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CHAPTER IV

CROPPING PATTERN

4.1 Introduction

The third chapter has discussed about the available ground water resources in the

Tahsil and its relation to agriculture. This chapter involves the statistical information

about the agriculture well density and cropping pattern in the Tahsil. The availability of

irrigation facilities and water resources plays vital role for deciding the agriculture well

density and cropping pattern in the Tahsil. GIS techniques have been used to understand

the distribution of crop and its relation to the environmental and physiographic set up. In

the study area, these are about 39 important crops and the village wise distribution is

studied as given below.

4.2 Cropping Pattern

In the study area about 58.99% area of TGA is cultivable, the 5.89% is culturable

waste, 8.13% is not available for cultivation and 26.99% vegetation. The agricultural

practices are more concentrated along the rivers Pravara, Mula and Adhula and decreases

towards the water divide. A study of cropping pattern has been performed by many

scholars like Bhagat (2002), Ugale (2006) and More (2009). Such studies have putforth

now agricultural pattern in a Tahsil has close relation with physiographic factors like

climate, soil, water resources as well as skilled labours etc.

The present study has been based on the village wise data of cropping pattern

procured from the Tahsil office at Akole. The percentage area under such crops to NSA

has been taken into account for understanding the areal strength of major crops in the

study area. The secondary data from Tahsil office stating village wise distribution of

crops has been taken for year 2014. The information is depicted in the table (Table No.

4.1)

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Table No. 4.1

Cropping Pattern (2014-15)

Sr. No. Crops Area

Hectare % to NSA

1 Cereals 1144.96 1.84

2 Pulses 3551.04 5.71

3 Oilseeds 2322.18 3.73

4 Vegetables 2939.89 4.73

5 Fruits 194.58 0.31

6 Sugarcane 3418 5.50

7 Fodder 48594.1 78.15

8 Other Crops 15.47 0.02

Total 62180.22 100

Source: Tahsil office, Akole.

4.3 Area Under Cereals

It is observed from the table (Table No. 4.1) that the net sown area in the Akole

Tahsil was 62180.22 hectares in the year 2015. In the year, the cereals have occupied

1144.96 hectares area (1.84 % NSA). The main crops have been Wheat 49.80 % NSA,

Paddy 16.68% NSA, Jowar 5.64%NSA, Bajara 3.01% NSA, Maize 6.82% NSA, Wari

3.11% NSA, Nachani (Ragi) 0.91% NSA and Other Cereals 14.04% NSA depicted in the

table (Table No.4.1). Wheat and Paddy are the important food grain crops in the Tahsil.

Paddy, Bajara, Jowar, Maize, Wari and Nachani are cultivated in kharip crops while

Wheat and hybrid jowar are in rabbi season. Maize is mostly grown in the irrigated

areas as green fodder purpose. High proportion of cereals indicates that the Tahsil has

very low level of commercialization of agriculture. The present study is based on the

village wise data of each crop obtained from Tahsil office, Akole and field survey. The

map (Fig. No. 4.1) has been prepared using usual thematic techniques in G.I.S. showing

the cropping pattern in the Tahsil. The field observations revealed that the Tahsil is

dominated by cereal crops.

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Table No.4.2 Area Under Cereals

Sr. No. Cereals Area Hectare % to NSA

1 Wheat 539.79 49.80 2 Paddy 180.76 16.68 3 Maize 73.92 6.82 4 Jowar 61.08 5.64 5 Wari 33.69 3.11 6 Bajara 32.62 3.01 7 Nachani 9.81 0.91 8 Other Cereals 152.21 14.04 Total 1083.88 100

Source: Tahsil office, Akole.

4.3.1 Wheat

Wheat is an important and rank one food grain in the Tahsil. It occupied 49.80 %

NSA from cereals. This crops grown in the medium clayey and fine soil. The farmers

have grown the crop a very large scale level in the Tahsil in dry and cool months of

winter. The crop is taken as rainfed as well as irrigated crop. There is close

relationship between wheat cultivation and irrigation is observed in the Tahsil (Fig.

