Agricultural
Co-operative Marketing Societies
The art of marketing is more difficult than the art of production and hence it is not a matter of amateurs more especially so in the case of agricultural produce. The marketing of farm products should be so systematic, scientific and organized so as to enable the farmer to negotiate square deal and get a fair share of value of his produce. For this purpose, agricultural co-operative marketing societies are functioning at different places in the district. Besides, providing marketing facilities, these societies make arrangements for the supply of agricultural requisites and consumer articles in the rural area.
There is the Punjab State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation (MARKFED at the State level, wholesale societies at the district level and marketing societies at the market level.
In 19774-75, there were 8 agricultural co-operative marketing societies in the district, with a total membership of 9,000. These societies marketed produce worth Rs 260 lakhs during the year.
Co-operative
farming Societies
A co-operative farming society is a voluntary organization 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 lands and cultivate them jointly. They also pool their manpower and other resources. In 1974-75, there were 66 co-operative farming societies in the district.
Other Societies
Besides the above, there are a number of other co-operative societies in the agricultural and allied fields. Their number in the district during 1974-75 was as under:
|
S. No. |
Type of Societies |
|
Number (1974-75) |
|
1. |
Co-operative Cold Stores |
.. |
4 |
|
2. |
Co-operative Labour and Construction Societies |
.. |
51 |
|
3. |
Co-operative Poultry Societies |
.. |
16 |
|
4. |
Co-operative Dairy Societies |
.. |
120 |
|
5. |
Co-operative Housing Societies |
.. |
26 |
(vii) Progress of Scientific Agriculture
The progress of scientific agriculture in various spheres, including in proved implements, seeds, crop rotation, fallow cultivation, fertilizers and manures is described below:
Agricultural Implements. –With the introduction of high investment intensive agriculture and multiple cropping pattern it has become essential to ensure timely farm operations of satisfactory quality that can only be achieved by using efficient and well-adopted machinery and implements. It is necessary to remove yield reducing handicaps like poor and delayed seed beds, land preparation and sowing, lack of uniform fertilizer placement, poor distribution of irrigation or protracted harvest and threshing operations. And it is possible to do this with the improved, efficient, labour and time saving as well as durable implements and machinery which are available now. With the rapid change in agricultural technology, the old type of implements have almost vanished. The only old implement which exists is mana plough used for sowing. Now the well-to-do farmers are taking to improved agricultural implements like tractors, disc-harrows, seed-drills, seed-cum-fertilizer drills, bund-farmers, potato-planters, combine harvesters for wheat and paddy, wheat thrashers, maize shellers, puddlers, disc-plough, bar-harrow, tillers, cultivators, levelers and hoes. A large number of diesel engines have also been installed. The wooden plough has been completely replaced by the iron plough, the pneumatic tyre cart has taken the place of wooden wheel cart.
Tractors constitute a tremendous source of farm power; they reduce the quantum of labour and time span normally involved in various agricultural operations. As a power unit, tractors have progressed from its original primary use as a substitute for the bullocks to the present position designed for multiple use. It is used both for agricultural operations and for transporting agricultural produce. There has been a great spurt in the demand for tractors during the last decade or so. The number of tractors in the Hoshiarpur District rose from 381 in 1966 to 2,215 in 1974-75.
Even though the tractors are getting popular with the farmers, yet draught animals like bullocks are kept in addition to tractors for doing some particular jobs. So far, tractors have not replaced bullock power entirely.
Seeds. –The development of agriculture depends to a great extent on agricultural inputs of which seeds form the most important part. The district agricultural authorities popularize improved types of seeds for various crops to improve the yields. The private agencies and the National Seeds Corporation 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 cultivators, in any notified area, to use only improved varieties of seeds stored by authorized agents.
There are two Government seed farms in the district at Khiala Bulanda in Tahsil Hoshiarpur and Baghowal in Tahsil Dasuya.
Crop Rotation. –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 helps in maintaining the fertility of the soil, and as a result of this the production does not fall year after year.
The main rotation of crops generally followed by the farmers in the plains of the district are: paddy-wheat, maize-wheat, maize-potato-wheat, maize-potato, and maize-potato-sugarcane.
Fallow Cultivation. –The cultivation of land which was left fallow in the past for gaining fertility is called fallow cultivation. However, with the progress of scientific methods of cultivation, availability of irrigational facilities and fertilizers, etc. this method is losing its importance. In 1974-75, only 4 thousand hectares of land was left as fallow land in the district.
Fertilizers and Manures. –Soils owes its fertility to certain chemicals like nitrates and ammonia. In course of time, soil which had been originally rich in nitrogenous matter and other ingredients necessary for the growth of plants becomes deficient in these ingredients. Then it is necessary to improve its condition with the application of manures and fertilizers which make up deficiencies.
