IRRIGATION AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS

Transcription

1 194 CHAPTER VI IRRIGATION AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS 6.1 Introduction During the successive plan periods, a special attention was given to the extension of irrigation in the dry areas of our country. Irrigation development and improved farm practices have tackled the basic problems of low productivity, inferior cropping pattern, subsistence agriculture and rural poverty in the rain fed areas. The developments in irrigation are always regarded as stimulant to modernize agriculture. Such modernization takes place only when the farmers can afford themselves to invest in the process of development of agriculture. The ability of farmer to invest in agricultural sector has been determined by irrigation as it promotes income level. Mechanization of agriculture is the essential characteristic of irrigated areas. An assured irrigation, therefore, paves the way for mechanization. The mechanization of agriculture is the labor saving input. It further refers to use of improved implements with the application of new farm technology (mechanization) agricultural productivity has shown marked improvements. (Patil P.V. 2002) This has become common phenomenon in irrigated areas of western Maharashtra. In irrigated area farming is generally carried out scientifically and with commercial attitude. The period during seventies and nineties has witnessed considerable increase in the quantity and quality of improved implements run by mechanical power. The heavy iron ploughs drawn by five or four pairs of bullocks were gradually replaced by multifunctional implement like Tractor. Favorable government policies have led to the availability of financial facilities through government agencies banks or co-operative basis which encouraged their member farmers for high production. The farmers were supplied tractors and other improved implements on long term loan basis. Besides these, the role of regional agricultural universities is worth maintaining which devised new improved

2 195 implements of agriculture and suitable to local environments. On individual level many entrepreneurs have been engaged in devising new innovations in agricultural implements. All these efforts were resulted into overall increase in agricultural productivity Solapur District. Solapur district has emerged out recently as progressing part of the state regarding the use of improved implements. The nature and intensity of agriculture, mainly in irrigated areas, has been determined by improved implements. However, there is regional disparity in the distribution of these implements. There are many implements which require heavy investment. They can not be afforded by small farmers and especially farmers in any farming areas where income level of farmers is insignificant. It is observed that there has been awareness among the farmers regarding the merits of improved implements. An even small farmer prefers to hire modern implements particularly for Plouging land preparation, winnowing harvesting etc in the region. In view of this, the study of the Spatio temporal developments or different aspects of mechanization have been considered. The main focus of this chapter is on tractorization in agriculture which has been developed during the last three decades in order to achieve timely field operations of satisfactory quality. In the present study, the trends of tractorization in Solapur District have also been attempted. The study also incorporates to assess the use of inanimate energy in agricultural and to analysis the spatial pattern of energy use in agriculture. Besides these, an attempt has been here to understand the Spatio-temporal variations in the levels of mechanization in Solapur district. The present study is based on primary as well as secondary data. Nearly 16 per cent. Sample villages were selected for primary data besides this, the secondary data obtained from the records of Zilla Parishad and State Government agricultural development and R.T.O. Office of Solapur district. Use of statistical procedures is made wherever essential and the methodology is discussed at appropriate places.

3 Progress of Mechanization through Five Years Plans Before analysing mechanization it would be pertinent to take a brief review of progress of mechanization and the policies taken during various plan periods. The first and second ( ) five year plans did not indicate any specific targets for agricultural implements. Third five years plan marked a serious gap in agricultural programmed undertaken during the first and second five year plans. There is a general recognition of the importance for scientific agriculture of improved tillage and harvesting practices but a specification has been slow and inefficient. The Fourth Five years Plan ( ) has observed that the programmed of implements and machinery continues to suffer from variety of short-coming such as lack of suitable designs high cost of manufacturing some implements, lack of adequate facilities of repair maintenance and supply of spare parts. In the fifth five years plan ( ) a policy of selective mechanization was adopted and plan included introduction and popularization of improved tools and implements, undertaking of special schemes for trials and demonstration of implements, like seed-cum fertilizers drills organization of prototype production designing center, spread of the knowledge of design features and functional performance of equipment under various crops and soil conditions (Lekhi R.K. 1986). In Solapur district the modern implements have been popularized from through IADP (Intensive Agricultural District Programme) and use of these in the last two and half decades. The reference period of the study is there fore, selected as Twenty eight years from various types of implements are used for the agricultural operations, in which some of them are discussed here. They are broadly divided under the two categories viz, tractor operated implement and another is power operated implement these implements have been discussed in relations to per 1000 hectares of cultivated land.

