CHAPTER - III METHODOLOGY, PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SAMPLE FARMERS

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1 CHAPTER - III METHODOLOGY, PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SAMPLE FARMERS 3.1 Introduction A brief description of methodology adopted, profile of the study area and characteristics of sample farmers is presented in this chapter. 3.2 Methodology Methods which were used for collection and analysis of data including specific tools of analysis and empirical models are described in this chapter Area of the Study The Thoothukudi District is comprised of 12 blocks; out of which the Srivaikuntam taluk was selected for this study. In the Srivaikuntam taluk, two blocks namely Srivaikuntam and Karunkulam were taken for the study. From the two blocks, a total sample of 428 households was taken for this study. Farmers from ten villages in these two blocks (in a descending order) cultivating both paddy and banana were chosen for selection of sample farmers Period of Study The present study is carried out in Srivaikuntam block of Thoothukudi district. It was intended to cover representative sample villages which differ from

2 one another in conditions of production, irrigation, rainfall etc. The period of study was confined to a single agricultural year , one Kharif season and one Rabi season Sample Designing A multi- stage stratified random sampling technique is adopted for this study. In the first stage, Srivaikuntam taluk is selected. At the second stage, from Srivaikuntam taluk, two blocks are selected- Srivaikuntam block and Karunkulam block. At the third stage, out of thirty six revenue villages in Srivaikuntam block, ten villages are selected on the basis of total number of farmers and out of thirty three revenue villages in Karunkulam block, ten villages are selected. Farmers from ten villages in these two blocks cultivating both paddy and banana are chosen as sample farmers. At the last stage, from the selected villages 5 per cent farmers are chosen and total of 428 farmers are selected randomly. Finally from the 428 farmers, 124 small farmers and 68 large farmers for paddy and 142 small farmers and 94 large farmers for banana are selected for the present study. The required data were collected from Srivaikuntam and Karunkulam blocks in Thoothukudi district. A sample of 428 farmers (5 per cent in total farmers) representing different size of holdings from the selected 10 villages in each block were interviewed for collecting primary data related to crop production and the like for estimation of energy and its availability for energy use in the study 89

3 area. However, an intensive survey method was adopted for collection of data for which pre-structured schedule was used Sampling Procedure A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was adopted for this study. In the first stage, out of the eight taluks of Thoothukudi District, Srivaikuntam taluk was selected. At the second stage, in Srivaikuntam taluk, two blocks were taken namely Srivaikuntam block and Karunkulam block. At the third stage, out of thirty six revenue villages in Srivaikuntam block ten villages were selected on the basis of total number of farmers and out of thirty three revenue villages in Karunkulam block ten villages were selected. At the last stage, the numbers of farmers of the selected villages were chosen and total of 428 farmers were selected randomly. The village-wise list of sample farmers is presented in Table

4 Sl. No. TABLE 3.1 NAME OF VILLAGES AND PROPORTIONATE SAMPLE SELECTED FARMERS Block / Name of Villages Srivaikuntam Total Farmers Sample Farmers Overall Paddy Banana Paddy Banana Farmers in Block Wise Overall Selected Farmers 1 Maramangalam Sawyerpuram Srivaikuntam Eral Korkai Iruvappapuram Siruthondanallur Vallavallan Thollappanpannai Velur Kaspa Total 1,868 2, , Karunkulam 1 Karunkulam Sekkarakudi Singathakurichi Serakulam Vasavappapuram Ellainacickenpatti Manakarai Alanda Vallanadkaspa Arampannai Total 1,987 2, , Overall 3,855 4, , Source: Taluk Office Report, Srivaikuntam Taluk,

5 3.2.4 Data Collection The study depends on both primary and secondary data. For the purpose of collecting the primary data, the major techniques such as observation, informal talks and interview schedules are the best ones. The survey method is to be used as a tool for data collection and to study the energy consumption pattern of the agricultural sector of the selected villages. The secondary data were obtained from the Assistant Director of Statistics and the Revenue Department Officials of Thoothukudi District. In addition to these, census data pertaining to population at the village as well as district level required were collected from the district census handbooks for the year Further, energy budgeting was done with the help of the energy equivalents. The measurement of energy was done by expressing the equivalent energy unit in Mega Joules. Because, different forms of energy are equivalent and all can be expressed in the same units. In the international system of units, amounts of energy are expressed in Joules (J) or multiples of the Joules. A kilo Joule (KJ) equals 1,000 J, and a Mega Joule (MJ) equals 1,00,000 joules. One Joule is equal to the amount of energy in one watt of electricity used for one second. Symbol J is also known as Newton-meter of energy. And the inputs covered under the study were converted into equivalent units of energy and expressed in Mega Joules (MJ). The energy requirements for the production of paddy and banana were calculated by applying the energy equivalents. 92

