CHAPTER IV
AGRICULTURE
AND IRRIGATION
The area forming the present Mansa District,
except agriculture, no other sector had significantly developed since a long
time in the past. Agriculture is the mainstay of the people and as such it
plays a predominant role in the economy of the district. Mansa is situated in
the cotton belt of
According to the 1991 Census, 85.30 per cent of the total population of the district was residing in villages. Out of the total working force 75.59 per cent workers were engaged in agricultural activities such as cultivators, agricultural labourers and other occupations related to agriculture. The break-up of the persons engaged in these occupations according to 1991 Census in the Mansa District is given below:
|
|
Males
|
Females |
Total |
|
As cultivators |
87,028 |
993 |
88,021 |
|
As Agricultural labourers |
46,960 |
3,213 |
50,173 |
|
Livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting,
plantation, etc. |
1,570 |
39 |
1,609 |
|
Total |
1,35,558 |
4,245 |
1,39,803 |
(Census
of India 1991 Series 20, Punjab Part XII-A& B and District Census
Hand Book, Bathinda)
(a) Land Reclamation and Utilization
Land Utilization.- The
utilization of land in a region depends largely upon its physical, cultural and economic
environments. 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, 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.
The
following table gives the classification of area by land use in the Mansa
District during 1992-93 to 1999-2000:-
57
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. The area under forests in the
district during 1999-2000 was 3 thousand hectares.
Area under Non-agricultural Uses.- This includes all lands occupied by buildings, roads and railways or under water, rivers and canals and other lands put to uses other than agriculture. The total area of land under this category in the district during 1999-2000 was 6 thousand hectares.
Current Fallow.-This
represents cropped area which are kept fallow during the current year. The
total area under current fallows during 1999-2000 in the district was one
thousand hectares.
During
1999-2000 no area falls under the categories of land utilization viz. baron and
uncultivable land, cultivable waste, permanent pastures and other Grazing land,
land under miscellaneous tree crops and groves and fallow land other than
current fallows.
Net Area Sown.- This includes the total area actually sown with crops and orchards
during the year. The net area sown in the district during 1999-2000 was 204 thousand
hectares.
Area
Sown More than Once.- This represents the area on which crops are
cultivated more than once during the agricultural year. Such area in the
district during 1999-2000 was 163 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 40,211* operational
holdings in the Mansa District as per agricultural census of 1995-96. The total
area operated by these holdings in the district was 1,88,682 hectares. The
number of operational holdings by size, groups, area covered and percentage to total area in the Mansa District during 1995-96 is given
below:
|
Size in hectares |
No.
of operational holdings |
Area (hectares) |
Percentage
to total area |
|
0-0.5 |
2,407 |
829 |
.43 |
|
0.5-1.0 |
2,679 |
1,950 |
1.03 |
|
1.0-2.0 |
4,807 |
6,607 |
3.53 |
|
2.0-3.0 |
7,740 |
17,668 |
9.36 |
|
3.0-4.0 |
4,676 |
15,432 |
8.18 |
|
4.0-5.0 |
5,531 |
24,101 |
12.77 |
|
5.0-7.5 |
5,715 |
34,730 |
18.40 |
|
7.5-10.00 |
2,619 |
22,103 |
11.71 |
|
10.00-20.00 |
3,448 |
43,453 |
23.03 |
|
20.00 and above |
589 |
21,809 |
11.55 |
(Source:
Director, Agriculture,
* Provisional
(ii) Reclamation of Waterlogged Area,
Swamps, etc.- Ghaggar
is the only river flowing in the Mansa District. It passes through the
Sardulgarh Tahsil. It has 18.19 km length in the district. Sirhind Drain also passes through the
district and has its out fall in river Ghaggar. It floods some areas of
Budhlada Block (Gurne Khurd, Bareta, Kishangarh and Bareta villages) and some
areas of Sardulgarh Block (Ahlupur and Bhunder villages), which causes damage
to standing crops. Floods also cause water logging in the area. To minimise the
waterlogging 42 km length of the drains has been reconditioned/desilted mainly
in Sardulgarh and Budhlada area. The main problem of waterlogging has been
tackled by initiating lift scheme in badly effected area. Two more sites have
been selected to install motor for lift scheme of villages Kotli Kalan and
Aspal. The permanent solution to waterlogging is digging of gravity drains in
the area. When the water table rises to a certain limit and comes to only less
than five feet below the ground level is called waterlogging or sem.
Waterlogging is serious problem affecting the productivity of land which can
support only some aquatic plants like grass and weeds. The worst condition of waterlogging appears just after rains. It becomes
menace in the unlined canal irrigated area due to seepage and in the areas
along the drains which overflow during the rainy season.
The poor internal and surface
drainage also causes waterlogging. The waterlogged area generally develops into
alkline land where no crop can grow. As a sequence to waterlogging, the land is
spoiled by thur, kallar and sem. The cultivated area which
owing to sub-soil moisture has become unfit for cultivation or badly affected.
The area affected by thur and
sem in the Mansa District, during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given below:
|
Year |
Thur |
Sem |
Total |
|
1992-93 |
- |
884 |
884 |
|
1993-94 |
- |
884 |
884 |
|
1994-95 |
- |
884 |
884 |
|
1995-96 |
- |
884 |
884 |
|
1996-97 |
190 |
727 |
917 |
|
1997-98 |
67 |
1,144 |
1,211 |
|
1998-99 |
67 |
937 |
1,004 |
|
1999-2000 |
45 |
890 |
935 |
(Source: Deputy Commissioner, Mansa)
(b)
Irrigation
Irrigation is an essential input for intensive agriculture and to increase the yields. The development of irrigation also helps to rebuild the agricultural economy. It is, therefore, necessary to improve the water resources and utilize them properly. Besides, 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 out efforts have been made to bring more areas under irrigation and a number of irrigation schemes are being taken up.
Irrigation in the district is mostly
done by canals and tubewells. The net area irrigated to net area sown in the
Mansa District during the year 1999-2000 was 96.4 per cent.
Rainfall.-The
climate of the district is extremely hot and dry in summer, humid in rainy
season of July-September followed by dust storms. The district gets moderate
rainfall during 1998 and 1999 with an average of 132.9 millimetres and 72.2
millimetres respectively. However, the failure of crops for want of rains does
not occur in the district.