4 197 However, some limitations regarding data availability have restricted the scope of temporal study. Certain data like the number of rotavactor. Seed cum fertilizers drill plant protection equipments harvester etc. Are of recently introduced i.e. after 1980 so information pertaining those aspects have been spatially analyzed here after 1980s. 6.2 Tractor Operated Implement Different agricultural operations have been performed with the help of improved implements, which were operated by tractor (Inanimate Power). This has proved to be efficient and result oriented causing into an increase in agricultural efficiency. These tractor operated implements are used for the ploughing and tillage operations like harrowing, leveling seeding and harvesting Tractor Operated Ploughs As compared to the wooden and Iron plough, the tractor operated ploughs facilitate deep ploughing. They are of two types one is Mould boald Plough and another is disc plough. The use of these ploughs is depending on crop and the type of soils to be tilled. Locally they are called as Nangar and pulty. There are about 2815 tractors operated ploughs in the region in A) Spatial Pattern 1) Zone of the High Proportion Based on the regional imbalance in the number of ploughs, five zones are canbe identified. However its distribution varies from east to west high i.e. over 4 ploughs per 1000 hectares of cultivated land are confined mainly to the belts along newly Irrigated area on Ujjani Canal tehsils of Pandharpur and Akkalkot as this tract is endowed with assured irrigation facilities and substantial income from sugarcane farming. The farmers have adopted new cultivation techniques. 2) Zone of Moderate Proportion The innovative nature of farmers, the role of co-operative sugarcane factories in boosting up the spread of implement technology availability of

5 198 financial aids is also responsible for such moderate proportion. About 2 to 4 ploughs per 1000 hectares of cultivated area are observed in tehsils of Karmala, Malshiras, Mohol and South Solapur i.e. central part of the region (Fig.6.1A) these thesils are endowed with the development in irrigation mainly from wells and tube wells. 3) Zone of low proportion This zone covers relatively less irrigated area below 2 ploughs per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. They are found in tehsils of Madha, Mangalwedha and North Solapur. The physiographic impediments and high fluctuations of water table have retarded the development of modern technology. In fact extreme eastern and north eastern parts of districts are virtually dry parts and depending on uncertain monsoon rainfall. This has resulted into low purchasing power of farmers (Fig. 6.1 A) B) TEMPORAL PATTERN ( ) Fig. 6.1.B reveals the temporal change in tractor operated ploughs in the region. The high change (above 03 ploughs per 1000 hectare of cultivated areas observed in the tehsil of Akklkot. A new developed agriculture on Ujjani Canal irrigation part has varies crops if sugarcane, jawar, rich alluvial tract, high purchasing power of farmers and their forward looking attitude. The moderate change 1 to 3 ploughs per 1000 hectares of cultivated land is found along the Bhima, Sina and Man River due to substantial development of agroindustries. They provided implements at subsidized rates to farmers. The low below 3 ploughs per 1000 hectares of cultivated area ) changes is confined to the tehsils of North Solapur,Madha, Mangalwedha of Solapur district due to the adverse environmental conditions and lack of irrigation facilities. Thus a Spatio-temporal variation in the number of these implements has been determined by the Physio-socio-economic set of the region Rotavators Rotavator has been recently introduced tractor operated implement which is used for pulverising soils. The rear portion of the tiller has 20 rotary

6 199 blades which cut and pulverise soil to a depth of 150 mm and cover a cutting width of 660mm. eight different speeds of the rotavator and six forward moving speeds enable the machine to maneuvers in all kinds of soils effectively (G.G. Mirchandani 1973). The distribution of rotavators varies from tehsil to tehsil. The low i.e. below 0.5 rotavators per 1000 hector. of cultivated land it Malshiras and Madha tehsils in the district. This is mainly due to the fact that the farmers, in such areas are unable to allocate more land (Fig. 6.2) under such crops which can fetch them higher income. However, within such area some tehsils namely Karmala, Mohol, Pandharpur and South Solapur recorded moderate density i.e. between 0.5 to 1.50 rotavators per 1000 hectares of cultivated land. These tehsils are recently endowed with the development in irrigation facilities. Mainly from wells, tube wells and canals. Besides this role of co-operative is also playing vital role regarding financial assistance and subsidies to farmers. Moreover along the river belts and canal Irrigation Development. It is observed that high density (between above 1.50 rotavactor per 1000 hect.) It mainly due to the substantial income from sugarcane and forward looking attitude of farmers to adopt modern implements of thesils of Mangalwedha Cultivators Cultivator, another tractor operated implement is used for inter crop culture activity locally. It is called as Kulav. The low proportion (below 1 cultivator per 1000 hect. Of cultivated land prevails in the tehsils of Akkalkot North Solapur, Malshiras of the district Fig. 6.3 A (as compared to other irrigated parts of the district. However, with in such area some tehsils namely Madha, Mangalwedha, Mohol, Pandharpur, South solapur have recorded moderate i.e. 1 to 3 cultivators per 1000 hector, of cultivated area. This might be attributed to recent establishment of agro based industries which are playing vital role for promoting the new machinery. Moreover along the river belts we can observe high density (between 3 cultivators per 1000 hector. Of cultivated

