CHAPTER
IV
AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION
Nawashahr is primarily an agricultural district as 86.20 per cent of its population resides in the rural areas according to the 2001 census. It is a highest ruralised district in the State. Agriculture provides the single largest source of employment. The agricultural sector is being further developed by distribution of improved seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, increasing irrigational facilities and promoting modern techniques of multiple cropping practices and improved agricultural implements. As a result, productivity of agricultural land per hectare has increased manifold. The Government is also promoting animal husbandry and forestry, which play subsidiary but an important role in the agricultural economy. In the Nawashahr District out of the total working force of 2,63,133 persons 85,783 persons (32.60 per cent) are dependent on agriculture as cultivators and agricultural labourers in the district as per 2001 census. The break up of the persons engaged in agriculture in the district is given below:
|
|
Males |
Females |
Total |
|
As Cultivators |
49,039 |
8,580 |
57,619 |
|
As Agricultural labourers |
21,382 |
6,782 |
28,164 |
|
Total |
69,492 |
15,362 |
85,783 |
(Source:
Director Census Operation,
(a) Land Reclamation and Utilization
(i) Land Utilization.- Agriculture being the main stay of the people, the prosperity and development of the district mainly depend on its land use for agriculture and irrigation. The utilization of land in a region depends largely upon its physical, cultural and economic environment. It is governed by such factors as configuration of land, amount and distribution of rainfall, fertility of soil, density of population and dietary habits of the people, number and types of draught and domestic animals, agricultural practices followed, stage of industrial development, availability of transport facilities, etc. Since most of these factors are changeable, there is a corresponding change in land utilization. During 2000-2001, out of the total area of 121 thousand hectares in the district, over 84 per cent (101 thousand hectares) was cultivated.
The following table gives the classification of area by land use in the Nawashahr District during 1995-96 to 2000-2001:-
According
to the Director of Land Records,
Forests.- Area under forests includes actually forested areas of the land, classed or administered as forests under legal enactment detailing with forest whether State owned or private, whether wooded or maintained as potential forest land. The area of crops raised in the forest and grazing lands or areas open for grazing within the forest is included in the forest area. In the Nawashahr District the area under forests in 2000-2001 was only 1 thousand hectare.
Area Under Non-Agricultural Uses.- This
includes all lands occupied by buildings, roads and railways or under water,
river and canals and other lands put to uses other than agriculture. The total
area of land under this category in the
Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 was 11 thousand hectares.
Barren and Unculturable Land.- This
covers all barren and unculturable land like mountains, deserts; etc., which
cannot be brought under cultivation except at an exorbitant cost. The total
area of land under this category in the Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 was
6 thousand hectares.
Culturable Waste Land.- This includes lands available for cultivation whether not taken up for cultivation or taken up for cultivation once but not cultivated during the current year and the last five years or more in succession for one reason or the other. Such lands may be either fallow or covered with shrubs and jungles, which are not put to any use. These may be assessed or unassessed and may lie in isolated blocks or within cultivated holdings. Land once cultivated but not cultivated for five years in succession is included in this category at the end of the five years. The total area of land under this category in the Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 was only 1 thousand hectare.
Current Fallow.- This represents cropped area which are
kept fallow during the current year. The total area under current fallows
during 2000-2001 in the Nawashahr District was only 1 thousand hectare. In
Nawahahr District, during 2000-2001, no area comes under these categories of
land utilization, namely permanent pastures and other grazing land, land under miscellaneous tree
crops and groves not included in net area, sown, and fallow land other than
current fallow.
Net Area Sown.- This includes the total area actually sown with crops and orchards during the year. The net area sown in the Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 was 101 thousand hectares.
Area Sown More Than Once.- This
represents the areas on which crops are cultivated more than once during the
agriculture year. Such area in the Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 was 72
thousand hectares.
Land Holdings.- Operational holdings
refer to all land used wholly or partly for agricultural production as one technical
unit by the same person or persons. There were 28,218 operational holdings in
the Nawashahr District as per Agricultural Census of 1995-96. The total area
operated by these holdings in the district was 81,003 hectares. The number of
operational holdings by size, groups, area covered and percentage to total area
in the Nawashahr District during 1995-96 is given below:
|
Size in hectares |
No. of operational holdings |
Area (hectares) |
Percentage to total area |
||
|
0-0.5 |
1,787 |
347 |
0.43 |
||
|
0.5-1.0 |
3,011 |
2,138 |
2.64 |
||
|
1.0-2.0 |
7,062 |
9,290 |
11.47 |
||
|
2.0-3.0 |
6,849 |
15,642 |
19.31 |
||
|
3.0-4.0 |
2,915 |
9,344 |
11.53 |
||
|
4.0-5.0 |
2,589 |
10,917 |
13.48 |
||
|
5.0-7.5 |
2,278 |
13,542 |
16.72 |
||
|
7.5-10 |
906 |
7,546 |
9.32 |
||
|
10.00-20.00 |
771 |
9,113 |
11.24 |
||
|
20.00 and above |
50 |
3,124 |
3.86 |
||
|
Total |
27,518 |
81,003 |
100.00 |
||
(Source:
Director Agriculture,
(ii) Reclamation of Waterlogged Area, Swamps, etc.- There is no area under swamps in the Nawashahr District. During two
consecutive years i.e. 1996-97 and 1997-98, the area affected by sem in the district was 201 hectares.
After 1997-98 no area has been reported affected by sem, as it has been reclaimed. Where as thur is non existent in the district
(b)
Irrigation
Water is the most important single requirement for the growth of plants and crops. Crops can be raised successfully only if water is available in adequate quantity either from rain, surface flow or underground. Rainfall in most parts of the country is confined mainly to the four rainy months of June to September. During the remaining months the water requirements have to be met from underground and surface water resources. With the growth of population and consequent need for larger agricultural production, the requirement of irrigation has increased to a great extent. The development of irrigation also helps to rebuild the agricultural economy. It is, therefore, necessary to improve the water resources and utilize them properly. Irrigation is required not only in low rainfall areas and during non- rainy season but also during long breaks in rains in good rainfall areas. Modern research has highlighted the importance of adequate soil moisture, during the crucial stages of plant growth and in consequence of adequate irrigation facilities. The importance of irrigation to agriculture has become all the more important with the new farm technology based on high yielding varieties of crops and increased application of fertilizers. All efforts have been made to being more areas under irrigation and a number of irrigation schemes are being taken up.
In the Nawashahr District, irrigation is done through government
canals, tubewells and wells. In the district the net area irrigated to the net
area sown, during the year 2000-2001 was 82.6 per cent.
Rainfall.- The undulating character of terrain of the Balachaur Block of the district lands favourably to irrigation from rainfall, so crops of this region mainly depend on rains. The rains normally set in the district in first week of July and continue till the middle of September, known as the rainy season. In winter, rains are generally reviewed in December and January. The average rainfall in Nawashahr District during the last five years i.e. 1996 to 2000 was 1058.5 millimetres. The district recorded moderate rainfall during 1999-2000 with an average of 705.1 and 699.4 millimetres respectively. The following statement shows the month-wise and annual rainfall in the district during 1996-2000:-
Irrigation Facilities.- The district is well provided with means of irrigation. There is a positive correlation between agricultural production and irrigation facilities. The chief source of irrigation in the district are tubewells (including pumping sets) and canals. The gross area irrigated during 1995-96 was 144.1 thousand hectares. Which increased to 153.7 thousand hectares in 2000-2001. The percentage of gross irrigated area to gross cropped area in the district during 2000-2001 was 88.8.