6 3.2.5 Analytical Tools used. To measure the cost and returns, the concepts of Cost A and Cost C were To convert physical units of inputs and outputs into energy terms, the procedure of Prakash Metha and Racco et al., has been followed for the present study. To identify energy inputs influencing per acre value of output energy for small and large farmers, log-linear multiple regression model was used. test was used. To test the structural difference between small and large farmers, Chow s To find out whether the structural differences existed at intercept and/or slope level, a log linear multiple regression model incorporating intercept and slope dummy was used. For analysing resource use efficiency of different energy inputs, the procedure to test the marginal value productivity against unity suggested by E.O. Heady and Dillon (1952) was followed. To examine substitution and complementarities between energy inputs Allen Elasticity of Substitution (AES) derived from Trans log cost was used. The own and cross price elasticity of demand of different energy inputs were computed from Trans log cost function. 93

7 Measurement of Variables Human Labour Human labour man days were measured in terms of eight hours of work per day. It was evaluated in terms of the man days worked by both male and female workers. Female wage rate was observed to be about half that of the male worker and hence two units of female labour were converted into one unit of male labour. Human labour included hired labour, permanent labour and family labour. Hired Labour Hired labour represents the labourers employed for farming activities during the cultivation period and wages were calculated on the basis of the prevailing market rates. Permanent Labour Labourers permanently hired for farming activities throughout the year are considered permanent labour. Family Labour In each family, those who are actively involved in farming activities were considered family labour. Imputed wages were calculated at the prevailing market price during the cultivation period. 94

8 Bullock Labour It comprised the physical work of two bullocks, for eight hours of work. The value of human labour was excluded Organic Manure The cost of organic manure was calculated on the basis of the prevailing market price per quintal. Inorganic Manure Inorganic manure is only fertilizer. It refers to the actual amount applied in kilograms in the form of nitrogen, potassium and phosphate in paddy cultivation. Pesticides Pesticides and insecticides are used in spraying to protect the crop from pest menace. In the case of liquid pesticide 1100 ml. was considered as equivalent to one kilo pesticide used. Seed The quantity of seed purchased in terms of kilograms for paddy and banana cultivation was considered as seed in the present study. Irrigation Irrigation was measured in terms of hours. It referred to the water drawn from the public irrigation or own wells or both to a height of one centimetre water level in the field, at periodical intervals. 95

9 Mechanical The actual period of time hired for tractors and power tillers was referred in the study as mechanical based on the hiring charges prevailing in the study area. Interest Interest was calculated for working capital, which was simply the average interest rate (12 per cent) that prevailed during the study period in the study area. It was measured in rupees. Working Capital Cost on different inputs put together is termed as working capital. It excluded interest. Farm Size It refers to the amount of land actually cultivated during the reference period. It includes the own land plus the leased-in land under cultivation by a farmer. Small Farmer five acres. The term small farmer refers to one who has a net cultivable area less than Large Farmer The term large farmer refers to one whose net cultivated area is five or more than five acres. 96

10 Net Cultivated Area The actual extent of land cultivated by the farmer is termed net cultivated area. It could be owned or leased-in land. Gross Cultivated Area It refers to the sum of net cultivated area and the area sown more than once. Cropping Intensity It is the ratio between gross cultivated area and net cultivated area. Symbolically, Gross cultivated Area Cropping Intensity = Net cultivated Area Yield Yield is measured in terms of physical quantity of paddy and banana produced in kilograms as well as in their monetary value at the prevailing price. Rent The prevailing rate in terms of rupees, for the use of land, during the reference period has been considered rent. Other Cost The expenses incurred on depreciation on farm implements, interest on permanent capital structures excluding the land and the incidental expenses incurred during agriculture operations are treated as other cost. 97

11 Cost A It includes the cost on human labour, bullock labour, fertilizer, pesticide, irrigation, mechanical power and seed. It is also called operational cost. Cost C Cost C includes, Cost A, interest on working capital, rent on land and land revenue, cess tax and depreciation of farm machinery. Gross Income The market value of physical output of main and by-products of the particular crop has been termed as gross income. Net Income Gross income minus Cost A has been termed as net income. Output Energy The output of both main and by-products measured in terms of energy has been called output energy. Per acre Value of Output Energy The ratio between output energy and size of the farm has been termed as per acre value of output energy. Net Energy as net energy. Output energy minus Cost A measured in terms of energy has been termed 98

12 Per Acre Value of Net Energy The ratio between net energy and its farm size has been termed as per acre value of net energy. 3.3 Profile of the Study Area Inception The Thoothukudi District carved out of the erstwhile Tirunelveli District in 1986 has certain rare features. The Government in their G.O. Ms.No.535 / Revenue Department dated ordered the formation of a new district called the Chidambaranar district which is named after the great patriot and freedom fighter late V.O.Chidambaram Pillai. It was formed on , with its headquarters at Tuticorin, by bifurcating the erstwhile Tirunelveli District. (District Industry Centre, ) The district has been renamed as the Thoothukudi district from 1997 as per the G.O. Ms. No. 618/ Revenue Administration (1) Department dated Location The Thoothukudi district is bounded by the Virudhunagar district on the North, Tirunelvelli district on the South and West and the Bay of Bengal on the East. It lies between and 45 0 of the Northern longitude and 78 0 and 11 0 of the Eastern longitude. The total area of the district is 4621 km 2 (District Statistical Hand Book, ). 99