Chemical
Fertilizers
These are inorganic materials of a concentrated nature, applied mainly to increase the supply of one or more of the essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, etc. Fertilizers contain these elements in the form of soluble or readily available chemical compounds. This distinction is, however, not very rigid. In common parlance, the fertilizers are sometimes called ‘chemical’, ‘artificial’ or ‘inorganic’ manures.
The following table shows the use of chemical fertilizers in the district during 1970-71 to 1974-75: -
|
Year |
Fertilizers used (Tons) |
|
1970-71 |
46,124 |
|
1971-72 |
59,134 |
|
1972-73 |
67,223 |
|
1973-74 |
68,084 |
|
1974-75 |
49,928 |
(Source: Chief Agricultural Officer, Hoshiarpur)
Local Manurial Resources
Rural Compost and Cattle-Dung Manure. –Good quality farmyard manure is perhaps the most valuable organic matter applied to soil. It is the oldest manure used by man ever since he took to agriculture and is still the most popular of all manures. It consists mainly of vegetable substances mixed with animal dung and urine. The East Punjab Conservation of Manures Act, 1949 (Amended in 1950) provides for the setting up of manure conservation committees and empowers the State Government to notify particular areas for the purpose of conserving manure and makes it incumbent on cultivators to take such manures 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 district during the last five years i.e. from 1970-71 to 1974-75 is given below:
|
Year |
Rural Compost prepared(in Metric Tons) |
|
1970-71 |
46,484 |
|
1971-72 |
48,308 |
|
1972-73 |
43,403 |
|
1973-74 |
58,652 |
|
1974-75 |
84,698 |
(Source: Field Manure Officer-cum-Town Compost Officer, Punjab, Chandigarh)
Green Manuring. –This is the cheapest and the best practice for building up soil fertility. It provides organic matter and nitrogen to the soils, besides, improvement of the physical properties of the soil and conservation of moisture. The popular green manure crops are guara or cluster bean, dhaincha, sann-hemp, senji and barseem.
The scheme for the extension of green manuring in the State was introduced in April 1961. The area under green manuring in the district, during 1970-71 to 1974-75, is given below:
|
Year |
Area under Green Manuring (Area in Hectares) |
|
1970-71 |
16,961 |
|
1971-72 |
16,289 |
|
1972-73 |
16,046 |
|
1973-74 |
14,609 |
|
1974-75 |
19,846 |
(Source: Field Manure Officer-cum-Town Compost Officer, Punjab, Chandigarh)
Town Compost and
Sullage Utilisation
Town Compost. –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. It yields organic manure of high quality. The quantity of town compost prepared in the district, during 1970-71 to 1974-75, is given below:
|
Year |
Town Compost Prepared(in Metric Tons) |
|
1970-71 |
813 |
|
1971-72 |
491 |
|
1972-73 |
430 |
|
1973-74 |
862 |
|
1974-75 |
906 |
(Source: Field Manure Officer-cum-Town Compost Officer, Punjab, Chandigarh)
Sullage Utilization. –The water as well as the plant nutrients and organic matter supplied by sewage or sullage is highly useful for almost all crops. It is easily available for fields in the vicinity of towns.
(viii) Agricultural Insect-pests and Diseases and Obnoxious Weeds Insect-pests and Diseases. –Protection of crops from pests and diseases fertilizers and assumes special significance in the wake of increased consumption of 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.
The scheme of plant protection was launched in the district in June, 1972. Under the scheme, Plant Protection Inspectors, Agricultural Inspectors, Beldars and Mechanics are employed to guide the cultivators as to how to escape from these diseases which mitigate agricultural productivity.
The following are the major pests and diseases which damage crops, vegetables and fruits in the district: -
Crop Pests and Diseases
Wheat Termites
Maize Maize borer
Rice 1. Grass hopper
2. Leaf folder
3. Bacterial leaf blight
4. Rice hispa
Sugarcane 1. Shoot borer
2. Top borer
3. Gurdaspur borer
4. Mite
5. Pyrilla
6. Smut
7. Wilt
8. Red rot
Vegetable Pests and Diseases
Potato 1. Aphid
2. Potato cutworm
3. Early blight
4. Virus diseases
5. Late blight
Tomato 1. Fruit borer 2. Virus diseases
Cabbage/ 1. Cabbage Caterpillar 2. Diamond back moth
Cauliflower
Cacurbits 1. Red pumpkin beetle 2. Powdery mildew
3. Downy mildew
Fruit pests and Diseases
Mango 1. Mango hopper 2. Meelybug
3. Shoot borer 4. Blossom Malformation
Citrus 1. Citrus psylla 2. Leaf monor
3. Whitefly 4. Citrus canker
Peaches 1. Aphid 2. Leaf curl
Guava Fruit fly
Store grain
pests
Rice weevil, lesser grain borer, dhora, khapra, etc.