7 200 land). This is mainly due to assured water supply from different irrigation sources. There are some temporal changes in the distribution of cultivators Fig. 6.3 B reveals the fact that the low (below 1) changes are recorded by the tehsils of Akkalkot, Malshiras, Mangalwedha, North Solapur parts of the district. This may be due to the lack of irrigation facilities. The Moderate change (between 1-2) has taken place tehsils of Madha, Mohol, Pandharpur, South Solapur. The tehsils of Karmala assured supply of water from the different sources. The high changes i.e. between and above 2 cultivated per 1000 hect, of cultivated land are observed along the river belts. This can be attributed to monoculture of the sugarcane, role of sugar factories positive role of co-operative regarding financial assistance conversant nature of farmers to new implements etc Seed-cum Fertilizer Drills Different types of rollers may help to sow different crop seeds of various sizes and shapes. The improved seed drills have facilitated farmers to sow seed systematically. Besides, the proportion of fertilizers is saved and overall production of crops has sown increases. However, all the farmers do not own such seed drills. Another advantages of such seed-drill are that along with seeds fertilizers can be sown in the soils (G.G. Mirchandani, 1973). There zones can be identified Spatial Pattern 1) High Density Zone The tehsil of Malshiras of the district have recorded high density (above 2 and per 1000 hect. of the cultivated land). This is due to the multiple cropping systems adopted by the farmers according to their needs and gradual decrease in drought animal (Fig.6.4). 2) Moderate Density Zone The moderate density i.e. between 1 to 2 drills per 1000 hect. Of cultivated land is confined to tehsils of Madha, Karmala, Pandharpur and South

8 201 Solapur of the district to Monoculture of Sugarcane. Where as in the South Solapur tehsils of the farmers income level has remained low. 3) Low Density Zones The low density i.e. below 1 drill per 1000 hect. Of cultivated land is observed in the tehsils namely of Akkalkot, Mohal, Mangalwedha and North Solapur. This is mainly due to the lack of irrigation facilities and adverse environmental conditions. Consequently this lends to the low proportion of cultivated land Tractor Operated Threshers This has given satisfactory performance in tests. But is claimed to be especially suitable to thresh high-yielding verities. Such tractor operated threshers are recently introduced in Solapur district. SPATIAL PATTERN The Low Density (below 0.50 threshers per 1000 hect of cultivated land) is observed Akkalkot, Madha, Mangalwedha and South Solapur thesils of the district where the income level of farmer is poor. Consequently farmers can not take advantage of this technology. The moderate density (between 0.50 to 1.50 threshers per 1000 hect.) is confined to the tehsils of Karmala, Mohol and Pandharpur (Fig. 6.5) where the agro based industries are playing vital role for promoting the new machinery. Moreover the area along canal irrigation developed high density (above 1.50 threshers per 1000 hect.)is observed Malshiras and North Solapur thesils of the district This could be attributed to the assured supply of water from the different sources Tractor operated Harvesters These tractor operated reapers have been recently introduced in the district. There are about only 16% repairs in the district and they are concentrated in the tehsils of Karmala, Mangalwedha, South Solapur, Pandharpur, and Akkalkot as this part is an extensive tract of sugarcane cultivation. Many agro-based industries mainly sugar industries have

9 202 introduced such type of reapers for harvesting wheat and paddy. However the application such repair is limited as it requires extensive track under the same crop. But small holdings have become Major constraint for its application (Fig. 6.6) Tractor Operated Plant Protection Equipments The tractor operated plant protection equipments have been used mainly in horticulture for spraying the chemicals in time. This has saved time and human labor at the considerable extent. There are about 490 such equipments in the district which are concentrated in the tehsils of Pandharpur and South Solapur (Fig.6.7) different chemicals are used in this horticultural belt mainly to control diseases and pests in grapevine cultivation. It is observed that for the rest of crops they have not been used largely are farmers due to their non suitability to other crops. Low proportion of tehsils of the Akkalkot, Karmala, Madha, Malshiras, Mohol, North Solapur of the district. 6.3 Power Operated Implements The introduction of high yielding varieties and multiple cropping in general have a more critical time schedule for harvesting and threshing. Threshing becomes exceedingly difficult on too early a harvest. As a result, the farmers use power operated implements for the agricultural operations Power Operated Threshers Removal of gain, in completes and without breakage, is its important characteristics of threshers. The thresher is effective for high yielding verities. It needs only 3 HP oil engine or electric motor (G.C. Mirchandani, 1973). Spatial pattern Their distribution varies prominently from east to west. Very high density of threshers (over1.50 threshers per 1000 hect) is confined mainly to the areas parallel tract is endowed with assured irrigation facilities of the tehsils of Mohol and Akkalkot of the district. The moderate density, ranging from 0.50 to 1.50 threshers per 1000 hect. Of cultivated area is observed in Karmala, Mangalwedha, and South Solapur. (Fig. 6.8A) These tehsils are endowed with

