CHAPTER 3
Profile of Ahmednagar District and Pravara Area
3 1 Profile of Ahmednagar District
The District is named after Ahmednagar town. The town is famous since
the medieval times. Ahmednagar district, popularly called Nagar came into
existence in 1818. In 1822 its boundaries spread between Vani Dindory sub
division of Nasik and Karmala in Solapur district. In 1830 Solapur sub-
collectorate was inducted in the district and continued as such till it gained the
status of an independent collectorate in 1838. Dunng 1837-38, Nasik sub-
collectorate comprising of sub-division of Sinnar, Chandor, Dindori, Nasik,
Igutpuri and Peint tahsil was under Ahmednagar district, subsequently this sub-
collectorate of Nasik was abolished in 1856 and the area reverted to
Ahmednagar district. 1869 witnessed the declaration of Solapur and Nasik as
independent disthcts thus leading to the shaping and emergence of present
Ahmednagar district.
1) Location
Ahmednagar distnct is situated partly in the upper Gadhavari basin and
partly in the Bhima basin occupying a somewhat central position in Maharashtra
State. It extends between 18°. 2’ and 10°. 9’ North latitudes and 73°.9’ and 75°.5’
East longitudes. The district is irregular in shape and resembles a slanting cross
with a length of 200 kms and a breadth of 210 kms. (It is surrounded by Nasik
district to the North, Aurngabad distnct to the North East, Beed district to the
70 east, Osmanabad and Solapur districts to the South, Pune district to the West
and Thane district to the North West)
2) Area
Ahmednagar disthct covers an area of 17048.00 sq.km as per 1991
census and considered as the largest district of the state in area, occupying
somewhat central position in Maharashtra. For administrative purpose the district
is divided into 13 talukas, of them Parner is the largest thasil and Shrirampur is
the small thasil. Since May 1999 Rahata is declared as a new thasils. So the
number of thasil are now 14 in Ahmednagar district. The total number of villages
in Ahmednagar district is 1556 at present.
3) Soils and minerals
The soils of the district can broadly be classified into three groups viz black or
kali, red or tambat and the gray or inferior quality locally known as barad. The
soil is rich in plant nutrients such as lime, iron, magnesium and potash. The soil
is relatively richer and deeper in North area of the district. The South area of
Ahmednagar district shows red and gray soil.
No minerals of economic importance are available in the district. The hard
and compact basalts, however, are used extensively as building matehal and
road metal. The pinkish colured verity is amenable to cutting into blocks of
desired sizes. The calareous Kankar is burnt in lime kilns and there is a regular “
Lime industry around Ahmednagar town.
4) Hills
The main Sahyadri ranges touches Akola thasil in the western areas of
Ahmednagar disthct, from these main ranges three spurs viz, Kalsubai,
Baleshwar and Harishchandrgad spurt out. ‘Kalsubai’ is the highest peak of
71 Sahyadri (1654 meters) and serves as the water shed between Darana, Pravara
and Mula River. Harischandragad is 96 kms long and its branch run from
Ratangad, serving the watershed between Pravara and Mula River.
5) Rivers
The Godhavari and Bhima are the main rivers of this district, the Godavari
in the North and Bhima in the South. The Godhavari is the most celebrated river
of the whole of peninsular India. It originates in the Sahyadri ranges near
Trimbak in Nashik district and enters the district as a considerable stream near
village Wadgon in Kopergoan tahsil. It flows in a southeast direction through rich
alluvial plains and forms an almost continuous boundary between Ahmednagar
and Aurangabad distnct. The river has a length of about 200 kms., within the
district.
The Pravara is an important tributary of the Godhavari. It originates in
Akola tahsil in the eastern slopes of the Sahyadries. It has a length of about 200
kms with in the district and meets the Godavari at village Toka in Newasa tahsil.
The Pravara has immensely benefited the district with its irrigation system, which
has converted a part of the district into one of the most prosperous and
productive tracts in the state. The Mula, Adula and the Mahalungi are important
tributaries of the Pravara rivers.
The whole of the southern portion of the district lies in the Bhima basin.
The Bhima however passes only on the boundary between Ahmednagar and
Pune distnct for a distance of about 60 kms. The Bhima onginates close to
Bhimashankar in Pune district and enters Ahmednagar distnct near village
Sangavi Dumale in Shngonda tahsil and flows in a southeast direction. The
banks of the river are generally low and the bed is generally sandy crossed at a
72 few places by rocky barriers. The chief tributaries of the Bhima are the Ghod and
the Sina. The Ghod also flows in a southeast direction for about 80 kms. Within
the disthct and forms the boundary between Ahmednagar and Pune district. The
Sina rises north of Ahmednagar and after flowing through the city forms a part of
the boundary between Ahmednagar and Beed district. It joins the Bhima River in
Solapur district a few miles south of Solapur.
6) C lim ate
The climate of the distnct is characterized by a hot summer and general
dryness except during the South West monsoon season. The year can be
divided into four seasons. Cold season from December to February followed by
summer season from March to the first week of June. The south west monsoon
season is from the second week of June till the end of September, while October
and November constitute the post monsoon or retreating monsoon season.
The summer begins in February and lasts till May. There is a
meteorological observation centre at the district head quarters and the
meteorological data regarding temperature, humidity, rainfall etc. is recorded at
this station. The data recorded at this station may be taken as representative of
the climatic conditions of the whole district. The maximum temperature recorded
during the summer crosses 46.2°C and the minimum temperature of 9.8°C is
recorded in cool-dry season in 1992-93
7) Population:-
According to 1991 census the population of the district was 33.73 lakhs.