The following table shows the
monthly average rainfall in the district during 1992 to 1999:-
Irrigation Facilities.-Almost
all the major facilities of irrigation i.e. canals, tubewells and pumping-sets
are available in the district. The gross area irrigated during 1992-93 was
327.5 thousand hectares as compared to 359.6 thousand hectares in 1999-2000.
The percentage of gross irrigated area to gross cropped area in the district
during 1999-2000 was 97.8.
The table given below shows the
gross cropped area and irrigated area in the Mansa District during 1992-93 to
1999-2000:
(Thousand
hectares)
Year |
Gross cropped area |
Gross
irrigated area |
Percentage
of gross irrigated area to gross cropped area |
|
1992-93 |
340 |
327.5 |
96.3 |
|
1993-94 |
350 |
334.2 |
95.5 |
|
1994-95 |
359 |
342.6 |
95.4 |
|
1995-96 |
345 |
337.4 |
97.8 |
|
1996-97 |
350 |
340.4 |
97.3 |
|
1997-98 |
364 |
356.6 |
98.0 |
|
1998-99 |
366 |
358.5 |
98.0 |
|
1999-2000 |
367 |
359.9 |
97.8 |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1993 to 2000)
The table given below shows the net area irrigated alongwith percentage to the net area sown by different sources of irrigation in the district during 1992-93 to 1999-2000:
(Thousand hectares)
|
Year |
Government canals |
Tubewells and wells |
Other sources |
Total |
Percentage of area irrigated to net area sown |
|
1992-93 |
105.9 |
69.3 |
- |
175.2 |
91.2 |
|
1993-94 |
106.6 |
79.0 |
- |
185.6 |
96.2 |
|
1994-95 |
107.2 |
74.5 |
5.2 |
186.9 |
96.8 |
|
1995-96 |
141.9 |
56.7 |
- |
198.6 |
99.7 |
|
1996-97 |
140.1 |
51.5 |
- |
191.6 |
96.3 |
|
1997-98 |
155.5 |
39.6 |
- |
195.1 |
96.6 |
|
1998-99 |
149.7 |
45.5 |
- |
195.2 |
96.1 |
|
1999- 2000 |
148.4 |
47.9 |
- |
196.3 |
96.4 |
(Statistical Abstracts of
Punjab 1993 to 2000)
Canals
Canal irrigation is the most
important form of irrigation because of its cheapness and the ease and
certainly with which water is supplied. Canal irrigation in the district is
provided by two branches of Sirhind Canal System viz. the Kotla Branch (25.60
km) and Ghaggar Branch (18.19 km) and
The area irrigated by these canals in the
district during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given below:
(Area in hectares)
|
Year |
Kotla Branch Ghaggar Branch |
||
|
1992-93 |
94,537 |
95,209 |
41,325 |
|
1993-94 |
94,710 |
96,030 |
41,361 |
|
1994-95 |
94,851 |
97,444 |
41,396 |
|
1995-96 |
94,569 |
98,582 |
41,440 |
|
1996-97 |
94,928 |
99,625 |
41,472 |
|
1997-98 |
95,189 |
1,00,209 |
41,472 |
|
1998-99 |
95,189 |
1,00,209 |
41,472 |
|
1999-2000 |
95,189 |
1,00,209 |
41,472 |
(Source: Executive Engineer, Mansa Division,
I.B. Jawaharke; Executive Engineer, I.B Sangrur Division, Sangrur and Executive Engineer,
Lehal Division, I.B.,
Wells (including Tubewells and Pumping-sets)
Wells,
tubewells and pumping-sets are another source of irrigation in the district
.The wells are very old in system of irrigation and play a minor role for this
purpose. Bullocks and camels provided the main source of power for running the
persian wheels. But this old system of
irrigation is almost totally replaced by pumping-sets and tubewells run by
electricity and diesel. Tubewells and pumping-sets were introduced after
(c) Agriculture and Horticulture
( i ) Set-up and Activities of Agriculture
Department
The
Agriculture Department in the district is represented by the Chief Agricultural
Officer, Mansa, 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 fertilisers and good seeds and laying out of demonstration plots to show to 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 organising training camps (at District, Block and Villages level ) during kharif and rabi seasons ; by arranging field visits to the farms of the 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
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 advise the farmers regarding the planning and planting of orchards and to advise them regarding lay out, spraying, manuring of the orchards, etc. 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.-
The soils of the district are low in organic carbon content. It ranged from
0.02 to 0.40 per cent with a mean value of 0.29 per cent. The distribution of
soil samples with respect to organic carbon content indicates that about 19 per
cent soil samples had very low (less then 0.20 per cent) organic carbon. The
block wise perusal of the data indicates that only 12 per cent soil samples
from Budhlada Block have very low organic carbon. In Sardulgarh Block about 41
per cent soil samples fall in the organic carbon range of 0.2 to 0.3 per cent,
whereas more than 50 per cent soil samples from Jhunir, Mansa, Bhikhi and
Budhlada blocks fall in the organic carbon range of 0.3 to 0.4 per cent. The
high temperature prevailing in the area is responsible for the rapid burning of
organic matter, thus resulting in low organic carbon content of these soils.
Since organic carbon content is an indicator of available nitrogen status of
soils, thus the soils of the area are also low in respect of their available
nitrogen content.
The available phosphorus content of these soils varied from 1.8 to 59.6 Kg ha-1 with a mean value of 18.46 Kg ha-1. In general, available phosphorus ranged from low to medium, but high values of available phosphorus are also found in some parts of the area. About 45 per cent soil samples tested low, 17 per cent medium and 38 per cent soil samples tested high in available phosphorus content.
Sardulgarh and Jhunir blocks are low in available phosphorus content whereas that of Bhikhi and Budhlada blocks are high in available phosphorus content. The high available phosphorus content is attributed to the regular application of phosphatic fertilizers and the immobile nature of phosphate ions in soils, which must have resulted in accumulation of phosphorus in soils. In soils where available phosphorus content is high, there are much chances of zinc deficiency and it is extremely important to use requisite amount of phosphatic fertilizers.