The gross cropped area and gross irrigated area alongwith its percentage in the Nawashahr District 1995-96 to 2000-2001 are given below:
|
Year |
Gross cropped area |
Gross Irrigated area |
Percentage of gross irrigated area to gross cropped area |
|
|
1995-96 |
165 |
144.1 |
87.3 |
|
|
1996-97 |
169 |
148.7 |
88.0 |
|
|
1997-98 |
177 |
177.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
1998-99 |
169 |
148.3 |
87.8 |
|
|
1999-2000 |
178 |
158.2 |
88.9 |
|
|
2000-2001 |
173 |
153.7 |
88.8 |
|
|
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1996 to 2001) |
||||
The table given below shows the net area irrigated alongwith per centage to the net area sown by different sources of irrigation in the Nawashahr District during 1995-96 to 2000-2001:
(Thousand Hectares)
|
Year |
Government canals |
Tubewells and wells |
Other sources |
Total |
Percentage of area irrigated to net area sown |
|
|
1995-96 |
6.7 |
81.0 |
- |
87.7 |
100.0 |
|
|
1996-97 |
5.5 |
72.8 |
- |
78.3 |
87.0 |
|
|
1997-98 |
6.2 |
83.9 |
- |
90.1 |
91.9 |
|
|
1998-99 |
5.7 |
74.4 |
- |
80.1 |
89.0 |
|
|
1999-2000 |
5.6 |
84.3 |
- |
89.9 |
89.4 |
|
|
2000-2001 |
2.7 |
80.7 |
- |
83.4 |
82.6 |
|
|
(Statistical Abstracts of
Punjab 1996 to 2001) |
||||||
Canals
The tract comprising the present
Nawashahr District was ceded by the British in 1849, there was no canal in the
district, either for irrigation or for navigation, but this area was served by
River Satluj. The
The area irrigated by different branches of the
(Area in hectares)
|
Year |
Area irrigated
by |
|
1995-96 |
13,378 |
|
1996-97 |
13,435 |
|
1997-98 |
13,700 |
|
1998-99 |
13,702 |
|
1999-2000 |
13,702 |
|
2000-2001 |
13,702 |
(Source: Executive Engineer, Bist Doab Division, Jalandhar)
Wells
(including Tube Wells and Pumping Sets)
Wells, now tubewells and
pumping-sets are major source of irrigation in the district. The wells are very
old in system of irrigation and play a major role for this purpose. Bullocks
provided the main source of power for running Persian Wheels. But this old
system of irrigation is almost totally replaced by pumping sets and tubewells
run by electricity and diesel. Prior to
(c) Agriculture
and Horticulture
(i) Set-up and Activities of Agriculture Department
The
Agriculture Department in the Nawashahr district is represented by the Chief
Agricultural Officer, Nawashahr, who is under the administrative control of
Director of Agriculture,
The Agriculture Department guides the farmers in the latest technological advances in agricultural production. These include intensive methods of cultivation for higher production per unit area through new cropping pattern suited to their conditions. These also comprise preparation of crop plans, control of various pests and diseases affecting agricultural crops, use of fertilizers and good seeds, and laying out of demonstration plots to show the cultivators the supremacy of new varieties and agronomic practices recommended for the district. The Agricultural Development Officer imparts training to the farmers in their respective areas.
The government takes keen interest in increasing agricultural production by popularising improved agricultural practices and implements. Loans are advanced to the cultivators for repairing and installing tubewells and pumping sets under the development of irrigation programme.
A few extension methods to transfer the technology to the farmers by the Agriculture Department and other similar agencies are, agricultural shows and exhibitions by organizing training camps (at district, block and villages level) during kharif and rabi seasons; by arranging field visits to the farms of progressive farmers; holding Kisan Divas and Kisan Melas; laying of demonstration/ plots and minikits trails; by extension articles and Radio/ T.V talks; field visits; by issuing circular letters- bulletins and pamphlets and by personal contacts.
(ii)
Set-up and Activities of Horticulture Department
The
Department of Horticulture deals with various aspects of horticulture connected
with the extension, research, cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Prior to May 1979, Horticulture Department was functioning under the control of
the Chief Agricultural Officer at the district level. To diversify the
agriculture, a separate Department of Horticulture was created in the State on
The main functions of the Horticulture Department are to educate the farmers to bring more and more area under vegetable production besides wheat and paddy; to advise the farmers regarding the planning and planting of horticulture crops and to advise them to save the crops from insects, etc. by spraying; to encourage the farmers for canning the produce and to produce mushrooms; to grade the produce for marketing purposes. The Horticulture Department organizes seminars, shows regarding the horticulture activities in the district. The department also arranges visits to different districts and inter-state tours to popularise horticulture activities among the farmers.
(iii) Soils and Crops
Soils.- Mainly two types of soils are encountered in the Nawashahr District.
(a) Soils of Kandi Region.- The soils of the sub-region occur on moderate to moderately steep slopes and have developed on sand stones, shales and conglomerates. The annual rainfall varies from 1000 to 1200 mm and the mean annual soil temperature (MAST) is 230c. The soil temperature regime is Hyperthermic and soil moisture regime is Ustic.
The soils are moderately shallows to very deep, well drained, with excessive runoff, gravely, sandy to loamy sand. The pH varies from 6.7 to 8.5 and EC is less than 0.2 dsm-1. The dominant soils of the region are sandy skeletal, sandy and loamy skeletal Typic Ustorthents and coarse-loamy, Udic as well as Typic Ustochrepts. They are mostly wasteland with sparse bushy type forests. They are occasionally cultivated for growing cereal and oilseed crops under rain fed conditions. Moderate to severe erosion, coarser soil texture, stoniness, and gravelliness and low to medium available water capacity (AWC) and low fertility. The productivity of these soils is low to medium, which can be increased by adopting suitable dry farming and water shed techniques.
(b) Soils of Alluvial plan.- These soils are very deep, well drained to moderately well drained with texture varying from sandy loam to silty clay loam. The pH ranges from 7.6 to 8.7; EC is less than 0.54 dS m-1, organic carbon in surface layer ranges from 0.09 to 0.69 per cent and cation exchange capacity varies from 1.9 to 19.6 cmol (P+) Kg1. They are non-calcarous to slightly calcareous in central and northern parts of the sub-region. The major soils are sandy over loamy, coarse loamy and fine loamy Typic, Udic and Fluventic Ustochrepts; fine vertic Ustochrepts; fine silty and fine loamy, Typic Haplustalfs; and coarse loamy (highly stratified), Typic Ustifluvents. These soils are cultivated for wheat, rice, potato, sugarcane, oilseed and other crops. The main constraints of these soils are: low to medium fertility, poor tilth in some fine textured soils and low available water capacity (WHC) in coarse textured soils. Most of these soils are highly potential and produce very high yields of wheat, rice, potato, sugarcane and other crops with intensive use of irrigation, fertilizers and other inputs. Fine loamy soils are best suited for paddy and sugarcane cultivation. The productivity of fine textured soils, can be improved by maintaining proper soil-water-air relationship.
Quality
of Underground Irrigation Water.-In district
Nawashahr, about 143 number of samples of ground water collected during random
sampling from different existing shallow tubewells ranging from 50’ to 360’
depth from different villages of different Blocks viz. Aur, Banga, Saroya,
Nawashahr and Balachaur. These samples were got chemically analysed for the
following parameters:
Co32- ,HCO3-, Ca+Mg , Cl-, RsC, EC and pH.
The results of the chemical analysis revealed that the ground water quality (from irrigation point of view) by and large is fit for irrigation.
It has
been observed that soil and ground water of some villages in Nawashahr District
namely Simti, Mahidpur, Rakkia, Barwa, Bhano Majra, etc. in Saroya, Balachaur
and Nawashahr blocks are affected with selenium toxicity. High concentration >0.01 mg/l has
been found in patches in these villages where soils are loamy in texture. Wheat
yield decreases to about 4-5 quintals/hectares due to selenium toxicity. In all
about 1000 hectares of land is affected by the high concentration of selenium
which can be reclaimed by applying high dose of Gypsum. Cattle and human beings
are affected by selenium contamination which resulted in cracks in hoofs,
peeling off of horns in cattle. The finger nails of humans get distorted and
rashes develop on the body.
Major and Subsidiary Crops.- In Nawashahr District, as in the rest of the state, there are two main crops seasons,viz., rabi and kharif. The chief rabi crops (locally called hari) or spring harvests are wheat, oilseeds, fodder crops, potatoes and winter vegetables and minor one are gram and barley. Sowing of rabi crops takes place in October-November and in some cases in December and these are harvested in March-April. Threshing operations sometimes continue till May. the important kharif crops sown in May-July and harvested in September to November include paddy, maize, pluses, oil seeds and vegetables. In between these two main season, additional crops are raised where conditions permit. These are known are zaid kharif and zaid rabi crops. toria is zaid kharif crop whereas onion, potato and early Jowar are zaid rabi crops. Sugarcane is planted in February; March and harvested from November to March. It is an annual crop and covers both the seasons.
The detailed particulars of area under different crops sown and their production in Nawashahr District from 1995-96 to 2000-2001 are given in the Appendixes I and II at pages 135 and 136 respectively.
The important kharif and rabi crops grown in the Nawashahr District are described below:
Wheat
Wheat is the most important rabi crops in the district. The crop requires a good soil, careful tillage and an assured supply of irrigation. With the improvement in irrigation facilities the area under this crop has increased from 60 thousand hectares in 1995-96 to 70 thousand hectares in 2000-2001. The production of wheat in the district during 2000-2001 was 313 thousand metric tonnes.
Paddy
The important crop of the kharif season of the district is paddy. It is a semi aquatic plant requiring an abundant supply of water for its growth. More area is being brought under paddy on account of its higher profitability and so it allows timely sowing of wheat as it vacates the field earlier. Now, two harvests of paddy in one season (which matures in sixty days) are gaining popularity. The area under paddy in the district during the year 1995-96 was 42 thousand hectares with total production of 132 thousand metric tones, which increased to 47 thousand hectares with production of 158 thousand metric tonnes during 2000-2001.