The total population of district has increased steadily since 1951. Table 3.1
shows the total population and decade grov^h rates of population since 1951
73 Table No. 3:1
Population and decade Growth Rates of Population in Ahmednagar District during 1951 to 1991
Year Population in lakhs Decade growth Rate (percentage) 1951 14.11 25.60
1961 17.76 25.88
1971 22.69 27.75
1981 27.08 19.36
1991 33.73 24.54
Source ; Socio Economic Review of A hmednagar District 1997-98
in 1951, the total population of Ahmednagar district was 14.11 lakhs it
increased to 33.73 lakhs in 1991, resulting in the net increase of 19.62 lakhs.
The percentage of the decade growth rate of population has increased
continuously since 1951 with the exception of the period 1961-91. The growth
rates of population shows that there has been spectacular rise during the period.
Despite the national policy of population control, there has been a steep rise in
the population. There are several factors responsible for this such as ignorance,
poverty, desire for male babies and the poor implementation of the birth control
policy in the distnct.
8) Rural and Urban Population
Ahmednagar distnct is having predominantly agranan economy and is
industrially backward distnct. Hence most of the population lives in rural area.
The industrial development promotes the transfer of population from rural to
urban area. The distnbution of population between rural and urban areas for the
district dunng the pehod of 1951 to 1991 is presented in the table 3.2
74 Table 3.2 Rural and Urban Population in Ahmednagar district.
Year Rural Urban Total population 1951 11.96 2.15 14.11 (84.76) (15.24) (100)
1961 15.89 1.87 17.76 (89.47) (10.53) (100)
1971 20.18 2.51 22.69 (88.93) (11.07) (100)
1981 23.57 3.51 27.08
(87.03) (12.97) (100)
1991 28.39 5.34 33.73
(84.16) (15.84) (100)
Note: Bracketed figures indicate percentage to total.
Source:- Socio - Economic Review of A. Nagar district 1997-98.
In 1951, the proportion of rural population in Ahmednagar district was 84.76
percent (11.96 lakhs) and urban population was only 15.24 percent (2.15 lakhs).
The proportion of rural population in the district is 84.16 percent (28.39 lakes) and
urban population is 15.84 percent (5.34 lakhs) in 1991. The proportion of urban
population has increased slowly in the last forty years. On the contrary the rural
population has been decreased during the period of 1950 to 1991 i.e. from 89.47
percent to 84.16 percent. The increase of urbanization is a good indication for the
economic development of the district.
9) Sex - Ratio
In Ahmednagar district as a whole there are 949 females for every
Thousands males. This is much higher than that of the state average of 934.
75 When the districts are arranged in the descending order of sex ratio, Ahmednagar
occupies the place in the state. It is well known that, if there is imbalance in the
sex ratio, of the district, this can create numerous social problems. Table 3.3 clearly
shows that the sex ratio has very widely during the period of 1951 to 1991.
Table 3.3
Sex Ratio in Ahmednagar District During 1951 to 1991.
Year Sex-Ratio (Females / Per Thousands males) Total Rural Urban
1951 971 981 921
1961 962 971 890
1971 956 968 866
1981 959 970 889
1991 949 956 915
Source: Socio-Economic Review of A. Nagar districts 1997-98.
The table 3.3 shows that the sex ratio in 1951, 1961, and 1971 has
constantly declined from 971,962 and 956 respectively. It has slightly improved
to 959 in the year 1981. But it again declined to 949 in the year 1991. It means
that the number of females per thousand of male’s population in the district has
declined over the periods. But according to 1991 census, the sex ratio for
Ahmednagar district has remained higher (949) compared with the state level
(934).
10) Literacy
A person who can both read and write with understanding in any language
is to be taken as literate, by the Indian census. Literacy is the most important
factor of any country whether it may be a developed or under developed country.
The development of the country as well as districts depends upon its literacy
76 rate. The percentage of literacy has steadily increased in the disthct during the
penod 1951 to 1991. Table 3.4 shows the literacy rate in the district.
Table 3.4
Literacy Rate of Ahmednagar district ______(Excluding children in the age group 0-6)______Year. Literacy Male literacy Female literacy percentage percentage percentage 1951 18.80 29.40 7.90
1961 26.45 39.36 13.03
1971 36.23 48.97 22.91
1981 43.16 56.51 29.24
1991 61.03 75.30 45.99
Source: 1) Socio-Economic Review of A. Nagar districts 1997-98.
2) Census of India Series 14 Maharashtra 1991 P. 2A
In 1951, the literacy rate was 18.80 percent and it has significantly
increased to 61.03 percent in 1991. The percentage of female literacy is found to
be very low as compared to male literacy rate. The literacy rate for males and
females was 75.30 and 45.99 percent respectively in 1991. However the literacy
rate of females has shown a significant increase since 1981.
11) Rainfall
The average annual rainfall is 595.02 mm. The distribution of rainfall is
very uneven. The western part of Akola thasil gets good rainfall and the rainfall
decrease as one proceeds towards east. The district mostly lies in the rain
shadow to the east of the Sahyadnes. September is the rainiest month; about 77
percent of the annual rainfall are received during the southwest monsoon
77 season. The variation in rainfall from year to year is large. The table 3.5 shows
the rainfall of the district for the period 1990 to 1999.
The highest average annual rainfall was 770 mm duhng the year 1990,
followed by 646 mm in 1998 and the lowest average annual rainfall was 451 mm
in the year 1992.
Table No. 3.5
Average Rainfall in Aiimednagar district from 1990 to 1999.
Sr. No. Year Average Rainfall 1. 1990 770
2. 1991 592
3. 1992 451
4. 1993 633
5. 1994 570
6. 1995 566
7. 1996 548
8. 1997 576
9. 1998 646
10. 1999 600
Source : Socio-Economic Review of A.Nagar district from 1990-91.
12) Size of land holdings
As per aghculture census 1990-91 the total number of landholders
(Khatedars) was with hectares of land on their name, size at land holding is
shown table 3.6.