The available potassium content
of these soils is generally medium to high and only 3 per cent soil samples are
tested low in available potassium. It ranged from 67.2 to 851.2 Kg ha-1
with a mean value of 291.15 Kg ha1.
About 52 and 45 per cent samples tested
medium and high in available potassium respectively. The available potassium
content of soils of Sardulgarh, Bhikhi and Budhlada blocks is medium and that
of Jhunir and Mansa is high. The higher content of available potassium is
attributed to the prevalence of Illite-a potassium rich mineral in these soils
(Kanwar, 1959). Moreover, as the ground waters of Mansa District have
considerable amount of dissolved potassium, irrigation with such waters also
results in higher amounts of available potassium in these soils.
Quality of Under Ground Irrigation Water
Depending upon the electrical
conductivity and residual sodium carbonate values of ground water, the area has
been divided into four ground water quality zones viz (1) Good (2)
Marginal-saline (3) Marginal-sodic (4) Poor.
(1) Good Quality Ground Water
(Category-I).- Good
quality category of ground water occupies 36 per cent of total geographical
area of the district. In Sardulgarh Block, good quality ground water is present
along the flood plain area of Ghaggar river due to recharge of ground water
aquifer with fresh water. The ground
water of this category is evidently occupying a more area in Mansa and Jhunir
blocks which is 69 and 41 per cent of their total area, respectively followed
by Bhikhi (35 per cent), Sardulgarh (28 per cent) and Budhlada (21 per cent).
Since these good quality ground waters have least salinity and sodium hazard,
their use over the years is not likely to be hazardous in the soils having clay
content greater than 30 per cent (fine loamy soils) which are fairly to
moderately well drained with water table not shallower than 1.5 m.
(2) Marginal-saline Ground Water
(Category-II).-
Marginal-saline groundwaters (High
Electrical Conductivity, Low Residual Sodium Carbonate) occupy only 13 per cent
of total geographical area of the district. This ground water category is
absent in Bhikhi Block, and occupies only 2 per cent of total area in Mansa
Block. None the less it occurs in significant proportions in different blocks,
Sardulgarh 29 per cent, Jhunir 26 per cent and Budhlada 13 per cent. The
continuous use of these saline waters on soils having greater than 20 per cent
clay will cause salt accumulation in crop root zones concomitantly reducing the
crop yields. However, waters having electrical conductivity 4-6 dsm-1
can be safely used on light to medium textured, well drained soils for growing
salt tolerant and semi- salt tolerant crops. These waters can also be used
after mixing with good water quality canal water or alternately with canal
waters.
(3) Marginal-Alkali Ground Water (Category-III). – Marginal-alkali ground water (Low
Electrical Conductivity, High Residual Sodium Carbonate) occupies highest area
41 per cent of total geographical area in Mansa District. Amongst different
blocks, this is dominant category in Bhikhi Block 59 per cent followed by
Budhlada, however; this category becomes dominant after category-I in Mansa and
Jhunir blocks.
The indiscriminate use of these low electrical conductivity and calcium, but higher sodium and bicarbonate waters will result in precipitation of Ca and Mg as insoluble carbonates, thereby, building up higher levels of exchangeable sodium in the soil exchange complex. This will lead to formation of dispersed and relatively impermeable soils. Since these waters have low concentration of soluble salts, they may be used as a potential source of supplemental irrigation provided these are judiciously used along with water soluble calcium source like Gypsum CaSo42H2O. These waters can preferably be used in those parts of district having light textured, well-drained and permeable soils, and if good quantity of organic manures has been added.
Poor Quality Ground Water (Category-IV)
These
poor quality ground waters which are unsuitable for irrigation due to high
electrical conductivity and high residual sodium carbonate occupy only 10 per
cent of total geographical area of district. This category is fortunately not
present in Mansa Block, however, among the other blocks it occupies maximum
area in Budhlada Block 18 per cent. In Sardulgarh and Jhunir blocks, it
occupies more or less the same area 8 per cent followed by Bhikhi Block 6 per
cent. These ground waters should not be used for irrigation purposes otherwise
they will cause serious problem of soil solinization or sodification,
ultimately severely restricting the crop yields and causing deterioration of
the soil health.
Major and Subsidiary Crops. - These are two well-defined harvests in the district, viz. rabi and kharif. The major rabi crops (locally called hare) or spring harvests are wheat, gram, barley, oilseeds, fodder crops, potatoes and winter vegetables. Kharif season covers the summer months i.e. June-August and the crops grown during this period are harvested in autumn i.e. from early September to December. The main kharif crops of the district are rice, maize, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, bajra, groundnut, guara and vegetables like chillies, onions and gourd. The rabi season covers the winter months i.e. from October-December and the crops grown during this period are harvested in the spring i.e. from mid-March to mid-May. The major rabi crop in the districts wheat. In between these two main seasons, additional crops are raised where conditions permit. These are known as zaid kharif and zaid rabi crops. Toria is zaid kharif crop whereas tobacco, onion, spring potato and early Jowar are zaid rabi crops. The preponderance of rabi over kharif is due to the irrigation facilities. In the district, where land is dependent entirely on rains. Kharif is major harvest, because rains occur mostly during the monsoon months.