13 Map: 3.1 Area of Study 100

14 There are three Revenue divisions (namely Thoothukudi, Kovilpatti and Tiruchendur), eight taluks and 12 blocks in the district. This district comprises 19 town panchayats and three municipalities. There are 468 revenue villages grouped in 408 panchayats. Climate and Rainfall The climate of Thoothukudi is neither too hot nor too cold. During the months of April, May and June the Thoothukudi district is hot. During winter, that is, in the months of December and January, the climate is pleasant. The average maximum temperature recorded is C and the minimum is C. The rainfall is high in the coastal taluks namely Thoothukudi and Tiruchendur. The average rainfall of the district is mm but the actual rainfall varies year to year, and the variation is large (District Statistical Hand Book, ). Table 3.2 reveals the rainfall in Thoothukudi district during When the North East monsoon started, the actual rainfall recorded was higher up to millimetres. During the cold season it was very low that is, 41.7 millimetres. 101

15 TABLE 3.2 RAINFALL SEASON-WISE DURING , THOOTHUKUDI DISTRICT (in millimetres) Seasons Period Normal Rainfall Actual Cold weather Jan-Feb Hot weather March to May South West monsoon June to September North East Monsoon Oct to December Total Source: District Statistical Hand Book , Thoothukudi District. Irrigation Tamirabarani, a perennial river irrigates about 19,000 hectares in the Thoothukudi district, through 52 system tanks. The river rises from Agasthiar Malai in Pothigai hills in the Western Ghats, passes down through, Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli, Srivaikuntam and Tiruchendur taluks (the former two taluks are in the Tirunelveli District) (the latter two taluks are in the Thoothukudi district) and enters into the sea at Punnakayal (in the Thoothukudi district) a place between Thoothukudi and Tiruchendur. The most fertile lands lie on either sides of the river (Durairaj, 1998). The rest of the lands in other taluks are dry lands. In the taluks of Tiruchendur, Srivaikuntam and some area of Thoothukudi, there are windblown sandy belts, red in colour, with sand dunes, 102

16 which are locally known as Theri. The net area under irrigation through government canal is 3,873 hectares; through tank irrigation, 18,040 hectares, through tube wells 256 hectares and by other wells 20,406 hectares. Agriculture The district economy is largely agrarian. Important agricultural crops are paddy, chillies, banana, cumbu, chenna and cotton. The total cultivated area in the Thoothukudi district accounts 1,65,998 hectares of which the net area sown is 1,60,992 hectares and the rest is 5,006 hectares. (District Statistical Hand Book, ). The intensity of cropping is rather low, because most of the cultivated land is rain fed. Demographic Situation In the 2001census, the Thoothukudi district had a population of 15,72,773 persons; of which 7,66,823 were males and 8,05,450 were females. The rural population accounted for 9,07,500 persons while the urban population was 6,64,773. The density of population in the district was 340 persons per square kilometre (District Statistical Hand Book, ). The total population of the Tiruchendur taluk is 3,08,154 persons; of which 1,45,714 are males and 1,62,440 are females. 103

17 TABLE 3.3 CLASSIFICATION OF AREA AND POPULATION BLOCK WISE IN THOOTHUKUDI DISTRICT (2001 CENSUS) (in number) Population Name of the Block Area (sq.k.m) Persons Male Female Thoothukudi 366 4,05,363 2,03,368 2,01,995 Srivaikuntam 244 1,12,440 54,799 57,641 Karunkulam ,443 38,673 40,770 Tiruchendur 136 1,18,862 56,591 62,271 Udangudi ,415 33,454 38,961 Alwarthirunagari 213 1,16,877 55,669 61,208 Satankulam ,396 36,151 44,245 Ottapidaram 738 1,14,759 56,989 57,770 Kovilpatti 419 2,04,371 1,00,254 1,04,117 Kayathar 570 1,03,713 50,236 53,477 Vilathikulam ,560 44,936 46,624 Pudur ,810 35,439 36,371 Total 4,621 15,72,773 7,66,823 8,05,450 Source: Census Book, 2001, government of India. 104

18 Industry The Thoothukudi coastal area is well-known for salt manufacturing. At Thoothukudi, the Central Government has a Research Centre for marine salt in addition to the State Government s units. There are two industrial estates in the district, one at Kovilpatti and the other at Thoothukudi. The major industrial units in the Thoothukudi district are Southern Petro Chemical Industries Corporation (SPIC), Tuticorin Alcaline Company (TAC), Dharangadara Chemical Works (DCW), Sterlite Copper Smelting Industries, Heavy Water Plant and Thermal Power Project. Literacy The Thoothukudi district ranks second in literacy in the state with 81 percent of the population being literate. TABLE 3.4 THE LITERACY RATE AS PER 2001 CENSUS Category Literacy Rate (in percentage) Male Female Total Tamil Nadu Thoothukudi Source: Tamil Nadu An Economic Appraisal, , Department of Evaluation and Applied Research (DEAR) Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, pp.s4 S5. 105