Miscellaneous
pests
Rats, sparrows, etc.
(ix) Research Stations. –The Punjab Agricultural University. Ludhiana is running two research stations, viz. Fruit Research Station at village Gangian, Tahsil Dasuya and Dry Land Farming Research Station at Saroya, Tahsil Garhshankar.
The Fruit Research Station, Gangian was set up in 1972. Previously, it was a Government seed farm. It is located at a distance of 3 km from Dasuya on the Dasuya-Hoshiarpur road in the submontane tract of the Punjab, which has a great potential for fruit growing. The main objective of this station is to preserve the sucking type of seedling mangoes as well as to conduct research on different aspects of litchi, citrus, pear, ber, peach, plum, apricot, almond, guava, sapota, and loquat. It has a beautiful designed laboratory-cum-office and a rest house. Besides, it has established a commercial nursery. Large number of fruit plants of different varieties have been supplied to the growers from this nursery.
A Dry Land Farming Research Station, functions at Saroya. Its main objective is to develop dry land technology for kandi and bet areas.
(d) Animal Husbandry, Poultry and Fisheries
Punjab is predominantly an agricultural State and its economy depends chiefly on its increased livestock production and its well-being.
The clarion call of the day, when the State is passing through green revolution, is to produce more milk, eggs, and wool to cope with the growing needs of the human population. This is being done through introduction of large-scale cross-breeding programme in the State and improved feeding and management practices and controlling the conflagration of contagious diseases.
The following table shows the number of livestock in the district from 1920 to 1972: -
Livestock and
Poultry in the Hoshiarpur District, 1920 to 1972
(hundreds)
|
|
Particulars |
|
1920 |
1940 |
1961 |
1966 |
1972 |
|
1. |
Livestock |
.. |
7,701 |
8,115 |
6,526 |
5,434 |
6,961 |
|
|
Cattle (Cows) |
.. |
4,001 |
3,310 |
2,999 |
2,321 |
2,599 |
|
|
Buffaloes |
.. |
1,799 |
2,796 |
2,405 |
2,312 |
3,283 |
|
|
Horses and ponies |
.. |
100 |
92 |
32 |
23 |
32 |
|
|
Donkeys |
.. |
69 |
71 |
33 |
23 |
32 |
|
|
Mules |
.. |
8 |
9 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
Sheep |
.. |
184 |
195 |
35 |
35 |
39 |
|
|
Goats |
.. |
1,543 |
1,620 |
1,010 |
710 |
959 |
|
|
Camels |
.. |
17 |
21 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
|
|
Pigs |
.. |
.. |
1 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
|
2. |
Poultry |
.. |
.. |
336 |
725 |
1,460 |
4,094 |
(Census of India, 1961, Punjab District Handbook No. 9, Hoshiarpur District, and Statistical Abstracts of Punjab, 1972 and 1976)
At the district level, there is a District Animal Husbandry Officer at Hoshiarpur who is under the administrative control of the Project Officer, Intensive Cattle Development Project, Jullundur.
(i) Animal Health Wing and Animal Breeding Wing. –At the district level, the Animal Husbandry Department comprises two wings, viz. Animal Health Wing and Animal Breeding Wing.
Animal Health Wing. –It is under the charge of the District Animal Husbandry Officer, Hoshiarpur, who is assisted by 22 Veterinary Assistant Surgeons, 41 Veterinary Compounders and 19 Stock Assistants, besides Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The main activities of this wing are: to treat animals for surgical incidences and against systematic disturbances; to publicize the hygienic milk production; to organize farmers training camps; to ensure hygienic meat supply; to deal with the vetrolegal cases; to regulate the supply of rice polish for poultry; to attend to contagious diseases outbreak reports; to promote poultry, piggery, sheep and goat raising; and to keep a book on the cattle fairs and cattle export, etc. These activities are carried out through 22 veterinary hospitals, 19 permanent outlying veterinary dispensaries, and 11 veterinary touring dispensaries.
Animal Breeding Wing. –On this side, the District Animal Husbandry Officer, Hoshiarpur, is assisted by 2 Veterinary Assistant Surgeons, 32 Livestock Assistants, 26 Bull Attendants, 21 Attendants, 5 Laboratory Assistants and 2 Inseminators.