Bajra
It is not a very important crop of the district. The area under this crop is rapidly declining. It is only grown in inferior soils and in the narrow sandy strips along the river banks. The area under bajra in the district was only 0.7 thousand hectares during 1995-96, which decreased to 0.2 thousand hectares in 1999-2000 and becomes nil in 2000-2001.
Maize
Maize is an important kharif crop of the district and forms the staple diet of the people, especially in winter months when it is available in sufficient quantifies. A notable feature of agriculture of this district is that the maize crop is cultivated without difficulty and gives a profitable return but its greatest advantage is that it leaves the field free early for the preparation of the rabi while other crops are still standing. Next to wheat and rice, it occupied the largest area among the cereals, i.e. 18 thousand hectares during 1995-96 and produced 37 thousand metric tonnes of maize, whereas the production rose to 53 thousand metric tonnes during 2000-2001 on the area of 17 thousand hectares.
Oilseeds
Rapeseed, mustard, sesamum and groundnut are oil seed crops grown in the district. The area under these oilseed crops was 3.2 thousand hectares during 1995-96, which decreased to 2 thousand hectares during 2000-2001. The production of these oilseeds decreased from 4.2 thousand metric tonnes to 2.4 thousand metric tonnes during the same period.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane is one of the most important non-food cash crop of the district. It is planted in February-March. The crop requires heavy manuring and irrigation. Its harvesting starts from the middle of November and continues till February or even later. The area under sugarcane during the year 1995-96 was 13.6 thousand hectares with total production of 87 thousand metric tonnes which decreased to 11.7 thousand hectares with production of 74 metric tonnes during 2000-2001.
Vegetables
Vegetables occupy a small area, being cultivated in the vicinity of towns whose number and population is insignificant in the district. In the past only few farmer grow vegetable for their own consumption but now the eating habits of the people in the village are changing and vegetables are becoming an important part of their diet. Consequently many farmers in villages have started growing vegetables not only to meet their own requirements, but also to make additional money out of it. The total area under vegetables in the district during 2000-2001 was 2,778 hectares.
There is no difference between varieties of vegetables grown in the district and that of grown in other part of Doaba tract. The vegetables grown in the district are given below:
Summer Vegetable
Lady finger (bhindi), bottle gourd (ghia kaddu), brinjal round and long (baingan), musk-melon(kharbuja),radge-gourd(kali tori), squash melon (tinda), ash gourd (petha), pumpkin (halwa kaddu), tomato (tamatar), bitter-gourd (karela) sponge gourd (ghia), cucumber (khira), chillies (Mirch), arum (arvi) and sweet-potatoes (shakarkhandi)
Winter Vegetable
Cauliflower (phulgobhi), cabbage (bandgobhi), peas (Matter), raddish (muli), turnip (shalgam), carrot (gajar), Onion (piaz), fenugreek (methi), chillies (mirch), garlic (lassan) and spinach (palak)
Potatoes are also grown in the district. During 2000-2001 its production was 18.9 thousand metric tonnes.
Fruit Crops and Gardens.- Fruits are among the most important foods of mankind as they are not only nutritive but are also indispensable for the maintenance of health. From the point of view of the agriculturists also, these are of great importance as they are assured of high returns, from their cultivation even on a small area.
There are no big fruit orchards in the district. However, fruits such as Mango, Kinnow, Guava, Pear, Peach, etc. are grown in the district. The fruit wise area under different crops during 1997-98 to 2000-2001 is given hereunder:
(Hectares)
|
Year |
Kin- now |
Lemon |
Mang- oes |
Litchi |
Guava |
Pear |
Peach |
Grapes |
Ber |
Misc. |
Total |
|
1997- 98 |
465 |
35 |
235 |
97 |
153 |
235 |
145 |
14 |
13 |
36 |
1,461 |
|
1998-99 |
470 |
38 |
269 |
97 |
164 |
235 |
178 |
14 |
13 |
38 |
1,549 |
|
1999-2000 |
45 |
7 |
58 |
13 |
64 |
72 |
68 |
2 |
7 |
21 |
357 |
|
2000-2001 |
54 |
7 |
81 |
17 |
75 |
72 |
95 |
2 |
7 |
22 |
432 |
(Statistical
Abstract of Punjab 1998 to 2001)
(iv) Improved Agricultural Practices
The Agriculture Department guides the farmers in the latest technological advances in agricultural production. These include intensive methods of cultivation for higher production per unit area through new cropping patterns suited to their conditions. These also comprise preparation of crop plans, control of various pests and diseases affecting agricultural crops and gardens, use of fertilizers and good seeds and laying out of demonstration plots to show to the cultivators the superiority of new strains and agronomic practices recommended for the district. The adoption of improved agricultural practices such as greater and better use of fertilizers, deep ploughing, crop rotation, green manuring, use of insecticides land pesticides, use of modern mechanical agricultural implements and increase in irrigation facilities have also helped to increase the agricultural production in the district.
(v)
Farmers Training camps
The
agriculture extension services gives a great push to scientific agriculture
through the package field demonstration. The demonstrations are laid on the
fields by the farmers themselves with the scientific knowledge provided the
expects from the department and
(vi) District Rural Development Agency, Nawashahr
It was
established as ‘Small Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Agency’. Its
nomenclature was changed to ‘ District Rural Development Agency’ with effect
from
The Agency has taken up manifold programme to ameliorate the economic conditions of poverty-stricken and downtrodden masses in the countryside. For the economic development, there is a need for an easy flow of credit, but in the beginning, financial institutions were reluctant and shy to advance loans to the rural poor, lest the loans get converted into bad debts.
The Agency with active and constant efforts has made the financial institutions to come forward and advance loans in a big way to the economically weaker sections so that they may be able to set up their units and earn their livehood and at the same time pay off their loans. A scheme Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna ( Which replaced the earlier self employment and allied programmes IRDP, TRYSEM, DWACRA, SITRA, GKY, MWS) has been started to help the poor people. Agency helps the yellow card holders in getting loans of Rs 35,000 from the banks to start their own vocations. During 2000-2001, the number of persons covered under this programme in the district was 540.
(vii) Agricultural Cooperatives
Increased agricultural production depends on a number of factors like the provision of timely and adequate credit, use of significant inputs viz. chemical fertilizers, improved seeds and insecticides/pesticides and facilities of marketing of agricultural produce as well as storage arrangement. The agricultrural service co-operative are aimed at meeting these requirements. It is through co-operatives farming that scanty resources of the agriculturists can be pooled, thus bringing to them the gains of large-scale intensive farming. Through cooperative marketing, the enormous profit to middlemen can be checked and higher dividends secured to farmers.
The
cooperative movement in the
provided by three tier credit system consisting of Primary Cooperative Agricultural Service Societies at primary level, Central Cooperative Banks at the middle level and Punjab State Cooperative Bank at the apex level. Short and medium term loans are advanced for agricultural production and for activities allied to agriculture. The long term credit needs of farmers are met by the Punjab State Cooperative Agriculture Development Banks at the district/tahsil level.
Central Cooperative Bank.-
Central Cooperative Bank Nawashahr has been functioning since
The deposits held by the Central Cooperative Bank, Nawashahr during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 are given here under:
|
Year |
Deposits (Rs in lakhs) |
|
1996-97 |
18,114.29 |
|
1997-98 |
20,356.93 |
|
1998-99 |
22,705.43 |
|
1999-2000 |
26,895.60 |
|
2000-2001 |
30,264.12 |
(Source: Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Nawashahr)
Cooperative Agricultural Service Societies.- The Cooperative Agricultural Service Societies are the basis of the cooperative short term credit movement. These societies are playing a vital role in meeting the credit requirements of the agriculturists and also in increasing the agricultural production. These societies also supply agricultural inputs and consumer goods at the doorsteps of the agriculturists in addition to supply of credit.
The following table shows the loans advanced by the Cooperative Agricultural Service Societies along with their membership
share capital, loans advanced during the year and deposits during 1996-97 to 2000-2001.
|
Year |
Number of societies |
Membership |
Share capital (Rs in lakhs) |
Loans Advanced (Rs in lakhs) |
Deposits (Rs in lakhs) |
|
1996-97 |
138 |
1,40,625 |
388.59 |
4,191.01 |
4,103.57 |
|
1997-98 |
138 |
1,46,105 |
421.82 |
4,900.16 |
4,823.69 |
|
1998-99 |
138 |
1,52,094 |
483.81 |
6,578.28 |
5,537.86 |
|
1999-2000 |
138 |
1,59,340 |
547.55 |
8,141.16 |
6,811.64 |
|
2000-2001 |
138 |
1,60,307 |
592.66 |
8,336.86 |
8,405.84 |
(Source: Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Nawashahr)
Cooperative Farming Societies.- The main aim of the Co-operative Farming Societies is to pool together the fragmented and uneconomic holdings so that these may become big farming units and farmers may reap the benefit of large scale farming.
