rejuvenation of old gardens 8. Integrated garden management in Sweet orange 9. Drip irrigation for horticultural crops 10.Sericulture project with all components 11.Fisheries project with all components 12.Foot and mouth vaccination program 13.Calf induction program 14.Perennial fodder production including Chaff cutter supply 15.Induction of high yielding milch animals

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