78 Table 3.6 Size of land holding in Districts: (Area in hectors)
Sr. Size of land Land holders Area in Area in No. (Hectares) No. Percentage hectors % 1. 0 t 0 0.99 2,39,151 35.13 1,27,900 9.43
2. 1 to 1.99 2,13,899 31.45 3.12.445 23.00
3. 2 to 3.99 1,57,906 23.20 4,32,553 31.83
4. 4 to 9.99 61,516 09.03 3,52,165 25.96
5. 10 & above 8,136 1.19 1,31,259 9.78
TOTAL 6,80,608 100.00 13,56,322 100.00
Source: Socio-Economic Review of A. Nagar District 1997-98
Thus, it is evident that more than 75 percent of the landholders of the
district belong to small and marginal farmer category, which are engaged in dairy
business.
13) Land utilization pattern:
Taluka wise data of the Ahmednagar district about land utilisation is
indicate in the table 3.7
The table 3.7 shows that the total geographical area in Ahmednagar
district is 17020 hundred hectares. The highest geographical area is in Parner
taluka (1868) hundred hectares and the lowest in Shrirampur taluka (822)
hundred hectares.
The cultivable area in Shrigondha taluka is 1377 hundred hectares, which
is highest as compared to other talukas. The lowest cultivable area is in
Jamkhed taluka i.e. 695 hundred hectares. The net sown area is shown more in
Parner taluka.
79 Table 3.7 Taluka wise land Utilisation of Ahmednagar District
Sr. Taluka Total Cultivable Net Sown Area Gross No. Geograp Area Area sown cropped hical more Area Area than once 1. Nagar 1503 1237 1165 84 1249
2. Rahuh 1017 766 723 75 798
3. Shrirampur 822 775 698 48 746
4. Nevasa 1292 1188 1126 63 1189
5. Shevegaon 1087 939 787 64 851
6. Pathrdi 1199 1014 1022 70 1092
7. Jamkhed 876 695 969 312 1281
8. Karjat 1492 1113 1015 49 1064
9. Shngonda 1605 1377 1114 16 1130
10. Parner 1868 1302 1290 87 1377
11. Akole 1504 985 998 27 1025
12. Sangamner 1683 1127 1104 82 1186
13. Kopergoan 1072 864 879 83 962
Total 17020 13382 12890 1060 13950
Source: - Socio-Economic Review of A, Nagar District 1997-98.
The gross copped area in Ahmednagar district is 13950 hundred hectares.
Out of which the highest gross copped area under the Parner taluka, which is
1377 hundred hectares and the lowest in Shnrampur taluka which is 746 hundred
hectors.
14) Irrigation
Irrigation is the essential factor for the agriculture sector. In Ahmednagar
district surface irrigation and well irrigation are the main irrigation sources. An
assured water supply will spell prosperity, create employment potential, enhance
income and increase capital formation. There is no doubt that dependable
80 sources of water supply can give double, even triple yield. It can also help to
solve the food problem. The development of irrigation has thus a very important
role in the growth of agriculture.
The project located at Bhandardara (Wilson dam) on Pravara and
Baragoan on Mula nver Provide irrigation facilities to the land of Sangamner,
Shrirampur, Rahuri, Nevasa, Akole talukas. Upper Godhavari project at
Gangapur (Nashik) provides irrigation facilities in Kopergaon Taluka. Visapur,
Adhala, Pargoan, Bhojapur dams provide irrigation facilities to Sangamner,
Shngonda, Akole, talukas. All these projects cover thousand hectors areas of
land under irhgation. The table 3.8 shows the taluka wise and source wise area
under irngation in 1995-96
Table 3.8 Taluka-wise and Source-wise area under Irrigation (Area in hectors) Sr. Taluka Irrigation source Net Total Gross % of Total No. Surface Well Irrigated Irrigated cropped irrigated area Area area area to (GCA) GCA 1. Kopergaon 11742 23282 35024 39040 87942 44.39
2. Akole 0 5494 5499 7004 99831 7.02
3. Sangamner 441 23309 27750 33734 110425 30.55
4. Shrirampur 24183 32236 56419 62316 69840 89.23
5. Rahuri 22224 34696 56920 64445 72290 89.15
6. Newasa 23345 28054 51399 59092 112684 52.44
7. Shevegaon 0 6807 6807 10802 78693 13.73
8. Parner 6510 14221 20731 20731 129620 16.7
9. A.Nagar 525 13966 14491 17632 116468 15.14
10. Pathardi 125 5925 6050 6050 102206 5.92
11. Shrigonda 15675 29903 45578 46658 111404 41.88
12. Karjat 4365 13110 17475 18715 101454 18.45
13. Jamkhed 1500 4068 5568 8048 96935 8.30
Total 110635 239076 349711 394267 1289192 30.58 Source; - Socio-Economic review of Ahmednagar cistrict dunng 1997-98.
81 The table 4.8 shows that in Ahmednagar District the percentage of
irrigated area to GCA is 30.58 percent. The highest percentage of irrigated area
with respect to district irrigated area is observed in Shrirampur taluka. Which
was 89.23 percent, followed by Rahuri taluka 89.15 percent. The lowest
percentage of irrigated area is in Akole taluka 7.02 percent,
15) Cropping pattern
Cropping pattern is an important determinant of agricultural development.
The cropping pattern affects the general employment and the total earning of the
farmers. The major crops in the district are Jowar, Bajra, Pulses and Oilseeds in
Kharif and wheat, Jowar, pulses and oilseeds in rabbi. The major cash crops are
sugar cane, grapes, vegetables and horticultural plants. The table 3.9 gives the
normal area under different crops in A. Nagar district.