10 203 the development in irrigation mainly from wells tube wells and canals. Beside this in this part the agro based industries are recently established which are also playing vital role for promoting the technology. The low i.e. below 0.50 threshers per 1000 hect of cultivated land respectively is found in the tehsils of Malshiras, Madha, and Pandharpur. North Solapur where there is lack of irrigation facilities. The adverse environmental conditions have also retarded the development of such technology (fig. 6.8 B) reveals that there is also temporal change in the number of threshers in the region. The high change i.e. above 0 to 1 threshers per 1000 hect. Of cultivated land is observed in the thesils of Karmala,Mohal and Akkalkot on the Marginal land of sugarcane belt among the canal and well irrigation where multiple cropping system is practiced irrigateation. Negative the change observed between below 1 thresher per 1000 hect of the cultivated land area confined to tehsils Madha, Malshiras, Pandharpur, South Solapur and North Solapur. The tehsils are endowed with the development in irrigation mainly from wells and also cooperative movement has played an important role for providing the loan facilities, Power Operated Plants Protection Equipments The power operated plants protection equipments are used for vegetable and horticultural crops. The distribution raries from tehsils of the district (Fig. 6.9). The high intensity (above 5 equipments per 1000 hectares) is confined to control and the area along the river Bhima and man where the horticultural crops are being (grapevine pomegranate) cultivated. The farmers have used different varieties of chemicals. Between 3 to 5 equipments per 1000 hect of cultivated land are observed in tehsils viz Akkalkot, Karmala, Pandharpur, North Solapur, and Mohal the equipments are used for the crops like Soybean pulses Tur, Gram. Bhir, Sunflower, Kardai etc. their low proportion below 3 equipments. Per 1000 hectare) is found in Malshiras,South solapur and Akkalkot thesils of the district due to the lack of irrigation facilities and

11 204 adverse environmental conditions in the from of hilly topography of the tehsils of Malshiras South Solapur, and Madha of the district Oil Engines They are locally manufactured, especially at Solapur. The development of agricultural is largely influenced by the introduction of oil engines particularly after independence. The number of oil engines has considerably decreased during the last 29 years mainly from in 1980 to 8278 in 2008 due to the rural electrification and consequent adoption of electric pumps. The distribution of oil engine however varies from tehsil to tehsil (Fig. 6.10). The high concentration (above 10 oil engines per 1000 hect) is observed in the north central parts of the district where application of electric pumps is limited in number. The moderate concentration (5 to 10 oil engines per 1000 hect. is observed in the tehsils of Akkalkot, Karmala and Manglwedha due to development of canal irrigation Back water lift irrigation Electric Pumps In Solapur district electric pumps are used for the irrigation purpose for lifting the water either from wells or rivers. With the increasing rural electrification the number of electric pumps in the district has increased from in 1980 to in However, they are varying in their horse power capacity ranging from 05 HP to over 300 HP. The distribution of electric pumps varies from east to west. Their high density (above 100 pumps per 1000 hectares) is confined to the area along the river Bhima where the perennial water is available from the river Bhima and Sina. The Moderate density (between 50 to 1000 pumps per 1000 hect of cultivated area) is observed in the tehsils of Mangalwedha and Pandharpur tehsils. These tehsils are endowed with the development in irrigation facilities in the form of wells tube wells and lift irrigation on the river of Bhima and Man. The low density i.e. below 50 pumps per 1000 hect of cultivated land is found in Akkalkot, Karmala, Malshiras, North Solpaur and South Solapur tehsils due tot lack of irrigation facilities and hilly nature in the North (Fig A).

12 205 Fig. 6.11B shows the temporal changes in electric pumps in the district keeping on upward trend. The low change (blow 50 pups per 1000 hect.) is observed in eastern part of Akkalkot, South Solapur, North Solapur, Western part of Malshiras tehsils and Northern part of Karmala tehsil due to the lack of irrigation facilities. Moderate change (between 50 to 100 pumps per 1000 hectares) is confined to the tehsils of Mangalwedha and Pandharpur. These tehsils are endowed with the development in irrigation, mainly from wells, tube wells, lift and canal lift. The high change (above 100 pumps per hectares) is found along the river Bhima and Sina where assured water supply from the river course is available Tractor The farmers, both small as well as large, are well aware of the importance of tractors in the region. The ploughing operations are usually done by tractors as tractors are generally hired by non-owners. Besides, its importance lies in the fact that transportation of various inputs to the fields and agricultural produce either to home or mark is made. Thus tractor has been considered as the best technology enhancing agricultural production. The fertility status of soil is improved with deep ploughing by tractors. Though the number of tractors is increased during the last twenty eight years it represents regional disparity in Solapur district. 1) Regional Distribution Fig shows the distribution of tractors in Solapur district in Generally the region can be divided into three broad zones based on the number of tractors. I) Low concentration Zone The low concentration of tractors in all the tehsils of North Solapur and South Solapur which could be attributed to the lack of irrigation facilities and poor purchasing power. Apart from this, the farmers, in such areas are unable to allocate them higher income. All these tehsils have recorded less than 1 tractor.

13 206 II) Moderate Concentration Zone Moderate concentration (between 3 to 6 tractors) are confined to the tehsils namely Karmala, Madha, Malshiras, Mangalwedha and Mohal as the agro based industries are playing vital role for promoting the tractor technology. Further, this part is well endowed with favorable climatic conditions for sugarcane cultivation by which farmers can get substantial income. This has enabled them to purchase such technology. III) High Concentration zone The high concentration (More than 6 tractors) is found in all the irrigated tehsils of Akkalkot and Pandharpur, which have assured water supply from different sources especially from Ujjani Canal Irrigation, were supplied water. The cash crops of sugarcane and wheat, Jowar have strengthened purchasing power of farmers. II) Growth of Tractorization The growth may help to understand future possible trends based on past studies. Agricultural development is depending on the growing agricultural technology. The study of growth of tractors in therefore made here to assess the trends is growth of tractors in Solapur district (Fig. 6.13). Table. 6.1 Tehsil wise growth of Tractors in Solapur District (1981 to 2008) Sr.No. Tehsils Years Akkolkot Karmala Madha Malshiras Mangalwedha Mohol Pandharpur North Solapur South Solapur Source R.T.O. Office Solapur 2008.

