Chapter :- 3 STUDY AREA 3.1 ABOUT INDIA

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1 Chapter :- 3 STUDY AREA 3.1 ABOUT INDIA The India, located in South Asia. India is the seventh largest country in the world and Asia's second largest nation with an area of 3,287,263 square km. The Indian mainland stretches from 8 4' to 37 6' N latitude and from 68 7' to 97 25' E longitude. India is subdivided into 28 states, 6 Union Territories and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. In the north-west, India borders on Pakistan; in the north-east, China and Burma; and in the east, Burma. The southern peninsula extends into the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean with the Bay of Bengal lying to the south-east and the Arabian Sea to the south-west. India consists roughly of three major parts; in the north the massive Himalayas mountain range (with the highest point being the Kanchenjunga at 8,598 m) and the Indo-Gangetic plain (with deserts in the western end), and in the south the extensive Deccan plateau. CLIMATE OF INDIA The climate of India is dominated by the Asiatic monsoon, most importantly by rains from the south-west between June and October, and drier winds from the north between December and February. From March to May the climate is dry and hot. CYCLES OF SEASONS Though divided into different climatic zones, India seems to be unified by primarily four seasons- Winter, Summer, Advancing Monsoon and Retreating Monsoon. Winter: December to February is the wintertime in almost all of India. At this time of the year, days are cold with average temperature of 10-15c, but it can drop down to below 0c in some higher ranges of northern India. Normally winters are dry in northern India. In Southern part, the temperature difference is not so marked due to moderating effect of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Summer: March, April, May and June are the summer months in India. It is a time period when rays of the sun fall vertically on Indian subcontinent. The average temperature is around 32 c but in western region the maximum temperature can be far above the average. Hot wind, known, as 'Loo is the marked feature of summers in northern India. 21

2 CLIMATIC ZONES India, being a vast country does not fit into any one zone. Situated roughly between 8 N and 37 N Latitude, it occupies a large area of South Asia. It can be divided mainly into four climatic zones namely Alpine, Subtropical, Tropical and Arid. Alpine Zone: This climate zone can be experienced in the high altitudes of Himalayas. In this region there are high climatic fluctuations due to steep altitude variations. Different types of climatic zones can be seen in this region. If on the foothills occur subtropical climate there is Alpine Tundra Zone to greet you on the higher altitudes. Sub Tropical: This zone is prevalent in most of the northern part of India. It can be called as the typical Indian climate. Summers are hot and wet while in winter temperature may drop down to freezing point in higher ranges. Rainfall is common in summer season whereas winters are cold and dry. Tropical: It can be divided into two sub types viz, Tropical Wet Monsoon and Tropical Dry. The characteristics of Tropical Wet Monsoon include average temperature, which normally does not fall below 18 c, accompanied by average to high rainfall. In Tropical Dry type rainfall is not so common. Arid: High temperature and low rainfall are marked features of this climatic zone. It is prevalent in western part of the country and includes large part of Rajasthan. The temperature in this zone may shoot up to as high as 50 c in summer. FOREST India possesses a distinct identity, not only because of its geography, history and culture but also because of the great diversity of its natural ecosystems. The panorama of Indian forests ranges from evergreen tropical rain forests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Western Ghats, and the north-eastern states, to dry alpine scrub high in the Himalaya to the north. Between the two extremes, the country 22