Table 3.9 Cropping pattern in Ahmednagar district.;
Sr. Crops 1985-86 1992-93 1994-95 1996-97 No 1. Cereals (Food grains) 903878 977748 929792 990491 (70.65) 75.32) (72.12) (78.18) 2. Pulses 70616 85203 105520 84034 (5.52) (5.56) (8.18) (6.63) 3. Sugarcane 62552 69908 83112 71895 (4.89) (5.39) (6.45) (5.67) 4. Spices 060 3180 4018 3542 (0.24) (0.24) (0.31) (0,28) 5. Fruits & Vegetables 9628 22786 23930 20248 (0.75) (1.75) (1.85) (1,60) 6. Cotton & Fibers 2944 1998 3011 4306 (0.23) (0.15) (0.22) (0.35) 7. Oil Seeds 72715 54036 74856 48356 (5.68) (4.46) (5.83) (3.81) 8. Non food crops 153977 83518 64953 44135 (12.04) (6.43) (5.04) (3.48) Total Gross cropped 1279366 1298379 1289192 1267007 Area. (GCA) (100) (100) (100) (100) Note: - Figures in the bracket are indicated percentage to GCA
Source: - Socio-Economic Review of Ahmednagar district.
82 The percentage of area under cereals in 1985-86 was 70.65, which
increased to 78.18 in 1996-97. The area under pulses in 1985-86 was
5.52 percent, which increased to 6.63 in 1996-97. The area under
sugarcane has also increased from 4.89 percent in 1985-86 to 6.45 in
1994-95, but it decreased to 5.67 percent in 1996-97. The percentage of
area under oilseeds in 1985-86 was 5.68, which decreased to 3.81
percent in 1996-97.
In 1985-86 the percentage of area under spices was 0.24 and it has
increased to 0.28 percent in 1996-97. In the year 1985-86 the area under
fruits & vegetables was 0.75 percent and it reached to 1.60 in 1996-97.
The cotton & fibers area also increased from 0.23 percent to 0.35 percent
in the year 1996-97. The percentage of area under non-food crops in
1985-86 was 12,04 percent and it has decreased to 3.48 in 1996-97. It is
clear that, food crops dominate the cropping pattern, especially by cereals.
16) Occupational pattern: -
Agriculture remained main occupation in the district. Since majority
in the district population is engaged in agriculture. The table 3.10 shows
occupational pattern of Ahmednagar district.
Table 3.10 reveals that 73.94 percent of workers are engaged in
agriculture. Ahmednagar district has a more scope for agricultural allied
and agro based industry. Other occupations engaged only about 26
percent of total workers.
83 Table No. 3.10
Occupational pattern of Ahmednagar district 1997-98.
Sr. Class of main worker No. of percentage No. workers 1. Cultivators. 678288 47.35
2. Agricultural labours. 380918 26.59
3. Allied Agricultural Activity 21187 1.48
4. Cottage & Household industnes 19770 1.38
5. Industry other than House hold 108245 7.56
6. Trade and Commerce 72370 5.05
7. Construction 22464 1.57
8. Mining & quarrying 1952 0.14
9. Transport & communication 25980 1.81
10 Other services. 101237 7.07
Total workers 1432411 100
Source: - Socio-Economic Review of Ahmednagar districts 1997-98.
17) Farm Equipment’s
For the purpose of cultivation of land there is need of farm equipment,
especially modern equipment’s. The table 3.10 shows number of agricultural
equipment’s in the district as per 1991 census. Agricultural equipment covered in
the table is plough, carts. Oil engines, electric pumps and tractors.
Table No. 3.11
Agricultural Equipment of Ahmednagar district in 1991-92 and 1996-97
Year No. of No. of Oil Electhc Tractors. ploughs carts engines Pump (wooden + Iron) 1991-92 123612 40651 15603 72894 3731 1996-97 127072 52909 7404 87562 5588 Growth +2.79 +030.15 -52.55 +20.12 +49.77 rate Source: Socio-Economic Review of A. Nagar district.
84 In the year 1991-92, the number of ploughs was 123612, which has
increased to 127072 in 1996-97, The growth rate of ploughs was positive over
the pehod 1991-92 to 1996-97. (i.e. 2.79 percent). The number of carts was
40651 in 1991-92; it has been increased to 52909 in the year 1996-97. The
number of Oil-engines was 15603, which declined to 7404 in 1996-97. The
growth rate was negative i.e. 52.55 percent. But the use of electric pumpset has
been increased and reached from 72894 in 1991-92 to 87562 in 1996-97. The
growth rate of electric pumpset was 20.12 percent. The use of tractor has also
been increased from 3731 in 1991-92 to 5588 in 1996-97. The growth rate has
increased to 49.77 percent. It thus clearly shows that the use of modern
implements has increased during the period and the modern one replaces
traditional equipment.
18) Livestock
Cattle reanng are an important factor in rural economy. The following
table shows the cattle population in the distnct.
Table No. 3.12 Cattle population in Ahmednagar district
Sr. Type of cattle Cattle population
No 1990-91 % 1995-96 %
1. Cows and Bullocks 940 41.10 1135 40.06
2. Buffaloes 120 5.25 151 5,33
3. Sheep 295 12.90 407 14.36
4. Goats 748 32.71 915 32.30
5. Other cattle 184 8.04 225 7.95
Total cattle population 2287 100 2833 100
Source: Socio-Economic review of A. Nagar district of 1991-92 and
1996-97.
85 Table No. 3.12 shows that, the total cattle population In the district has
increased to 23 percent in 1995-96 as compared to 1990-91. The population of
cows and bullocks has decreased in 1995-96 by 1.04 percent. But the population
of buffaloes has increased in 1995-96 by 0.08 percent, sheep by 1.46. The goat
and other cattle population decreased from 32.71 to 32.30 percent and 8.04
percent to 7.95 percent. In the district one hospital, 66 Veterinary clinics, and 144
primary veterinary centers are actively operating their activities.