The details of Co-operative Farming Societies functioning in the Nawashahr District during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 are given below:
|
Year |
Number of Societies |
Membership |
Share Capital (Rs in lakhs) |
Working Capital (Rs in lakhs) |
|
1996-97 |
1 |
18 |
0.01 |
32.74 |
|
1997-98 |
1 |
18 |
0.01 |
37.89 |
|
1998-99 |
1 |
18 |
0.01 |
38.85 |
|
1999-2000 |
1 |
18 |
0.01 |
38.85 |
|
2000-2001 |
1 |
18 |
0.01 |
38.95 |
(Source: Deputy Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Nawashahr)
The
Primary Co-operative Agricultural Development Banks.-
These banks meet the long term loan requirement of the farmers for improvement
of land and purchase of capital assets. These banks are at the base level and
the Punjab State Co-operative Agricultural Development Bank, Limited is at the
apex level. The Primary Co-operative Agricultural Development Banks function in
the Nawashahr under the Punjab State Co-operative Agricultural Development
Bank,
The long term loans advanced by these banks along with their membership in the Nawashahr District during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below :
|
Year |
Membership |
Loans advanced (Rs in lakhs) |
|
1996-97 |
20,517 |
631.82 |
|
1997-98 |
21,000 |
931.99 |
|
1998-99 |
21,747 |
916.87 |
|
1999-2000 |
22,071 |
923.44 |
|
2000-2001 |
22,636 |
1192.66 |
(Source: Deputy Registrar Co-operative Societies Nawashahr).
Co-operative Agriculture Marketing Societies.- These Societies have been formed at the primary level to enable the farmers to get fair share of the value of their agricultural produce. The societies have been formed in almost all the regulated markets of the district. These societies function as the commission agents in the markets for marketing of the produce in the area. These societies also make purchases of wheat and other commodities for the government whenever required. These societies besides providing marketing facilities, also make arrangements for the storage of agricultural produce of the members. These societies are also encouraged to acquire their own godowns.
The Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (MARKFED), is functioning at the state level, wholesale societies at the district level and marketing societies at the primary level.
The number of Co-operative Agriculture Marketing Societies and their membership, value of goods marketed, etc. during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 in Nawashahr District are given below :
|
Co.op year ending June |
No of Societies |
Membership
Individual Societies |
Total |
Paid up share capital (Rs in
lakhs) |
Working capital (Rs lakhs) |
Value of goods marketed (Rs in
lakhks) |
|||||
|
1996-97 |
3 |
3,267 |
286 |
3,553 |
4.95 |
67.24 |
297.98 |
||||
|
1997-98 |
3 |
3,273 |
286 |
3,559 |
6.23 |
70.92 |
353.57 |
||||
|
1998-99 |
3 |
3,363 |
287 |
3,650 |
6.11 |
68.29 |
648.58 |
||||
|
1999-2000 |
3 |
3,391 |
294 |
3,685 |
5.94 |
73.33 |
106.71 |
||||
|
2000-2001 |
3 |
3,406 |
294 |
3,700 |
6.14 |
70.50 |
125.65 |
||||
(Source: Deputy Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Nawashahr)
Other
Societies.- In addition to
societies mentioned above 212 Milk Supply Societies were also functioning in
the district as on 31 March 2001.
Besides, cooperatives resolve to: support and sustain agriculture as a multi functional occupation in the State; provide desired impetus to diversification of agriculture in the State, liberalize and adjust structures to deliver commodities and service to the farmers at competitive price; assume quality leadership for branded products with high mark-ups in agriculture, sugar, food, milk and handloom sectors; promote vertical integration for creating strong bonds with farmers and improve product quality, reduce operational costs and increase efficiency and increase membership and business with greater people’s participation.
(viii) Progress
of Scientific Agriculture
The ever increasing demand for food grains necesstiated for reaching improvements and changes in pattern and technique of agriculture. After Independence the development of agriculture has been given an important place in the country’s Five-Year Plans. Agricultural production can be increased by two methods i.e. either by extensive cultivation or by intensive cultivation. As land is scarce, factor of production, extensive cultivation cannot make a success. For intensive cultivation the improved and scientific methods of growing crops have been popularized among the cultivators. These methods include proper tillage, sufficient and timely manuring, improved variety of seeds, timely irrigation and protection of crops against pest and diseases. The sixties of the last century saw the beginning of the ‘green revolution’ in the country under which, schemes of intensive cultivation and sowing of the high yielding varieties have been implemented. So intensive cultivation comprises use of better seeds evolved through agricultural research, use of improved agricultural implements, chemical fertilizers, etc. A few of these are detailed below.-
Agricultural Implements.- From very early times man has been trying to reduce the manual labour involved in agricultural operations such as tilling, sowing, harvesting and threshing by using bullocks and other draught animals. At present they are substituted by machinery and power. Agro-engineering is playing a great role in the successful management of agriculture sector. The use of improved agricultural implements not only directly increases the crop yield but reduces the cost of production by saving time and labour. The need of improved farm implements and tools for scientific agriculture received adequate attention during the third five year plan. The indigenous agricultural implements which were well adopted in the district according to the local needs have become totally out dated. The development of agro-engineering has, however, led to the introduction and popularisation of many labour and time saving agricultural implements. Among the improved most important implants now used in the district are improved plough, harrow, seed-cum-fertilizer drills, levellers, reapers, harvesters, tubewell and pumping sets for irrigation planters, etc. Besides, tractors which are useful for a variety of purposes, viz., for ploughing, puddling, seeding, trench forming, threshing and transporting agricultural products with trailers have become popular in the district.
The number of tubewells/pumping sets (electric and diesel including additional bores) in the district as on 31 March 2001 was 31,240 and the number of tractor on the same date in the district was 8,172.
Soil Testing.- Due to intensive cultivation there has been a large scale degradation of land resources due to erosion, salinization and water logging. In order to use the land resources judiciously and maintain their productivity, there is need for sustainable development of these resources. For the proper utilization of soil under crops and for using balanced fertilizers, soil testing is very helpful, Five soil-testing laboratories have been functioning in the Nawashahr District, viz at Nawashahr, Banga, Aur, Balachaur and Saroya. After taking samples, reports are prepared on the basis of tests and these reports are provided to the farmers during training camps organized at village, block and district level. Farmers are advised accordingly for the use of seeds and fertilizers.During 2000-2001, the number of soil samples tested in the Nawashahr District was 18,321 (4,366 at Nawashahr, 3,015 at banga 3,230 at Aur 4,457 at Balachaur and 3,253 at Saroya).
Seeds.- Good seed is the basis of successful agriculture. So the basic requirements for increasing agricultural production is the supply of improved seeds. The Agriculture Department earnestly pays attention to ensure the multiplication and supply of seeds of improved varieties. To intensify the seed supply to the farmers, the State Government has set-up Punjab Seeds Corporation and the State Seed Certification Authority. Besides, a number of schemes have been introduced, to provide seeds, seedlings and plants to the farmers, which give higher yield. The National Seeds Corporation and a number of private agencies also assist the farmers in the supply and distribution of various types of seeds.
The Punjab Improved Seeds and Seedlings Act, 1950, provides for the use of pure seeds and seedlings recommended by the Department of Agriculture and makes it incumbent on the cultivator in any notified areas to use only improved varieties of seeds stored by the authorised agents. The farmers are also distributed seeds kits free of cost to improve the quality of seeds.
