Chapter II GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND of SHRIGONDA TAHSIL

Chapter II GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND OF SHRIGONDA TAHSIL

CHAPTER II GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND OF SHRIGONDA TAHSIL

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Location

2.3 Physiography and Drainage

2.4 Geology

2.5 Soils

2.6 Climate

2.6.1 Rainfall

2.7 Natural Vegetation

2.8 Irrigation

2.9 Total Population and Density of Population

2.10 Sex Ratio

2.11 Literacy Ratio

2.12 Transportation

2.13 Weekly Market Centers

2.14 Land Utilization

2.15 Agriculture Landuse Pattern

CHAPTER II GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND OF SHRIGONDA TAHSIL

2.1 Introduction Shrigonda tahsil, the study area, is the third largest tahsil in Ahmednagar district. It was a part and parcel of the Maratha and Peshvaj region, which had distinctive geographical personality. Shrigonda tahsil is located in southern drought prone zone of Ahmednagar district. It is situated partly in upper Saraswati basin a tributary of river Bhima and partly river Bhima and river Ghod another tributary of river Bhima. The length of the tahsil is 60 Km. from East to West and the width is 51 Km. from North to south. The average height of tahsil is 600 mt. (as per the toposheet) above the mean sea level. Generally slope of tahsil is from north to south.

The water divide running from east to west is locally known as “Khkiba Donger”. Geographical area is about 1629.94 Km2 and it occupies 9.56 percent of the total area of the district. The total population of the Shrigonda tahsil is 315975 (as per the census of 2011).

2.2 Location Study area is located in the southern drought prone zone of Ahmednagar district. The tahsil is situated partly in Bhima, Ghod and Kukdi river basins.

Absolute Location The latitudinal extends from 180 27‟ 18” to 180 51‟ 54” North and longitudinally extends 740 23‟ 24” to 740 52‟ East. (Refer map 2.1) Relative Location Tahsil is surrounded by Parner and Nagar tahsil from north, Pune district to the west and Karjat tahsil at east and south-east. Tahsil has historical and religious importance. (Refer map no.2.1)

Fig. No. 2.1 Location of Study Area

2.3 Physiography and Drainage The total geographical area of Shrigonda tahsil is 1629 .94 Km2, out of that most of area i.e.80.67 percent is plain, 16.7 percent hilly and 2.62 percent comprises plateau region and has helped to develop the good road network.

The study area exhibits a rolling plain which slopes in south. The maximum height is observed at Pan hill near village Kothul i.e. 849 metres in the north while minimum height is observed in southern part near Pedgaon on the left bank of river Bhima. The northern part has an undulating topography with emerging seasonal streams and these streams flows towards south and joins river Bhima. Southern boundary of tahsil is confined by river Bhima. This river originates at Bhimashankar on the crest of Sahyadri range (1000 metres). In the initial eight km., the river descends down up to 800 meter. It receives water from its tributaries, namely, Bhama, Indrayani, Vel, Mula- Mutha and Ghod rivers. Various streams and tributaries, namely Hanga, Dev Nala, Kanher Odha, emerge and flow southwards and join river Bhima from north. North-eastern part of study region occupies nearly about 10 percent area comes under river Sina catchment drains to north-eastern part of study area. Both the rivers i.e. Bhima and Ghod have a magnificent volume of water during the rainy season and these rivers shrink during summer. Out of the 115 villages in the study area, fifteen villages are situated on the boundaries of the Bhima and Ghod located in the southern zone in Shrigonda tahsil (Refer fig.no.2.3 and fig.no.3.2 for village location).

Fig. No.2.2 Physical Setting of Study Area

Fig.No.2.3 Drainage Map of Study Area

2.4 Geology The study area consists of basalt developed through numerous eruptions during the period from the early Eocen to the late Cretaceous. The entire Ahmednagar district is a part of Deccan Volcanic Province. Shrigonda tahsil is distinctly stratified and the rest part has alternative beds of basalt which are parallel to each other. The Deccan trap is only major geological formation in the district. The top layer of the flow consist of vertical and zeolitic traps. The vesicles are often filled by secondary silica, calcite and zeolites. The bottom layer consists of massive trap. These flows are generally separated by clays. The average thickness of flow ranges between 15-25 meters. Vertical and horizontal fissures are seen in the lateral or exposed edge of the stratum.