The main activities of this wing are: to keep up the breeding efficiency of bulls; to produce semen from bulls and supply it to the key village units for artificial insemination; to organize camps for increasing the productive efficiency of the cows and buffaloes; to hold camps for calf health; to organize calf rally in villages; and to propagate enhanced high quality fodder production. These activities are carried through 9 Key Village Blocks under the charge of trained Veterinary Assistant Surgeons and 29 Key Village Units, under the charge of trained Stock Assistants. The particulars of these institutions for artificial insemination in the district are as under:
|
Key Village Block/ Artificial Insemination Centre |
|
Year of opening |
|
Key Village Units Attached |
|
Tanda |
.. |
1958-59 |
1. |
Miani |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Munak Kalan |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Bassi Jalal Khan |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Ghani Pur Badhan |
|
|
|
|
5. |
Masit Pal Kot |
|
|
|
|
6. |
Zahura |
|
|
|
|
7. |
Khuda |
|
|
|
|
8. |
Kandhala Jattan |
|
Hoshiarpur |
.. |
1965-66 |
1. |
Mehmowal |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Nashrala |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Powal |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Chohal |
|
Dasuya |
.. |
1973-74 |
|
Terkiana |
|
Garhdiwala |
|
|
1. |
Raghwal |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Ambala |
|
Hariana |
|
|
|
Janauri |
|
Garhshankar |
.. |
1973-74 |
1. |
Birampur |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Dhamai |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Haibowal |
|
Mahalpur |
.. |
1973-74 |
1. |
Bham |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Jandoli |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Chaboha |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Menhgarwal |
|
Mukerian |
.. |
1973-74 |
1. |
Bhangala |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Talwara |
|
Nanda Chaur |
.. |
|
1. |
Sus |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Sham Chaurasi |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Khandiala |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Badala Pukhta |
Development of Gaushalas
This scheme was introduced in the Punjab during 1956-57. There were, in 1974-75, two gaushalas, one each at Hoshiarpur and Jaijon in the district.
Gosadans
There is no gosadan in the district.
Cattle Fairs and
Shows
Though cattle fairs are held all over India, but the cattle fairs of Punjab are most important. These cattle fairs and shows serve a very useful purpose by bringing the buyers and sellers of the cattle in direct touch. The good quality cattle are also kept for demonstration. Besides, these yield revenue to the authorities. In 1967, the Punjab Government nationalized the cattle fairs throughout the State by promulgating the Punjab Cattle Fairs (Regulations) Ordinance, subsequently replaced by the Punjab Cattle Fairs (Regulation) Act of 1967. In each district, a Cattle Fair Officer, with necessary supporting staff, organizes cattle fairs. In the Hoshiarpur District, cattle fairs and shows are held at Mukerian, Tanda, Talwara, Bhunga and Mahalpur.
Castration
With a view to eliminating scrub bulls and inferior male stock, 2,344 animals were castrated during 1974-75, in the Hoshiarpur District.
(i) Control of Menace of Wild Stray Cattle
There is no stray cattle in the district as the cross-breeding of cattle has tempted the owners to get their cattle cross-bred. The surplus cattle are lifted by the cattle traders from the fairs held in the district.
(ii) Area Under Fodder Crops
Fodder crops have gained importance with the reduction in grazing facilities. Cattle feed can be divided into three broad classes, viz. concentrates, dry fodder, and green fodder. Dry fodder is mostly bhusa and straw which are the by-products of foodgrains. As the production of foodgrains increases, the quantity of straw also increases. Its supply is likely to keep pace with demand, but the straw has very low nutritive value. Quality cattle cannot live on it alone. The concentrates, which are grains oilkcakes, cotton seed, etc. are more nutritious. Green grasses are generally available during the rainy season. Jowar (chari), berseem, oats (javi) and guara constitute the main fodder crops grown in the district. The following table shows the area under fodder crops in the district from 1970-71 to 1974-75: -
(Area in hectares)
|
Fodder Crops |
|
Years |
||||
|
1970-71 |
1971-72 |
1972-73 |
1973-74 |
1974-75 |
||
|
Kharif Crops |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jowar (chari) |
.. |
12,004 |
11,296 |
13,554 |
15,432 |
11,726 |
|
Guara |
.. |
5,777 |
6,450 |
681 |
8,488 |
5,178 |
|
Other Fodders |
.. |
15,666 |
15,045 |
18,687 |
20,218 |
22,430 |
|
Total |
.. |
33,447 |
32,781 |
32,922 |
44,138 |
39,334 |
|
Rabi Crops |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barseem |
.. |
8,865 |
8,727 |
7,533 |
9,773 |
9,542 |
|
Oaths (javi) |
.. |
8 |
5 |
13 |
2 |
6 |
|
Other Fodders |
.. |
3,960 |
4,581 |
5,357 |
25,720 |
3,991 |
|
Total |
.. |
12,833 |
13,313 |
12,903 |
35,495 |
13,539 |
|
Grand Total |
.. |
46,280 |
46,094 |
45,825 |
79,633 |
52,873 |
(Source: Deputy Commissioner, Hoshiarpur)
(iii) Dairy
Farming
Milk, one of the major products of animal husbandry, is an important item of food. The main source for the supply is buffalo and cow and of these, buffalo is the principal milk animal. Though sheep and goats are also source of milk but due to low yield, these are of little commercial importance. In 1972, the number of cattle (cows) and buffaloes in the district was about 2,59,900 and 3,28,300, respectively.