The detailed
particulars of area under different crops sown and their total production in
the district from 1992-93 to 1999-2000 are given in the following tables: -
Area Under Principal Crops in the Mansa District during 1992-93 to
1999-2000
(In thousand hectares)
|
|
1992-93 |
1993-94 |
1994-95 |
1995-96 |
1996-97 |
1997-98 |
1998- 99 |
1999-2000 |
Cereals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rice |
32 |
47 |
58 |
50 |
54 |
58 |
84 |
91 |
Jowar
|
0.1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Bajra |
(a) |
6.3 |
1.7 |
0.6 |
1.0 |
- |
1.1 |
1.8 |
|
Maize |
0.1 |
1.0 |
(a) |
0.2 |
- |
- |
(a) |
(a) |
|
Wheat |
151 |
152 |
154 |
154 |
156 |
157 |
159 |
157 |
|
Barley |
4.8 |
3.8 |
3.9 |
3.4 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
Pulses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gram |
5.7 |
5.0 |
4.1 |
4.0 |
3.2 |
3.0 |
2.3 |
1.0 |
Mash |
- |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
- |
- |
- |
(c) |
|
Mung |
0.7 |
2.2 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
1.1 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
Massar
|
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(c) |
|
Oilseeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groundnut |
0.5 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.6 |
0.5 |
0.3 |
(c) |
|
5.4 |
5.4 |
7.2 |
6.7 |
6.7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
3.9 |
|
|
Sesamum |
- |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
Linseed |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Other Crops |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sugarcane (gur) |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
Potatoes |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
(a) |
0.2 |
0.1 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
|
Cotton (American) |
94.7 |
80.7 |
70.0 |
80.8 |
87.0 |
87.4 |
64.8 |
54.6 |
|
Cotton (desi) |
8.7 |
5.8 |
9.6 |
11.3 |
12.5 |
16.0 |
18.5 |
17.9 |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1993 to 2000)
(a) Less than 500 hectares
(c ) Less than 50 hectares
Note: Production of sugarcane in terms of gur
Production of Principal Crops in the Mansa District during 1992-93 to 1999-2000
(In thousand metric tonnes)
|
Crop |
1992-93 |
1993-94 |
1994-95 |
1995-96 |
1996-97 |
1997-98 |
1998-99 |
1999-2000 |
Cereals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rice |
115 |
165 |
201 |
167 |
193 |
220 |
215 |
291 |
|
Jowar |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Bajra |
- |
8.0 |
1.7 |
0.7 |
1.0 |
- |
1.0 |
1.3 |
|
Maize |
- |
2.0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Wheat |
564 |
598 |
600 |
580 |
621 |
558 |
687 |
719 |
|
Barley |
10.4 |
9.2 |
12.1 |
9.7 |
8.5 |
10.1 |
10.2 |
10.4 |
Pulses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gram |
3.0 |
4.5 |
4.0 |
3.2 |
2.6 |
2.1 |
1.6 |
0.9 |
|
Mash |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Mung |
0.5 |
1.8 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
1.0 |
0.6 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
|
Massar |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Oilseeds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groundnut |
0.5 |
0.4 |
- |
- |
0.7 |
0.5 |
- |
- |
|
Rape and Mustard |
5.1 |
5.7 |
7.9 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
4.4 |
5.7 |
4.0 |
|
Sesamum |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(d) |
|
Linseed |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Other Crops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Sugarcane (gur) |
7.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
6.0 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
3.0 |
|
Potatoes |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3.5 |
1.5 |
6.9 |
5.7 |
|
Cotton (American) |
53.21 |
29.20 |
35.0 |
32.24 |
38.45 |
23.86 |
8.49 |
20.34 |
|
Cotton (Desi) |
3.21 |
1.65 |
3.0 |
2.84 |
3.24 |
4.24 |
3.46 |
6.78 |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1993
to 2000)
(a) Less than 500 hectares
(c) Less than 50 hectares
Note: Production of sugarcane in
terms of gur
The important kharif and rabi crops grown in the district are described below:
Wheat
Wheat is the main rabi crop. It is
the most important among food crops and is the staple diet of the people. It is
the rabi crop of the district. With the improvement in irrigation facilities
the area under this crop has increased from 151 thousand hectares in 1992-93 to
157 thousand hectares in 1999-2000. The production of wheat in the district
during 1999-2000 was 719 thousands metric tonnes.
Paddy
Paddy is an important kharif crop and is gaining importance in the district. 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 than American cotton. The area under paddy during the year 1992-93 was 32 thousand hectares with total production of 115 thousand metric tonnes which increased to 91 thousand hectares with production of 291 thousand metric tonnes during 1999-2000.
Bajra
Bajra is a kharif crop and it is grown mostly
in barani area of the district. The cultivation of this crop needs
rainfall at sowing time, rainfall after short intervals and sunny weather at
the time of harvest. The area under bajra crop in the district was less than
500 hectares, which increased to 6.3 thousand hectares in 1993-94 and again
increased to 1.8 thousand hectares in 1999-2000. The production of this crop
was negligible in 1992-93 increased to 8 thousand metric tonnes in 1993-94 and
decreased to 1.3 thousand metric tonnes during 1999-2000.
Hybrid
bajra varieties namely PL-72 and DL-70 are generally grown in the district.
Cotton
Cotton is the most important kharif
commercial crop of the district. Both American and desi varieties of
cotton are cultivated. American varieties have become more popular and their
production outgrew of the desi variety. However, there has been
considerable decrease in the cultivation of this crop in the district. During
1992-93, the area under cotton (American and desi) was 103.4 thousand
hectares and its production was 56.42 thousand metric tonnes whereas during
1999-2000, the area under cotton was 72.3 thousand hectares and its production
was 27.12 thousand metric tones.
Oilseeds
Rape and mustard, sesamum and groundnut are the oilseeds grown in the district. The area under these crops was 5.9 thousand hectares during 1992-93, which decreased to 4 thousand hectares during 1999-2000. The production of these oilseeds decreased from 5.6 thousand metric tones to 4 thousand metric tonnes in the same year.
Barley
Barley has also lost its importance in the district. The area under barley has also decreased from 4.8 thousand hectares in 1992-93 to 3 thousand hectares in 1999-2000. Its production was static at10.4 thousand metric tonnes during 1992-93 and 1999-2000.
Gram
Gram has a place of pride amongst the pulse crops grown in this area now forming Mansa District upto the third quarter of the twentieth century as it requires dry climate. It is an important rabi pulse crop, it forms a good item of diet for both human beings and cattle. It is consumed right from the time of germination of grain development stage and is used for a variety of purposes. With the increase in irrigation facilities the area under gram is decreasing continuously. The area under gram during 1992-93 was 57 thousand hectares with production of 30 thousand metrics tonnes which decreased to 1.0 thousand hectares with 0.9 thousand metric tonnes of production.
Vegetables
With the increase of irrigation facilities, the cultivation of vegetables has increased considerably. The increase is notable particularly in or around the towns and adjoining villages, as marketing facilities are easily available. The eating habits of the people in the village are also changing and vegetables are becoming an important part of their diet. Consequently, many farmers in villages having water enough for irrigation have started growing vegetables not only to meet their own requirements, but also to make additional money out of it.