The Deccan basalt flow occurred in the study region which is huge and compact. The compact basalt flows include two sections which has different resistance to the process of weathering. Large bolder are released and gets accumulated at the base of hills. The steep slope, terraces, cliffs and benches are common features generally observed in northern part of the study region,

Alluvium is found along the bank of the rivers with thickness various up to three meters. The river vallies of the study areas observed gentle sloping with alluvial deposits. The shallow soils are observed near the hilly areas with red color. This reflect on the agricultural land use of the study area.

Highly dissected plateau areas (26.33 percent to total geographical area) confide to higher elevations of the major valleys. These areas are prominent at the northern part of the study region. Moderately dissected plateau (8.99 percent to total geographical area).

2.5 Soils Soils (fig.no.2.4) play a key role in agriculture of Shrigonda tahsil. Physiography, drainage and climate exert an influence on the growth of plants. Crop growth depends on soil texture, structure, thickness and color. The ingredients like organic, inorganic matter and water are essential for crop growth because they provide basic nutrients to the crops.

The combination of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil, determine the standard of agriculture and quality of crop raised on them ( Pawar and Phule, 2000). Soil texture means the size of an individual mineral particle. Thus, the term 'Soil texture' refers to the size of soil particle and their arrangement (Husain 1997).

On the basis of texture, depth and physical characteristics, the soils of Shrigonda tahsil can be divided into five groups.

1) Very Shallow Soil (00 – 7.5 cm.) The shallow soil is associated with hilly track of the tahsil and mainly comprises the villages situated in the northern part of tahsil. These soils are shallow, well-drained, loamy, calcareous in nature with severe to moderate erosion .It covers 0.4 percent to the total geographical area of the tahsil. 2) Shallow Soil (7.5 – 25 cm.) The shallow soil is associated with small hillocks in north – western part of tahsil and occupies 58.71 percent area. It is well drained clayey soil on gently sloping lands with moderate erosion 3) Medium Deep Soil (25-50 cm.) The medium deep soils are associated with isolated hills which covers 11.48 percent of area in the study region. These soils are found in the north -eastern part and to the southern part of hill range. These soils are mainly medium deep, fine textured, well drained and calcareous with moderate erosion. 4) Deep Soil (50 -100 cm.) The deep soils are observed in the basins of major rivers Hanga, Dev and the mainly on the right bank of rivers Ghod and Bhima. The depth of soil is 50–100 cm. The soils are deep, well drained, fine textured along gentle sloping plains and valleys with slight erosion. It covers 18.89 percent part of the tahsil in basin area of Hanga and Dev rivers. 5) Very Deep Soils (more than 100 cm.) These soils are occupied about 10.52 percent of the area of tahsil. These soils are mainly distributed in south and south-western part along the right bank of river Ghod and river Bhima. The soils are very deep, clayey, gentle sloping, slight saline with moderate erosion.

Table - 2.1: Soil Classification of Shrigonda Tahsil

Sr. Area No. Depth Class surveyed Estimated area Cultivable (Cm) (ha) (ha) Land (% ) 1 00-7.5 Very shallow 168 487.95 0.4 2 7.5-25 Shallow 25063 72794.87 58.71 3 25-50 Medium deep 4903 14240.64 11.48 4 50-100 Deep 8063 23418.78 18.89 More 5 than 100 Very deep 4487 13032.38 10.52 Total 42648 123974.65 100 (Source – Soil Survey and Testing Department, Ahmednagar -2010)

The type of soil has a direct bearing on the agricultural landuse which has been discussed at the end of this chapter.