14 207 1) Status in 1981 In the year 1981, there were 373 tractors in the district, which increased to 4847 in In general there are three broad zones where tractors are concentrated. The Malshiras tehsil has attained first position with 200 tractors. The second position has been occupied by South Solapur with 49 in number where as third position has been recorded by Pandhurpur tehsil with 38 tractors in This has been emerged out as the core zone for tractor such high concentration could be attributed to innovative nature of farmers, assured water supply from different sources. Moreover, the sugarcane and Jowar, wheat, Maize, Pulses have sound income and they have also established contacts to funding agencies. The second zone consists of three tehsils i.e. Akkalkot (26), North Solapur (20), Karmala (14) and Madha (13) which have adverse climatic and physiographic conditions. However, some of the rich and forward looking farmers have adopted such technology. The rest of the tehsils viz Mangalwedha (68) and Mohol (05) have shown poor response to the adoption of such technology. This may be considered as third zone. The main constraint is the meagerness of rainfall in the east which has developed poor stage of economy leading to discouragement to peasants for understanding costlier ventures. 2) Status in 1991 In the succeeding decade i.e the growth of tractors has been increased from 373 in 1981, 961 in 1991 in the district. The core zone has maintained its first position particularly in Malshiras (308), Pandharpur (223) and Mangalwedha (102). This may be due to positive role of sugar co-operative industry increasing financial facilities from co-operative industry, increasing financial facilities from co-operative banks and innovative attitude of farmers. The earlier second zone has also retained its some position especially Karmala (82), Akkalkot (74) and Mohol (68). The remaining tehsils of Madha (52), South Solapur (33) and North Solapur (19) comprises the third position. Generally there is increasing number of tractors in the region.

15 208 3) Status in 2001 In the year 2001 the growth in the number of tractors has been accelerated from 961 in 1991 to 4342 in The core zone has also maintained its first position mainly in Akkalkot (1056) Malshiras (630) and Pandharpur (601). The Substantial developments of agro industries and growing income from sugarcane farming have attributed the growth of tractors. The second zone has retained its second position in madha (559), karmala (473), and mangalwedha (368), mohol (353) tehsils due to positive role of cooperative regarding financial assistance to farmers-generally the nature of farmer. In this region is innovative the third zone has also experienced the growth of tractors ie.south solapur (240) North solapur (62) because of establishment of industries playing an important role for promoting the tractor technology (Table -6.1). 4) Status in 2008 In the year 2008 the region is marked with increasing number of tractors i.e such considerable increase in the number of tractors is due to substantial development of agro based industries and favorable government policies and positive role of co-operative regarding financial assistance to farmers. The farmers have adopted new cultivation techniques by using tractor technology. All these have led to high growth in number of tractors. III) Tehsilwise Growth Trend in Tractorisation In view of increasing growth in the number of tractors in the region, Tehsil wise study of growth of tractorisation is considered here for the period of The yearly data of the number of tractors was collected from Road transport office, Solapur district. The processed data is represented through a graph and ten years running averages were considered Fig No.6.13The most remarkable fact in that almost all the tehsils indicate an upward trend in the tractorisation. The highest peak has been recorded by Akkalkot tehsil (1107) in 2008 which may be attributed to several factors. These tehsil were Ujjani irrigation provide irrigation to Agriculture that the

16 209 development of agriculture. This tehsil has thee sugar factories which have promoted the development of mechanization. The availability of financial facilities and conversant nature of farmers to new innovation has led to substantial development in tractorisation. The similar trends of tractorisation are followed by other tehsils like Madha, Pandharpur, and Malshiras. An interesting fact is that deposit the adverse ecological conditions, the tehsils in the Agari development. After Ujjani canal in the region Karrmala, Mangalwedha, Mohol have also shown upward trend. This could be attributed to recent developments in Sugarcane, Jawar, Wheat, Pulses cultivation fetching sound income to farmers. Tehsil of North Solapur and South Solapur has also registered upward trend and credit can go to Sidheshwar sugar factory Kumthe, Bramdev mane sugar factory Ltd Bhandhar Kavthe, which promoted the development in irrigation and mechanization. Apart from this, there are intra-regional disparities in each tehsil. IV) Season wise and Operation wise Use of Tractor Tractors are used for various from operations like land preparation sowing harvesting seeding and transportation of agricultural goods. Their efficiency is increasing resulting into greater economies in operation and saving of money in comparison of manual labor. Here an attempt has been made to analyze season wise and operation wise use of tractor in Solapur district. Therefore, two villages have been selected from each tehsils of the district. Farther 10 percent farmers were selected from these villages according to random sampling.