High Yielding Varieties.- The High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP) was initiated in the State in mid-sixties to ensure the timely supply of seeds of high yielding varieties, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals. In addition to this demonstration plots, crop production competitions and information on improved seeds and implements are also provided under this programme :
The high yielding varieties of crops sown in the Nawashahr district are given below:
|
Name of the Crop |
Variety |
|
Paddy |
PR-116, PR-115,PR-113,pusa Basmati No-1,
Basmati 385, Basmati-386 |
|
Maize |
Hybrid Maize, (PMH-1, PMH-2, JH3459,
Parkash, Paras, F 9572 A and Bio 9637 ); Desi Maize (Parbhat, Kesri, Punjab
Sathi No-1) |
|
Wheat |
PBW-343, PBW-154 WH-542, PBW-34, PBW-233,
PBW-373, PBW-396, PBW-138 |
|
Rapeseed and Mustard |
GSL-1, GSL-2, RL-1359, RLM-619,TL-15
(Toria) |
|
Sugarcane |
COJ-83, COJ-64, COP-211, CO-1148, COJ-84 |
(Source: Chief Agricultural Officer, Nawashahr)
The percentage of area under high yielding varieties to the total cropped area of major food crops in the Nawashahr District during the year 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Rice |
Maize |
Wheat |
Sugarcane |
|
1996-97 |
44.56 |
19.56 |
64.13 |
17.39 |
|
1997-98 |
46.74 |
19.56 |
61.95 |
14.13 |
|
1998-99 |
50.00 |
19.56 |
67.39 |
11.95 |
|
1999-2000 |
50.00 |
19.56 |
72.82 |
14.13 |
|
2000-2001 |
51.08 |
18.48 |
75.00 |
14.13 |
(Source: Chief Agriculture Officer, Nawashahr)
Crop Rotation.- Two crops in a year is the common practice in areas of assured water supply. The rotation of crops along with the application of manures and chemical fertilizers can help in checking the tendency of diminishing returns on land and thus help in maintaining the fertility of the soil, and as a result of this the production does not fall year after year. Suitable crop rotation thus help in maintaining the soil fertility. Farmers adopt crop rotation according to the type soil. The rotation varies from soil to soil and it differs under irrigated and barani conditions. This rotation also differs from district to district. The general rotations of crops followed by farmers in the Nawashahr District are: Paddy-Wheat, Paddy-Potato/Peas, Maize-Wheat/Potato-Sugarcane, Potato-Sugarcane, Mentha-Potato, Mentha-Wheat, Maize-Peas-Sunflower.
Fallow Cultivation.- The land from which crop has been harvested and is left to the rest until the next sowing is called fallow land. Fallow cultivation, therefore, means the cultivation of land, which has thus rested. It is important for replenishing soil fertility reduced by the previous crop. With the progress of scientific method of cultivation, availability or irrigational facilities and fertilizers and the pressure on land, not much area is left fallow. However, the extent of current fallows depends on rains. In 2000-2001 there was no fallow land in the district.
Fertilizers and Manures.-Manuring the fields for the better production and maintenance of soil fertility has been recognized since long. Manures are of two kinds, viz., organic and inorganic. Organic manures are compost, farm yard manure and given manures while the inorganic are the chemical fertilizers. The farmers use these manures to increase agricultural production because after every harvest the soil losses its fertility and becomes deficient in certain nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. To make good this loss of nutrients, the application of chemical fertilizers had become essential to maintain and improve the fertility of the soil. Green manuring with leguminous crops add to the fertility of the soil. Among all kind of manuring practices, green manuring has been found to be the cheapest. Chemical fertilizers are very useful for foodgrain crops.
Chemical Fertilizers.- The application of chemical fertilizers helps in raising the fertility of soil. The use of proper and required dose of these fertilizers is not only helpful to raise the production but also economical. The deficiency of these nutrients in the soil can be known from soil testing. The soil samples are tested free of cost by soil testing laboratories set up by the Department of Agriculture, Punjab/Markfed/ Punjab Agricultural University at various places in the State. These soil testing laboratories tested about 18,321 samples in the district during 2000-2001. The farmers are guided about the use of chemical fertilizer according to the test report.
The following table shows the use of chemical fertilizers in Nawashahr District during 1995-96 to 2000-2001 :-
(000 Nutrient Tonnes)
|
Year |
Nitrogenous (N) |
Phosphatic (P2 O5) |
Potassic (K2 O) |
Total (NPK) |
|
1996-97 |
20 |
5 |
- |
25 |
|
1997-98 |
22 |
7 |
1 |
30 |
|
1998-99 |
25 |
6 |
- |
31 |
|
1999-2000 |
17 |
7 |
- |
24 |
|
2000-2001 |
21 |
5 |
- |
26 |
(Statistical
Abstracts of Punjab 1997 to 2000)
Local Manurial Resources
Rural Compost and Cattle Dung Manures.- Good quality farm yard manure is perhaps the most valuable organic matter applied to soil. The use of organic manure like farm yard manure, cattle dung, poultry and goat and sheep manure is well-known to every farmer in the district. It contains micronutrients in addition to major nutrients, which are all the more necessary particularly for high yielding varieties and is used for all principal crops. Keeping in view the importance of this manure, the Government has launched a campaign to make the best use of farmyard manure and other wastes. The East Punjab Conservation of Manures Act, 1949 (amended in 1950) provides for the setting up of manure conservation committee and empowers the State Government to notify particular areas for the purpose of conserving manure and make it incumbent on cultivators to take such measures as may be necessary for the purpose. The rural compost scheme was made permanent in the State in October 1966.
The rural compost prepared in the Nawashahr District during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Rural Compost Prepared (lakh
meteric tonnes) |
|
1996-97 |
10.00 |
|
1997-98 |
10.00 |
|
1998-99 |
11.87 |
|
1999-2000 |
14.09 |
|
2000-2001 |
13.69 |
(Source: Field Manure-cum-Town Compost Officer, Punjab,S.A.S. Nagar)
Green Manuring.- Green Manuring is a method of improving the fertility by adding nitrogen from plants directly into the soil. The farmers grow green-leaf-yielding plants like saun (hamp) dhaincha and guara.
These crops ploughed in the field as manure. This practice improves the soil texture by the addition of lumus or organic matter. The addition of organic matter improves both heavy and sandy soils. Further, it creates better condition for the increase of useful bacteria in the soil. The water holding capacity of soil also increase.
The area under green manure in the Nawashahr District during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Area Under Green manure (In hectares) |
|
1996-97 |
7,000 |
|
1997-98 |
7,185 |
|
1998-99 |
8,185 |
|
1999-2000 |
5,274 |
|
2000-2001 |
7,636 |
(Source: Field manure-cum Town Compost Officer, Punjab, S.A.S. Nagar)
Town Compost.- Urban wastes are a potential source of plant food ingredients. Efforts have been made to conserve wastes for manurial purposes. The Town Compost Scheme was introduced in the State in 1944. Under this scheme, all town wastes are collected and allowed to decompose in trenches, yielding organic manure of high quality, which sold to the cultivators.
The quantity of town compost prepared by the local bodies in the Nawashahr District during the year 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Town Compost Prepared (In metric tonnes) |
|
1996-97 |
2,100 |
|
1997-98 |
1,900 |
|
1998-99 |
1,850 |
|
1999-2000 |
2,050 |
|
2000-2001 |
1,800 |
(Source: Field Manure-cum Town Compost Officer, Punjab, S.A.S.Nagar)
Sullage Utilization.- The potential of sewage and sullage available in the cities and towns as a source of plant nutrients and irrigation water is enormous. It is highly useful to all the crops and is easily available for the fields in the vicinity of cities and towns.
Agricultural Insects Pests and Diseases and Obnoxious
Weeds
Insects-Pests and Diseases.- Protection of crops from pests and diseases assumes special significance in the wake of increased consumption of fertilizers and improved seeds. The high yielding cereals grown largely with indigenous varieties are comparatively more susceptible to pests and diseases. Plant protection measures contribute significantly towards enhancing agricultural production. Crops in the Nawashahr District also suffer from various insect-pests and diseases. Some diseases are caused by insects and pests are the result if water logging, soil alkalinity, etc. To face the problem of rising pests and insects infect ion the State Government is supplying pesticides/ insecticides to the farmers on “no profit/no loss’ basis, besides providing technical guidance and plant protection equipment on hire basis. In addition to this, serial spraying facilities are also provided to the farmers. The plant protection squads in the blocks help the farmers to combat to post menace by the growth of the friendly insects and pests. The growth of friendly insects and pests not only destroy enemy pests and insects but also save the farmers from the use of expensive insecticides. For controlling the seed-born diseases and improving the germination of some crops, seeds treatment is being undertaken extensively which includes, solar heat treatment of wheat during the month of may-June. The farmers are advised for the use of good quality seeds recommended by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
Obnoxious Weeds.- With the increase of multiple cropping and higher inputs, weeds have become a problem . Most effective weedicide introduced in recent years which farmers have largely adopted are: Machett, Pratila, Chlor, Buta Chlor, Anilophos and Stomop for the rice crop; Tribunal Isoproturove, Topic, Puma, Super, Leader, Algrip, 2-4 D and Avadex for wheat crop. For maize and sugarcane Atrataf is an effective weedicide.
Research Stations.- The responsibility for agricultural research lies with the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, established in 1962. The university assumes full responsibility for teaching and research in the fields of agriculture, veterinary science and home science. Two research stations of Punjab Agricultural university are functioning at Langdoa and Bullowal Sonkhari in the district. The objectives of these research stations are to conduct research on different aspects of fruits/crops.
(d) Animal Husbandry, Poultry and
Fisheries
Animal Husbandry.- Animal husbandry is being practised as an adjunct to agriculture since generations. Apart from their value as draught animals, the cattle are valued for their milk and milk products alongwith other valuable products from other live stocks like sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. In recent decades , dairying and poultry keeping has gained considerable importance.