Fig. No. 2.4 Types of Soil

2.6 Climate Climate is one of the important aspects of agricultural landuse and allied activities like dairy farming, Sugar industry etc. There are three seasons experienced in the study area, namely, winter, summer and rainy season. The study region receives rainfall from the south-west monsoon. Monsoon sets in the month of June and lasts upto October. The average annual rainfall is 400 -500 mms. The study area experiences dry summer, mild dry winter and semi humid rainy season. Shrigonda tahsil covers mostly semi-arid tract of the Deccan peninsula. It comes under the rain shadow region of monsoon zone of Ahmednagar district. The climate of the study area is characterized by a hot summer and generally dryness except during the southwest monsoon. 2.6.1 Rainfall Agro climatically, the study region comes under a scarcity zone. October and November received rainfall from retreat of monsoon. Table 2.2 Shows the monthly average temperature and rainfall of Shrigonda tahsil. Table - 2.2: Monthly Temperature and Rainfall of Shrigonda Tahsil

Mean Mean Sr. Rainfall No. of Month Maximum Minimum No. (mm.) Days Temp. 0C Temp. 0C 1 January 0.0 00 30.6 10.6 2 February 0.0 00 31.9 12.5 3 March 58.9 02 35.9 17.0 4 April 14.7 02 38.2 20.5 5 May 0.7 00 39.1 21.9 6 June 44.2 04 33.7 23.0 7 July 33.1 05 31.1 22.2 8 August 120.3 10 28.7 20.8 9 September 402.1 12 29.5 20.4 10 October 139.1 04 32.5 16.8 11 November 0.8 00 31.8 14.9 12 December 0.3 00 31.3 12.4 (Source: I.M.D. Pune, 2008). The highest rainfall is received in the month of September (402.1 mm.) and the lowest in December (0.3 mm.).This rainfall is uneven, inadequate and also irregular. Winter is observed from November to February and Summer from March to May. The mean annual maximum temperature is recorded in May (39.10 centigrade)

while mean annual minimum temperature is observed January (10.60 centigrade). The annual of temperature range is 14.250 centigrade throughout the study area.

Fig.No.2.5 Rainfall Distribution in Ahmednagar District

450 Monthly Rainfall Distribution in mm. and No. of Days 400

350

300

250

200 Rainfall in mm. 150

100

Months Rainfall (mm.) No. of Days

Fig. No. 2.6

45 Monthly Mean Temperature Distribution 40

35 Mean Maximum Temp.

Temp. O in C. Mean Minimum Temp. 15

0 January February March April May June July August September October November December

Mean Maximum Temp. 0C Mean Minimum Temp. 0C

Fig. No. 2. 7

2.7 Natural Vegetation: Irregular and scanty rainfall in the Shrigonda tahsil exerts influence on the existing vegetation. The natural vegetation of any region is the combined result of climate, soil and topography. The natural vegetation in study region represents the southern tropical dry deciduous type of forest which is in all over the region. The study area comes under the rain shadow area of Ahmednagar district. An annual rainfall is 522 mm and annual average temperature is 35ºC The average annual relative humidity is also less than 50 percent means climatologically dry season is longer, so tropical dry deciduous trees and shrubs are naturally grown in the study area. The study area has thorny bushes, leaf shedding trees, stunted grass and mixed scanty vegetation. Trees like Mango (Magnifera India), Jambhul (Syzygium Cummi), Neem (Azadiracta India), Babhul (Accacia Arabica), Bor (Zizaphus Jujubal), Chinch (Tamaridus India), are obtained scantily throughout the study region. Shrubs like Ghaneri (Lantena), Tarwad (Casia Cuviculata), Rui (Caletropus Gigatio), Ghayapat (Agave Sissatana) are associated with culturable waste lands.Harali (Cynaden Calctylon), Kunda (Jachycomumy regasum), Kusali (Hetropogan Contestus) and Gajar grass (Partherim Clactylon) are found on open spaces near „gaonthan‟ and along the bunds of agricultural fields. 2.8 Irrigation Irrigation plays a significant role in most the agriculture and agro based industry (Refer fig.no.2.8). Irrigation facility shows close association with the socio- economic development and economic status of the region. The irrigated water is available in both rivers like Bhima, Ghod, Saraswati, Dev, Hunga, Palsi, Murdi. Two dams are constructed on river Ghod and Kukadi. A) Kukadi Dam Kukadi dam comes at first position after Ghod being at the second. It is outside the study area. But it is command area is located in the central part of the study region, with water holding capacity of 34.15 TMC which is 75 km. long within the tahsil. Total catchment area of this dam is about 30610 hector (68.61 percent of the total irrigated area).