19) Industries
Industrialization plays a vital and crucial role in the economic development.
In Ahmednagar District today there are 15 sugar co-operative factories operating
their activity, out of them 7 are producing byproducts such as paper, wine, bio-gas
etc. The district produces about 25 percent of the total sugar production of
Maharashtra.
There are industhal estates in Ahmednagar town, which has led to the
industrial development not only of the town, but the district as a whole. There are
3373 small-scale industnes operating this activity at the end of 1997. The most
important small-scale industries in the distnct are handloom and craft having good V' demand in the National market. Other registered units are processing, ginning,
pressing spinning and weaving mills, poultry, brick making, carpentry oil-mills,
distilleries and engineenng units.
20) Co-operative societies in Ahmednagar District.
In Ahmednagar district different types of co-operative societies working
various types of activities. The following table shows categories and total
number of societies in Ahmednagar district.
86 The following table shows that the percentage of productive and
processing societies is more than the other societies. Productive and processing
societies include the co-operative sugar factories and milk societies.
Table No. 3.13
Co-operative societies In Ahmednagar district. 1997-98.
Sr. Types of Societies No’s Percentage No of societies to total 1, Co-operative credit societies. 1220 16.23
2. Non-credit co-operative societies 869 11.55
3. Marketing societies 155 2.04
4. Productive and processing societies 3867 51.68
5. Social societies 1390 18.50
TOTAL 7501 100.00
Source:- District Socio Economic survey of Ahmednagar district
1997-98 Page No. 165.
21) Banking
Credit plays a vital role in the process of economic development.
Therefore, availability of finance is the most important factor to the development
of agncultural and industrial sectors. Hence the role of banking is important in
credit supply. There is a large net work of banks and their branches functioning
in the district.
In Ahmednagar district the central financing agency for agricultural sector
is the Ahmednagar district central co-operative Bank Ltd. The Land Development
Bank and Commercial Banks are also functioning in Ahmednagar district. In the
87 district urban co-operative Banks operate their functions. The total branch network of banks in the district as in March 1999 shown in following table.
Table No. 3.14
Total Bank Network in Ahmednagar district as on March 1999.
Sr. Type of Banks Urban Semi- Rural Total No.of No Branches Urban Branches % Branches Branches 1. Commercial Banks 28 43 136 207 (35%) 2. DCCBs 10 17 262 289 (49%) 3. LDBs 01 06 07 14 (02%) 4. Urban banks 23 33 30 86 (14%) TOTAL 62 99 435 596 (10.40) (16.61) J I 4 ) . (100)
Note: - Bracketed figures indicate percentage to total
Source: - Lead Bank of A. Nagar distnct, credit plans 1999-2000
Table 3.14 shows that, the total number of banks and branches were 596 of which 289 branches (49 percent) were district co-operative, 207 were (35 percent) commercial 86 were Urban co-operative and 14 were LDBs. Out of total branches the 435 branches 73 percent) were located in rural area, and 99 branches (17 percent) and 62 branches (10 percent) were located in semi-Urban and Urban areas respectively.
88 22) Infrastructure facilities
i) Educational Institutions. :
In Ahmednagar district has rich in educational facility. Education facility
includes primary, school and collages. These institutes provided General,
Technical, Medical and Vocational education to the children. The following table
shows educational information of Ahmednagar district.
Table No. 3.15
Educational information in Ahmednagar district For the year, 1996-97.
Sr. Type of Institution No. of No. of No. of
No institutions Teachers Student
1. Pre-primary schools 2563 2554 134815
2. Pnmary schools 2966 12630 505028
3. Secondary schools. 466 5964 195280
4. Higher secondary schools 123 4463 58324
5. Colleges 48 187 48874
6. I.T.I. 26 209 4913
7, D.Ed. 10 74 1546
TOTAL 6202 26081 948780
Source: Socio-Economic Review of Ahmednagar distnct
1997-78 p. 175
The above table shows that the number of students steadily declined from
pnmary schools to college education. Number of primary schools and teachers
ware higher than the schools and colleges. The colleges include Arts,
Commerce Science, Law, Medical, Engineering, Technical. Vocational and
Agncultural, 89 ii) Public health facility:
The following table shows the public health facility of Ahmednagar district
in the year 1996-97.
Table No. 3.16
Public health facility of Ahmednagar district.
Sr. No. Particulars Total
1. Hospitals 14
2. Dispensaries 22
3. Maternity homes 46
4. Pnmary health center 87
5. Total Beds 1663
6. Doctors. 279
7.Nurses 973
Source Socio-Economic Review of Ahmednagr districts 1997-98
The medical facilities are available in the district. The primary health
centers are available in rural area. All these units providing facilities to the
people as per the needs. Some doctors are visiting in rural area as per their
schedule.
iii) Road, Communication and Electricity:
The major infrastructure facilities like railways, roads, post, telephone,
electrification are available in the district. These facilities can promote the overall
development process. The railways have been the most important means of transport in the distnct. Ahmednagar has a railway station. Broadguage railway
90 line passes through this district from Manmad to Pune. The length of railway line
available in the district is 197 kms. There is no air connection to the district.
There is one National highway passing through the district. The length of
National highway is 96 kms and state highway is 1631 kms. State highways
connect the district head quarters and taluka place. The total length of the roads
in the district is 10123 kms. The road transport is an important means of
communication in the district. The total vehicles registered are 10658 at the end
of 31 Dec. 1998.
The Post and Telegraphs is functioning under the administrative control of
Nasik Zone. There are 641 post office branches in the district. Telegraph and
telephone facility is provided only at 91 centers. By the end of March 1998, there
were 55, 956 telephone connections in the district. All India radio is also located
at Ahmednagar.
Electrification is a key component for rural development in general and for
agriculture development in particular. At present almost all towns & villages have
been connected with the electricity facilities.