19 Employment The total population of workers in the district is 6,73,682; of which male workers are 4,30,386 and female workers are 2,43,296. The total number of rural workers is 4,28,883 and that of urban is 2,44,799. The employment pattern shows that there are 71,315 cultivators, 1,67,387 landless agricultural labourers, 45,783 persons in household industry and 3,89,197 other workers. There are 88,944 marginal workers and 89,206 non-workers (District Statistical Hand Book, ). Fisheries On the eastern border of Thoothukudi district, there are 24 coastal villages ranging from Vembar to Periathazhi covering 135 kms. Marine fishing is one of the sources of employment to the fisher folk. In 2001 the total population of the fisher folk was 43,707 out of which 21,180 involved in fishing and marketing operations. There were 20 fishermen co-operatives and 13 fisher women cooperatives in the Thoothukudi district. Fisher women were found engaged chiefly in marketing fresh and dried fish. The per capita income per family was only `6,573. A Fisheries College with Research Institute has been functioning since 1977 at Thoothukudi (District Statistical Hand Book, ). 106

20 Forest The total reserve forest area is 11,012 hectares. In the total forest products, timber contributes metric tonnes, fuel wood 13,273 metric tonnes and cashew 5.24 tons. Transport and Communication The important towns and villages are well connected with a good network of roads. The total length of roads in the Thoothukudi district is 4,705 km; of which the length of surfaced and unsurfaced road is 4, and km respectively. The length of the National Highways in the Thoothukudi district is km and that of the State Highways is 1, km. Municipality and Municipal Corporation roads contribute to a total length of km. The district has km length of railways. Thoothukudi is connected by Air transport from June 1991 and the airport is located near Vagaikulam at a distance of 15 kms from Thoothukudi. There are 39 post offices doing postal business alone and 406 post offices doing post and telegraph works. The district has 95,155 telephone connections, with 3,689 public call offices and 69 telephone exchanges (District Statistical Hand Book, ). Port The district has the pride of having a major Port, the Thoothukudi Harbour Project renamed as the Thoothukudi Port Trust. During , 1,517 vessels 107

21 entered Thoothukudi port and cargo to the tune of 1.36 crore tones was handled. Exports of certain raw materials and finished products are shipped to about 20 foreign countries. The Thoothukudi port has been issued the prestigious ISO 9002 certificate for port operation and services and has joined the select group of world ports by becoming the first Indian major port to get such certificates. From the foregoing section on the profile of the study area, it is clear that the Thoothukudi district has people of different occupations and the majority of the workers earn their income through agriculture. Most of the villages are rainfed areas and paddy and banana are cultivated mainly in the delta areas of the river Thamirabarani. Agriculture is found to be the main occupation in the district. As agricultural workers do not have regular employment throughout the year, they have to earn their livelihood through other works during the off season. 3.4 Srivaikuntam Taluk Profile Srivaikuntam taluk is located almost at the southern side of the district. On the northern side, Ottapidaram and Thoothukudi taluks are situated. Gulf of Manner lies on the eastern side. Satankulam and Tiruchendur taluks are the southern boundary of this taluk. To its western side lies Tirunelveli district. There are two blocks, 36 revenue villages, 31 village panchayat and four town panchyat in this taluk. The climate is pleasant during September to December. During summer that is April to June it is hot. With regard to education, there are five pre-primary 108

22 schools, 75 primary schools, 15 middle schools, four high schools, three higher secondary schools, one arts college, one engineering college, one agricultural college and one polytechnic institution. This taluk has a total area of 24 Sq. kilometers. As per the 2001 census, the population of this taluk is 2,59,603 out of which the male population is 1,26,421 and the female population is 1,33,182. The density of population is 223 sq. km. The number of females per 1000 males is The total number of work force in the taluk is 36,344 persons; of which 21,115 are male workers and 15,229 are female workers. The percentage of workforce to the total population is There are no medium or large scale industries in this taluk. Occupational pattern shows that total number of cultivators is 16,645. Agricultural labourers (15,905) constitute per cent to the total work force. There are 7,759 male agricultural workers and 8,146 female agricultural workers. The total number of workers in cottage and households industries is 1,287 which contribute only 3.54 per cent to the total work force in the block. There are 391 male and 896 female workers in this category. Workers in other industries are 1,147. The numbers of male and female workers are 105 and 1,042 respectively. They form 3.16 per cent of the total work force. Other workers are 6,048 or per cent of the total work force. 109

23 The total length of roads in this taluk is km. The length of tar roads is 38.5 km, and of metal roads is 50 km. The length of saral roads is 12.6 km and the length of mud and unsurfaced roads is 3.7 km. The main crops cultivated in the taluk are paddy, banana, groundnuts, vegetables and fruits. Srivaikuntam taluk has few infrastructure facilities and the cultivators mainly rely on the channel. The net area sown in this taluk is 7,297 hectares. Current fallow and other fallow lands account for 5,404 hectares. The area under barren and uncultivated land is 2,819 hectares. The forest land occupies 12 hectares. The following tables 3.5 and 3.6 explain the area irrigated by crops and area irrigated by sources. 110