There is no regular dairy farm in the district, but a large number of people in adjoining villages and towns maintain small dairies for supply of milk to the townfolk. With milch cattle of good quality, dairy farming can be quite remunerative occupation. With the setting up of a milk plant at Hoshiarpur under the co-operative sector and a milk chilling center at village Ghugial (Tahsil Hoshiarpur), dairy farming is getting popular.
(iv) Sheep Breeding
There is no sheep breeding farm in the district but a number of people in the villages keep sheep and goats. During 1972, the number of sheep and goats in the district was 3,900 and 95,900, respectively.
(v) Poultry Farming
In these days, interest in keeping poultry is on the increase, and many persons breed it on scientific lines. The Governor advances loans for poultry farming. There is neither any government poultry farm nor any poultry extension center in the district. However, the Government Service Centres at Mukerian, Dasuya, Tanda Urmar, Hoshiarpur, Mahalpur and Garhshankar give counseling on poultry farming. According to the livestock Census of 1972, there were 4,08,700 poultry birds in the district.
(vi) Piggery
Pig being prolific breeder and quick grower, is the animal of choice for meeting the growing demand of meat and meat-products. Because of quick multiplication and low feeding cost, need for piggery development has been recognized and for this purpose the Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab, has set up six piggery farms in the State for the supply of boars and sows to the breeders. But none of these six piggery farms fall in the Hoshiarpur District. However, there are two private piggery farms at Mukerian and Nasrala and two under the Marginal Farmer’s and Agricultural Labourer’s Agency, Hoshiarpur.
In 1972, there were 600 pigs in the district.
(vii) Fisheries
The term fisheries is usually applied to all forms of life in the river and the sea. The life in water is a valuable source of protein as well as vitamins A and B. Fish is one of the important protective foods because of its high nutritive value.
The District Fisheries Officer, Hoshiarpur, is incharge on the fisheries in the district. He is under the administrative control of the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Amritsar Circle, Amritsar. The District Fisheries Officer, Hoshiarpur, is assisted by 2 Fisheries Officers (one each posted at Talwara and Hoshiarpur), 4 Field Assistants, 2 Fishermen, besides Class IV staff.
There are two rivers of permanent flow in the district, namely, the Beas and Satluj and they flow along the northern and southern boundaries of the district. These rivers abound in fish of which the mahaseer and rohu are considered the best. The smaller streams, the Chhambs, and some of the larger tanks also abound in fish.
From 1960-61 to 1974-75, 37.23 hectares of panchayat ponds in the district were brought under fish-culture. In 1974-75, the area stocked with 3,000 fish in the district was 1.42 hectares and the income from fisheries was Rs 55,206.
There is little scope for pisciculture in this district as the soil is almost sandy and does not retain water for the whole year. The main source of water supply is rain and most of the ponds and tanks go dry in the months of May and June. The fish culture is being done by the department on share basis with the owners. The different varieties of fish found in the Hoshiarpur District are mentioned in Chapter I “General’ in its section on ‘Fauna’.
(viii) Animal Diseases and Veterinary Hospitals
Animal Diseases. –Diseases have always remained and will continue to remain an important factor in livestock improvement work as they reduce their productive capacity and lower their utility. The diseases common to the cattle in the district are gal ghotu (haemorrhagic septicaemia), sita matla or mogh wah (rinderpest), rorah or muh-khur (foot-and-mouth disease), jokan (fascialiasis), saraha (trypanosomiasis) and lahu mutana (babesiasis). There was no mortality due to these diseases in the district during 1974-75.
