AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY OF MARATHWADA REGION AND SELECTED FARMERS

Transcription

1 CHAPTER III AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY OF MARATHWADA REGION AND SELECTED FARMERS INTRODUCTION The chapter presents arief description in district-wise of Marathwada, the area selected for the study. Based on primary and secondary data. In secondary data it provides location, types of soil, Agro-climatic zones, farm size wise distribution, land use pattern, cropping pattern and irrigation facility for different sources. It also provides population profile in this region. In primary data it explains the sample profile of farmer in Parbhani district. SECTION A District-wise Agricultural Profile of Marathwada Region The state of Maharashtra came into existence on 1st May 1960 as a consequence of bifurcation of the bilingual state of Bombay into unilingual state of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It is situated more or less at a central place in India. Marathi is the official Language in the State. As far as the name of the state is concerned literally Maharashtra means a great nation. The name is accidental Maharashtra was a farm of Prakrit, current in this part of the country, and form it the region seems to have got its name. It is uncertain whether the language derives its name from the region or Vice-versa. 1 The Maharashtra is administratively divided into six divisions viz., Konkan, Nashik, Pune, Amravati, Nagpur and Aurangabad. The Aurangabad division is known as Marathwada region. It was formally a part of Hyderabad province. 2 Maharashtra region consists of eight districts of Maharashtra State namely Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, Beed, Nanded, Latur and 75

2 Osmanabad. 3 Till 1981this region consisted only five districts except Latur, Jalna and Hingoli, but in May 1981 Aurangabad and Osmanabad were divided into Jalna and Latur district respectively and Latur on 1 st May Parbhani was into Hingoli. The entire region was formed as a part of the princely state of the Nizam, and then known as Hyderabad State. Since May 1960, the region has been one of the divisions of Maharashtra state. 3.1 Location Geographically Marathwada region is situated between N and N latitudes and E and longitudes. The region is bounded by the Jalgaon, Buldhana and Akola districts on the north, by the Nasik and Ahmednagar districts on the west, Solapur district on south side and Andhra Pradesh on the east. The total geographical area of Marathwada region is sq. kms. with 57.0 lakh hectares suitable for agriculture. However net sown area is only 75 per cent of total geographical area. This is 12 per cent of the Maharashtra. In Marathwada district-wise geographical area is Aurangabad sq. kms, Beed sq. kms., Nanded sq. kms., Latur sq. kms., Jalna sq. kms., Hingoli sq. kms., Parbhani sq. kms., and Osmanabad 7512 sq.kms The Soil Most of the region is covered with deep black cotton soil derived from the Deccan trap volcanic rock. However, the soils vary greatly in texture and depth. The deep black soils are found along the river banks of Godavari, Manjara, Purna, Dudhana and Penganga and their tributaries and the soil is capable of retaining moisture. In the years of favorable rainfall bumper rabi 76

3 crops are grown in these areas. The soils are, however, course, shallows and relatively poor, along the hill slopes and at the foots of the hills. The major portion of the region is covered by medium black soil. The medium and deep soil in the region is rich in plant nutrients and can support good kharif or rabi crops like jowar, bajra, wheat, pulses, cotton, sugarcane and groundnut. Table 3.1 District-wise Classification of Soils in Marathwada Region (in 00 hector) Sr. No. Types of Soils Aurangabad Parbhani Bed Nanded Osmanabad Marathwada 1 Deep black more than 36 depth 2 Medium black between 9 to 36 depth 3 Coarse and Shallow below 9 depth 164 (9.21) 1048 (58.88) 229 (20.88) 715 (65.17) 137 (12.26) 726 (65.00) 248 (24.01) 495 (47.92) 55 (24.01) 1182 (84.25) 833 (12.95) 4166 (64.75) 568 (31.91) 153 (13.95) 254 (22.74) 290 (28.07) 166 (11.83) 1431 (22.26) Total Source: Data supplied by Zilla Parishads. Note: 1) Jalna, Latur and Hingoli districts are include in Aurangabad, Osmanabad and Parbhani district. 2) Figures in the bracket represent percentage to total. It is clear observed from the table 3.1 that the deep black soil covers about per cent portion of the Marathwada region. The medium black soil covers about per cent and the course and shallow soil covers about per cent portion of the Marathwada region. It is also observed, the deep black soil covers 9.21 per cent in Aurangabad district, per cent in Parbhani district, per cent in Beed district, per cent in Nanded district, 3.92 per cent in Osmanabad district. From these figures it is clear that 77

4 the percentage of deep black soil is the highest in Nanded district followed by Parbhani district and it is the lowest in Osmanabad district. The medium black soil covers about per cent portion of the Marathwada region. The medium black soil covers per cent area of Aurangabad district, percent in Parbhani district, per cent in Beed district, per cent in Nanded district, and per cent in Osmanabad district. These figures it is clearly showing that the percentage of medium black soil is the highest in Osmanabad district and the lowest in the Nanded district. The course and shallow soil covers about per cent portion of the Marathwada region. The coarse shallow soil covers per cent are of Aurangabad district, per cent in Parbhani district, per cent in Beed district, per cent in Nanded district and per cent in Osmanabad district. From these figures it is clear that the percentage of coarse shallow soil is the highest in Aurangabad district and the lowest in Osmanabad district. 3.3 Agro-climatic Zones Maharashtra State has been divided into nine broad agro climatic zones. 5 Marathwada region of the Maharashtra state falls under three zones, I) Scarcity zones, II) Assured rainfall zone and III) Moderate to moderately high rainfall zone. Western half of Parbhani, southern part of Nanded district and remaining part of Aurangabad district, Beed and Osmanabad districts come under assured rainfall zone. Moderately high rainfall zone includes eastern part of Parbhani district and northern part of Nanded district. Western 78