3 has semi-evergreen rain forests, deciduous monsoon forests, thorn forests, subtropical pine forests in the lower montane zone and temperate montane forests. One of the most important tropical forests divided into 16 major forests types and subdivided into 221 minor types. The main areas of tropical forest are found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; the Western Ghats, which fringe the Arabian Sea coastline of peninsular India; and the greater Assam region in the north-east. Small remnants of rain forest are found in Orissa state. The Western Ghats Monsoon forests occur both on the western (coastal) margins of the ghats and on the eastern side where there is less rainfall. In the rain forests there is an enormous number of tree species. Clumps of bamboo occur along streams or in poorly drained hollows throughout the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of south-west India, probably in areas once cleared for shifting agriculture. The tropical vegetation of north-east India (which includes the states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya as well as the plain regions of Arunachal Pradesh) embraces evergreen and semi-evergreen rain forests, moist deciduous monsoon forests, riparian forests, swamps and grasslands. Evergreen rain forests are found in the Assam Valley, the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and the lower parts of the Naga Hills, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Manipur where the rain fall exceeds 2300 mm per annum. The monsoon forests are mainly moist sal Shorea robusta forests, which occur widely in this region. The Andamans and Nicobar islands have tropical evergreen rain forests and tropical semi-evergreen rainforests as well as tropical monsoon moist monsoon forests (IUCN, 1986). 3.2 ABOUT GUJARAT Gujarat is a state in India and its capital is Gandhinagar. Gujarat is India's seventh state in area and tenth largest in population. This state is situated on the west coast of the state is bounded by the Arabian sea on west, Pakistan on the north-west, Rajasthan on the north, Madhya Pradesh in south-east and Maharashtra in south Gujarat is of very rich heritage, glorious history and traditions is one of the most developed state in the country. Gujarat has an area of 75,686 sq mi (196,077 km²). The population of the Gujarat State was 50,671,017. Gujarat was created26 administrative districts in the state which are follows: 23

4 Table-1 Districts of Gujarat state. 1.Ahmedabad 10. Jamnagar 19. Porbandar 2. Amreli 11. Junagadh 20. Rajkot 3. Anand 12. Kheda 21. Sabarkantha 4. Banaskantha 13. Kutch 22. Surat 5. Bharuch 14. Mahesana 23. Surendranagar 6. Bhavnagar 15.Narmada 24. Tapi 7. Dahod 16. Navsari 25.Vadodara 8. Dang 17. Panchmahal 26. Valsad 9. Gandhinagar 18. Patan Gujarat has 13 universities and four agricultural universities. Gujarat is the largest producer of milk in India. Amul milk co-operative federation products are well known all over India, and it is Asia's biggest dairy. GEOGRAPHICAL AREA Gujarat is having 7.46 % of its' total geographical area under forest cover. As per the districts, The Dangs is having the largest area under forest cover. Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries. Outside Africa, Gujarat is the only present natural habitat of lions. Gir Forest National Park in the south-west part of the state covers only part of the lions' habitat. Other National parks include Vansda National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar and Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch. Wildlife sanctuaries include: Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary,Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary,Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary. Gujarat is one unique state where you can find major mountain-ranges of India. Aravalli, Sahyadri, Vindhya and Satpura are having their presence in Gujarat. Apart from this Gir hills, Barda, Jessore, Chotila etc. are situated in different parts of the Gujarat. Girnar is famous and tallest hill of Gujarat. Saputara is the only hill-station of the state. 24

5 RIVERS Sabarmati, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi. These are perennial rivers. Narmada is one of the major rivers of peninsular India with a length of around 1312 km. Banas, Kolak, Saraswati, Rupen Par, Damanganga, Auranga, Poorna Ambika, Kim, Dhadhar, Mindhola, Khari, Vatrak, Vishwamitri, Meshwa. CLIMATE OF GUJARAT The climate of Gujarat is moist in the southern districts and dry in the northern region. The year can be divided into: the winter season from November to February, the hot season from March to May, the south-west monsoon season from June to September and the intervening month of October. The winters are mild, pleasant, and dry with average daytime temperatures around 29 C (84 F) and nights around 12 C (54 F) with 100 percent sunny days and clear nights. The summers are extremely hot and dry with daytime temperatures around 41 C (106 F) and at night no lower than 29 C (84 F). Relief comes when the monsoon season starts around in mid June. The day temperatures are lowered to around 35 C (95 F) but humidity is very high and nights are around 27 C (81 F). Gujarat has varied climatic conditions. The northwestern part is mostly dry due to the desert areas while the southern region is moist due to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The southern districts receive maximum rainfall, making it suitable for vegetation. The northern region is dry because of the adjoining desert. The average rainfall in Gujarat varies from 33 to152cms. The southern region of the state has an average rainfall ranging from 76 to 152cms, Dangs district having the highest average of about 190cms. The northern districts have a rainfall varying from 51 to 102cms. The rainfall in the southern highlands of Saurashtra and the Gulf of Cambay is approximately 63cms while the other parts of Saurashtra have a rainfall less than 63cms. The semi-desert area of Kutch has a very low average rainfall. LAND Gujarat with an area of 1,96,024 sq.kms occupies the 7th rank in India. If the soil of Gujarat is studied from the geological point of view one finds that there are two main areas in Gujarat: the western boundary of Saurashtra peninsula and alluvial plains of 25