3.2 PROFILE OF PRAVARA AREA
1) Histot7 of Pravara Area
Pravara co-operative sugar factory is located at Pravaranagar, a new
industrial township in 3 km. South East of Loni village on the northern strip of
Ahmednagar district. The area of operation of the factory consists of 44 villages
falling in between the right and left Pravara canals. Most part of the area
covered by the factory is in the uncommand areas. The villages covered by the
factory are located within radius of 35 kms from the factory and fall under the
revenue jurisdiction of Rahata, Shnrampur, Rahuri and Sangamner talukas.
91 Similar to any other part of rural India agricultural conditions in Pravara area are determined by the natural resources and climatic conditions. Being a dry agncultural tract with a scanty rainfall condition of 13-15 inches, substance farming was the per dominate character of the villages during the last century.
Rainfied crops such as bajh and jowar were commonly cultivated, while a limited area was devoted to cash crops such as oil seeds and cotton, with an overwhelming, dependence on food crops of low commercial value. The farmers were at their best living a hand to mouth existence when the seasonal rains did not fall. Famine and near-famine conditions due to irregularity of failure of rains were a regular feature of the economy of the area. During times of drought and famine conditions the peasants were compelled to sell their cattle, land and other
possessions to meet the minimal needs of existence of themselves and their families. Many of them have to migrate for temporary periods to prosperous villages in other area in search of employment. More of ten than not, they fell
into the clutches of unscrupulous moneylenders. Thus, to an ordinary farmer, life was a desperate struggle to keep the body and soul together against odds of
uncertain nature. The moneylenders took full advantage of the helpless state of
peasantry by taking under their control on various assets forms with the farmers
such as ornaments, vessels, land etc.
Pravara area was crippled under severe famine conditions in 1877, which
was followed by years of continuous drought. The famine conditions were so
severe that a considerable section of the people in the area migrated to other
areas in search of avenues of new employment. The Government appointed the
famine commission in 1901 and irrigation commission in 1903, to suggest
concrete steps to improve conditions of famine/ drought affected areas. The
commission suggested for the provision of irrigation facilities as a vital step to
92 overcome the problem of famine affected areas. As per the recommendations of the aforementioned expert commissions, the Government constructed irngation canals on Pravara rivers in 1911. The status of the farmers did not improve even after the emergence of irrigation canals. The new irrigation facilities were nearly monopolized by private sugar factories. Wherever little irrigation facilities were available to the local peasants, these could not be efficiently utilized due to unfavorable market conditions of Jaggery and inability of the farmers to adopt irrigated farming.
Progress Made After Establishment of Pravara co-operative Sugar factory.
Although the formation of Pravara co-operative sugar factory should be viewed as the culminating event of a long drawn out struggle of the local peasantry against the exploitation of intermediary classes, money lenders and private sugar factory owners. There were a number of proximate factors which strengthened social will and hastened the co-operative venture.
The turning point in economic, social, religious and cultural history of any society are often related to the emergence of leaders with foresight and dedication, who could command to mobiles men and resources to gear changes.
Viewed from the background of exploitation of peasants by private sugar factory owners, middlemen and traders, the idea of formation of present’s co-operative sugar production unit is a revolutionary concept. The idea installed new hopes of deliverance from economic oppression through voluntary phnciples of mutual help and mutual reliance as against the violent struggle they had adopted in the last quarter to 19‘^ century. But practical realization of idea called for leadership with the highest degree of integrity and caliber, mobilization of capital resources,
93 loyal commitment of a wider section of the farmers to co-operate in the working
of the new system and availability of know-how. The co-operative revolution that
happened in the sugar belt in Ahmednagar district is certainly due to the
appearance of Vithalrao Eknathrao Vikhe as the effective leader of the peasant
community.
The idea of forming a co-operative sugar factory in the canal region had
already been put foPA^ard before them by peasant leaders like Dr.Padmashri
Vithalrao Vikhe Patil to academicians like Prof.D.R.Gadgil. Although for the
majority of farmers, the formation of such a co-operative factory appeared to be
distant dream, the new awareness had been a key factor for the emergence of
the sugar co-operative at Pravara.
The progress of the sugar factory has also led to many other
developments, such as establishment of co-operative industrial by-product unit,
for the utilization of wastes of the sugar factory. Provision of irrigation, extension
and research services to the farmers, promotion of subsidiary occupations like
dairy and provision of educational health and social welfare amenities, which
have ushered in the rural progress.
The area under study is essentially a geographical region, which
constitutes almost the heart of Pravara basin with Pravara River, Thus the area
under is not an administrative region and villages from four different talukas
Shrirampur, Sangamner, Rahuri and Rahata of Ahmednagar district. We there
fore define, “the areas under study to be the command area of Padmashri Dr.
Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative sugar factory and that of other constituents of
Pravara Rural Complex”.
2) Location:- The Pravara area is located North side of the Ahmednagar district.
The area formed on the boundaries of four Taluka from Shrirampur, Sangamner,
94 Rahuri and Rahata of A. Nagar district. The area is located left and right banks
of Pravara River, The area located on Kolhar Ghoti and Pune Manmad National
highway.
3) C lim ate: - The climate of the area is generally moderate and the seasons show
considerable uniformity with no abrupt changes in the temperature. The
temperature generally is not below 19 °C in December and not above 43°C
during April and May.
4) Rainfall: - Although the rainfall is uniform in all part of the area, yet it ranges
between 470 to 765 mm. (average) in Pravara area. The rainy season
commences from June and last ups to the end of October, followed by cold
weather from November to February and hot weather from March to May, The
table shows rainfall in Pravara area.
Table No. 3.17
Average rainfall in Pravara area.