5 trap of Beed district and Aurangabad districts and Bhoom and Paranda talukas of Osmanabad district came under in the scarcity zone. 3.4 Rivers There are three important river basins in the Marathwada region viz., the Godawari, the Purna and the Penganga basin. Major portion of the region lies in the Godavari basin. Therefore, Godavari is the most important river in the region. Purna which is the biggest tributary of Godavari is the second important river in the region. The Godavari rive enters the region through Aurangabad district, runs on its southern boundary, separating it from Beed distrct, flows through the Jalna, Parbhani and Nanded districts to enter the Andhra Pradesh. The Purna basin comprises of the whole taluka of Sillod of the Aurangabad district, Jafrabad taluka of the Jalna district, northern part of Kannad taluka, eastern part of Khultabad taluka of the Aurangabad district and Bhokardan Taluka of the Jalna district excluding small north-eastern portion forming a salient feature between Jalgaon and Buldhana district. The Purna enters the region from the north-west corner of Parbhani district and flow south-east direction to fall into the Godavari about 15 miles up stream from the Nanded district. The Penganga after collecting the waters of the southern belts of the Buldhana and Akola districts drains the north eastern margin with the aid of its tributary the Kayadhu river. The other important rivers are Shivna, Dheku, Kham in Aurangabad district, Manjra, Bindusara and Sindphana in Beed district, Penganga, Manyad, Ashna and Lendi in Nanded district, Manjra and Terna in Osmanabad district, Manjra in Lature district and Kayadhu, Karpara and Dudhana in Parbhani district. 79

6 3.5 Rainfall To understand rainfall phenomenon some knowledge of meteorology is necessary. This is difficult and complicated science, but its practical manifestations affecting rainfall are comparatively straight forward. Rain is caused by the cooling of a mass of atmosphere vapor to below the point at which it condenses such cooling takes place when the air expands as the result of reduction of pressure or moves from a warmer to a colder place. In the first, stage of condensation minute particles form clouds. Furthers, condensation causes these to coalesce. Larger drops are formed, which being too heavy to be held up by air current descent in the form of rain when moist air is removed from a lower to higher elevation, as when it travels up a mountain side expansion occurs and there is a lowering of temperature. If this is sufficient, condensation takes place and rainfalls. Marathwada region revives an annual rainfall of mm. The annual average rainfall is not uniform in all district of Marathwada regions. In last 15 years annual average rainfall is mm. in Aurangabad, mm. in Parbhani, mm. in Beed, mm. in Nanded, mm. in Osmanabad, mm. in Jalna, mm. in Latur and mm. in Hingoli. In last fifteen years highest annual average rainfall in Nanded district and lowest in Aurangabad district Distribution of size of holdings, area operated and their status of irrigation in Marathwada region. Land, a basic asset of an agrarian economy, is a pre-requisite for cultivation, the major source of income and an index of household status. It is 80

7 associated with control over and access to other resources. 7 Table 3.2 shows the distribution of size of holdings, area operated and their status of irrigation in Marathwada region for the year The Small number of holdings (below 2 hectare) was 70.0 per cent in the year Where small area operated was (20.16 lakh hectares) 39.0 per cent and the number of holdings receiving irrigation is 6.94 per cent. In the case of small size holding net area irrigation was 4.71 per cent in the year of Table 3.2 Distribution of Size of Holdings, Area Operated and their Status of Irrigation in Marathwada Region for the year (in lakh hectare) Size of Holding Small (Bellow 2 ha.) Medium (2.1 ha. to 4 ha.) Numbers of Household Area Operated (in ha.) Number of Holdings receiving irrigated Net area irrigated (in ha.) (70.0) (39.0) (6.94) Large (4.1 ha. & above ha.) 6.47 (22.0) 2.36 (8.0) (33.2) (27.9) 0.85 (13.14) 0.48 (20.34) 0.95 (4.71) 0.95 (5.54) 0.87 (6.04) Total (100) (100) 2.76 (9.37) 2.77 (5.36) Source: Computed from the data of Agricultural Census, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India ( Note: 1) Figures in parenthesis for column 2 and 3 are percentages to all holdings and the same for column 4 and 5 are percentages of number of holdings receiving irrigation to total number of holdings (4/2 100) and percentage of Net area irrigated to total area operated (5/3 100) with respect to given size of holdings. 2) This does not include institutional holdings (viz., [PRs] institutional land used for cultivation and area operated of the same). 81

8 The medium size numbers of holdings (2.01 to 4 hector) were 22.0 per cent in the year Where medium area operated was 33.2 per cent hectare, and the number of holdings receiving irrigation was per cent. The medium size holdings net area irrigated is 5.54 per cent to total area operated in hectare. The large size numbers of holdings (4.1 ha. and above ha.) were only 8.0 per cent in the year Where large size area holding operated were 27.9 per cent hector and the number of holdings receiving irrigation was per cent. The large size of holdings net area irrigated was 6.04 per cent hector. It is also sowing in same table net area irrigated was increased with increasing the size of holdings. The large size numbers of holdings and area operated were inverse relationship. Large numbers of holdings was only 8.0 per cent to total household and their area operating was near about 28 per cent to total area operated. Small size of numbers of holdings was 70.0 per cent and their operating area was only 39.0 per cent which is indicated disparity of operating area and numbers of households. For the above mentioned table we can say that, all size of holdings and their operated area and their receiving irrigation is very large differences. 3.7 Land Use Pattern of Marathwada Region For Marathwada region district-wise land utilization is given in the table 3.3. In this region out of total geographical area of hundred hectares about 3.47 per cent has been classified as forest area under land utilization statistic for the year The major portion of the total geographical 82