B) Ghod Dam It is the second dam in the study area having catchment in the west and command area in the southern part of the study area.The water holding capacity of Ghod dam is 6 TMC whereas total length of canal is 55 km. within the study region. The catchment area of this dam within the tahsil is about 14000 hector (31.38 percent of the total irrigated area).

Fig. No. 2.8 : Irrigated Area under Kukdi and Ghod Canal

Comparative Status of Irrigation Sources

Ghod

Kukadi

Fig. No. 2.9

2.9 Total Population and Density

Population is an important resource for regional development influencing economic activity and it determines the level of consumption and labour force for dairy farming. The population of study area is 3, 15,975 as per 2011 census, with population density 193.85 persons per square kilometer. At the same time the population in the Ahmednagar district is 45, 43,159 persons; with a population density of 260 per square kilometer. In 2001 the population of study region was 2,51,032; with a density of 154 persons per square kilometer; at the same time the population in the Ahmednagar district was 33,30,740 with a density of 191.27 persons per square kilometer. If it observed chronologically in the census year like 1971,1981 and 1991 the population density has increasing trend such as 89.95,110.30 and 144.61 respectively.

Table - 2.3: Population Density of Shrigonda Tahsil (1971-2011)

Ahmednagar Ahmednagar Shrigonda Shrigonda Shrigonda Year District District Tahsil Density Growth Density Rate 1971 2273223 130.54 146581 89.93 - 1981 2712491 155.77 181418 110.30 23.89 1991 3372935 193.70 235706 144.61 29.92 2001 3330740 191.27 251032 154 17.67 2011 4543159 260 315975 193.85 13.92 (Source: Socio-Economic Review of Ahmednagar District.)

Population Grwoth of Shrigonda Tashil 1971-2011

350000

300000

250000

200000

150000

100000 Populationin '000 50000

0 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 Year

Fig.No.2.10

Population Density of Shrigonda Tahsil 1971-2011

250

200

150

100

50 PopulationDensity Sq.Km. in 0 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 Year

Fig.No.2.11

2.10. Sex Ratio

Sex ratio is an important Socio-culture indicator to measure the extent of the prevailing equity between males and females in a society at a given point of time. In Ahmednagar district as per 2011 census there are 934 females for thousand males and Shrigonda tahsil there are 923 females for every thousand males. Shrigonda tahsil has lesser male female ratio than the district.

In 2001, the sex ratio of study region was 939 female which was less than; district average (i.e. 941). Whereas in the year 1991 Shrigonda tahsil has sex ratio 951 female it was more than district average ( i.e. 949). Study area also indicates the same sex ratio as of the district (958) according to 1981 census. It shows the decreasing trends (from 1971 till 2011) of female population in the region indicate the serious social problem. It has a socio-economic reason to decline the female ratio.

Table - .2.4: Sex Ratio of Shrigonda Tahsil (1971-2011)

Year Ahmednagar District Shrigonda Tahsil 1971 956 -- 1981 959 958 1991 949 951 2001 941 939 2011 934 923 (Source: Socio-Economic Review of Ahmednagar District.)

970

Sex Ratio of Shrigonda Tahsil 1981-2011 960

950

940

930

920

910 Sex Ratio Sex PerThousand Male 900 1981 1991 2001 2011 Year

Ahmednagar District Shrigonda Tahsil -

Fig.No.2.12

2.11 Literacy Ratio The literacy of study region shows increasing trends. The census years of 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011 shows the literacy rates such as 33.17, 40.34,47.45,62.18 and 66.94 respectively.( Refer table 2.5). Table -2.5: Literacy Percentage of Shrigonda Tahsil (1971-2011)

Year Ahmednagar District Shrigonda Tahsil 1971 36.17 33.17 1981 43.09 40.34 1991 49.90 47.45 2001 62.1 62.18 2011 69.38 66.94 (Source: Socio-Economic Review of Ahmednagar District.)