24 TABLE 3.5 AREA IRRIGATED BY CROPS ( ) (in Hectare) S. No Crop Gross Net 1. Cereals Paddy Blackgram 2. Pulses 3, ,193 Groundnut Oilseeds Coconut Castor (Jetropha) Neem 4. Fibres Cotton (Lint) Other Crops Sugarcane Chillies (Dry) Cardamom (Tamarind) Areca nut Palm Banana , ,196 Total Irrigated Area 8,782 7,297 Source: Taluk Statistical Hand Book, , Srivaikuntam Taluk. 111

25 TABLE 3.6 AREA IRRIGATED BY SOURCES ( ) Area (in ha) S. No Source Number Gross Net 1. Surface Water 1. Tanks Large Small Flow Irrigation Major and Medium Minor Ground Water 1. Public Tube Wells Private Tube Wells Dug Wells Pump sets electricity Operated Source: Taluk Statistical Hand Book, , Srivaikuntam Taluk Srivaikuntam Block A short description of Srivaikuntam block is presented in this subdivision. Srivaikuntam block is located almost at the southern side of the district. On the northern side, Ottapidaram and Thoothukudi taluks are situated. Gulf of Manner lies on the eastern side. Satankulam and Tiruchendur taluks from the southern boundary of this taluk and Karunkulam block lies in the western region. There are 36 village panchayats in this block. 112

26 Size of the Population The growth of population is increasing year after year. Due to the rapid growth of population, poor socio-economic conditions become prevalent. The following table shows the size of the population of the study area as per the census report TABLE 3.7 SIZE OF THE POPULATION IN SRIVAIKUNTAM BLOCK Sex Male Female Population Size 93,472 98,411 Percentage to Total Population Total 1,91, Source: Srivaikuntam Block Hand Book, The above table shows that the total population in this block is 1,91,883 of which the male population is 93,472 and the female is 98,411. The female population is higher than that of the male. In Srivaikuntam block, the climate is pleasant during September to December. During summer (April to June) it remains is hot. With regard to education, there are five pre-primary schools, 48 primary schools, 15 middle schools, four high schools, three higher secondary schools, one arts college, one engineering college, one agricultural college and one polytechnic institution. 113

27 The density of population is 232 per sq. km. The number of females per 1000 males is The total number of work force in the block is 26,495 persons out of which 15,897 are male workers and 10,598 are female workers. The percentage of workforce to the total population is There are no medium or large scale industries in this block. Occupational pattern shows that total number of cultivators is 7,505. Agricultural labourers (14,536) constitute per cent to the total work force. There are 8,722 male agricultural workers and 5,814 female agricultural workers. Other workers are 4,454 or per cent of the total work force Karunkulam Block A short description of Karunkulam is presented in this subdivision. Karunkulam block is located almost at the southern side of the district. On the northern side, Ottapidaram block is situated. Thoothukudi and Srivaikuntam blocks lie on the eastern side. Satankulam and Alwarthirunagari blocks are the eastern boundary of this block. To its southern side, Tirunelveli district lies. There are 33 village panchayats in this block. Size of Population The following table shows the size of the population of the study area as per the Census Report

28 TABLE: 3.8 SIZE OF THE POPULATION IN KARUNKULAM BLOCK Sex Male Female Population Size 38,673 40,770 Percentage to Total Population Total 79, Source: Karunkulam Block Hand Book, This block has a total area of Sq. kilometers. As per the 2001 census, the population of this block is 79,443 out of which the male population is 38,673 and the female population is 40,770. The number of SC/ST is 21,459, that are 27 per cent of the total population. The climate is pleasant during September to December. During summer that is, April to June it is hot. With regard to education, there are 74 primary schools, 15 middle schools, six high schools, four higher secondary schools and three matriculation schools. The density of population is 223 sq. km. The number of females per 1000 males is The total number of work force in the block is 34,104 persons out of which 20,433 are male workers and 13,671 are female workers. The percentage of workforce to the total population is There are no medium or large scale industries in this block. Occupational pattern shows that total number of cultivators is 9,140. Agricultural labourers 115

29 (15,822) constitute per cent to the total work force. There are 7,676 male agricultural workers and 8,146 female agricultural workers. The total number of workers in cottage and households industries is 2,912 which contribute only 8.54 per cent to the total work force in the block. There are 1,434 male and 1,478 female workers in this category. Workers in other industries are 2,320. The numbers of male and female workers are 2,212 and 108 respectively. They form 6.80 per cent of the total work force. The total number of literates is 52,326 out of which, 28,571 are male (that is, per cent of the total male population) and 23,755 are women (that is, per cent of the total population). The total length of roads in this block is km. The length of tar roads is km, and of metal roads is km. The length of saral roads is 12 km and the length of mud roads is 3.4 km. The main crops cultivated in the block are paddy, banana, groundnuts, vegetables and fruits. Karunkulam block has few infrastructure facilities and the cultivators mainly rely on the channel. The net area sown in this block is 10,000 hectares. Current fallow and other fallow lands account for 1,112 hectares. The area under barren and uncultivated land is 2,742 hectares. The forested land occupies 135 hectares. 116