Sr. No. Year Rainfall (mm) 1) 1990 470 2) 1991 513 3) 1992 514 4) 1993 602 5) 1994 543 6) 1995 497 7) 1996 642 8) 1997 590 9) 1998 765 10) 1999 670
Source: Agricultural Department of Pravara co-operative sugar factory.
5) Soils: - The soils of the Pravara area are mostly black or kali. The soil is hch in
plant nutrients such as lime, iron, magnesium and potash. The soil is relatively
95 richer and deeper in Pravara area. Some parts of the Pravara area has a
“Murmad” soil
6) Rivers: - The Pravara is the main river in this area. It originates in Akola tahsil in
the eastern slopes of the Sahyadri. It has length of about 200 kms within the
district, out of which it flows 20 km in Pravara Area. Two canals of Pravara River
also flows in this area. The five, Kolhapur types weir construction on the Pravara
River. The excess rainwater is generally stored in these K. T. Weirs having a
storage capacity of 0.213 tmc.
7) Population with No of villages, households and total area of land: -
The Following table shows that the total population of the Pravara area is
147057, out of them 76764 are males and 70293 are females. The population is
shown as per 1991 census. The number of villages in Pravara area is 44 and the
people live in 25284 houses.
Table No. 3.18
Number of villages, Area of land, number of households and population of the Pravara area. (1991)
Sr. Name of the villages Total Area of No. of Total No. land (hect) houses population 1. Pimpri Lokai 982 130 756 2. Rajuri 1700 546 3052 3. Mamdapur 1379 782 4629 4. Babhaleshwar 995 956 4944 5. Gagalgaon 1538 380 2330 6. Loni-KD 2642 2578 16066 7. Loni BK 1240 1730 9597 8. Lohgaon 306 1194 5749 9. Tisgaon 211 282 1834 10. Kolhar BK 1504 1834 10807 11. Chandrapur 285 139 797 12. Hasnapur 517 381 2280
96 13. Durgapur 531 359 2149 14. Dadh BK 917 1045 6516 15. Hanmantgaon 741 588 3379 16. Pathare 717 662 3579 17. Bahagwatipur 1354 916 5625 18. Kadit (BK&KD) 449 220 1148 19. Mandav 473 219 1241 20. Fatyabad 341 292 1678 21. Kurnpur 375 214 1216 22. Galinimb 433 351 1919 23. Dhanore 474 433 2389 24. Songaon 389 584 3304 25, Satral 681 722 4339 26. Nalewadi/ Dukerewadi 817 290 1734 27, Taldulner 566 143 1028 28. Rampur 395 309 1773 29, Kholhar KD 1505 893 5207 30, Chincholi 734 469 2791 31, Gangapur 355 161 996 32. Sadatpur 872 144 941 33. Chinchpur KD 438 287 1494 34. Chinchpur BK 850 332 1854 35. Pratappur 517 324 1910 36. Umbri-Blapur 867 498 2901 37, Shibalapur 1221 365 2225 38, Ashivi KD 912 1001 5211 39, Ashivi KD 903 746 4075 40, Dadh KD 476 263 1774 41, Chanegaon 606 337 2114 42, Zarekathi 495 244 1564 43, Aurangpur 410 123 756 44, Nimgaojali 1882 818 4371 TOTAL 35995 25284 146042
Source: - District census handbook of Ahmednagar district 1991.
97 As per above information per households obtained 1.42 hectares area in
Pravara region. The population houses and area of land distributed in four Taluka
of Shrirampur, Sangamner, Rahata and Rahuri from Ahmednagar district. The
total of 44 villages includes 5 from Shrirampur, 13 from Sangamner, 9 from
Rahuri and 17 from New Rahata taluka.
8) Irrigation: - The irrigation facility of the area was very marginal at the time of
sugar factory formation. In the year 1950 the number of wells recorded were 288
and the oil engines installed were only 32. After the formation of sugar factory
irrigation sources are rapidly increasing in the area. The following table shows
irrigation facility available in Pravara area.
Table No. 3.19
Irrigation facility available in Pravara Area
(In numbers)
Sr. Particulars 1950-51 1976-77 1986-87 1994-95 1998-99 No
1. Bore wells - 35 206 350 430
2. Open wells 288 4254 5270 8512 8920
3. Electric Pumps. 32 3537 5580 9320 10788
4. Lift Irrigation - 16 33 52 68
5. Store Tank - 12 21 32 37
6. K. T. weirs - 02 03 05 05
TOTAL 320 7856 11113 18271 20248
Source: - Primary census Abstract of Shrirampur, Sangamner, Rahuri and Rahata taluka 1998-99.
9) Occupational pattern: - The occupational pattern may be divided into eight
parts. Rural area is predominant in agriculture and urban area is dominant by
trade, commerce and Industries. The occupational pattern of the people in
Pravara area is given in the following table.
98 Table No. 3.20
Occupational pattern of the Pravara Area (1991)
(In numbers)
Sr. Class of main workers Number Percentage Percentage No of to total to district workers total 1. Cultivators 20044 39.87 2.95
~2. Agricultural Labour 19524 38.30 5.05
T Live stock and forest 685 1.36 3.23
T Cottage & House hold 851 1.70 4.03 Industries
Trade and commerce 3191 6.20 2.88
Construction 905 1.80 4.02
Transport and 808 1.60 3.10
communication
8 . Other Services. 4603 9.17 4.55
TOTAL 50611 100.00 28.67
Source: - Primary census Abstract of Shrirampur, Sangamner and
Rahuri 1991-92
Table shows that 78.17 percent workers are engaged in agriculture and allied
activities. Agriculture remained main occupation in the area, Since majority of
the district population (77.94 percent) is engaged in agriculture and allied
activities, it can be said that there is ample scope for agro based and allied
activities such as dairy, poultry etc.