The livestock plays an important role in the economy of the district by providing gainful employment apart from providing food of high nutritive value for the health and well being of the people. Livestock development in the district has been undergoing revolutionary changes in the recent years. Setting up of new milk plants in the State has given fillip to dairying. Adoption of modern technique of breeding feeding, management and disease control has contributed much to enhance the productivity of buffaloes.
Animal Husbandry Department looks after the veterinary and animal husbandry work in the district and is concerned with the development of cattle poultry breeding and allied schemes and prevention and treatment of various animal diseases.
At the district level, Animal Husbandry Department is under the charge of Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Nawashahr. He is assisted by 2 Senior Veterinary Officers (Fodder) 32 Veterinary Officers, 53 Veterinary Pharmacists, 3 Development Officers (Fodder), 1 Senior Assistant, 1 Junior Assistant, 3 Laboratory Assistants, 1 Clerk, 1 Stenographer, 1 Statistical Supervisor besides miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The main activities of this department in the district are; to increase the genetically potential of livestock through cross breeding and selective breeding; to provide efficient health cover; to provide extension services by holding sterility camps, films shows etc. and to educate farmers regarding improved feeding and management practices to get maximum return from their animals.
The number of livestock in the Nawashahr District according to 1990 and 1997 livestock census is given below:
(Thousand)
|
Particulars |
1990 |
1997 |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Cattle |
80.4 |
78.0 |
|
Buffaloes |
189.3 |
195.6 |
|
Horses and Ponies |
1.1 |
0.6 |
|
Donkeys |
1.2 |
0.5 |
|
Mules |
0.9 |
0.5 |
|
|
2 |
3 |
|
Sheep |
1.7 |
2.2 |
|
Goats |
23.4 |
20.0 |
|
Camels |
0.1 |
@ |
|
Pigs |
1.5 |
1.1 |
|
Other |
- |
- |
|
Total |
299.6 |
298.5 |
|
Poultry |
239.4 |
130.0 |
@ Less than 50 (Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1997 and 2001)
(i) Animal Health and Breeding Wing.- At the district level, the Animal Husbandry Department has been divided into two wings, viz. Animal Health Wing and Animal Breeding Wing. The activities of both wings are described below:
Animal Health wing.- This wing of the Animal Husbandry Department at the district level is under the charge of Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Nawashahr.
The main activities of this wing are: to provide efficient health cover for the treatment of sick animals; to protect livestock from contagious diseases by doing prophylactic vaccination, to protect livestock from worm by deforming the young and adult at proper times.
As on 31 March 2001, there were 52 veterinary hospitals, 42 veterinary dispensaries and 2 mobile hospitals. These mobile hospitals treat the animals by going village to village. There are 3 poultry service centres, but there is no sheep centre in the district.
Animal Breeding Wing.- To improve the breed of cattle the Government have started artificial insemination scheme in the district. The main activities of the animal wing are: to improve the breed of the cattle by intensification of cross breeding programme. For improving the quality of cattle, frozen semen and liquid semen techniques are used. The artificial insemination facilities are provided in 96 veterinary institutions of the Nawashahr District.
The animals covered under the artificial insemination methods and calves born by artificial insemination method in the Nawashahr District during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Animal Covered through
Artificial Insemination |
Calves
born by Artificial Insemination
Methods |
||
|
|
Cows |
Buffaloes |
|
Buffaloes |
|
1996-97 |
58,135 |
25,460 |
17,346 |
5,397 |
|
1997-98 |
59,706 |
29,437 |
18,620 |
10,794 |
|
1998-99 |
59,985 |
29,730 |
15,199 |
10,731 |
|
1999-2000 |
61,681 |
33,647 |
15,263 |
10,594 |
|
2000-2001 |
64,065 |
33,817 |
16,107 |
10,628 |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1997 to 2001)
Semen Bank.- No semen bank has been functioning in the district. For artificial insemination frozen semen straws of cows and buffaloes are collected from semen banks of Patiala, Rupnagar, Kapurthala and Nabha where the bulls of exotic breeds are kept.
Development of Gaushalas
Gaushalas are institutions inspired by religious sentiments to house the unproductive and useless cattle and are run on charity. As on 31 March 2001 there were 4 Gaushalas in the Nawashahr Distirict, one each at Nawashahr, Banga, Matobet and Rattewal.
Castration
The reproductive ability of scrub and inferior bulls is controlled by means of castration, breeding through such bulls causes deterioration in the genetic potential of the progeny. The Animal Husbandry Department has been making efforts to improve the livestock. Keeping this in view, 39 cattle were castrated in the Nawashahr District during 2000-2001.
Control of Menace of Wild and Stray Cattle.- In order to control this menace a scheme for their rounding up as well as for their disposal known as Wild and Stray Cattle Catching Scheme, was launched in the State in 1962-63. Under this scheme, cattle catching parties are organized to round up wild and stray cattle. However, the Animal Husbandry Department has no such scheme in the Nawashahr District.
(i)
Area Under Fodder Crops
The main source of the cattle feed in the district, as elsewhere in the state are i.e. green grass, cultivated fodder like, chari, guara, oats, barseen, etc., dry fodder or by-products of agricultural crops wheat, maize, sugar-cane tops and certain weeds in the crops suitable for fodder and concentrated foods. With the decrease in grazing facilities, fodder crops have gained much importance. Fodder crops cultivated in the district mainly consists of jowar, guara, oats, barseen and some other minor crops, cattle feeds, oils-cake, guar, maize, barley, wheat bran and cotton seeds are used as concentrated food mostly for milch cattle.
The area under fodder crops in the district during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given in the following table:-
(Area in Hectares)
|
Fodder Crops |
1996-97 |
1997-98 |
1998-99 |
1999-2000 |
2000-2001 |
|
Kharif Crops |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jowar (Chari) |
8,414 |
8,314 |
8,752 |
7,971 |
7,767 |
|
Guara |
821 |
846 |
612 |
539 |
666 |
|
Other Fodders |
5,186 |
5,304 |
5,495 |
5,024 |
5,210 |
|
Total |
14,421 |
14,464 |
14,859 |
13,534 |
13,643 |
|
Rabi Crops |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barseem |
4,303 |
4,353 |
4,145 |
4,117 |
4,374 |
|
Oat (Javi) |
902 |
865 |
1,077 |
940 |
993 |
|
Other Fodders |
1,261 |
1,2,58 |
754 |
550 |
152 |
|
Total |
6,466 |
6,476 |
5,976 |
5,607 |
5,519 |
|
Grand Total |
20,887 |
20,940 |
20,835 |
19,141 |
19,162 |
(Source:
Deputy Commissioner, Nawashahr)
Dairy Farming
With the increasing concentration of population in some of the areas of the district and with the rise in the price of milk, dairying has become a paying business. Buffaloes and cows constitute the main source of supply of milk. A large number of people in the village and towns maintain small dairies of supply of milk to the town folk.
Milk was always there in Punjab in plenty and lots to spare, but at a price not so good for toiling farmers as milk exchanged hands through those of middlemen who took away a major part of the farmer’s profits. To eliminate the middleman in the milk trade to benefit the dairy farmer, the Punjab State Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Ltd came into existence in December 1973, it has twin objectives of providing remunerative milk market to the milk producers in the state by value addition and marketing of produce on one hand and technical inputs to the milk producers for enhancement of milk production on the other hand. During 2000-2001, the per capita availability of milk in the State was 870 grams per day. In the Nawashahr District these is only one private sector owned milk plant. This milk plant namely H.S.B. Milkfood Ltd., Cama lis engaged in the milk procurement. A scheme called ‘Training Infrastructure in Dairying for Rural Unemployed Youth for Commercialized Milk Production’ is being run in the State. Under this scheme, a well knit infrastructure has been set up to give scientific dairy training to rural youth, ex-servicemen and widows.
A scheme, for extension, training and education in improved methods of dairying to milk producers, is also being run in the state. Under this scheme, technical know-how is imported to the dairy farmers in scientific breeding, feeding an farm management for enabling them to take up commercial dairying.
According to livestock census of 1997, the number of milch cows and buffaloes in the Nawashahr District were 22,300 and 79,000 respectively.
(iv) Poultry Farming.- Poultry keeping has been taken up as an important subsidiary occupation by several people in the district. Poultry, supplies nutritive food to the consumers in the form of meat and eggs and good quality manure for agriculture. Poultry production made considerable headway due to requirement of small space, low capital investment, quick returns from the investment and well distributed turnover throughout the year. There is no Government poultry farm in the district but three poultry service centres functioning at Mahalon, Balachaur and Banga are functioning.
According to livestock census 1997 the number of poultry birds in the district were 1,30,000.