Although green vegetables are rich source of vitamins and minerals yet these are grown on limited area in the district. There is an ample scope for bringing more and more area under vegetables, because various type of soil is available in the district. The total area under vegetables in the district during 1999-2000 was 1,455 hectares.
The vegetables grown in the district are given below:
Summer
Vegetables: Ladyfinger (bhindi), bottle-gourd (ghia kaddu),
bringle-round and long (baingan),
musk-melon (kharbuja), radge-gourd (kali-tori), squash
melon (tinda), vegetable–marrow (chappan kaddu), bitter
guard (karela), cucumber (kheera), long melon (tar) and
chillies (mirch)
Winter
Vegetables: Potato
(alu), cauliflower (phulgobhi), cabbage (bandgobhi), peas
(mattar), radish (muli), turnip (shalgam), carrot (gajar),
onion (piaz), fenugreek (methi), methe, chillies (mirch),
garlic (lassan), spinach (palak).
Potatoes are also grown in the district. During 1999-2000, its production was 5.7 thousand metric tonnes.
Fruit Crops and Gardens.- The soil and climate of the district are not favourable for the cultivation of fruits. Due to this reason there is no government nursery or garden in the district and it has the lowest area under fruit crops in the State. The main fruit crops of the district are kinnow and grapes. The fruit wise area under different crops during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given hereunder:
(Hectares)
|
Year |
Kin-now |
Orange & Malta |
Lemon |
Mang- oes |
Guava |
Pear |
Peach |
|
Grapes |
Ber |
Misc. |
Total |
|
1992-93 |
246 |
60 |
20 |
11 |
44 |
31 |
7 |
- |
206 |
62 |
21 |
708 |
|
1993-94 |
250 |
63 |
23 |
13 |
50 |
31 |
7 |
- |
266 |
76 |
23 |
802 |
|
1994-95 |
250 |
64 |
24 |
14 |
56 |
31 |
7 |
- |
206 |
98 |
24 |
774 |
|
1995-96 |
255 |
67 |
25 |
14 |
65 |
31 |
7 |
- |
206 |
115 |
24 |
809 |
|
1996-97 |
255 |
67 |
25 |
14 |
76 |
31 |
7 |
- |
209 |
135 |
26 |
845 |
|
1997-98 |
265 |
65 |
25 |
14 |
90 |
30 |
7 |
- |
210 |
150 |
24 |
880 |
|
1998-99 |
275 |
65 |
28 |
14 |
107 |
30 |
7 |
- |
212 |
169 |
32 |
939 |
|
1999-2000 |
87 |
9 |
- |
- |
59 |
- |
6 |
61 |
- |
91 |
- |
313 |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab
1993 to 2000)
(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
and pesticides, use of modern mechanical agricultural implements and increase
in irrigation facilities has also helped to increase the agricultural
production in the district.
(v) Farmers’ Training Camps
Farmers’
training camps are organized before the sowing of rabi and kharif crops. These
play a key role in changing the attitude of the people towards agricultural
development in the district. These camps are initiated to educate large number
of farmers on scientific farming. Training programme are organised at the
district, block and village level. Farmers are provided training about the
latest farm techniques. Efforts are also made in these camps to solve the
problem faced by the farmers and assistance is rendered to them to use the
latest package of agricultural practices so that they can get maximum yield
from their crop. The Chief Agricultural Officer, Mansa organized 2 district
level, 10 block level and 488 village level farmers’ training camps during
1999-2000. The farmers were given training regarding the use of rural compost,
green manure and wormi-culture so that they can maintain the productive
capability of land which is reducing due to crop rotations. These camps were
also attended by members of some other departments such as, Dairy, Animal
Husbandry, Horticulture, Energy Development Agency, etc.
(vi) District Rural Development Agency, Mansa
This Agency came into existence on
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 livelihood and at the same time pay off their loans. A scheme Swaran Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (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 Rs 35,000 from the banks to start their own vocations. During 1999-2000, the number of persons covered under this programme in the district was 44.
(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 or marketing of agricultural produce as well as storage arrangement. The agricultural service cooperatives are aimed at meeting these requirements. It is through cooperatives 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 enamour profit to middle-men can be checked and higher dividends secured to farmers.
The cooperative movement in the
Central Cooperative Bank.-Central Cooperative Bank, Mansa has been functioning since
The deposits held by the Central Cooperative Bank, Mansa during 1993-94 to 1999-2000 is given here under:
|
Year |
Deposits (Rs in lakhs) |
Loans advanced (Rs in lakhs) |
|
1993-94 |
1,080.97 |
7,414.51 |
|
1994-95 |
1,370.65 |
6,717.60 |
|
1995-96 |
1,532.99 |
6,987.96 |
|
1996-97 |
1,555.82 |
7,873.34 |
|
1997-98 |
1,712.23 |
10,248.67 |
|
1998-99 |
2,281.15 |
12,013.05 |
|
1999-2000 |
3,360.85 |
21,608.85 |
(Source : Deputy Registrar , Cooperative Societies, Mansa )
Primary Cooperative Agricultural Credit Societies.- The Primary Cooperative Agricultural Credit 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 door steps of the agriculturists in addition to supply of credit.
The table given below shows the
loans advanced by the Primary Cooperative Agricultural Service Societies along
with their membership, share capital, business turn over during the year and
working capital during 1992-93 to 1999-2000:-
|
Year |
Number of societies |
Membership |
Share capital (Rs in lakhs) |
Work done
during the year(Business turn over ) (Rs in lakhs) |
Working capital (Rs in lakhs) |
|
1992-93 |
105 |
46,977 |
23,740 |
17,880.04 |
2,460.16 |
|
1993-94 |
102 |
46,807 |
25,063 |
18,919.04 |
2,416.65 |
|
1994-95 |
102 |
47,515 |
26,694 |
24,316.92 |
2,759.09 |
|
1995-96 |
103 |
50,155 |
33,231 |
28,029.11 |
3,312.11 |
|
1996-97 |
106 |
51,733 |
36,328 |
34,117.77 |
3,931.43 |
|
1997-98 |
107 |
53,258 |
40,387 |
42,823.63 |
4,894.73 |
|
1998-99 |
110 |
54,467 |
46,922 |
44,850.51 |
6,662.19 |
|
1999-2000 |
111 |
53,864 |
48,864 |
48,402.18 |
6,452.89 |
(Source : Deputy
Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mansa)
Cooperative Agricultural Non-Credit Societies.- These societies are formed under the Cooperative Societies Act,1912. The main purpose of these societies is to meet the agricultural requirements of the farmers, such as: agricultural implements, manures and improved seeds, sale of agricultural produce, insurance of crops and cattle, cattle breeding and promoting better farming and better living.