No. 4.2). The agriculture land is prepared after the harvested season of Paddy and

Bajara. Sowing is done in the month of October or November. The crops takes 3 ½ to

4 ½ months to mature from the date of sowing and becomes ready in the month of

February and March. The bundles are either beaten on a log of wood or a thick plank

or beaten with sticks. After the harvested material is completely dried, it is carried to

the threshing yard and threshed of harvesting machine. The improved verities of seeds

are sown in the Tahsil. In the study area, few villages show good percentage of wheat

production, e.g. Kumbhefal and Virgaon.

The number of villages have increased the production mainly because of increase

in area under irrigation by Balthan dam in the north eastern part, Bhandardara and

Nilwande dam in central part and many K.T. weirs on Mula river and small projects in

South west part.

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4.3.2 Paddy

Paddy is second important food grain in this Tahsil. It occupied 16.68 % NSA

in the year 2015. This crop is grown in the loamy soil. This soil mostly covered western

hilly part of the Tahsil which are well drain soil and found in high rainfall area (Fig. No.

4.3). The farmers have grown the crop on large scale level in the tahsil in weight season

of monsoon. The crop is totally depend on rainfall and no irrigation used to brown it. The

agriculture land is prepared middle May month and sowing is done in the month of

middle June. The crop takes 3 ½ to 4 ½ months to mature from the date of sowing and

becomes ready in the month October to November. Most of the farmers use traditional

seeds but now a day’s farmers attract to intensive farming and use HYV seeds of paddy.

In the study area, few villages show good percentage of paddy production, e.g.

Warangushi and Khirvire.

4.3.3 Maize

Maize is important crop which is mostly used as a fodder in the The crop requires

rainfall between 505 and 613 mm. and thrives best in well-drained soil and deep alluvial

lands.. The land is first well ploughed in the beginning of the rains and five to ten cart-

loads of farm-yard manure are added to the soil.

The seed is sown after the first good showers of monsoon early in June. Its growth

is very quick because it is sown alone. The crop ripens within three to four months. It is

ready for harvest from the middle of September and the harvesting may continue unto the

middle of October. The crop sown in February is ready for harvest in May. The crop is

harvested when thoroughly ripe. The cobs are cut-off from the standing stalks and when

sufficiently dry are beaten with sticks to separate the grain. Maize is mainly cultivated in

the kharip, rabi and summer seasons in the study area.Tahsil. The area under maize has

very low its occupied 6.82% (NSA). The production of maize is taken only by rainfall

and no irrigation facility used to grown it (Fig. No. 4.4). In the year 2015 some villages

show the Maize cultivation like Virgaon 4.34%NSA, Ganore 3.86% NSA, Dongargaon

3.57%NSA, Hivargaon 3.31%NSA, Mehenduri 3.17% NSA, Deothan 3.13% NSA and

Pimpalgaon nakvinda 3.11% NSA.

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4.3.4 Jowar

As in the other parts of arid zone of Maharashtra the tahsil has also shown some

area has dominance of jowar crop. It gives food grain and fodder as well. It is a long

tested crop of the scarcity zone mainly because high frequency of incidences of crop

failure. The crop if failed can produce fodder by way of way of short leaves crop. It is

locally known as ‘batuk’. The major source of irrigation for this crop is wells. Obviously

the area under such crop may be reducing in the villages showing irrigation facility. It is

easily replaced by wheat or sugarcane depending upon the type of irrigation facility. In

the area of limited irrigation jowar is replaced by wheat and in the areas of perennial

irrigation it is replaced by sugarcane as percentage area under jowar more than 5.64 % .

Hybrid jowar is gaining popularity in the recent past. There is various variety of hybrid

jowar which can fetch good prices. It is dwarf variety viz. vasant 5 and raised in just 90 to

100 days.

On the basis of monsoon shower sown in the middle of June and July and

harvested in the 3rd or 4th week of September. If it is irrigated in the dry spells of

monsoon the yield and the quality of grain can be very good. Thus, it is crop useful to

resolve problem of food security in the backward areas of Maharashtra as jowar is the

major part of the diet. In kharip season, hybrid Jowar is taken. Two major problems are

observed in case of hybrid Jowar, one is yield of fodder is very low and secondly is

disturbing the agricultural calendar of the rabi season because of more time to harvesting.