6 North Gujarat. If these two areas are excluded then we find that Gujarat is made up of hills of volcanoes. There is a large area of alluvial fertile land in the state, the reason for it being rivers having roots in other states flowing into Gujarat bringing in a lot of alluvium. This is very benificial for the agricultural sector in the state. Problem of Saline Land. The problem of Saline land is not only found in Central Gujarat and the coastal areas of Kachchh but also in other areas. The main reason for spread of salts in the land is that as most of the rivers of Saurashtra and North Gujarat areas are not perennial rivers, water is not recharged. Moreover, as more quantity of underground salt is absorbed, according to one estimate, salty water of sea has spread to about 1,65,000 hectares. As a result about 13 lakh farmers are adversely affected. Due to spread of salts in the land, more than 800 villages of the state are affected. The farmers of Gujarat are incurring huge financial losses due to damage to crops. In these circumstances, there have been successful attempts to bring up the water levels through check dams, due to which spread of salt in the land will be prevented and targets of agricultural production will be achieved. FOREST Gujarat has about lakh hectares of land under forest. A large part of the forest cover which is economically exploitable is distributed in the districts of Dangs, Panchmahals, Broach, Surat, Bulsar, Junagadh, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha. Dangs, Surat and Broach, which are the three southern districts of the state have a sizable area under forest. The districts of Panchmahals and Sabarkantha in north-east Gujarat and Junagadh in Saurashtra are other important areas of forest cover. The south and southeastern parts of the state support the growth of a tropical deciduous forest. The densest forest coverage in Gujarat is found in the Dangs district (80.42%) and the lowest in Rajkot (1.32%). The main forest products are wood used in building works and wood for fuel, while the sub products are mangoes, seeds of karinji, fruits like Jambu, grass, bamboos, gum, honey, Aritha, Amla, timru leaves, oil seeds etc. The forest of the state can be divided into the following broad categories, depending upon their environmental adjustments and the general morphological character of the representative species. Moist Deciduous Forests:-Moist Deciduous Forests occur in Dangs and parts of Vyara in Surat division. These forests are not evergreen and shed their leaves during 26

7 March and April, through the under-wood and shrub cover are fairly green. Teak is an important species which drops its leaves only in the cold weather in localities which are relatively dry or cold, but is almost evergreen in the moistest parts of its distribution. Teak needs a moderately good rainfall and a well-drained terrain. The associates of teak in the moist deciduous forests are Terminalia tomestosa and Anogeissus latifolia. Dry Deciduous Forests:-There are a mixed growth of trees which are deciduous during the dry season. The lower canopy in these forests is also deciduous with occasional evergreen or sub greens being present in the moister area. There is an undergrowth of shrubs, but the light reaches the surface allowing the growth of grass which occasionally develops into a savanna-type grass field. Bamboos are not luxuriant. Other trees of the dry deciduous forests are teak, Boswellia serrata, Anogeissus latifolia and Diospyros malanoxylon. Dry deciduous forests with teak occur in north-east Gujarat, particularly in Sabarkantha district. The forests of Junagadh are valuable for their yield of timber and of grass growing on their outer margin. Thorny Forests:-With the decreasing rainfall in the drier north the forests turn thorny and tend to assume a xerophytic character. Such forests occurring either in Kutch or north Saurashtra and Banaskantha district are characterised by Acacia arabica, Acacia leucophloea, Capparis ophylla, Zizyphus mauratiana etc. The thorny forests of north Gujarat are sparse and provide sites for cattle-grazing. There are bamboo plantations but there are virtually no trees that can yield timber. CROPS Gujarat is the main producer of tobacco, cotton, and groundnuts in India. Other major food crops produced are rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, Tur, and gram. Gujarat has an agricultural economy; the total crop area amounts to more than onehalf of the total land area. 3.3 ABOUT ANAND Anand is located near the Gulf of Cambay in the southern part of Gujarat. 27