10) Live stock population: - in Pravara area different breed types of local cows
such as Khillar, Gear, Sindhi and non-descript ones. In this area there are also
Houston and Jersey crossbreed cow. Bullocks, Buffaloes, Sheep and goats are
99 shown in Pravara area. Cow population is increasing but at the same time
Bullocks population is reducing in Pravara Area. The live stock population of
Pravara area is shown in the following table.
Table No. 3.21
Live stock population in Pravara Area.
(In numbers)
Sr. Type of live 1990-91 199f3-99 No stock Population % Population % 1. Cows 27764 25.72 34432 30.25
2. Bullocks. 12428 11.51 7948 6.98
3, Buffaloes 3013 2.80 2246 1.97
4. Sheep. 22531 20.86 23357 20.54
5. Goats 34764 32.20 38684 33.98
6. Others 7460 6.91 7151 6.28
TOTAL:- 107960 100 113818 100
Source: -1) Primary census abstract of Shrirampur, Sangamner
and Rahuri taluka 1990-91
2) Field survey of 44 villages from Pravara area 1998-99
The percentage of cow population has increased considerably because of dairy
occupation by the farmers. The bullock percentage has decreased because of
modern agncultural equipment and sheep and Goat livestock population has
shown slightly increase.
100 11) Agricultural Equipment’s :-
In Pravara area farmers utilised different types of agricultural equipment’s
and machinery. The following table shows agricultural impliments and equipment
in 1990-91 and 1998-99.
Table No. 3.22
Agricultural equipment’s In Pravara area. (In numbers)
Year No.of No. of Ele. T ractors Drip & Thresher Total Ploughs carts pump Spink sets lers 1990-91 4120 4295 8842 284 33 122 17696
(23.30) (24.28) (49.96) (1.60) (0.18) (0 .68) ( 100)
1998-99 2432 2776 10788 472 148 195 16810
(14.46) (16.51) (68.17) (2 .88) 0 .88) ( 1. 10) (100)
Source:- Field survey of 44 villages from Pravara Area 1998-99.
Note: - Figures in the bracket are indicating percentage to total
The use of traditional agricultural equipment has decreased considerably
because of the availability of modern equipment such as tractors, thresher etc.
There is a decrease in the use of ploughs and carts, while there is increase in
the pump-sets, drip and sprinklers, threshers etc. in the last ten years.
12) Cropping pattern In Pravara area.
Cropping pattern of Pravara area has undergone significant changes
between 1991-99 due to improvement in irrigation facilities and a favorable shift
from traditional to modern technology. Table 3.10 shows the percentage
distribution of area under different crops.
101 Table No. 3.23
Cropping pattern in Pravara Area (Year 1991 and 1999) (Area in hectors) Year Food Sugar Cotton Oil Fruits Pulses Non Total grains cane seeds & food area vegeta crops ble 1991 19174 6824 442 892 950 1676 1988 31946 (60.02) (21.36) (1.38) (2.80) (2.97 (6 .22) ( 100) 1999 16180 8360 642 1104 1220 1828 2696 32030 (50.53) (26.10) (2 .00) (3.45) (3.80) (5.70) (8.42) ( 100) Source: - Field survey o'■44 villages from Pravara area 1998-99.
Note: - Figures in the bracket indicate percentage to total.
In the last ten years the cropping pattern in the Pravara area also changed
with cash crops such as sugarcane, cotton, oil seeds, fruits and vegetables
taking the place of food grains. Thereby the production of food-grain has
decreased while the cash crops have increased.
13) Co-operative Institutions; -
In Pravara area different types of co-operative institutions are working for
various purposes. The following table shows the types of co-operative institutions
and its number in 1884-85 and 1998-99,
Table No. 3.24 Co-operative Institutions in Pravara area.
Sr. Name of Institute 1984-85 1998-99 No. 1. PACS 41 44
2. Non Agri co-op. Societies 04 18
3 a) DCCBs branches 10 17
b) Urban bank branches 08 13
4. Co-operative dairies center 28 42
5. Co-operative sugar factory. 01 01
6, Other co-operative Institute. 03 08
Total 95 143
Source: - Field survey of 44 villages from Pravara area.
102 Pravaranagar is origin and example of co-operative movement in India,
with the establishment of Asian first co-operative sugar factory in 1950. With this
background a number of co-operative institutions started operating in this area,
vi'ith the aim of uplifting the economical backward people. These institutions
have received very good response and encouragement from all sectors. Dunng
the last 40 years, the number of such institutions has registered increase by
opening new branches or spreading their operations. The co-operative dairy
centers branches of DCCBs, branches of UCBs, non-agricultural co-operative
societies and other co-operative institutions have shown a remarkable increase
during the last 10 to 15 years.
14) Infra-Structure facility -
(Education, Health, Communication, Road and Electricity)
As regard to education facilities the number of educational institutions such as
traditional and professional have increased in this area. However, the primary
and middle schools are more in number almost one in every village imparting the
basic education to the pnmary students. Thereby alarming at achieving the
national literacy rate. The unique feature of this area is the availability of the
primary education to the post-Graduate and professional education facilities
under one umbrella i.e. Pravara Rural Education Society model so that the
student entering into primary education can complete all his education at one
place without going to other places. By this the parents need not incurred more
expenditure on their children’s education.
There are 3 hospitals, one Health centre, 6 primary health centre, 8
dispensaries, 10 Registered private practitioners, one family planning centre in
this area with latest and modern medical equipment’s. The people of Pravara
103 area are fortunate enough to have such excellent medical facility at their doorsteps.
The Pravara Area also has very good transport, communication, electricity and drinking water facility. The stale transport service covered all the villages in
Pravara area. The communication is by telephones, telegraphs, and even through Internet and email facilities. The state electric board and Mula Pravara
co-operative electhc society supply the electncity to all activities. The drinking water facility is also available in all villages.
104