17 210 Sr. No. Tehsils Table.6.2 Operation wise use of tractors in Solapur District Land Preparation Sowing Other farm operation Transportation Others Total 1 Karmala Madha Malshiras Pandharpur Mangalwedha Mohol North Solapur 8 South Solapur 9 Akkalkot Source Complied by Researcher based on field work The information on operation wise use of tractor in hours is given in table 6.2. The highest hours of tractor are used (860 Hrs.) in Malshiras tehsil per annum where a variety of improved implements are being used for agricultural operations. Malshiras tehsil has higher proportion of canal irrigation irrigated area then any other tehsils of the district. As a result of this except sugarcane area than any other tehsils of the district. As a result of this except sugarcane area the farmers can take two or three crops from the same irrigated land. Therefore the number of hours required for the tractor use is always high. The lowest tractor sin no are used in South Solapur (499 Hrs. in annum) due to the lack of irrigation facilities. This is so because farmers in this tehsil are unable to allocate more land under crops. The notable feature is that both during Kharip and Rabbi Periods. The use of tractor is mainly for land preparation whereas, the tehsils where Sugar Industries are located like Malshiras, Pandharpur, Madha, Karmala, Mohol have recorded high proportion in the use of hrs for transportation of Sugarcane to factories. All tehsils have

18 211 consumed maximum hours of tractors for land preparation during Kharip season as area under Kharip crop is quite high in the district. Table. 6.3 Season wise and Operation wise use of tractor by the sample farmers in Solapur District Sr. Tehsils Land Trans- Other Others Land Transport Other Others No. Preparations and sowing portation Farm Operation Preparation and Sowing ation Farm Operation 1 Karmala Madha Malshiras Pandharpur Mangalwedha Mohol North Solapur South Solapur Akkalkot Source compiled by researcher based on field work Table 6.3 shows that except Malshiras and Pandharpur tehsils the other parts of the district have restricted the use of tractors in Rabbi Season. Due to lack of irrigation facility many times the farmers in this tract can not take rabbi crops. On the other land Malshiras and Pandharpur tehsil have nearly equal weightage given to Rubbi and Kharip season due to the assured water supply from the Ujjani Irrigation Project on the irrigation high proportion. It has also reveled by this table that preparatory tillage and sowing have accounted for 47 percent of the annual tractor use in the whole sample followed by 29 per cent for other farm operations and 24 per cent for transport purpose. 6.4 Use of Energy in Agriculture After the discussion of farm implements it would be worthwhile to make an appraisal of energy contributed by different variables, which are responsible for the development of agricultural system of region. The term power is used here that refers to the energy contributed by machinery engaged in agriculture.

19 212 The term Horse Power and Horse power hours have expressed the power available from these sources as far as time factor is concerned. Each source of energy contributes different amount of power. An attempt has been made here to assess and analyze per hectares availability of power to agriculture from different machineries. The power is contributed by tractors, electric pumps oil engines, and power operated sugarcane crushers. The effective power available from technology sources for the year 1980 and 2008 is shown in tables 6.4. The assumed power to be obtained from different sources is expressed in Horse Power and Horse Power Hours by referring following table (MEDC 1970) (Table 6.4) Table 6.4 Assumed Horse Power and Horse Power Hours. Sr.No. Source of Power Assumed Horse Assumed Horse Power Power Hours 1 Electric Pumps Hours/Day 2 Oil Engine Hours/Day 3 Tractor Hours/Day 4 Sugarcane Crusher Hours/Day Source Agro industries in Maharashtra MEDC, Mumbai For computation of power use index, the equation evolved by Shinde and Jadhav (1978) has been employed here with slight modification. The equation is Pth IL = x 100 Pdh Where IL = Index value of H.P. Pth = per hector H.P. available in the tehsil Pdh = per hector H.P. available in the district. The above procedure is also adopted to compute tehsil wise in index value for Horse Power Hours.

20 Spatial Distribution of Energy Use in Agriculture Availability of horse power per hector of cultivated area in the region is 0.2 and 0.7 in the years 1980 and 2008 respectively. Similarly the horse power hours available during the same period are 0.2 and 0.5 respectively. Fig shows the spatial pattern horse power and horse power hours used per hector of cultivated area in the region. It is observed that there are three zones regarding the H.P. used per hector. I) Zone of High Proportion The high level of H.P. (above 12) is observed in the central and western parts of the region (fig. 6.14) viz Mohol, Madha, Pandharpur and Mangalwedha to high proportion of irrigated area, substantial income from sugarcane and horticultural farming and forward looking attitude of farmers. They can afford themselves to purchase modern implements. Mangalwadha tehsil possesses however exceptional situation. It has low proportion of cultivated land due to hilly and undulating topography consequently the existing improved machinery shows high proportion with the cultivated land. But in general this tehsil lacks in the availability of modern technological implements. II) Zone of Moderate Proportion of H.P. The moderate level of H.P.( between 6 to 12) found in Karmala, Malshiras and Akkalkot located in the north and eastern parts of the district. These tehsils are less endowed with the development in irrigation mainly from wells and canal and lift irrigation on back water of Ujjani Dam and river of Bhima. However, most of them are seasonal in nature causing into acute shortage of water during summer. Besides this, farmers are unable to allocate more land to cash crops which can fetch them higher income and farmers have low purchasing power. Consequently, the limits are set on the purchase of machinery.