9 Table 3.3 District wise Land Utilization Statistics in Marathwada Region for the year (Area in '00' hectares) Head of the Classification Forest Barren of Uncultiva ble land Land under nonagricultu ral use Cultivable west Permane nt Pasture Land under Miscall -anions Current follows Other follows Net Sown area Area sown more than once Gross cropped area Total Geograph ical area Aurangabad (7.2) Nanded (8.26) Osmanabad 14.0 (0.19) (2.1) (1.82) 65.0 ( (6.0) (3.45) (2.39) ( ( ( (1.54) (3.46) (6.53) Beed (2.15) (2.3) (4.01) (3.83) (3.43) (0.12) (8.53) (4.50) (71.13) (12.64) (83.77) (100) Parbhani (1.01) (1.3) (4.58) (3.58) (2.12) (0.22) (5.60) (4.02) (77.56) (55.11) (132.67) (100) Jalna (0.68) (1.02) (2.9) (2.23) (3.47) (1.51) (12.57) (2.55) (80.00) (21.35) (101.35) (100) Latur (0.25) (2.65) (2.96) (3.35) (4.05) (2.72) (6.54) (5.62) (72.96) (28.28) (101.24) (100) Hingoli (6.10) (1.9) (2.3) (2.53) (3.81) (0.06) (9.38) (3.41) (70.70) (41.25) (111.95) (100) Marathwada (3.47) (1.77) (3.70) (3.35) (3.68) (0.73) (8.18) (4.71) (70.65) (27.11) (97.76) (100) Maharashtra (16.95) (5.61) (4.53) (2.98) (4.06) (0.81) (4.28) (3.92) (56.86) (15.86) (75.97) (100) 1) District wise Agricultural data Base for Maharashtra: to , Economic and Political weekly, Research Foundation, Source: 1) District wise Agricultural data Base for M Mumbai, and (September 2004). 2) Agricultural statistical Information, Maha Note: Figures in brackets indicate percentage to to (3.7) (4.82) (3.77) ation, Maharashtra State (2006), Part II, Chief Statistician, tistician, Commissioner of Agriculture, Pune. Figures in brackets indicate percentage to total geographical area (0.56) 63.0 (0.60) 19.0 (0.25) (4.55) (6.98) (13.51) (5.94) (2.38) (9.50) (68.45) (68.19) (63.93) (35.91) (11.18) (31.76) (104.36) (79.37) (95.68) (100) (100) (100) 83

10 area (70.65) per cent came under net shown area. Barren and uncultivable and cultivable waste land is 1.77 and 3.35 per cent for the year respectively. Current and other fallows land account for 8.18 and 4.71 per cent. Permanent pasture, land under miscellaneous and the remaining area under non-agriculture use are 3.68, 0.73 and 3.70 per cent respectively. The area under forest in Aurangabad, Nanded, Osmanabad, Beed, Parbhani, Jalna, Latur and Hingoli districts was 7.2, 0.19, 2.15, 1.01, 0.68, 0.25 and 6.1 per cent respectively. It is highest proportion in Aurangabad and lowest in Osmanabad district. The share of net sown area was lowest in Osmananad (63.93 per cent) and highest in Jalna (80.0 per cent). The share of net sown area was 68.45, 68.19, 71.13, 77.56, and per cent in Aurangabad, Nanded, Beed, Parbhani, Latur and Hingoli districts respectively. Net sown area was lowest in Osmanabad district because current and other follows land share was very high in the district. The share of nonagricultural use was highest 6.0 per cent in Aurangabad followed by Parbhani (4.58 per cent), Beed (4.01 per cent), Nanded (3.45 per cent), Latur (2.96 per cent), Jalna (2.9 per cent), Osmanabad (2.39 per cent) and Hingoli district (2.3 per cent) respectively. Area sown more than once was hectare which is per cent to total geographical area. The share of area sown more than once and gross cropped area both was highest in Parbhani district and lowest in Nanded district. In Marathwada current follow and net sown area was highest share compared to Maharashtra. It is also highest share was area sown more than once and gross cropped area. The forest was very little share to total 84

11 geographical area in Marathwada which is near about one fifth to Maharashtra. 3.8 Cropping Pattern of Marathwada Region The proportion of area under different crops at a point of time is called cropping pattern. A change in cropping pattern implies a change in the proportion of area under different crops. Cropping pattern in any region depends upon physical characteristics of the soil, climates weather, rainfall etc. It also depends upon the nature and availability of irrigation facilities and institutional facilities as well. Economic motivation such as princes and income, Maximization, farm size, insurance against risk, availability of inputs and land tenure system also go into the determination of cropping pattern. 8 The conditions of soil and climate in Marathwada region are such that they contribute to a low value crops pattern and relatively low yield in most of the important crops. A major part of the region consists of plateau are where the rainfall is low and highly variable. The major crops grown in the Marathwada region are jowar, bajari, pulses, groundnut, soybean, cotton, sugarcane etc. Table 3.4 shows the cropping pattern of Marathwada region during the year In Aurangabad district mainly grown in jowar, bajari, maize and wheat contributed 17.3 per cent, 10.4 per cent, 10.9 per cent and 4.2 per cent, respectively. The cereals cropped area was near about 43 per cent and the pulses were 8.9 per cent. Total foodgrain share was 51.6 per cent to gross cropped area. Total oilseed cropped area was very little which is 2.7 per cent. Cotton is the main crop contributed near about 24 percent in the year The sugarcane is 1.7 per cent cropped area to gross cropped area. 85