The details regarding the cooperative agricultural non-credit societies in the Mansa District during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given here under:
|
Year |
Number of
cooperative societies at the end of the year |
Membership |
Share capital
paid up (Rs in lakhs) |
Work done during the year (Business
turnover (Rs in lakhs) |
Working capital (Rs in lakhs) |
|
1992-93 |
34 |
3,720 |
21.45 |
19.19 |
104.99 |
|
1993-94 |
34 |
3,740 |
22.40 |
708.12 |
129.66 |
|
1994-95 |
34 |
3,775 |
30.87 |
1,115.17 |
128.76 |
|
1995-96 |
34 |
4,075 |
41.90 |
1,421.58 |
253.49 |
|
1996-97 |
35 |
4,220 |
56.48 |
1,140.88 |
296.10 |
|
1997-98 |
35 |
4,643 |
88.03 |
1,995.42 |
464.32 |
|
1998-99 |
35 |
5,138 |
113.53 |
2,566.82 |
556.95 |
|
1999-2000 |
37 |
7,250 |
131.97 |
2,771.96 |
645.96 |
(Source: Deputy
Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mansa)
Cooperative Farming Societies.-The cooperative farming society is a voluntary organisation based on the ideals of self-help and mutual aid. It is primarily intended to benefit the small farmers and landless cultivators. The members pool their land manpower and other resources and cultivate it jointly to get the economies of large scale. The number of cooperative farming societies and their membership remained static at 3 and 98 respectively since 1994-95.
The Primary Cooperative
Agricultural Development Banks.-The Primary
Cooperative Agricultural Development Banks at the base level and Punjab State
Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank, Limited at the Apex level are having
federal structure of the long term cooperative loans. The Punjab State
Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank, Limited which was registered on
The long term loans advanced by these banks along with their membership in the Mansa District during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given
below:
|
Year |
Membership |
Loans advanced (Rs in lakhs ) |
|
1992-93 |
22,637 |
250.48 |
|
1993-94 |
24,292 |
511.89 |
|
1994-95 |
25,846 |
1,157.54 |
|
1995-96 |
28,315 |
1,394.50 |
|
1996-97 |
30,784 |
1,734.88 |
|
1997-98 |
33,181 |
2,024.18 |
|
1998-99 |
35,649 |
1,971.80 |
|
1999-2000 |
36,889 |
1,652.88 |
(Source :
Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mansa)
Primary Cooperative 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. These societies along with MARKFED at the State level serves as State Agency for procurement of foodgrains. These societies function as 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 makes arrangements for the storage of agricultural produce of the members. These societies are also encouraged to acquire their own godowns.
The number of cooperative marketing societies, their membership, value of goods marketed, during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 in the Mansa District is given in the following table:-
|
Cooperative year ending June |
No. of societies |
Societies Individuals |
Total |
Value of goods marketed (Rs in lakhs) |
|
|
1992-93 |
4 |
150 |
2,780 |
2,930 |
42.70 |
|
1993-94 |
4 |
226 |
3,301 |
3,527 |
42.57 |
|
1994-95 |
4 |
151 |
3,372 |
3,523 |
22.71 |
|
1995-96 |
4 |
155 |
3,325 |
3,480 |
25.72 |
|
1996-97 |
4 |
155 |
3,325 |
3,480 |
36.60 |
|
1997-98 |
4 |
144 |
3,325 |
3,469 |
37.23 |
|
1998-99 |
4 |
147 |
3,327 |
3,474 |
26.70 |
|
1999-2000 |
4 |
158 |
3,683 |
3,841 |
34.12 |
(Source: Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mansa)
Other Societies .- In addition to the societies mentioned above, a number of cooperative societies in other agricultural and allied field are functioning in the district. The number of other societies functioning in the district during 1999-2000 is given below:
|
Serial No. |
Type of Society |
Number |
|
1 |
Fruit and Vegetable Societies |
16 |
|
2 |
Milk Producers’ Societies |
165 |
|
3 |
Women Societies |
6 |
|
4 |
Weavers’ Societies |
12 |
|
5 |
|
23 |
|
6 |
Poultry Societies |
34 |
|
7 |
Non Agricultural Credit Societies |
35 |
(Source: Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mansa )
Besides, cooperatives resolve to: support and sustain agriculture as a multifunctional occupation in the State, provide desired impetus to diversification of agriculture in the State; liberalize and adjust structures to deliver commodities and services 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
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 can not make a success. A small increase in cultivable area by using waste land and fallow lands can not help to increase production upto expectation, so we have to depend upon intensive cultivation. 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.- Improved agricultural implements and machines play a vital role in increasing agricultural production. 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 use of old implements has totally become outdated. Improved plough, harrows, seeds drills, levellers, hand tools, use of tractors for farm operations, use of oil engines and electric pumping-sets for irrigation has gained popularity for intensive cultivation.
The number of tubewells/
pumping-sets (electric and diesel including additional bores) in the district
as on
Soil Testing.-Due
to intensive cultivation there has been a large scale degradation of land
resources due to erosion, salinization and waterlogging. 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.
Two soil-testing laboratories have been functioning in the district one at
Mansa and the other at Budhlada (
During 1999-2000, the number of soil samples tested in the Mansa District was 9,287 (5,172 at Mansa and 4,115 at Budhlada).