21 214 III) Zone of Low Proportion of H.P. The low level of HP (below 6) is confined to entire North Solapur and South Solapur tehsils due to poor development of irrigation and insignificant adoption of modern technology. In fact this extremely dry tract where scope for agricultural development is limited. 6.5 Levels of Mechanization of Agriculture The study pertaining to the levels of mechanization is essential to understand regional imbalance in agricultural productivity and to mark problematic areas. This may further help to identify the problems related to regional disparities. Such kind of studies have acquired important place is regional planning The ability of farmers to invest in agricultural sector has been determined by the irrigation as it promotes income level an assured irrigation therefore paves the way for mechanization. Mechanization here refers to the available number of modern implements to agricultural sector. Thus mechanization indicates the use of inanimate power in agriculture. In the succeeding analysis an attempt has been made to examine the Spatio-temporal pattern of the levels of mechanization in Solapur district, which is considered as agriculturally processing part of western Maharashtra. Methodology For the computation of the level of mechanization of equation evolved by Singh and Dutt (1969). Which further has been modified by Jasbir Singh (1984) is employed here and composite index values have been derived. The equation is as under T e Toi e Oe e Ep e Tth e Th e Pp e D e I ma = T r Toi r Oe r Ep r Tth r Th r Pp r. D r Where, I ma implies the composite index of the level of mechanization of agriculture. T means tractor per 1000 hector of cultivated area. Toi denotes tractor operated implements per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. Oe abbreviates of engines per

22 hectors of cultivated area. Ep covers electric pump sets per 1000 Hectors of cultivated area. Tth means tractor operated threshers per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. Pp depends plant protection equipment per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. D abbreviates drip irrigation per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. e and r subscripts to symbolize respectively the tehsil and the entire region (district) the study is attempted at tehsil level. The above procedure is adopted to compute the index values of each tehsils. The summarized index values of all parameters then multiplied by 100 to drive the degree of mechanization i.e. LQs Degree of Mechanization = x 100 N Here n specifies the number of parameters of modern farm machinery used in this study. Different improved implements have been considered here as parameters and this composite impact is assessed to determine the levels of mechanization. The improved implements uses by the farmers for different operations may be listed as under. 1) Tractor per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. 2) Tractor operated implements per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. 3) Oil engines per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. 4) Electric pump sets per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. 5) Tractor operated threshers per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. 6) Threshers per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. 7) Plant protection equipment per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. 8) Per cent of drip irrigated per 1000 hectares of cultivated area Spatial Variation in the Level of Mechanization After the calculation of index value for each block the entire region can conveniently be divided into following regions.

23 216 1) Zone of Low Levels of Mechanization Fig 15 A shows the low level (i.e. below 125 per cent) of mechanization prevailing in the North solapur and South Solapur thesils of the district. This is mainly due to the lack of irrigation facilities. This is so because farmers such area, are unable to allocate more land under cash crops, which can fetch them higher income. The income level of farmers in this tract has remained low as compared to other irrigated parts of this district. 2) Zone of Moderate Level of mechanization Within such area some tehsils namely Karmala, Mahda have recorded Moderate level of mechanization i.e. between these tehsils are endowed with the developments in irrigation mainly from wells canal irrigation and Back water to lift irrigation. Besides in this part the agro based industries are also playing vital role for promoting and introducing the new machinery. They provide machinery or improved implements at the subsidized rates to farmers. So farmers are well aware about the new farm technology leading to moderate level of mechanization. 3) Zone of High Level of Mechanization More over, Mohal and mangalwedha thesils the areas parallel to the river course has attained and development of canal irrigation system high level of mechanization i.e. between 175 to 250. This is due to the assured water supply from different irrigation sources. The farmers are also innovative in nature to adopt new technology of implements. Thus farming is generally carried out scientifically and with commercial attitude. 4) Zone of Very High Level of Mechanization The tehsils of Akkalkot and Pandharpur Fig. (6.15 A) have recorded very high level of mechanization (over 250) as this tract is endowed very high level of mechanization (over 250) as this tract is endowed with assured irrigation facilities, substantial development of agro- industries forward looking attitude of farmers substantial income from sugarcane farming and positive role of co-operative regarding financial assistance to farmers. The farmers have