30 Cultivation Particulars of the Sample Villages in Srivaikuntam Block Table 3.9 gives the picture of cropping intensity and gross cultivable area for paddy and banana in the selected 10 villages in Srivaikuntam block. In Srivaikuntam block, Maramangalam village has per cent of cropping intensity whereas Srivaikuntam village has per cent. In the present study, paddy and banana were selected to analyse the energy use pattern in agriculture. The gross cultivated area for paddy was 51.5 per cent in Maramangalam village and 4.4 per cent in Velur kaspa village of the total area. The gross cultivated area for banana was 86.2 per cent in Thollappanpannai village against 3.9 per cent in Kelurkaspa village. The overall gross cultivated area for paddy was 27.7 per cent and that for banana was 40.5 per cent in Srivaikuntam block. 117

31 TABLE 3.9 CROP CULTIVATION PARTICULARS OF THE SAMPLE VILLAGES IN SRIVAIKUNTAM BLOCK Sl. No. Name of the Village Area in Hectare Net Area Sown Gross Cultivated Area Cross Cultivated Area under Paddy Gross Cultivated Area under Banana 1 Velur Kaspa Maramangalam Siruthonda Nallur Iruvappapuram Thollappanpannai Vallavallan Korkai Sawyerpuram Eral Srivaikuntam Source: Block G Return and Records of the village Administrative officers. Cultivation Particulars of the Sample Villages in Karunkulam Block Table 3.10 shows the cropping intensity in the selected villages. In block, Singatha Kurichi village has per cent of cropping intensity against Karunkulam village. The gross cultivated area under paddy was 52.5 per cent in 118

32 Vallanad Kaspa village whereas 8.6 per cent of that in Singathakurichi village of the total area. The gross cultivated area for banana is 61.1 per cent in Arampannai village against 27.0 per cent in Vallanad kaspa village of the total area. The overall gross cultivated area for paddy was 36.0 per cent and banana was 41.9 per cent in Karunkulam block. TABLE 3.10 CULTIVATION PARTICULARS OF THE SAMPLE VILLAGES IN KARUNKULAM BLOCK Sl. No. Name of the Village Area in Hectare Net Area Sown Gross Cultivated Area Cross Cultivated Area under Paddy Area in Hec. Gross Cultivated Area under Banana Area in Hec. 1 Alanda Sekkarakudi Singathakurichi Ellainacickenpatti Vallanadkaspa Vasavappapuram Manakarai Aram Pannai Karunkulam Serakulam Source: Block G Return and Records of the village Administrative officers. 119

33 3.5 Characteristics of Sample Farmers This section attempts to describe the socio-economic factors of the sample farmers, which influence the energy use pattern in paddy and banana cultivation in the study area. Though there are many socio-economic factors, the present study confines itself to age, education, family size, participation of family members, operational holdings, cropping pattern and experience in farm activities Farmers Cultivating Paddy Age-wise Distribution of the Sample Farmers Cultivating Paddy Age is an important factor in deciding the allocation of resources, so as to achieve maximum yield. The age-wise distribution of the sample farmers cultivating paddy is shown in Table From Table 3.11, it is clear that per cent of the sample farmers were in the age group of years. Among the small farmers, per cent were in the age group of while in the case of large farmers, it was per cent. Further, the table shows that 8.85 per cent of farmers were in the age group of less than 30 years. 120

34 TABLE 3.11 AGE-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING PADDY Number of Respondents Age in Years Small Large Farmer Farmer Below (10.48) (5.88) (30.65) (19.12) (41.94) (44.12) (10.48) (17.65) 60 and above 8 9 (7.45) (13.24) Total (100.00) (100.0) Source: Survey Data. Note : Figure in brackets is percentages to total. Total 17 (8.85) 51 (26.56) 82 (42.71) 25 (13.02) 17 (8.85) 192 (100.00) Educational Status of the Sample Farmers Cultivating Paddy The optimum utilisation of energy inputs is determined mainly by the educational status of the farmers. From the sample farmers, it is observed that most of the farmers were found to be educated by the Department of Agriculture and they generated more output by introducing intensive methods of cultivation. Table 3.12 shows the educational status of the sample farmers. 121