12 Table 3.4 District-wise Cropping Pattern in Marathwada Region During the year (Area in '00') Sr. No. Crop Aurangab ad 1 Rice 0.0 (0.0) 2 Jowar (kh+ri) (17.3) 3 Bajari (10.4) 4 Mung 70.0 (0.7) 5 Maize (10.9) 6 Wheat (4.2) 7 Total Cereals (42.9) 8 Total Pulses (8.7) 9 Total Foodgrain (51.6) 10 Groundnut 39.0 (kh+su) (0.4) 11 Soybean 62.0 (0.6) Jalna Beed Parbha ni 0.0 (0.0) (21.9) (4.3) (2.9) (8.2) (2.4) (36.9) (10.7) (47.7) 8.0 (0.1) (5.0) 10.0 (0.1) (23.4) (10.2) 44.0 (0.3) (0.8) (4.9) (39.5) (8.1) (47.6) 94.0 (0.7) (5.4) 58.0 (0.7) (27.9) 62.0 (0.7) (7.3) 26.0 (0.3) (4.1) (33.9) (21.7) (55.6) 42.0 (0.5) (8.8) Nanded Osmana bad 80.0 (1.3) (23.0) 2.0 (0.0) (4.8) 10.0 (0.2) (3.3) (28.0) (28.7) (56.7) 46.0 (0.8) (10.3) 50.0 (0.7) (47.3) (2.4) (2.5) (2.0) (5.6) (58.2) (28.1) (86.3) (1.6) (3.7) Latur Hingoli Marathw ada 39.0 (0.5) (21.1) 50.0 (0.7) 77.0 (1.1) 59.0 (0.8) (3.9) (27.3) (24.2) (51.4) 38.0 (0.5) (29.1) 5.0 (0.1) (12.0) 2.0 (0.0) (2.8) 15.0 (0.3) (4.6) (17.3) (18.5) (35.8) 7.0 (0.2) (29.6) (0.4) (25.0) (4.8) (2.4) (3.4) (4.3) (38.0) (17.3) (55.3) (0.6) (11.4) Maharasht ra (6.8) (18.3) (3.9) (1.9) (2.9) (4.6) (37.4) (13.9) (51.3) (1.4) (13.8) 86

13 Table No. 3.4 Continue Sr. Crop Aurangab No. ad Jalna Beed Parbha ni Nanded Osman abad Latur Hingoli Marathw ada Maharasht ra 12 Total Oilseed (2.7) 13 Sugarcane (1.7) 14 Cotton (23.9) 15 Gross cropped area (8.0) (2.7) (38.5) (8.8) (3.3) (15.4) (15.9) (1.5) (24.4) (15.2) (3.2) (44.7) (20.0) (5.0) 24.0 (0.3) (40.4) (5.3) 27.0 (0.4) (36.6) 81.0 (1.8) (24.1) (17.9) (3.1) (21.1) (17.9) (3.5) (14.1) Source: Agricultural Statistical Information Maharashtra State, Unpublished Document, ( ), Commissioner of Agriculture Maharashtra State, Pune-1. Note: Bracketed figures indicated percentage to total gross cropped area. 87

14 The share of cotton was highest which is 38.5 per cent followed by 21.9 per cent jowar. Total foodgrain cropped area is 47.7 per cent included in cereals (37 per cent) and pulses (10.7 per cent). Total oilseed cropped area is 8.0 per cent in that 5 per cent share alone soybean crop in Jalna district. Sugarcane cropped area is 2.7 per cent in that district in year In Beed district jowar is main crop accounted near about 23.4 per cent followed by 5.4 per cent cotton, 10.2 per cent bajari and 8.8 per cent oilseed. The share of foodgrain crop is 47.7 per cent included in cereal and pulses. Soybean alone accounted 5.0 per cent cropped area to gross cropped area. The share of sugarcane is 3.3 per cent cropped area. In Parbhani district highest share is cotton followed by jowar, oilseed and mung which is 24.4, 23.4, 15.9 and 7.3 per cent respectively. The share of total foodgrain crop is around 48 per cent to gross cropped area. The share of cotton is near about 45 per cent to gross cropped area in Nanded district. Jowar is the next important cropped area (23.0 per cent), followed by oilseed, mung, wheat and sugarcane crop which is 15.9, 4.8, 3.3, and 3.2 per cent, respectively. Osmanabad district was predominantly grown in foodrgain crops. The share of foodgrain cropped area is 86.3 per cent to gross cropped area. In foodgrain crop only jowar is accounted 47.3 per cent cropped area followed by total pulses (28.1 per cent), and oilseeds (20.0 per cent), respectively. The share of sugarcane crop is only 5 per cent to gross cropped area in the year of Osmanabad and Latur is the very low area cropped in cotton crop. In Latur district more than 40 per cent area cropped in oilseed crop followed by 27.3 per cent cereal crops, 24.2 per cent pulses. The share of sugarcane crop is 5.3 per cent to gross cropped area. Hingoli district is the predominantly cultivated in soybean crop accordingly 29.6 per cent followed by 24.1 per 88