Literacy of Shrionda Tahsil 1971-2011 (in Percent) 80

Literacy Percentage Literacy 20

0 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 Years

Fig. No. 2.13

2.12 Transportation

Transport always supports agricultural and dairy development in Shrigonda tahsil.Communication linkage bridges the gap between the regions of „Haves‟ and „Have not‟s that overcomes the regional imbalances or regional disparities. Transportation network helps to supply milk, cattle feed and basic aminities required for dairy development at different levels. The villages in Shrigonda tahsil are connected by state highways (154.9km.), district roads (301.70 km.), other district roads and railway route ( Refer Table.2.6 and fig.2.14 ).

There are seven state highways connecting 8 weekly market centers in tahsil. The total length of the state highway is 154.9 km. Ahmednagar- Daund is the major state highway No.10 that runs in the north-south direction in Shrigonda tahsil. This highway connects regional weekly market centers, namely Kolgaon, Belwandi and Kashti. Another Jamkhed- Pune state highway No.55 lies in the east to west part in the study region. This state highway connects tahsil head quarter. The third state highway No.67 Jamkhed-Daund lies in the southern part of tahsil. The fourth state highway No.51 Nighoj-Shrigonda lies in the western part of tahsil. The fifth state highway No.50 Shirur- Shrigonda connects regional centers with tahsil headquarters in the study region.

The sixth state highway No.60 lies in the north-western part of the tahsil and the last seventh state highway No.141 lies in the north-eastern part of the study region. Ghogargaon is the main market centers joint this state highway. But very few parts come into the tahsil these two state highways.

The length of district road in shrigonda tahsil is 301.70 km. The district roads connect areas of dairy collection centers with market centers through state highways and railway track in Shrigonda tahsil. These roads play a key role in mobilizing the resources of dairy development.

These roads plays important role in collecting milk from producers in remote villages and supply it to the consumers. So it acts as basic infrastructure in development of dairy in villages.

Table - 2.6: Transport Routes in Shrigonda Tahsil

Sr. No. Category Length in Km. 1. State highway 154.9 2. District roads 301.70 3. Railway route 51.10 (Source: Ahmednagar district Socio-economic review)

Daund-Manmad line of the central railway is the only railway line passing through the Shrigonda tahsil. It is a broad gauge single line with the length of 197 k.m. in the district and connects 24 stations in the district. The length of railway is 54.10 km. within tahsil connectivity five stations in the study area. The railway line almost bisects this tahsil vertically and traverses through Visapur, Belwandi, Shrigonda, and Kashti. Railway network available in tahsil helps dairy farmers in transportation of milk products within and outside the study area.

Fig. No. 2.14 Transportation Network in Study Area

2.13 Weekly Market Centers

Weekly market centers in Shrigonda tahsil mobilize rural resources. There are major eight weekly market centers in the study area (fig. No. 2.15). Weekly market centers provide an opportunity to consumers, sellers, traders and mediators for exchanging their goods. Kolgaon and Kashti lie on state highway No.10 and accessible market centers throughout the year. Mandavagan and Pimpalgaon pisa market center has a slender connection with other market centers in the study region owing to its isolated location. Market centers namely Belwandi, Devdithan , Ghogargaon are linked with state highways and district roads.

Among these market centers, Kashti is well known for cattle market in the study area.

Table - 2.7: Weekly Market Centers in Shrigonda Tahsil

Sr.No. Market Centers Days 1. Shrigonda Monday 2. Devdithan Tuesday 3. Mandavagan Tuesday 4. Kolgaon Wednesday 5. Belwandi Thursday 6. Pimpalgaon Pisa Friday 7. Ghogargaon Sunday 8. Kashti Sunday (Source: compiled by author)

Fig. No. 2.15: Weekly Market Centers

2.14 Land Utilization

The General landuse of any region is influence by numerous factors. Physical and socio-economic factors play a major role in shaping the general landuse. The spatial variation in general landuse are also due to the variation in man-environmental relationship. A growing population coupled with and increasing variety of demand brings extra pressure on available resources. In order to deal with the optimum utilization of resources, updated information about landuse is required.