(v) Sheep and Goat Breeding.- The population of the goats in the district was 20,000 and that of sheep was only 2,200 according to the Livestock Census of 1997. Sheep and goats rearing is mainly taken up by the weaker sections of the society and by some marginal farmers. The geographical conditions of Balachaur Block of the district are suitable for sheep and goats rearing. Sheep and goats are providing meat for food, wool for clothing, skins for leather industries and good manure for agriculture. The Animal Husbandry Department has taken up several step to improve the quality of mutton and wool through the distribution of pedigree stocks in rural areas. In Nawashahr District, no sheep breeding centre was functioning as on 31 March 2001.
(vi) Piggery.-Pig is a very prolific breeder. Its offsprings grow up quickly and mature comparatively at an early age as compared to other animals. Pigs therefore, have great potentialities for augmentation of food as they can be rapidly increased in number. To upgrade the local stock, the Government have introduced such breeds as Yorkshire Whites and Landrace and propagated them for distribution in the district for cross breeding. With a view to imparting technical knowledge and educate the farmers in the latest modern techniques of pig raising, short –term training courses are also run by the Government. Piggery is an important vocation of the weaker sections of society. It is not much popular in the district as it had only 1,100 pigs according to the Livestock Census 1997.
(vii) Fisheries.- The Fisheries Department is playing vital role for the development of pisciculture. The Assistant Project Officer (Fisheries), Nawashahr is overall incharge for the fish development in the district, and is functioning under the administrative control of Director and Warden of Fisheries, Punjab, Chandigarh. He is assisted by 1 Fish Extension Officer, 1 Farm Superintendent, 1 Fisheries Officer, 2 Junior Assistants, 1 Farm Assistant, besides Class IV staff.
The main activities of the department in the Nawashahr District are: conservation of fisheries, resources and development of fish culture in ponds and tanks, auctioning at the notified water; canals and stocked ponds; survey of new ponds suitable for fish culture, stocking thereof production of fish seed of stockable varieties by induced breeding providing assistance for adoption of fish culture to the interested person especially from weaker section.
The district has a huge water resources in the form of canals, river, and pond. These resources offer a significant potential for increasing fish production and for generating income for the economically weaker sections of the society.
The farmers are adopting intensive fish culture in ponds and tanks on modern scientific lines through composite fish culture of fast growing species. Most of the ponds are seasonal but by proper renovation, these can prove useful for fish culture. The rights and management of the village ponds are with the panchayats. Some panchayats put their ponds on lease to fish farmers on long term basis. The technical guidance, financial assistance and supply of quality fish seed are provided to the fish farmers by the Fisheries Department. The number of ponds in the Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 was 124.
Fisheries Department has established a fish seed farm at Dhanduan in public sector. This farm is spread over 25 acres of land on Phagwara-Nawashahr road. The capacity of this farm to provide fish seed is 25 lakh seeds annually. There are 40 nursery tanks and 7 stock tanks at this farm. In Nawashahr District, there is no fish seed farm in the private sector.
The important varieties of food fish available in the district are; Catla, Rohu, Murakh, Common Carp, Grass Carp, Silver Carp, etc.
The progress of fisheries in the district during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Number of Ponds |
Area in Hectares |
Fish Seed Stocked (Number) |
|
1996-97 |
90 |
94.55 |
7,89,000 |
|
1997-98 |
123 |
152.10 |
16,84,500 |
|
1998-99 |
120 |
147.65 |
22,75,500 |
|
1999-2000 |
116 |
131.15 |
18,59,750 |
|
2000-2001 |
124 |
153.70 |
17,47,500 |
(Source: Assistant Project Officer, Fisheries, Nawashahr)
During 2000-2001 an area of 153.70 hectares was under fish culture in 124 ponds. An amount of Rs 2,28,454 was given as subsidy to the fish farmers and Rs 7,00,000 was given as loans.
Besides, Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) is function in the district. The main functions of this agency are to provide loans and subsidy for excavation of new ponds/renovation of existing ponds, for auction of fish ponds and for integrated fish farming such as fish farming with poultry, piggery and ducking. Besides, 5 days training is also given in fish farming so as to impart preliminary knowledge of fish farming. During the training period a stipend of Rs 50 per day is given to each trainee. It also gives Rs 100 as bus fare to the trainees. The FFDA also supplies improved culturable species at the subsidised rates.
The number of trainees, and the amount of loans provided during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 in the district is given below:
|
Year |
Number of Ponds |
Area in Hectares |
Fish Seed Stocked (Number) |
|
|
1996-97 |
90 |
94.55 |
7,89,000 |
|
|
1997-98 |
123 |
152.10 |
16,84,500 |
|
|
1998-99 |
120 |
147.65 |
22,75,500 |
|
|
1999-2000 |
116 |
131.15 |
18,59,750 |
|
|
2000-2001 |
124 |
153.70 |
17,47,500 |
|
|
(Source: Assistant Project Officer, Fisheries, Nawashahr) |
||||
(vii)
Animal Diseases and
Animal Diseases.- Animals suffer from a number of diseases. Tick, born diseases have been responsible for heavy morbidity and death of livestock. Exotic and cross-bred cattle are particularly susceptible to these diseases. The most common diseases among the cattle and buffaloes in the district are rinderpest (mogh-wah), foot and mouth diseases (muh-khur), haemorrhagic septicaemia (Galghotu), black-quarter (phersujna) and parasite diseases. Among the sheep and goats, goiter and liver diseases are found. The diseases generally appear due to unhealthy surroundings and drinking of unhygienic water by animals. With prophylactic vaccinations and curative measures these diseases have been brought under control. Regular campaigns of inoculation and vaccination against these diseases are conducted.
The number of live stocks vaccinated for different diseases in the Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 are Galghotu (2,15,127), Muh-khur (32,305) Phersujna (18,036). The total number of livestock vaccinated during 2000-2001 was 2,65,468.
Veterinary Hospitals.- At the time of the creation of the district (1995-96) there were 42 Civil Veterinary Hospitals and 32 Civil Veterinary Dispensaries. Now ( as on 31 March 2001) there was a net work of 52 Civil Veterinary Hospitals and 44 Cattle Welfare Dispensaries in Nawashahr District.
The block wise list of Veterinary hospitals and dispensaries in the district as on 31 March 2001 is given below:
|
Serial No. |
Civil Veterinary Hospital |
Serial No. |
Cattle Welfare Dispensary |
||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
||||
|
Block Nawashahr |
|||||||
|
1 |
Nawashahr |
1 |
Sheikhupur Bagh |
||||
|
2 |
Roahon |
2 |
Udhowal |
||||
|
3 |
Jadla |
3 |
Sahabpur |
||||
|
4 |
Mirpur Jattan |
4 |
Chahar Majara |
||||
|
5 |
Jabbowal at Palliuchi |
5 |
Tejowal |
||||
|
6 |
Behloor Kalan |
6 |
Ranewal |
||||
|
7 |
Saidpur |
7 |
Dharam Kot |
||||
|
8 |
Ghataron |
8 |
Pallian kalan |
||||
|
9 |
Dhataron |
9 |
Alachaur |
||||
|
10 |
Daulatpur |
10 |
Mubarakpur |
||||
|
11 |
Langroya |
11 |
Malpur Arkan |
||||
|
12 |
Mujjaffarpur |
12 |
Karyam |
||||
|
13 |
Usmanpur |
13 |
Bhangal Kalan |
||||
|
14 |
Hiala |
14 |
Chhokran |
||||
|
Block Banga |
|||||||
|
1 |
Banga |
1 |
Surapur |
||||
|
2 |
Gobindpur |
2 |
Mehli |
||||
|
3 |
Mehal Gehlan |
3 |
Thandian |
||||
|
4 |
Behram |
4 |
Mallupota |
||||
|
5 |
Mandhali |
5 |
Khatkar Kalan |
||||
|
6 |
Katarian |
6 |
Bisla |
||||
|
7 |
Pharala |
7 |
Kangraur |
||||
|
8 |
Paddi Matwali |
8 |
Kariha |
||||
|
9 |
Soondh |
9 |
Naura |
||||
|
10 |
Jhika Ladhana |
10 |
Khatt |
||||
|
11 |
Pathlawa |
11 |
Khan Khana |
||||
|
12 |
Kajla |
12 |
Langheri |
||||
|
13 |
Kahma |
13 |
Mussapur |
||||
|
14 |
Lakhpur |
14 |
Karhana |
||||
|
15 |
Ghuman |
15 |
Bhora |
||||
|
16 |
Jasso Majara |
|
|
||||
|
Block Aur |
|||||||
|
1 |
Aur |
1 |
Sahlon |
||||
|
2 |
Phambra |
2 |
Bharta Khurd |
||||
|
3 |
Hakimpur |
3 |
Laroya |
||||
|
4 |
Raipur Daba |
4 |
Sarhal Qazian |
||||
|
|
2 |
3 |
4 |
||||
|
5 |
Urapar |
5 |
Dudhala |
||||
|
6 |
Makandpur |
6 |
Herian |
||||
|
7 |
Garhpadhana |
7 |
Majara Nawabad |
||||
|
8 |
Garcha |
8 |
Ratenda |
||||
|
|
|
9 |
Bharta Kalan |
||||
|
|
|
10 |
Jhingran |
||||
|
|
|
11 |
Julh Majra |
||||
|
Block Balachaur |
|||||||
|
1 |
Balachaur |
1 |
Bharthla |
||||
|
2 |
Kathgarh |
2 |
Nighi |
||||
|
3 |
Jadli |
3 |
Garhi Raipur |
||||
|
4 |
Mohar |
4 |
Ratewal |
||||
|
5 |
Matton Bat |
|
|
||||
|
6 |
Udhanwal |
|
|
||||
|
7 |
Badhighat |
|
|
||||
|
8 |
Taunsa |
|
|
||||
|
Block Saroya |
|||||||
|
1 |
Saroya |
||||||
|
2 |
Pojewal |
||||||
|
3 |
Karawar |
||||||
|
4 |
Chandiani Khurd |
||||||
|
5 |
Sahiba |
||||||
|
6 |
Mallewal Kandi |
||||||
|
7 |
Balachaur |
||||||
(Source: Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Nawashahr)
(e) Forestry
The present district of Nawashahr falls under the jurisdiction of two forest divisions, viz, Divisional Forest Officer, Jalandhar Forest Division with headquarters at Phillaur and Divisional Forest Officer, Garhshankar Forest Division, Garhshankar. Jalandhar Forest Division was established on 31 March 1974 where as Garhshankar Forest Division was established in July 1980. Divisional Forest Officer, Jalandhar at Phillaur is assisted by 1 Deputy Ranger, 3 Foresters, 6 Forest Guards besides class III and IV staff and Divisional Forest Officer, Garhshankar is assisted by 2 Deputy Rangers, 4 Foresters and 18 Forest Guards.