Seeds.-The basic requirements for increasing agricultural production is the supply of improved seeds. 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 seed-kits free of cost to improve the quality of seeds. During 1999-2000, seed kits of paddy, wheat, sarson and grams were distributed to the farmers in the Mansa District. Exhibitions of plants were also organised by the department to encourage the production of pulses and oil-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 district are given below:
Name of the crop Variety
1 Wheat PBW-343,WH-542,PBW-154,PBW-373,
PBW-138
2 Cotton (desi) LDH-11, LD-327
3 Cotton (American) LHH-144, F-1378, F-846,LB-1134, F-505, LH-1556
4 Paddy PR-114,
PR-111, PR-115, PR-116, PR-113, PR-103
6 Sarson PBR-91,RLM-1319, RL-619
(Source:
Chief Agricultural Officer, Mansa)
The percentage of
area under high yielding varieties to the total cropped area of major food
crops in the Mansa District during the years 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given
below:
(Percentage)
|
Year |
Rice |
Bajra |
Wheat |
|
1992-93 |
94 |
.. |
100 |
|
1993-94 |
98 |
32 |
100 |
|
1994-95 |
95 |
.. |
100 |
|
1995-96 |
86 |
.. |
100 |
|
1996-97 |
93 |
100 |
100 |
|
1997-98 |
100 |
.. |
100 |
|
1998-99 |
100 |
.. |
100 |
|
1999-2000 |
100 |
56 |
100 |
(Statistical
Abstracts of Punjab 1993 to 2000)
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 rotations thus help
in maintaining the soil fertility. Farmers adopt crop rotation according to the
type of 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
district are: paddy-wheat, cotton-wheat. Besides this, cotton-sarson and
paddy-fallow land-sunflower is also adopted in the district. Satha jhona
(paddy which matures in sixty days)- basmati-wheat or satha jhona-green
fodder –wheat is also becoming popular in the district.
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 of 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 1999-2000 there was no fallow land in the
district.
Fertilizers and
Manures.-The use of manures and fertilizers has increased considerably
since the seventies of the last century. The farmers use compost, farm-yard
manure and chemical fertilizers 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 has becomes
essential to maintain and improve the fertility of the soil. The per hectare
consumption of fertilizer in the state during 1992-93 was 154 kg. which
increased to 184 kg per hectare during 1999-2000. Green manuring with leguminous
crops add to the fertility of the soil. Among all kinds 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 laboratories set up in the district.
These soil laboratories tested about 9,287 samples in the district during the
year 1999-2000. The farmers are guided about the use of chemical fertilizers
according to test reports.
The use of chemical
fertilizers in the Mansa District during 1992-93
to 1999-2000 is given below:
(‘000’ Nutrient tonnes)
|
Year |
Nitrogenous (N) |
Phosphatic (P2O5) |
Potassic (K2O) |
Total (NPK) |
|
1992-93 |
35 |
8 |
- |
43 |
|
1993-94 |
32 |
6 |
- |
38 |
|
1994-95 |
35 |
8 |
(a) |
43 |
|
1995-96 |
32 |
6 |
- |
38 |
|
1996-97 |
28 |
8 |
- |
36 |
|
1997-98 |
32 |
12 |
- |
44 |
|
1998-99 |
37 |
9 |
1 |
47 |
|
1999-2000 |
38 |
12 |
- |
50 |
(Statistical
Abstracts of Punjab 1993 to 2000)
(a) denotes less than 500 nutrient
tonnes
Local Manurial Resources
Rural Compost and
Cattle Dung Manures.- Good
quality farm yard manure is perhaps the most valuable organic matter applied to
soil. It has been the oldest manure used by man ever since he took to
agriculture and is still the most popular of all manures. It contains
micronutrients in addition to major nutrients, which are all the more necessary
particularly for high-yielding varieties. Keeping in view the importance of
this manure, the Government has launched a campaign to make the best use of
farm yard 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 Mansa
District during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given below:
|
Year |
Rural
compost prepared (In
thousand metric tonnes) |
|
1992-93 |
80 |
|
1993-94 |
1,240 |
|
1994-95 |
1,280 |
|
1995-96 |
1,289 |
|
1996-97 |
1,473 |
|
1997-98 |
1,816 |
|
1998-99 |
1,836 |
|
1999-2000 |
1,906 |
(Source : Field Manure- cum Town Compost
Officer,
Green Manuring. - Green manuring is a method of improving the
fertility by adding nitrogen from plants directly into the soil. This practice
improves the soil texture by the addition of lumus or organic matter. The additions 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 increases. The locally popular green manure crops are guara,
dhaincha and sunn-hemp.
The area under green manure in the district
during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given below:
|
Year |
Area
under green manure (In
hectares) |
|
1992-93 |
6,000 |
|
1993-94 |
6,560 |
|
1994-95 |
2,400 |
|
1995-96 |
8,000 |
|
1996-97 |
8,000 |
|
1997-98 |
8,700 |
|
1998-99 |
8,995 |
|
1999-2000 |
9,220 |
(Source:Field Manure- cum Town Compost
Officer,
Town Compost.-Urban
wastes are a potential source of plant food ingredients. Efforts have been made
to conserve these 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 is sold to the cultivators
The quantity of town
compost prepared by the local bodies in the district during the years 1992-93
to 1999-2000 is given below:
|
Year |
Town
compost prepared (In
metric tonnes) |
|
1992-93 |
8,600 |
|
1993-94 |
11,700 |
|
1994-95 |
9,000 |
|
1995-96 |
7,600 |
|
1996-97 |
5,700 |
|
1997-98 |
6,300 |
|
1998-99 |
4,900 |
|
1999-2000 |
3,970 |
(Source: Field Manure- cum Town Compost
Officer,
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 Mansa District also suffer from
various insect-pests and diseases. Some diseases are caused by insects, and
pests are the result of waterlogging, soil alkalinity, etc. To face the problem
of rising pests and insects infection 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, seed treatment is being under taken extensively
which includes; solarhest treatment of wheat during the month of May-June. The
farmers are advised for the use of good quality seed recommended by
The major pests and
diseases which damage crops in the district are given below:
|
Name of the crop |
Pests |
Diseases |
|
Wheat |
Yellow
rust, Brown rust, Loose smut |
Termites, Aphid |
|
Paddy |
Bacterial
leaf blight, Sheath blight |
Stem borer, White backed
plant hopper , Green leaf hopper, Leaf folder |
|
Cotton |
Angular
leaf spot, Anthracnose, Wilt, Leaf curle virus |
Jassid, Aphid, Whilte fly,
American ballworm, Pink ballworm, Spotted ballworm and Thrip |
|
Gram |
Blight,
Wilt |
American ballworm |
|
Sarson |
White
rust, Alternaria leaf spot |
Aphid, Semi looper, Hairy
catterpillar |
|
Sugarcane |
- |
Stem borer, Black bug |
|
Mung |
Yellow
mosaic
|
Thrip aphid |
Obnoxious Weeds.- With the increase
of multiple cropping and higher inputs, weeds have become a problem. Most
effective weedicides introduced in recent years which farmers have largerly
adopted are: Machett, Pratila Chlor, Puta Chlor, Anilophos and Stomop for the
rice crop; Tribunal Iroprotone, Topic, Puma
Super, Leader, Algrip, 2-4D and Avadex for wheat crop and Quinalphos,
Chlorpyrephos and Cypermerthine, Monocrotophos and Endosulfane for cotton crop.