8 Proximity with Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch and Gandhinagar has made the district an important industrial center. The district has 8 talukas, of which the major ones are Anand (district headquarter), Umreth, Anklav, Borsad and Khambhat. Focus industry sectors include, Food & Agriculture, Engineering & Autoparts, Chemicals, Port & Ship Building, Minerals, Cement Amul Dairy Co-operatives: Amul, with a capacity of 6.5 million litres/day ( ) is the largest dairy cooperative of India Tourist places: Amul Dairy Cooperative Museum, Flo -Art, Khambhat and Anklavadi Table - 2 Fact File of Anand district. Geographical Location to East (Longitude) to North (Latitude) Average Rainfall 777 mm Rivers Sabarmati, Mahisagar, Shedhi and Navida Area 2,951 sq. km. District Headquarter Anand Talukas 8 Population 1,647,759 (As per 2001 Census) Population Density 558 Persons per sq. km. Sex Ratio 910 Females per 1000 Males Literacy Rate 57.27% Languages Languages Hindi and English Seismic Zone Zone III Agriculture Major crops produced in the district are banana, papaya, potato, mango, gooseberry, onion and cabbage. In , Anand district had the third highest production of banana in the state amounting to 5,26,185 MT, followed by potato with a production of 1,88,940 MT. A significant amount of cereals, pulses and cotton production is witnessed in Anand. 28

9 Climate The climate of this district is characterized by a hot summer and general dryness in the major part of the year. Summer is very hot and winter is too cold. The cold season is from December to February. The hot season from March to the middle of June is followed by the southwest monsoon season, which continues up to about the end of September October and November constitute the post monson period. Temprature After February there is rapid increase in the temperature. May is the hottest month. After October both the day and night temperature decrease at rapid rate. January is the coldest month. Soil Fertility Indices/rainfall The soil in Anand District in general is neutral PH. Electricity conductivity, too, is low. Organic carbon is low and Phosphorus content of the soil is medium. Potash is high. So, overall, the soil fertility indices are good from the point of view of agriculture.the average rainfall during last 10 years has been more than 730 mm. The general weather conditions are conducive to good agriculture harvest. Major Crops (Kharif & Rabi) Paddy, Bajara and Tobacco are 3 main Kharif Crops grown over an area of hectares out of total Kharif area of Ha. Remaining land is covered by Castor, Cotton, Turver, and Seasamum (8046 Ha.) Paddy is the main crop covering 76.5% of area under Kharif crop. Wheat, Potato and Maize are 3 main Rabi Crops grown over an area ha. out of total Rabi area of Ha. Horticulture Crops Main horticulture crops in Anand district are Banana, Citrus, Mango, Papaya, Aonla and Sapota. Area wise Banana is grown over an area of Ha, followed by Citrus and Mango with an area of 4292 Ha and 1919 Ha. respectively and Papaya, Aonla and Sapota being grown over an area of 1616, 1461 and 339 Ha respectively. 29

10 Development of Major Food and Cash Crops Major Food Crops In Anand District, Paddy, Bajra, Wheat and Potato are the main food crops. Cash Crops Tobacco and Cotton are the major cash crops in Anand District. 3.4 ABOUT BORSAD Borsad Taluka is situated in Anand district. Anand district is situated in the South Gujarat near the Gulf of Cambay. The district is full of good Industries. Anand district was established in the year It has 8 talukas. Its population is about 18, 56,872 people. Borsad taluka of Anand district lies in middle Gujarat. It is located around 17 km. from Anand. It is surrounded fertile charotar region which largly produces Tobacco, Bananas, Cotton, Bajara and other agricultural crops. According to a legand Borsad was established as a hamlet by the efforts of a mont in 2 nd century A.D. It was declared by municipality in 1888 and in 1925 Borsad is located 22º25 N 72º54 E / 22.42ºN 72.9ºE. It has averaged elevation of 30 metres(98 feets). Borsad s population is 96,998. Table - 3 Nearby Cities and Towns West- North- East- South Dharmaj (5.5 nm) Petlad (6.3 nm) Napa (4.1 nm) Napad (5.4 nm) Agas (6.1 nm) Vallabh Vidyanagar (7.0 nm) Mogari (7.2 nm) Karamsad (8.0 nm) Walasan (8.1 nm) Anand (9.2 nm) Mehlav (10.1 nm) Umeta (8.9 nm) Vasad (9.5 nm) Anghad (10.4 nm) Sarsa (12.2 nm) Koyali (12.4 nm) Bhadran (3.0 nm) Dewan (8.8 nm) Dabka (10.4 nm) 30