Importance of Forestry in the Economy of the District.- According to the National Forest Policy, 1988 at least 33.5 percent of total geographical area should be under forests. But the area under forests in the State is much lower i.e. only 5.7 percent of the total area of the State.
In the district most of the forest areas exist in the rail, road and canal strips spread over the district. Such plantations in addition to meeting the wood requirements and grass for cattle, also serve as shelter belts and wind breaks. The plantations that are raised in the bet areas prevent damage from floods in the river during monsoons to the agricultural and habitation areas.
The total area under forests in the district during 2000-2001 was 17,303.03 hectares. The division wise and range wise area under forests is given below:
Range Area (In Hectares)
Jalandhar Forest
Division at Phillaur
Nawashahr 1,318.93
Garhshankar Forest
Division
Balachaur 5,887.40
Kathgarh 10,096.70
Total 17,303.03
(Source: Divisional Forest Officer, Phillaur and Garhshankar)
Area Under Forest.- The forests have been categorised into three classes i.e. Protected Forests, Forests under section 38 of Indian Forests Act, 1927 and Unclassed Forests. The category wise area under forests in the district during 2000-2001 is given below:
|
|
Particulars |
Area (In hectares) |
|
(A) |
Protected Forests |
- |
|
|
(a) Demarcated Protected Forests |
1,089.90 |
|
|
(b)Undemarcated Protected Forests |
|
|
|
(i) Canal Side Forests |
401.01 |
|
|
(ii) Road Side Forests |
296.16 |
|
|
(iii) Drain and Bundh |
65.70 |
|
|
(iv) Forests along the side of Railway
line |
81.70 |
|
(B) |
Forests under section 38 of Indian Forest
Acts. |
- |
|
(C) |
Unclassified Forests |
769.36 |
|
(D) |
Forest Area Closed under Land
Preservation Act, 1980 |
14,599.20 |
|
|
Total |
17,303.03 |
|
(Source:
Divisional Forests Officers, Phillaur and Garhshankar) |
||
Reserved Forest.- There is no area under Reserved Forests in Nawashahr District.
Protected Forests.- All rail, road, canal and drain strips have been declared as Protected Forests by the State Government. These strips were transferred for scientific management to Forest Department. Plantation of Shisham, Dek, Eucalyptus, Mango, Kikar, Neem and Tut etc. have been raised in these forest areas.
Forest Produce.- The major produce of forests are timber and fuel wood. The minor forest produce include Kahi, Kana and Panni.
The annual income realised by the department from sale of forest produce in the Nawashahr District during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is as under:
|
Year |
Major Produce (Rs) |
Minor Forest Produce(Rs) |
||
|
1996-97 |
29,01,415 |
17,38,930 |
|
|
|
1997-98 |
47,86,510 |
21,33,950 |
|
|
|
1998-99 |
35,22,163 |
1,68,15,000 |
|
|
|
1999-2000 |
2,35,14,110 |
92,20,000 |
|
|
|
2000-2001 |
2,63,92,959 |
12,11,560 |
|
|
|
(Source: Divisional Forest Officers, Phillaur and Garhshankar) |
||||
(f) Floods
The area falling under the present district of Nawashahr is not much prone to floods. The following table shows the damage caused by floods and heavy rains in the Nawashahr District during 1996 to 2000:-
|
Category |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
|
Number of Villages/towns affected |
.. |
92 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Area affected (Sq.Km.) |
.. |
.. |
89 |
- |
- |
|
Number of human lives lost |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Number of cattle heads lost |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Number of houses damaged |
- |
4,116 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Damage to (i) Area affected (hectares) crops
(ii) Value (Rs 000) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1996 to 2001)
(g) Famine
Famine is a thing of the past now. There has been no famine in the State since long. But famine used to visit the present area of Nawashahr, prior to the introduction of the canal irrigation, as earlier all cultivation was dependent on rain only. Owing to the situation and constitution of the soil, the rainfall was light and precarious and the possibility of famine had always to be provided for. But after the introduction of canal irrigation and extension of irrigation facilities after independence, the district is no longer prone to famine.
Appendix I (Vide page 109)
Area Under Principal Crops in the Nawashahr District
during 1995-96 to 2000-2001
(In thousand hectares)
|
|
1995-96 |
1996-97 |
1997-98 |
1998-99 |
1999-2000 |
2000-2001 |
|
Cereals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rice |
42 |
41 |
43 |
46 |
46 |
47 |
|
Jowar |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Bajra |
0.7 |
(a) |
- |
0.4 |
0.2 |
- |
|
Maize |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
17 |
|
Wheat |
60 |
58 |
57 |
62 |
67 |
70 |
|
Barley |
0.1 |
0.1 |
- |
(a) |
(a) |
( c ) |
|
Pulses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gram |
(a) |
0.1 |
- |
(a) |
(c ) |
(c ) |
|
Mash |
0.1 |
0.1 |
- |
(a) |
(c ) |
0.1 |
|
Mung |
(a) |
(a) |
- |
(a) |
( c ) |
( c) |
|
Massar |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
|
Oil seeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groundnut |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
- |
( c) |
(c ) |
|
Rapeseed and mustard |
3.0 |
- |
1.4 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
1.8 |
|
Sesamum |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
(a) |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
Linseed |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
Sunflower |
- |
5 |
3.3 |
2 |
0.2 |
1.3 |
|
Other Crops |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sugarcane (gur) |
13.6 |
16.2 |
12.9 |
11.3 |
11.8 |
11.7 |
|
Potatoes |
0.8 |
2.0 |
1.8 |
1.5 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
|
Cotton (American) |
(a) |
(a) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Cotton (desi) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
( c ) |
( c) |
(Statistical Abstracts of
Punjab 1996 to 2001)
(a) less than 500 hectares
(c) less than 50 hectares
Appendix
II (vide page 109)
Production of Principal Crops in
the Nawashahar District during 1995-96 to 2000-2001
( In thousand metric tonnes)
|
Crop |
1995-96 |
1996-97 |
1997-98 |
1998-99 |
1999-2000 |
2000-2001 |
|
Ceraels |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rice |
132 |
142 |
145 |
150 |
160 |
158 |
|
Jowar |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Bajra |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.1 |
- |
|
Maize |
37 |
39 |
39 |
43 |
46 |
53 |
|
Wheat |
226 |
237 |
200 |
265 |
308 |
313 |
|
Barley |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Pulses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gram |
- |
0.1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Mash |
- |
(b) |
(b) |
- |
- |
(d) |
|
Mung |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Massar |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
|
Oilseeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groundnut |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Rapessed and Mustard |
4.0 |
2.1 |
1.5 |
2.5 |
2.4 |
2.3 |
|
Sunflower |
- |
8 |
5 |
3 |
0.3 |
2.0 |
|
Sesamum |
0.1 |
0.1 |
(b) |
- |
(d) |
(d) |
|
Linseed |