24 217 adopted new cultivation techniques. Generally the nature of farmers in these regions highly innovative. All these have lead to very high level of mechanization Changes in Levels of Mechanization The period between 1980 and 2008 has been considered here. The low or poor changes in the level of mechanization below 50 percent are confined namely to tehsils of North Solapur, South Solapur and malshiras mainly the northern and the eastern parts of district due to the lack of irrigation facilities and adverse environmental conditions (Fig B). The moderate changes (between 50 to 125) have taken place in the area along the river course of Bhima, Sina and Man monoculture of the sugarcane. The tenshils namely Pandharpur and Akkalkot have observed very high level Sugarcane, Banana and variety of pulses. A variety of improved implements are being used in this horticultural belt mainly of grapevine cultivation and pomegranate Bhir, Banana. Because of high income level the farmers can afforded they to purchase different improved machineries. Summary Irrigation is one of the most important components of agricultural development which, in turn, reflects the social, economic back ground of the region. Solapur district is one of the agricultural developed parts of the states. However the fertile flood plain offers favorable environmental conditions for technological developments. The region has used different improved implements for agricultur, which have main folding effects on agricultural efficiency. Different types of improved implements are used for the agricultural operations, in which some of them are discussed and broadly divided and two categories i.e. tractor operated implements and power operated implements. However, the district can be divided into three distinctive zones according to the density of these implements per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. The flood plains of along the

25 218 river Bhima Backwater lift irrigation and canal irrigation development i.e. irrigated part of the region have attained sound position in the density of modern implements per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. The eastern and extreme western parts of district have experienced moderate density of such implements per 1000 hectares of cultivated area. The eastern and extreme western parts of the district have recorded low density of implements due to backwardness of agricultural resulting from physical and socio-economic constraints. The study on the growth of tractorisation revels that growth of tractors has been accelerated from 373 in 1981 to 4847 in Such considerable increase in number of tractors is due to substantial development of agro based industries and positive role of co-operatives regarding financial assistance of farmers. Almost all the thesils have recorded upward trend in the growth of tractors. The analysis of seasonwise and operation wise use of tractor reveals that along the river belt the use of the tractors in hours per annum is high as compared with the drought prone area. It has also revealed that the preparatory tillage and sowing accounted for 47 per cent of the annual use in the whole sample followed by 29 per cent for other farm operation and 24 per cent for transport. It is also noted that the use of tractor is largely restricted to Rabbi Season due to the uncertainty of rainfall. There is also favorable impact of tractorisation on the yields of different crops. The discussion on the use of in animated energy in agriculture shows that in irrigated tract the use of energy is high and the northern part of the district have moderate level of power use agricultural due to lack of irrigation facilities. However in general the district has not achieved much progress in per hectare availability of H.P. (0.2 H.P/hectares) Based on the spatial analysis for the year 2008 the region presents five zones of different levels of mechanization and accordingly five regions can be identified more over, the development of irrigation facilities role of cooperatives conversant nature of farmers, and overall awareness among the

26 219 farmers to adopt new technology has all made greater impact on the levels of mechanization. The last two decades ( ) have witnessed remarkable change in the adoption of agro implement technology especially in emerging horticultural belt of grapevine cultivation in arid parts of the district. The district however presents regional disparities in the spatial distributions of improved implement technology.

27 220 Reference Datt A.K. and Sen Gupta, R (1969): An Assessment of Agricultural Development in West Bengal, The Journal of Tropical Geography, Vol. 28, Pp Lekhi R.K. (1986): Agricultural Development in India, Classical Publishing Company, New Delhi pp Maharashtra Economic Development Council (1970): Agro Industries in Maharashtra Problems and Prospects, Bombay. Memmoria C.B. and Tripathi B. B. (1978) : Agricultural Problems of India, Kitab Mahal Allahabad, Pp Mirachandani G.G. (1973): Aspects of Agriculture in India, Allied Publishers, P 168. Ibid P. 79 Ibid P. 98 Patil.P.V.(2002):Geographical Analysis of Agricultural Technology in Sangli Dist, unpublished Ph.D. Thesis of Shivaji University, Kolhapur Shinde S.D. and Jadhav M.G. (1978): Use of Energy in Agriculture in Sangli District: A Geographical Analysis, Geographical Review of India, Vol. XXX, 21, Pp Singh Jasbir (1976): An Agricultural Geography of Haryana, Vishal Publications, Kurukshtra, p 188. Singh Jasbir and Dhillon S.S. (1984): Agricultural Geography, Tata McGraw Hill, P-103.

28 221 Appendix 6.1 SCHEDULE FOR TRACTOR USE 1. Name of the farmer : Education Name of the Village 2. Family information Age Nearest river / Canal Male Female Total Literate Illiterate Literate Illiterate Literate Illiterate 3. Total Landholding and irrigated area Total Land Irrigated Unirrigated Sources of irrigation Lift Canal Well Other 4. Area Under Different Crops and Yield Per Hectare Sr.No. Name of the Crop Total Land Irrigated Production Un,irrigated Production 5. Do you have Tractor Yes / No if yes H.P. of Tractor 6. Source of Loan - 1) Bank b) Co-operative c) Private 7. Installment of Loan 8. Season wise and operation wise use of Tractor is hours Sr.No. Season Land preparation operation 1. Kharif 2. Rabbi Other agricultural operation Transportation 9. Are you satisfy about the use of tractor for agricultural operation Yes / No Operation Yes/No If Yes Why