35 TABLE 3.12 EDUCATIONAL STATUS OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING PADDY Number of Respondents Educational Status Small Large Total Farmer Farmer Illiterate 33 (32.61) 18 (26.71) 51 (26.56) Primary Education 58 (46.77) 29 (42.65) 87 (45.31) Secondary Education 19 (15.32) 17 (25.00) 36 (18.75) College Education 14 (11.29) 4 (5.88) 18 (9.38) Total 124 (100.00) 68 (100.00) 192 (100.00) Source: Survey Data. Note : Figure in brackets is percentages to total. From Table 3.12, out of 192 sample farmers 51 of them (26.56 per cent) were illiterate. The percentage of those educated up to the primary school level was higher among small farmers (46.77 per cent) than among large farmers (42.65 per cent). While in the case of college level those educated up to the large farmers had a little higher percentage (5.88 per cent) than the small farmers (11.29 per cent) Sex-wise Distribution of Sample Farmers Cultivating Paddy It is revealed that per cent of the sample farmers were males and remaining per cent was females (Table 3.13). 122

36 TABLE 3.13 SEX-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING PADDY Number of Respondents Sex Small Large Total Farmer Farmer Male 104 (83.87) 60 (88.24) 164 (85.42) Female 20 (16.13) 8 (11.76) 28 (14.58) Total 124 (100.00) 68 (100.00) 192 (100.00) Source: Survey Data Note : Figures in brackets are percentages to total. In the farming operations, women small farmers contribution was higher (16.13 per cent) than women large farmers (11.76 per cent). It was observed an over domination of males was found only in the cultivation of paddy Family Size of Farmers Cultivating Paddy The size of the family has been an important factor to determine the requirements of family labour in paddy cultivation. The family size of sample farmers is presented in Table

37 TABLE 3.14 FAMILY SIZE OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING PADDY Number of Respondents Family Size Small Large Total Farmer Farmer Below 4 61 (48.19) 21 (30.88) 82 (42.91) (32.06) 34 (50.00) 75 (39.06) (12.10) 11 (16.18) 26 (13.54) 8 and above 7 (5.65) 2 (2.93) 9 (4.69) Total 124 (100.00) 68 (100.00) 192 (100.00) Source: Survey Data Note : Figures in brackets are percentages to total. From Table 3.14, it is clear that, in the study area, per cent of the total sample farmers had a family size of less than 4 members and only 4.69 per cent had a family size of above 8 members Number of Family Members Participating in the Cultivation of Paddy The level of family members participation has been a factor to determine the high yield of paddy. The reason is that they involve themselves sincerely irrespective of time spent on farming operation. This minimises the cost of production also. Table 3.15 shows the number of family members engaged in paddy cultivation. 124

38 TABLE 3.15 NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN CULTIVATING PADDY Number of Respondents Particulars Small Large Farmer Farmer Total Below 2 27 (21.77) 25 (36.68) 52 (27.08) (37.90) 34 (50.00) 81 (42.19) (33.67) 8 (10.46) 49 (25.52) 6 and above 9 (7.26) 1 (0.77) 10 (5.20) Total 124 (100.00) 68 (100.00) 192 (100.00) Source: Survey Data Note : Figures in brackets are percentages to total. Table 3.15 reveals that per cent of the sample farmers have utilized one to four members from their family in Paddy cultivation. Further the table shows that small farmers used more family members in various activities of paddy cultivation than that of large farmers Farming Experience of Sample Farmers Cultivating Paddy The experience of farmers in the cultivation of paddy is one of the deciding factors for the rational allocation of different inputs for paddy cultivation. Table 3.16 shows the classification of sample farmers based on their farming experience. 125

39 TABLE 3.16 EXPERIENCE OF THE SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING PADDY Number of Respondents Experience in Small Large Years Farmer Farmer Overall Less than 5 20 (16.13) 20 (29.41) 40 (20.83) (36.10) 25 (36.77) 71 (36.98) (42.74) 21 (30.88) 74 (38.54) (4.03) 2 (2.94) 7 (3.65) Total 124 (100.00) 68 (100.00) 192 (100.00) Source: Survey Data Note: Figures in brackets represent percentage to total. It is observed from Table 3.16 that per cent and per cent of the sample farmer had the experience of 5-10 years and years respectively. The farmer having experience of less than 5 years formed per cent. Only five per cent of farmers had experience of years Farmers Cultivating Banana Age-wise Distribution of Sample Farmers Cultivating Banana The most important factor that influences farming operation particularly the cultivation of banana is to achieve maximum yield. The age-wise distribution of sample farmer is given in Table

40 TABLE 3.17 AGE-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING BANANA Number of Respondents Age in Years Small Large Total Farmer Farmer Below (11.27) 6 (6.38) 22 (9.32) (24.04) 16 (17.02) 50 (21.19) (44.37) 39 (41.49) 102 (43.22) (11.27) 21 (22.34) 37 (15.67) 60 and above 13 (9.15) 12 (12.77) 25 (10.59) Total 142 (100.00) 94 (100.00) 236 (100.00) Source: Survey Data. Note : Figure in brackets is percentages to total. Table 3.17 shows that per cent of the farmers were in the age group of years. The age group of years was relatively higher in the case of small farmers (44.37 per cent) than in the case of large farmers (41.49 per cent). The farmers below 30 years constituted only 10 per cent to the total farmer. Those above 50 years was only per cent Educational Status of Sample Farmers Cultivating Banana Educational status of the farmers influences the method of cultivation, farm management and the like. Table 3.18 shows the distribution of sample respondents based upon their educational level. 127