15 cent cotton and 12 per cent jowar. The share of oilseeds is 36.6 per cent to gross cropped area during the year The same table in Marathwada share of jowar is highest cropped area followed by cotton and soybean. The share of foodgrain crops is 55.3 per cent in which 38 per cent cereal crops and 17.3 per cent pulses cropped area. The oilseed cropped area proportion is 17.9 per cent. The share of sugarcane is 3.1 per cent which is very love proportion in Marathwada. Marathwada is the predominantly in jowar, cotton compared to Maharashtra. The share of these cropped area is highest compared to Maharashtra. The oilseed cropped area is same in Marathwada and Maharashtra during the same year. The share of sugarcane crop proportion is very little lower than Maharashtra. 3.9 Irrigation In an agrarian economy irrigation plays a vital role in the development of agriculture sector in raising agricultural production and productivity. It is one of the important factors of assured crop production. It permits better utilization of other factor of production and that leads to increase in yield per hector of land. It helps to generate employment potential which is very important in the process of economic development, and especially agricultural development. In Marathwada, hundred hectare of land was cultivated during the Of it, as much as hundred hectare were irrigated by well and surface. In other words, 16.1 per cent of total area sown was irrigated. Well source was the primary source, covering 59 per cent of the gross cropped area. Surface irrigated near about 22 per cent of it. Other sources were very small components of the gross cropped area. District-wise 89

16 Table 3.5 District-wise Irrigated Area by Important Sources in Marathwada Region During the year (in 00 ha.) Sr. No. District Source of Irrigation Net Irrigated Area Surface Well Irrigated Area more than once Gross Irrigated Area Gross Cropped Area Percentage Aurangabad (10.1) 2 Jalna 82.1 (8.9) 3 Beed (21.3) 4 Latur (55.8) 5 Osmanabad (13.7) 6 Nanded (20.9) 7 Parbhani 92.7 (14.2) 9 Marathwada (21.6) (73.2) (54.1) (62.4) (38.2) (67.6) (52.6) (53.4) (59.0) Source: District-wise Socio and Economic Review, March, 2009, Dept. of Economics and Statistical of Regional office, Aurangabad, Maharashtra State. Note: 1) Hingoli district is included in Parbhani district. 2) Figure in parenthesis for column 3 and 4 are percentages to gross irrigated area and the same of column 9 is percentages of gross irrigated area to gross cropped area (7/8*100). 90

17 proportion was highest 24.3 per cent in Beed, followed by Osmanabad (18.8per cent), Latur(18.5 per cent), Aurangabad (17.2 per cent), Jalna (12.6 per cent), Parbhani (10.1 per cent) and Nanded (9.1 per cent). The share of surface irrigation was highest 55.8 per cent in Latur and 8.9 per cent in Jalna, district. Well irrigation was highest proportion 73.2 per cent in Aurangabad followed by 67.6, 62.4, 54.1, 53.4, 52.6 and 38.2 per cent in Osmanabad Beed, Jalna, Parbhani, Nanded and Latur district respectively during the year. The extent of net irrigated area in the region was hundred hectare during the year District-wise Population Statistics in Marathwada Region Table 3.6 shows the district-wise population, sex ratio, density and decadal growth rate in Marathwada as per Current population of India in 2011 is estimated to be 1.21 billion which is per cent of the world s population. Its means one out of six people on the planet live in India. In India, as of 2011 census Maharashtra stands second with its 35 district in terms of population in India. Growth rate of population in Maharashtra is per cent where country s population growth rate is per cent and its stands at 21st position in the country. The state literacy rate 82.9 per cent against the national average of 74.0per cent stands at 12 th rank in the country. 9 In Maharashtra, Marathwada region total population 18.7 lakhs with 16.7 per cent share in the total states population. In Marathwada population person highest share is 19.7 per cent in Aurangabad followed by Nanded, Bed, Latur, Jalna, Parbhani, Osmanabad and Hingoli. Among the district of the region the highest percentage of male person is seen in Bed district (52.3 per cent), followed by Aurangabad (52.2 per cent), Osmanabad (52.1 per cent), Latur (52.0 per cent), Jalna (51.8 per cent), Hingoli (51.7 per cent), Nanded (51.6 per cent) and Parbhani 91

18 (51.5 per cent). On the contrary, female person has percentage to total district population in region. Table 3.6 District-wise Distribution of Population, Sex Ratio, Density and Decadal Growth Rare of Population in Marathwada as per 2011 Sr. No District Person Mala Female Sex Ratio 92 Density Growth Rate 1 Aurangabad (19.7) (52.2) (47.8) 2 Bed (13.8) (52.3) (47.7) 3 Jalna (10.5) (51.8) (48.2) 4 Latur (13.1) (52.0) (48.0) 5 Nanded (17.9) (51.6) (48.4) 6 Parbhani (9.8) (51.5) (48.5) 7 Hingoli (6.3) (51.7) (48.3) 8 Osmanabad (8.9) (52.1) (47.9) 9 Marathwada (16.7) (51.9) (48.1) 10 Maharashtra (51.9) (48.1) Source: com/india/district-wise-distribution-of population-in- maharashtra Note: Provisional Population 2011 Census In Marathwada, sex ratio is 942 which is little higher compared to Maharashtra. Among the district of the Marathwada region the highest sex ratio is 958 in Parbhani followed by Hingoli, Jalna, Nanded, Beed, Latur, Osmanabad and Aurangabad. Among the district Parbhani, Hingoli and Jalna district is higher compared to Marathwada and Maharashtra state. Density of population in the state is 365 persons per square kilometer which highest compared to Marathwada region. In this region Aurangabad district is highest density followed by Latur, Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, Beed and Osmanabad. Decadal growth rate is per cent highest in Aurangabad and lowest per cent in Osmanabad district.