Stamp (1962) is regarded as a pioneer in the field of land classification. In his books, “ The Land of Britain : Its Use and Misuse” he has classified land into six categories, namely Forest and woodland, Arable land, Medow land and Permanent grass, Heath and moorland, Gardens, Orchards, nurseries and unproductive land like land under buildings, mines and wastelands etc.

Temporal Variation in Landuse The general landuse of any area under goes the changes in any given period of time which is called as temporal variation. The general landuse of Shrigonda tahsil have been studied for the period of forty years (1971-2011) to find out the trends of variation in the general landuse and to identify possible causes responsible for these changes. The temporal variation for Shrigonda tahsil is indicated in table no.2.8 and fig.no.2.16

Table – 2.8: Temporal Variation in General Landuse pattern.

Landuse Type Years 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 Forest 9.45 9.42 9.1 9.08 9.47 Area not available for cultivation 10.19 10.18 10.34 10.47 10.6 Other uncultivated land excluding fallow 4.41 4.4 3.73 4.32 5.64 land Fallow land 1.31 1.52 1.67 3.51 5.24 Net sown area 74.64 75.01 75.46 72.13 69.05 (Socio-economic Review of Ahmadnagar Distirict)

General Landuse Pattern 1971-2011 80

70 Net Sown Area 60

40 Area (%) 30

20 Area Not Available For Cultivation 10 Forest Other Uncultivated land Fallow Land excluding fallow Land 0 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011

Forest Area not available for cultivation Other uncultivated land excluding fallow land Fallow land Net sown area

Fig. No. 2.16

The temporal variation in Net sown area from 1971 to 2011 is indicated fig.no 2.13. In 1971 the Net sown area was registered as 74.64 percent. Which shows slight increasing trends in the year 1981 and 1991.After 1991 it shows declining trend which was due to decline in rainfall conditions.

Area not available for cultivation has been indicated in the steady state. The reasons behind this may be due to uneven topography, rock exposure, stony waste etc. In 1971 Area not available for cultivation was recorded 10.19 percent. Whereas after four decades that is 2011 it has reached upto 10.60 percent. This indicates minor fluctuations. Other uncultivated land excluding fallow land was recorded 4..41 percent during 1971, whereas with minor fluctuation it has reach upto 5.64 percent during 2011 with increase of only 1.23 percent. The reason this minor increase is unknown.

Fallowland means, the land kept uncultivated for various reasons. The fallow land during the year 1971 was 1.31 percent which has shown the rise of 3.93 percent during 2011.

The forest cover also remains unchanged, due to local relief. The uncertain inadequate rainfall and carelessness of people regarding unawareness of the environment has not reflected the forest area; it may be due to lesser urbanization. The forest cover in study area was 9.45 percent in the year 1971 which has slightly reached upto 9.47 percent during the year of 2011.

2.15 Agriculture Landuse Pattern

Agriculture landuse means cultivation of crops during the agricultural year, on certain piece of land. This is a result of socio-economic, physical as well as climatic conditions of the study region. The farmers decision are generally associated with their socio-economic conditions, purchasing power and price fluctuations in market both in local and regional markets.

The temporal variation in agricultural landuse pattern have been studied for Shrigonda tahsil. The study of temporal variation for crops in study region was computed for nine years (2005-2014) with an interval of two years.

Kharif and rabi are two major agricultural seasons in study area. Kharif season starts in the month of June or July and it ends in September. Bajra, Sunflower, Kadwal and Tur are major kharif crops in Shrigonda tahsil. Rabi season commences from September or October and ends in March or April. Jowar, Wheat, Gram and Maize are rabi crops grown in study region. Onion and Vegetable are sawn both in kharif and rabi seasons.