41 TABLE 3.18 EDUCATIONAL STATUS OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING BANANA Number of Respondents Educational Status Small Farmer Large Farmer Illiterate (17.61) (10.64) Primary Education (47.18) (45.75) Secondary Education (30.99) (30.85) College Education 6 12 (4.23) (12.77) Total (100) (100) Source: Survey Data. Note : Figure in brackets is percentages to total. Total 35 (14.83) 110 (46.61) 73 (30.93) 18 (7.63) 236 (100) Table 3.18 shows that per cent of the farmers in the study area had primary and secondary education, followed by those with college level education (7.63 per cent). The illiterate farmers were per cent to the total. The primary education percentage was higher among small farmers (47.18 per cent) than large farmers (45.75 per cent). In the college level education, a higher percentage was found in the case of large farmers (12.77 per cent) than in the case of small farmers (4.23 per cent) Sex-wise Distribution of Sample Farmers Cultivating Banana Table 3.19 shows the sex-wise distribution of sample farmers cultivating banana. 128

42 TABLE 3.19 SEX-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE FARMERS Sex CULTIVATING BANANA Number of Respondents Small Farmer Large Farmer Male (81.69) (87.23) Female (18.31) (12.77) Total (100) (100.00) Source: Survey Data Note : Figures in brackets are percentages to total. Total 198 (83.39) 38 (16.11) 236 (100) From Table 3.19, it is inferred that the majority of sample farmers, that is, per cent were males and the remaining per cent were females. Further, in the case of large farmers only per cent of the female were engaged in banana cultivation. The females were found to be more in the category of small farmers (18.31 per cent) than in the category of large farmers (12.77 per cent). It is clear that more males (83.39 per cent) participated than females (16.11 per cent) in the cultivation of banana Family Size of Sample Farmers Cultivating Banana The family size has been the most important factor in determining the requirements of family labour in farming operations. The family size of the small and large farmers in the study area is given in Table

43 TABLE 3.20 FAMILY SIZE OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING BANANA Number of Respondents Family Size Small Large Total Farmer Farmer Below 2 16 (11.27) 25 (26.60) 41 (17.37) (67.61) 21 (22.34) 117 (49.58) (12.68) 43 (45.75) 61 (25.85) 6 and above 12 (8.45) 5 (5.32) 17 (7.20) Total 142 (100) 94 (100) 236 (100) Source: Survey Data Note : Figures in brackets are percentages to total From Table 3.20 it is clear that nearly per cent of the farmers had a family size of 2 to 4 members while eight per cent of the farmers had a family size of more than 6. The family size of 4-6 was found high in the case of large farmers constituting per cent to the total. In the case of small farmers it was only per cent to the total Number of Family Members Participating in the Cultivation of Banana Family labour has been the most important factor that determined productivity. The reason is that they work hard and sincerely, irrespective of time 130

44 spent on farms. Table 3.21 shows the number of family members engaged in Banana cultivation. TABLE 3.21 NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN CULTIVATING BANANA Number of Respondents Family Size Small Large Farmer Farmer Below (23.45) (26.60) (36.62) (47.87) (30.99) (19.15) 6 and above 13 6 (9.15) (6.38) Total (100) (100) Source: Survey Data Note : Figures in brackets are percentages to total. Total 58 (24.58) 97 (41.10) 62 (26.27) 13 (5.51) 236 (100) Table 3.21 shows that 65 per cent of the sample farmers had utilised 1 to 4 of their family members in the cultivation of banana. It is inferred from the table that small farmers used more family labour than the large farmers Farming Experience of Sample Farmers Cultivating Banana The success of cultivation of banana depends on the experience of the farmers. Table 3.22 shows the classification of sample farmers based on their farming experience. 131

45 TABLE 3.22 EXPERIENCE OF SAMPLE FARMERS CULTIVATING BANANA Number of Respondents Experience in Small Large Years Farmer Farmer Overall Less than 5 21 (14.79) 33 (35.11) 54 (22.88) (30.98) 20 (21.28) 64 (27.12) (43.66) 35 (37.23) 97 (41.10) (11.56) 6 (6.38) 21 (8.89) Total 142 (100.00) 94 (100.00) 236 (100.00) Source: Survey Data Note : Figures in brackets represent percentages to total. From Table 3.22, it is inferred that per cent of the total sample farmers had a farming experience of years. Only per cent had less than 5 years experience. Those who had 15 to 20 years of experience are accounted to 8.89 per cent. In the Srivaikuntam taluk, two blocks namely Srivaikuntam and Karunkulam were taken for the study. From the two blocks, a total sample of 428 households was taken for this study. Farmers from ten villages in these two blocks (in a descending order) cultivating for both paddy and banana were chosen for selection of sample farmers. 132