19 SECTION B Profile of Sample Farmers in Parbhani District The profile of sample cash crop farmers in Parbhani district is providing the basic information in the area. This information includes socio-economic characteristics, land particulars, livestock, implements and machinery, farm building assets, cropping pattern etc General Information of Selected Cash Crop Farmers by Size of Holdings General information of selected cash crop farmers is presented in Table 3.7. As far as the general information of sample respondents are concerned out of a sample of 400 households, per cent small farmers, 25.0 per cent medium farmers and per cent large farmers. In case of 227 small households were 65.9 per cent to general castes, 22.5 per cent to other backward class and 12.0 per cent to other castes. In 100 medium farmers, out of 69.0 per cent general castes, 23.0 per cent other backward castes and 8.0 per cent were other castes. Average family size was highest 4.8 persons in small farm followed by 4.3 persons in medium and 4.1 persons in large farm. At an overall level, average family size worked out 4.5 persons, out of which children and adult was 1.2 persons and 3.2 persons respectively. The proportion of children was highest 29.0 per cent in small followed by medium and large farm which indicated that proportion of children was decreased with increasing the size of holdings. On the contrary, adult members were inverse relationship. The 93

20 Table 3.7 General Information of Cash Crop Farmers Sr. No. Particulars Size of holding Small Medium Large Overall 1 Total Number of Households 227 (56.75) 100 (25.0) 73(18.25) Social Status General 149 (65.6) 69 (69.0) 52 (71.2) 270 (67.5) OBC 51 (22.5) 23 (23.0) 16 (21.9) 90 (22.5) Other (SC & ST) 27 (11.9) 8 (8.0) 5 (6.8) 40 (10.0) 3 Average Family Size (persons) I) Children,< (29.0) 1.1 (26.5) 0.8 (19.32) 1.2 (26.82) II) Adult 3.4 (71.0) 3.2 (73.5) 3.3 (80.7) 3.2 (73.2) 4 Marital Status (61.2) (63.1) (62.3) (61.8) 5 Average Age (in years) Education Status I) Illiterate II) Primary III) Secondary IV) Graduation & above and other V )Total Sex I) Male II) Female III) Total Occupations I) Cultivation II) Allied agricultural activities III) Agricultural labour IV) Other V)Total Source: Field Survey. Note: I) Marital status, Education, Sex and Occupation are percentages to total number of household person. II) Other occupation included private & govt. services, business and trade. 94

21 proportion of marital status was highest 63.1 per cent in medium farm followed by 62.3 per cent large and 6.2 per cent in small farm. At an overall level marital status was 61.8 per cent to total population. Average age of selected farmers was 42.8 years, 45.1 years and 47.5 years in the farm size of small, medium and large farm respectively. At an overall level, the average age of family member was 44.2 years. The level of education of the overall farmers, 23.0 per cent were illiterate, 36.7 per cent attended primary school, 26.6 per cent attended secondary school and 13.8 per cent attended graduation & above. Level of education of the small farmers was 26.4, 42.4, 19.8, and 11.3 per cent in illiterate, primary, secondary and graduation & above. In case of medium farm, proportion of level of education was 20.7 per cent in illiterate, 27.0 per cent attended primary school, 36.7 per cent in attended secondary school and 15.6 per cent graduation & above. Level of education of large farm 13.7 per cent in illiterate, 29.7 per cent attended primary school, 36.4 per cent in attended secondary school and 20.2 per cent graduation & above. It is observed that level of education was increased with increasing in size of holdings. On the contrary, the illiterate was decreased with increasing in size of holdings. In general information sex ratio was the important components. In case of sex of male was highest 52.4 per cent in large farm followed by 51.9 per cent medium and 51.1 per cent small farm. On contrary, female sex ratio was inverse relationship. It indicates that disparity of sex in selected farmers. 95

22 It is also observed from same table, occupation of cultivation was highest 74.0 per cent in large farm followed by 70.0 per cent in medium and 67.8 per cent in small farm. At an overall level occupation of cultivation was 69.5 per cent. In case of allied agricultural activities, highest proportion was 13.0 per cent in medium farm followed by 10.1 per cent small and 6.8 per cent in large farm. Agricultural labour was main occupation from small farm which is highest 14.1 per cent followed by 6.0 per cent in medium farm. Large farm is not occupies in agricultural labour. Proportion of other occupation was 7.9 per cent, 11.0 per cent, 19.2 per cent in farm size of small, medium and large farm respectively, indicated that other occupation was increased with increasing the size of holdings. It an overall level occupationally, 10.8 per cent other (services, business & trade), 9.5 per cent agricultural labour, 10.3 per cent were engaged in agricultural allied activities and 69.5 per cent in cultivation Land Use Pattern of Selected Cash Crop Farmers Table 3.8 presented land use pattern of selected cash crop farmers by size of holding. It is observed from small farm, total land was acres. The net area under cultivation was acres (97.48 per cent). An area of acres was sown more than once which is per cent to total land. The gross cropped area was acres from sample farmers. About 2.1 per cent of the total land came under cultivable waste and 0.45 per cent fallow land which is very little share of the total land. The cropping intensity of the selected small farm was per cent. In case of medium farm, total land area was acres out of that 3.06 per cent cultivable waste, near about 2 per cent area in fallow land and net cropped area was 95.0 per cent (698.0 acres). The total gross cropped area 96