Research Stations.- A number of
research stations has been functioning at various places in the state. These
function under the control of Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana. The
objectives of these research stations are to conduct research on different
aspects of fruits/ crops. But no research station has been functioning in the
Mansa District.
(d)
Animal Husbandry, Poultry and Fisheries
Animal
Husbandry.- The major part of population is engaged in animal husbandry which
is next to agriculture. As the human population is sharply increasing day by
day so the demand of milk, eggs and meat is also increasing. In order to meet
the increasing requirement of these products, the department is taken up
various livestock development programmes.
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.
At
the district level, Animal Husbandry Department is under the charge of Deputy
Director, Animal Husbandry, Mansa. He is assisted by 1 Assistant Director,
Animal Husbandry, 3 Senior Veterinary Officers, (one each at Mansa, Budhlada
and Sardulgarh), 25 Veterinary Officers, 3 Agricultural Development Officers
(Fodder), 2 Senior Assistants, 1 Junior Field Investigator, 99 Veterinary
Pharmacists, besides others Class III technical and 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 Mansa District according to 1990 and 1997 Livestock
Census is given below:
(Thousand)
|
Particulars |
1990 |
1997 |
|
Cattle |
98.9 |
86.4 |
|
Buffaloes |
184.9 |
264.9 |
|
Horses and Ponies |
1.9 |
0.9 |
|
Donkeys |
2.0 |
0.5 |
|
Mules |
0.1 |
1.6 |
|
Sheep |
64.4 |
48.5 |
|
Goats |
43.4 |
37.8 |
|
Camels |
14.7 |
1.4 |
|
Pigs |
9.2 |
13.3 |
|
Others |
- |
- |
|
Total |
983.4 |
455.3 |
|
Poultry |
228.3 |
91.8 |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1993 and 2000)
(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 these wings
are described below:
Animal
Health wing.- This wing of the Animal Husbandry Department at the district level is
under the charge of the Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Mansa.
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 deworming the young and adult at proper times.
As on
Animal
Breading Wing.- The main activities of this 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 52 veterinary institutions of the
district.
The
animals covered under the A.I.methods and calves born by A.I method in the
Mansa District during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given below:
|
Year |
Cows Buffaloes |
Cows Buffaloes |
||
|
1992-93 |
15,463 |
6,770 |
5,019 |
2,350 |
|
1993-94 |
13,495 |
6,303 |
5,024 |
2,358 |
|
1994-95 |
16,374 |
9,295 |
5,581 |
3,035 |
|
1995-96 |
20,238 |
10,669 |
6,052 |
3,703 |
|
1996-97 |
19,599 |
11,161 |
6,597 |
4,091 |
|
1997-98 |
22,406 |
12,151 |
6,513 |
4,028 |
|
1998-99 |
14,305 |
8,433 |
6,168 |
4,057 |
|
1999-2000 |
16,987 |
9,506 |
5,800 |
3,442 |
( Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1993 to 2000)
Semen
Bank .- No semen bank has been functioning in the district . For artificial
insemination frozen semen straws of cows and buffaloes are collected from the
semen bank,
Development
of Gaushalas
Gaushalas
were institutions inspired by religious sentiments to house the unproductive
and useless cattle and were run on charity. But now the idea has been mooted to
convert these institutions into cattle breading-cum milk producing centers with
some financial assistance and technical guidance.
Cattle
Fairs and Shows
Animals, especially cattle, play an important
role in the economy of the district. The essential equipment of the
peasant-farmer includes a pair of oxen or buffaloes to do the ploughing and to
draw his cart. And as such cattle fair are of vital importance to the farmers
and to others who rear cattle. These fairs provide market for sale and purchase
of cattle. Besides, these provide an opportunity to the breeders to select
suitable types of animals. These fairs also provide them with an occasion to
exchange ideas and experience in the field of livestock breeding.
These
fairs are organized by the district authorities at regular intervals at various
places in the district. These are a source of income to the authorities in the
form of market fee which is charged from both seller and buyer of cattle at the
rate of Rs10 per cattle and 4 per cent
of the price of the cattle respectively. Such fairs are held at Mansa,
Bareta, Jhunir and Budhlada.
The
Cattle Fair Officer, Mansa, with its supporting staff is responsible for
organizing cattle fairs and shows in the district.
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 for the elimination of undesirable
male calves through castration to improve the livestock. Keeping this in view, 576 cattle were castrated in the district
during 1999-2000.
Control
of Menace of Wild and Stray Cattle.- In order to control this menance 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. Mansa District is under the jurisdiction of
Cattle Catching Party,
(ii) Area Under Fodder Crops
Fodder crops are the
main food of cattle. With the decrease in grazing facilities, fodder crops have
gained much importance. The main fodder crop in the district is Jowar. It is
grown during kharif. In addition, barseem is the fodder crop during rabi
season and is taken as green fodder. Oat is also sown during rabi season and is
taken as fodder in the district.
The
area under fodder crops in the district during 1992-93 and 1995-96 to 1999-2000
is given in the following table:-
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In hectares) |
|
|
Fodder Crops |
1992-93 |
1995-96 |
1996-97 |
1997-98 |
1998-99 |
1999-2000 |
|
Kharif Crops |
||||||