Veterinary Hospitals. –With a view to providing efficient health cover to the livestock and control conflagration of contagious diseases, there was a net-work of 22 veterinary hospitals, 19 permanent outlying dispensaries, 11 veterinary touring dispensaries and 10 artificial insemination centers in the district. The number of cases treated by these institutions, during 1974-75 was 1,12,169. Besides, 1,25,823 vaccinations were inoculated to the animals. The number of animals covered by artificial insemination and natural methods, during the same year was 25,310 and 549, respectively. The list of veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and artificial insemination centers is given in the following table: -
Veterinary
Hospitals, Permanent Outlying Dispensaries, Veterinary Touring Dispensaries and
Artificial Insemination Centres in the Hoshiarpur District, as on March 31,
1975
|
Veterinary
Hospitals |
Permanent
Outlying Dispensaries |
||||
|
Zila Parishad |
Municipal Committee |
Government |
Panchayat Samiti |
Government |
Artificial Insemination Centres |
|
|
|
Tahsil
Hoshiarpur |
|
|
|
|
Hoshiarpur |
- |
Ahrana Kalan |
Narungngal |
Bhunga |
Hoshiarpur |
|
Bihala |
- |
Chabewal |
|
Mahangarwal |
Garhdiwala |
|
Mukhaliana |
- |
|
|
Dallewal |
Hariana |
|
Bulhowal |
- |
|
|
Chambowal |
Nanda Chaur |
|
Baghpur |
- |
|
|
Nanda Chaur |
|
|
Hariana |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
Garhdiwala |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahsil
Dasuya |
|
|
|
|
Dasuya |
- |
Harsemansar |
|
Ghoran |
Dasuya |
|
Mukerian |
- |
Kamahi Devi |
|
Khandala Jattan |
Mukerian |
|
Hajipur |
- |
Amroh |
|
Sansarpur |
Tanda |
|
Tanda |
- |
|
|
Singowal |
|
|
Miani |
- |
|
|
Zahura |
|
|
Zila Parishad |
Municipal Committee |
Government |
Panchayat Samiti |
Government |
Artificial Insemination Centres |
|
Saroya |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahsil
Garshankar |
|
|
|
|
Garshankar |
- |
|
Khurd Achcharwal |
Behbalpur |
Garhshankar |
|
Possi |
- |
|
|
Badon |
Mahalpur |
|
Rurki Khas |
- |
|
|
Kukran |
|
|
Mahalpur |
- |
|
|
Jaijon |
|
|
|
|
Tahsil
Balachaur |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathgarh |
|
Bachaori |
|
(Source: District Animal Husbandry Officer, Hoshiarpur)
The Hoshiarpur District falls under the jurisdiction of the Divisional Forest Officer, Hoshiarpur Forest Division, Hoshiarpur, whose office was established on April 1,1939. The jurisdiction of this division extends to the entire area of Garshankar, Hoshiarpur and Dasuya tahsils of the district. The Divisional Forest Officer, Hoshiarpur, is assisted by 1 Attached Officer, 7 Forest Rangers, 2 Deputy Rangers, 25 Foresters and 106 Forest Guards, besides ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
There is a Research Training School at Hoshiarpur which imparts training in forestry to the Forest Rangers, Foresters and Forest Guards.
(i) Importance of Forestry in the Economy of the District. –Tree Growth has always occupied a dominant place in the economy of the district because of its typical topography terrain, configuration and soil features. Green glory of Hoshiarpur was a distinctive feather in the cap of the district and was an attractive invitation for all the refined senses of human instincts including art, nature, sport, game and fruit. Forestry in this district has been termed as mother of agriculture and, if destroyed or neglected can only result in spoiling of its existing off-spring. The forests, apart from a source of timber and fire-wood requirement, also supply raw materials for paper-making toy making, furniture, etc.
The Hoshiarpur District is known for making high class furniture of different species of wood available here. There are four resin and turpentine factories which consume resin produced from chil trees in this district. Besides, there are bamboo trees in the district, out of which basket making furniture, chicks, charpoys and poles are made. The bhabbar is another forest produce which is used for making rope and strings and packing mango fruit, etc.
(ii) Area Under Forests. –The Hoshiarpur Forest Division consists of hilly portion mainly of Shiwalik Range in the Dasuya and Hoshiarpur tahsils and the rest of the area is mainly Kandi area and cho beds. There are 3 reserve forests, viz. Bindra Ban, Karanpur and Ban Nand Bir in Dasuya Tahsil which are mostly in hills. The other forest areas consist of evacuee forests, which were purchased from the Rehabilitation Department as ‘gair mumkin’ muslim property. There are also private areas under the charge of this dividion which are closed for certain period under Sections 4 and 5 of Land Preservation (chos) Act, 1900. This division also manages the strips alongwith P.W.D. roads, rails and canals. In 1974-75, the area under forests under the control of the Hoshiarpur Forest Division, Hoshiarpur, was 76,472.40 hectares.
The forests in the district are classified, according to the legal status, into Reserved, Protected and Unclassed, which are mentioned below:
Reserved Forests
There are three reserve forests in the district, viz. Bindra Ban, Karanpur and Ban Nand Bir in Dasuya Tahsil. Pure forests of bamboos are found in Karanpur and Bindra Ban reserve forests. The bamboo clumps are found at their best on northern aspects, in sheltered depression and particularly on well drained steep slopes on favourable aspects and in such situations they form a canopied over wood with little under growth of brush wood. In these forests the trees of dhak, amaltas, kurchi, chhal, bir, kinnu, etc. are also found. The area under reserve forest in the district, during 1974-75, was 2,658.79 hectares.