11 Table - 3 Borsad Village 1. Alarsa 17. Dhanavasi 33. Kathana 49. Rudel 2. Amiyad 18. Dhobikui 34. Kathol 50. Saijpur 3. Badalpur 19. Dhundakuva 35. Kavitha 51. Sarol 4. Banejda 20. Divel 36. Khanpur 52. Santokpura 5. Bhadran 21. Gajana 37. Khedasa 53. Singlav 6. Bhadraniya 22. Gorel 38. Kinkhlod 54. Sisva 7. Bochasan 23. Gorva 39. Kothiya Khad 55. SurKuva 8. Bodal 24. Harkhapura 40. Moti Sherdi 56. Umlav 9. Chuva 25. Jantral 41. Naman 57. Uneli 10. Dabhasi 26. Jharola 42. Nani Sherdi 58. Vachhiyel 11. Dadpura 27. Kalu 43. Napa 59. Vadeli 12. Dahemi 28. Kanbha 44. Nisaraya 60. Vahera 13. Dahewan 29. Kandhroti 45. Pamol 61. Valvod 14. Dali 30. Kankapura 46. Pipli 62. Vasna-Borsad 15. Davol 31. Kasari 47. Ranoli 63. Vasna -Ras 16. Dedarda 32. Kasumbad 48. Ras 64. Virsad Climate The climate id during humid characterized by short winter, long summer with moderately rainfall. during study period temperature did not fluctuate much throughout the year. The highest temperature is observed during March-May and lowest is during December and January. The precipitation was generally from June to September and last till late October. Normally august were the rainiest months while December and January were the driest months. The average annual rainfall was about 182 mm. During 2000 it has 703 mm. but during the year 1995 it was least rainfall 495 mm. so far recorded. 31

12 Topography: River The Mahi river flows from many taluka of Anand district. It arise from Arvalli hills. In Anand district it was passed from Umreth, Anand, Anklav, Borsad and Khambhat. In Borsad (Fig. ), it subsequently passes through Moti Sherdi, Kothiyakhad, Nani Sherdi, Valvod, Gajna, Sarol, Gorva, Dahevan, Badalpur, Kankapura and than passes through Khambhat lastly enter into Gulf of Khambhat. Ponds There are almost each village has at least one pond. The size of the pond is upto 13 hectares. During the months of April and May ponds were driedup and after monsoon it was full of water. The main characteristic of ponds is the presence of Acacia Sp. surrounding of Ponds. Soil Fertility The soil in Borsad is generally neutral to alkaline ph. Electricity conductivity and Organic carbon is low and Phosphorus content of the soil is medium. Potash is high. So, overall, the soil fertility are good for agriculture. Mahi riverbed commonly known as KOTAR and the soil of these area are very fertile because of constant soil erosion process was occur by human and naturally. In Kothiyakhad and Moti Sherdi these types of soil zones called BHATHU. Agriculture Tobacco, Bajara, Wheat, Rise and Banana are main Crops grown. Remaining land is covered by Capsicum, Banana, Castor, Cotton, Maize, Potato, Sorghum, Rai and certain vegetables also. In Borsad taluka Bajra, Rise and Wheat are the main food crops. Tobacco and Cotton are the major cash crops. In Borsad taluka, there are Banana, Citrus, Mango, Papaya, and Sapota grown as a horticulture crops. 32

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14 Fig. 1a STUDY AREA 33

15 Map of Borsad 34