Temporal Variations in Agricultural Landuse

The cropping pattern is a result of rainfall, irrigation, use of high yielding variety seeds, technical knowledge, and availability of agricultural inputs viz. capital, fertilizer and pesticides. Table 2.9 and fig. 2.17 display temporal variations of 7 crops in study region from 2005-2014.

Table-2.9: Area under different crops (In percent)

Year 2005-06 2007-08 2009-10 2011-12 2013-14 Jowar 78 77.5 75.84 72.2 68.4 Bajra 1.56 1.68 1.96 2.08 2.15 Wheat 4.80 5.60 5.20 5.40 7.19 Sugarcane 7.80 8.10 10.50 13.7 15.8 Onions 2.1 2.15 2.50 2.80 4.2 Fruites and 1.10 1.30 1.65 1.82 2.15 Vegetables Fodder crops 0.90 1.32 1.40 1.50 2.20 (Socio-economic review 2015-16, Ahmednagar District)

90 Agricultural Landuse (2005-2014)

70 Jowar

Crops (%) 40

20 Sugarcane

10 Wheat Onions Other Crops 0 2005-06 2007-08 2009-10 2011-12 2013-14

Jowar Bajra Wheat Sugarcane Onions Fruites and Vegetables Fodder crops

Fig. No. 2.17

Jowar occupies 78 percent (2005-06) of net sown area in Shrigonda tahsil, which is higher crop yield in tahsil. Jowar shows declining trend for 9 years in Shrigonda tahsil which is 68.4 percent in the year 2013-14.Jowar is a rabi crop of the region mainly grown on monsoon. Jowar has close association with dairy because jowar residues locally known as „Kadaba’ supplies good cattle feed to mulching animal throughout the year.

Sugarcane is a perennial cash crop which requires deep to medium deep soil containing high organic matter. Soil is rich in „phosphorus‟ and „calcium‟ are suitable for better juice quality (Das, 2000). The temperature between 200 and 260 centigrade is essential for its growth. Sugarcane occupied 7.8 percent area of net sown area in 2005-06. It shows rising trend during the study period. It has reached upto 16 percent during 2013-14.Sugarcane is basically concentrated middle and southern part of study region, where soils are medium to deep black.

Here concentration of this crop is supported by development of transportation network, canal irrigation, riverine lift irrigation, fertile soil and concentration of three co-operative and one private sugar factories. The locally cultivated sugarcane is supplied to these sugar factories. Since the establishment of four sugar factories in this region the area under sugarcane is gradually increasing in order to meet the increasing demand.

Sugarcane tops also are generally used as a good cattle feed for milching animals. Sometime during the emergency of fodder total sugarcane can be used as a cattle feed.

Wheat is cereal crop of rabi season in study region. For maturity of this crop requires 110 to 140 days. This crop is grown on moisture retentive soil and moderate irrigation. Black fertile soil with fine loamy clay texture is suitable for high yield. 100 to 150 centigrade temperatures is required in the beginning of growing period and 210 to 270 centigrade during the period of harvesting. This crop is cultivated in study area both on subsoil moisture and irrigation. It is generally sown in mid- November and it is harvested in the first week of March.

It occupied 4.8 percent to net sown area which has also rising trend during the study period. It has reached upto 7.19 percent area in the year 2013-14.

After the harvesting of wheat the residuals part is also used as a good cattle feed to milching animals.

Bajra is cultivated in kharif season. It is drought resistant crop. This crop is grown on less amount of rainfall ranging between 25 to 45 cms. Bajra is confined to aried tract in study region on red, shallow, black and lighter soil. For the growth of bajra, less amount of rainfall is required during its growing period. Bajara has occupied 1.56 percent to net sown area during 2005-06, which shows slightly increasing trend which reached upto 2.15 percent during 2013-14.The restudies of bajra also useful as cattle feed.

Onion is cultivated both in kharif and rabi seasons covering 2.1 percent to net sown area during 2005-06 and it has been reached upto 4.2 percent during 2013-14. Remaining of onion crop is also used as a cattle feed to dairy animals.