Protected
Forests
All rail, road and canal strips have been declared as Protected Forests by the State Government. These are being stocked mainly with shisham and at places with other species like chil, khair, kinn, flahi, mangoes, eucalyptus, and ornamental and fruit trees.
Unclassed
Forests
These are newly acquired areas, transferred to the Forest Department by the Rehabilitation Department during 1971-72. These are stocked with shisham, kikar, khair, kinn, etc. During 1974-75, the area under unclassed forests in the district was 6,271.41 hectares.
The area under forests in the district, and on March 31, 1975, was as under:
|
|
Particulars |
|
Area (in hectares) |
|
(i) |
Reserved forests |
.. |
2,658.79 |
|
(ii) |
Demarcated Protected Forests |
.. |
8,984.01 |
|
(iii) |
Protected Forests |
|
|
|
|
Particulars |
|
Area (in hectares) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Road Strips 424.20 |
.. |
1,106.53 |
|
|
Canal strips 299.43 |
|
|
|
(iv) |
Unclassed Evacuee Forests |
.. |
6,271.41 |
|
(v) |
Under Section 38 of India Forests Act, 1972 |
.. |
470.65 |
|
(vi) |
Under Sections 4 and 5 of Land Preservation Act, 1900 |
.. |
56,981.01 |
|
|
Total |
.. |
76,472.40 |
(iii) Forest Produce. –The major forest produce are trees and fuel wood, and minor forest produce are, resin, bhabber grass, fruits and bamboos. The annual income from the sale of forest produce in the district, from 1970-71 to 1974-75 was as under:
|
Year |
|
Major Produce(Rs) |
Minor Produce (Rs) |
|
1970-71 |
.. |
5,02,833 |
2,05,565 |
|
1971-72 |
.. |
4,11,697 |
2,61,456 |
|
1972-73 |
.. |
3,71,525 |
1,94,102 |
|
1973-74 |
.. |
6,47,711 |
2,16,030 |
|
1974-75 |
.. |
6,51,130 |
2,30,112 |
(Source: Divisional Forest Officer, Hoshiarpur Forest Division, Hoshiarpur)
Generally, floods are caused by the overflowing of rivers or due to excessive rains. However, floods are caused in Hoshiarpur District due to the existence of 108 chos which in turn are due to the topographical location of the district. The chos taking their rise from the Katar Dhar Sola Singhi (sixteen horn ridge) flow through this district, at short distances from each other, during the rainy season and spread debris of sand and gravel over the gentle sloping plains and render vast land infertile in the district, besides causing loss to village abadis, roads, railways, etc. It is estimated that about 30 per cent of the area of the district is affected by chos. In winter, sand blown from their beds destroys fertility of the surrounding lands.
To meet this menace, detailed ground, soil hydraulic and sediment surveys were conducted and elaborate projects based thereon were taken up by the Punjab Government in 1950. The contiguous chos were combined into one group, and in that manner eleven such groups were formed. The important are, Nasrala group of chos, Mehngarwal group and Langerpur-Dasuya chos. The Nasrala group of chos was canalized in 1961 and about 90 villages of the district and the Hoshiarpur town were bettered by these chos, were fully protected.
In the Hoshiarpur District, the floods of 1966 and 1969 caused extensive damage to life, property and crops which is evident from the table on page 139.
Damage caused to
private property and area under crops, produce and its value due to floods
during rainy season in the Hoshiarpur District, 1966 to 1975
|
Year |
Number of villages/ towns affected |
Area affected (sq. km.) |
Human lives lost (number) |
Cattle heads lost (number) |
Houses damaged (number) |
Area affected (hectares) |
Produce damaged (‘00’ Qtls) |
Value (‘000 Rs) |
|
1966 |
20 |
58 |
- |
- |
6 |
14,419 |
946 |
3,816 |
|
1967 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1968 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1969 |
87 |
32 |
11 |
121 |
67 |
3,064 |
.. |
2,297 |
|
1970 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
11 |
18 |
5 |
19 |
|
1971 |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
37 |
- |
- |
- |
|
1972 |
23 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
352 |
- |
- |
- |
|
1973 |
11 |
19 |
- |
- |
48 |
194 |
.. |
38 |
|
1974 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1975 |
52 |
1 |
1 |
- |
588 |
84 |
.. |
184 |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab, 1967 to 1976)
The Hoshiarpur District Gazetteer, 1904, gives the following account of the famine which affected the district from time to time. Due to good rainfall, famines did not visit this district frequently. People say that the three great famines of former days, viz. those of A.D. 1783, the chalisa (Sambat 1840), of 1812 (Sambat 1969), and of 1833 (Sambat 1890), the nabia, are said to have affected this part as well as the rest of the Punjab. Since the annexation of this tract by the British in 1846, there were five occasions either of famine or scarcity in the Province as follows: -
In 1860-61, there was a famine in the country between the Satluj and the Jumna. Apparently the crops were good in most of this district and the prices of crops which had been very low in the previous years, suddenly went up. Wheat this year sold at 10 seers for a rupee.