23 available for cultivation was acres ( per cent) to total land area. The cropping intensity was per cent. Area had sown more than once was per cent to total land for selected respondents. The large farm, total land was acres of which 94.1 per cent (842.5 acres) under net cropped area. Land area which was not available for cultivation was 3.07 per cent and 2.85 per cent area was cultivable waste to total land. Area sown more than once was per cent to total land. The gross cropped area was acres ( per cent) to total land. The cropping intensity was more than per cent. Table 3.8 Land Use Pattern of Selected Cash Crop Farmers (in acres) Size of groups Total Land Small (100) Medium (100) Large (100) Over all 2522 (100) Cultivable waste 18.5 (2.1) (3.06) (3.07) (2.72) Fallow land 4.0 (0.45) (1.91) (2.85) (1.72) Net area sown (97.48) 698 (95.0) (94.1) (95.56) Source: Field Survey. Note: Figures in brackets showing percentage to total land. Area sown more than once (32.83) (30.35) (26.58) (29.89) Gross cropped area (130.30) (125.36) (120.66) (125.45) Cropping Intensity At an overall level, total land was of which net cropped area was per cent. The cultivable waste land was 68.5 acre (2.72 per cent) and fallow land in selected farmers was 1.72 per cent. The gross cropped area was acre ( per cent) to total land. Cropping intensity was per cent. 97

24 It is also observed from this table cropping intensity was highest in small farm followed by medium and large farm. Gross cropped area and area sown more than once was also higher proportion in small farm followed by medium and large farm. Net cropped area was lowest in large farm followed by medium and small farm. Cultivable waste land was highest in large farm followed by medium and small farm. Fallow land was increased with increasing size of holdings. Figure 3.1 Illustrates Land use pattern of selected cash crop Farmers Figure 3.1 Land use pattern of selected cash crop farmer cultivanle waste Fallow land Net area sown 3.13 Source-wise Irrigated Area of Selected Cash Crop Farmers Source-wise e irrigated area with gross cropped area by farm size are calculated and presented in Table 3.9. In this table observed well irrigation was the primary source, covering 67.6 per cent of the total irrigated area 98

25 followed by 15.7 per cent tanks, 14.0 per cent tube-well and 2.7 per cent canal system. Proportion of irrigation was similarly in size of holdings on sources. Gross irrigated area and area irrigated sown more than once was highest in large farm followed by small and medium farm. Table 3.9 Land Source-wise Irrigated Area of Selected Cash Crop Farmers (in Acres) Size of groups Total land irrigated Well area irrigated Tube well area irrigated Tank area irrigated Canal area irrigated Small (100) (73.2) 92.0 (19.7) 0.0 (0.0) 33.0 (7.1) Medium (100) (72.7) (9.7) (17.6) (0.0) Large (100) (56.80 (11.3) (31.9) (0.0) Over all (100) (67.6) (14.0) (15.7) (2.7) Source: Field Survey. Note: Figures in brackets showing percentages to total irrigated land. Area Irrigated more than once (29.6) 87.5 (24.2) (32.6) (29.0) Gross Irrigated area (129.6) (124.2) (132.6) (129.0) Figure 3.2 Showing different source-wise irrigated area of cash crop farmers in Parbhani district Figure 3.2 Source-wise Irrigated Area of Cash Crop Farmers 99

26 3.14 Livestock Assets, Implements, Machinery and Farm Buildings of Selected Cash Crop Farmers The information about livestock assets, implements, machinery and farm buildings is presented in Table In case of livestock, bullock was highest 1.9 number in large farm followed by medium and small farm. Cow and buffalo was highest in small farm and decreased with increasing size of holdings. At an overall level, average 0.9 number cow and 0.6 number buffalo per holders. Sheep or goat was averagely higher in small farm followed by medium farm. Poultry or birds were similar average number in small and medium farm. Sheep and poultry were not tame for selected farmers. Other livestock was also same in all size of holdings. Farm implements included iron plough, wooden plough and bullock cart. Farm size-wise average numbers of different types of implements by sample farmers are presented in same table. Average per farmers iron plough was 0.4 numbers in large and medium farm followed by 0.3 numbers in small farm. At an overall level, average per farm iron plough was 0.3 numbers. Per household wooden plough was highest in large farm followed by medium and small farm. At an overall level, per farm wooden plough was 1.8 numbers. Similarly observed from bullock cart, indicated that increased with increasing average number in size of holdings. Farm machinery includes tractors, oil or electric pump set, power and hand sprayer, fodder cutter and other machineries including seed drill, drip etc. it can seen from the table per farmer 0.06 number of tractor in small farm and increased with increasing per farm number of tractor in medium and large 100

27 Table 3.10 Average Livestock Assets Implements, Machinery and Farm Buildings of Selected Cash Crop Farmers Size of groups Livestock Assets Implements Bullock Cow Buffalo Sheep/ Goat Poultry/ Birds Other Iron Plough Wooden Plough Bullock Cart Small Medium Large Over all Size of groups Tractor Pump Set Sprayer Power Oil Electric Machinery Other Equipments Farm Building Assets Storage Fodder Cutter Other Basket Spade Sickle Farm house Small Medium Large Over all Source: Field Survey. Note: Figures shows that average to the numbers by size of farm. Cattle Byre 101

28 farmers. Oil and electric pump set was also observed to increase with increasing size of holdings. At an overall level, per farmer 0.17 and 0.66 number of oil pump and electric pump set respectively. Per householder sprayer was 0.23 numbers in overall level and increased with decreasing size of holdings. At an overall level per householder fodder cutter and other machineries were 0.20 and 0.11 numbers and increased with increasing the size of holdings. Information about farm building assets including farm house, cattle byre and storage is presented in same table Per householder farm house was highest 0.30 numbers in large farm followed by 0.18 numbers in medium and 0.11 numbers in small farm. At an overall level, per householder was 0.16 numbers farm house. Similarly, for all size of holdings storage was increased with increasing in size of holdings. Per householder cattle byre was highest 0.88 numbers in large farm followed by 0.68 and 0.67 numbers in small and medium farm. At an overall level cattle byre was 0.71 numbers per farm. Other equipments including basket, spade and sickle was indicated the number of these equipments increased with increasing the size of holdings. At an overall level, per householder were 2.5, 3.6 and 1.7 numbers in basket, spade and sickle respectively Cropping Pattern of Selected Cash Crop Farmers A wide range of crops are grown in the selected cash crop farmers. As account for the season-wise cropping pattern was selected farmers by size of holding during the study year given in Table

29 Table 3.11 Cropping Pattern of Selected Cash Crop Farmers (in acres) Size of groups Kharif Total Rabi Cotton Mung Uid Bajra Maize Soybean Tur Other Wheat Gram Jowar Small (27.9) Medium (29.8) Large (29.3) Overall (28.9) 31.8 (2.7) 45.0 (4.9) 70.1 (6.5) (4.6) 2.3 (0.2) 5.0 (0.5) 11.7 (1.1) 19.0 (0.6) 26.2 (2.3) 23.5 (2.6) 23.4 (2.2) 73.1 (2.3) 2.3 (0.2) 8.0 (0.9) 27.9 (2.6) 38.2 ( (14.7) (13.9) (13.3) (14.0) 20.0 (1.7) 50.0 (5.4) 61.2 (5.7) (4.1) 10.4 (0.9) 8.0 (0.9) 10.0 (0.9) 28.4 (0.9) (50.6) (58.8) (61.5) (56.7) 83.3 (7.2) 50.0 (5.4) 55.5 (5.1) (6.0) 39.9 (3.4) 56.5 (6.1) 28.2 (2.6) (3.9) 71.6 (6.2) 60.5 (6.6) 79.2 (7.3) (6.7) Size of groups Small 10.5 (0.9) Medium 14.0 (1.5) Large 17.5 (1.6) Overall 42.0 (1.3) Rabi Total Summer Total Annum Total Gross Kardi Other Groundnut Other Sugarcane Fruits Fodder Cropped Area 5.8 (0.5) 5.0 (0.5) 7.9 (0.7) 18.8 (0.6) (18.2) (20.2) (17.4) (18.5) 78.0 (6.7) 34.5 (3.7) 46.5 (4.3) (5.0) 3.7 (0.3) 2.5 (0.3) 3.1 (0.3) 9.4 (0.3) Source: Field Survey. Note: Figure in parenthesis indicates percentage to the gross cropped area (7.0) 37.0 (4.0) 49.6 (4.6) (5.3) (14.8) ( (12.1) (14.1) 31.8 (2.7) 11.0 (1.2) 24.1 (2.2) 66.9 (2.1) 15.9 (1.4) 16.0 (1.7) 37.2 (3.4) 69.1 (2.2) (18.9) (18.5) (17.8) (18.4)

30 Cropping pattern of overall sample farmers in kharif season indicates that the area under cotton cultivation was highest 28.9 per cent followed by 14.0 per cent under soybean compared to other kharif crops. In rabi season proportion of area under jowar crop was 6.7 per cent followed by 6.0 per cent under wheat crop, 3.9 per cent gram crop, 1.3 per cent kardi and 0.3 per cent other rabi crops. In rabi season total crops under area was 18.5 per cent to gross cropped area. The area in summer season under groundnut crop was 5.0 per cent which is highest compared to other summer crops. Sugarcane cropped area was highest 14.1 per cent in annual season followed by fruits. At an overall level kharif season was highest proportion followed by rabi, annual and summer season. Farm size-wise analysis of cropping pattern was indicated that area under kharif season 56.7 per cent, 18.5 per cent under rabi season, 18.4 per cent under annual and 5.3 per cent under summer season. In case of small farm, cotton under cropped area was highest 27.9 per cent in kharif season, wheat cultivation in rabi season (7.2 per cent), groundnut cultivation in summer season (6.7 per cent) and sugarcane cultivation in annual season. Similarly, cropping pattern was observed in medium and large farm for all seasons. The table of cropping pattern also shown that cotton, soybean, groundnut, sugarcane and fruit were the major cash crops. In kharif season mung, uid, bajra and tur was very little share compared to other crops. kardi, gram was also small proportion in rabi season. 104

31 Reference:- 1. Government of India, (1961) Census of India, Vol. X, Maharashtra, Part-IX, Census Atlas. 2. Tikekar, S.R. (1966), Maharashtra-the land, Its People and Their Culture, Published by Maharashtra Information Centre, Government of Maharashtra Godgil Gangadhar (1977), Maharashtra Character on Article in Maharashtra A Profile, Khandekar, V. S. Felicitation Volume, Edited by A. K. Bhagwat, Published by Amrit Mohostav Satkar Samiti, Kolhapur. 5. Singh, R. L. (1989), India: A Regional Geography, Editor Singh R. L., National Geographical Society of India, Varanasi. 6. Govt. of Maharashtra, ( ), Agricultural Statistics Information Maharashtra State, Part-II, Chief Statistician, Commissioner of Agriculture, Pune and Unpublished documents. 7. Madhura Swaminathan, (1986), Introduction, Credit for Rural Development in Southern Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pp Sinha, S. N. (1964), Economics of Cropping Pattern in AICC, Economics Review, Vol. 15, No. 4, p