Again in 1869-70,the same tract was affected, and the price of wheat rose to 11 seers a rupee. Relief works were instituted, but these were rather for immigrants from the south than for the inhabitants of the district. However, the crops did not totally fail.
In 1877-78, autumn crops failed in the drier parts of the district, and there was some distress in the police jurisdictions of Mukerian and Hajiput. Relief works were carried on for a short time.
In 1895-96, there was considerable scarcity, and wheat went to 8 seers per rupee and in 1899-1901, the spring crops failed in some parts of the district and did not require any relief works.
After the independence (1947), the possibility of famine occurring in this tract has further been reduced with the increase in the irrigational facilities and development of agriculture on scientific lines.
APPENDIX I
(Vide page 112)
Area under
principal crops in the Hoshiarpur District, 1970-71 to 1974-75
(thousand hectares)
|
Crops |
|
1970-71 |
1971-72 |
1972-73 |
1973-74 |
1974-75 |
|
Cereals |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rice |
.. |
31 |
37 |
40 |
37 |
34 |
|
Wheat |
.. |
131 |
152 |
155 |
147 |
141 |
|
Bajra |
.. |
1.2 |
0.7 |
0.4 |
1.2 |
0.5 |
|
Maize |
.. |
77 |
77 |
81 |
89 |
76 |
|
Jowar |
.. |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.5 |
0.3 |
|
Barley |
.. |
0.2 |
0.2 |
- |
0.6 |
0.9 |
|
Pulses |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gram |
.. |
24 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
22 |
|
Moong |
.. |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.01 |
0.02 |
0.11 |
|
Mash |
.. |
2.49 |
2.51 |
2.52 |
3.79 |
3.11 |
|
Massar |
.. |
1.98 |
2.57 |
3.54 |
3.37 |
3.65 |
|
Oil Seeds |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groundnut |
.. |
2.4 |
2.7 |
2.3 |
2.1 |
1.6 |
|
Rape and mustard |
.. |
2.6 |
3.5 |
3.7 |
4.4 |
5.7 |
|
Sesame |
.. |
1.3 |
1.2 |
1.4 |
2.5 |
2.0 |
|
Linseed |
.. |
0.6 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.5 |
0.4 |
|
Other Crops |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sugarcane |
.. |
9 |
6 |
8 |
11 |
10.0 |
|
Cotton American |
.. |
0.1 |
0.6 |
(a) |
(a) |
0.1 |
|
Cotton desi |
.. |
2.3 |
2.2 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
2.3 |
|
Potatoes |
.. |
5.3 |
4.2 |
5.1 |
5.7 |
8.6 |
|
Dry chillies |
.. |
- |
0.02 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
(a) |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab, 1971 to 1975)
(a) Denotes less than 50 hectares.
APPENDIX II
(Vide page 112)
Production
of principal crops in the Hoshiarpur
District, 1970-71 to 1974-75
(thousand metric tons)
|
Crops |
|
1970-71 |
1971-72 |
1972-73 |
1973-74 |
1974-75 |
|
Cereals |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rice |
.. |
49 |
71 |
75 |
62 |
64 |
|
Wheat |
.. |
192 |
218 |
292 |
248 |
292 |
|
Bajra |
.. |
1.2 |
1.0 |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Maize |
.. |
104 |
96 |
117 |
120 |
117 |
|
Jowar |
.. |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
|
Barley |
.. |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
1.0 |
|
Pulses |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gram |
.. |
24 |
22 |
26 |
25 |
26.0 |
|
Moong |
.. |
- |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
(b) |
|
Mash |
.. |
1.0 |
1.26 |
1.16 |
1.7 |
1.1 |
|
Massar |
.. |
0.6 |
0.85 |
1.14 |
1.12 |
1.4 |
|
Oil Seeds |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groundnut |
.. |
1.9 |
3.0 |
2 |
2 |
2.0 |
|
Rape and mustard |
.. |
1.0 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
3 |
4.0 |
|
Sesame |
.. |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
|
Linseed |
.. |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
|
Other Crops |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sugarcane |
.. |
21 |
11 |
22 |
29 |
39.0 |
|
Cotton American |
.. |
0.02 |
0.11 |
(b) |
(b) |
- |
|
Cotton desi |
.. |
0.29 |
0.29 |
0.32 |
0.49 |
0.36 |
|
Potatoes |
.. |
58.7 |
49.9 |
51.0 |
73.3 |
119.1 |
|
Dry chillies |
.. |
- |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
- |
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab, 1971 to 1975)
(a) Denotes less than 50 metric tons.