The jowar cultivation is basically related to firstly low rainfall and secondly soil

in the area (Fig. No. 4.5). Jowar is traditionally cultivated as a rain fed crop. In the year

2015 some villages show the land under the jowar like Sugaon Bk.4.03% NSA, Virgaon

3.29% NSA, Ganore 3.27% NSA and Kalas Bk. 3.08% NSA. Among 191 villages 108

villages form western part of the tahsil jowar cultivation is totally absent. The field study

reveals that the average output of jowar is about 15 to 20 quintals/acre if new variety of

seeds fertilizers and pesticides is given.

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4.3.5 Wari

Wari is important crop which is gives food grain and fodder as well. This crop

mostly grown in hilly areas, high rainfall and well drain soil is suitable for Wari crop

(Fig. No. 4.6). The area under Wari has very low its occupied 3.11% (NSA). On the

basis of monsoon shower sown in the middle of June and harvested in the 1st or 2nd week

of October. The production of Wari is taken only by rainfall and no irrigation facility

used to grown it. In the year 2015 some villages show the Wari cultivation like Khivere

3.65%NSA, Waranghushi 3.56% NSA, Pachapattawadi 2.23%NSA, Padoshi 2.14%NSA,

Manhere and Mutkhel 2.05% NSA and Babhulwandi 2.02% NSA.

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4.3.6 Bajara

Bajara is the important food crop cultivated in the tahsil. It is usually

grown on the light to medium black soil. It requires moderately dry climate and light

showers of rainfall varying between 254mm and 610mm. with plenty of sun-shine

between the showers. It is grown in light medium black soil. It thrives under the

conditions of soil and rainfall which may not be suitable for jowar. Bajara is usually

grown as a kharip crop in the tahsil. The land is prepared by harrowing it two or three

times in April and May and again when the soil is sufficiently moistened by monsoon

rain.

The use of (HYV) is increased in the eastern side because of medium black soil and

moderate rainfall for the cultivation of Bajara. Though Bajara is the important kharip

crop, it is also grown in the rabbi season. Rabbi Bajara is grown in the summer season in

the villages having the irrigation facilities (Fig. No. 4.7). In the year 2015 some villages

show the Bajara cultivation like Kotul 7.36% NSA, Dhamangaon pat 5.03% NSA, Akole

4.17%NSA, Manoharpur 3.00% NSA, Vashere 2.91% NSA, Sugaon Bk. 2.64% NSA and

Dhmangaon Awari 2.33% NSA.

4.3.7 Nachani (Ragi)

Nachani is important crop which is gives food grain and fodder as well. This crop

mostly grown in hilly areas, high rainfall and well drained soil is suitable for Nachani

crop (Fig. No. 4.8). The area under Nachani has very low its occupied 0.91% (NSA). On

the basis of monsoon shower sown in the middle of June and harvested in the 1st or 2nd

week of October. The production of Nachani is taken only by rainfall and not any

irrigation facility used to grown it. In the year 2015 some villages show the Nachani

cultivation like Pendshet 3.85%NSA, Shivajinagar 3.16% NSA, Sarowar and

Waranghushi 2.45%NSA, Shenit 2.34%NSA, Shenit Kh., Vihir and Ekdare 2.14% NSA

and Walunjshet 2.04% NSA.

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4.4 Pulses

Pulses are an important ecologically as well as economically in the tahsil. There

are variety of pulses grown in the Tahsil. Pulses account 5.71%NSA in the year 2015. In

the tahsil a variety of pulses are grown like gram, tur, green gram, hulga, wal ect. Almost

all the pulses except gram are cultivated in kharip season. Local varieties of pulses are

cultivated in the tahsil. The pulses are grown on the light soil, in the study area. The

villages wise distribution of different pulses are shown in the table no (Table No. 4.3) the

cultivation of pulses depends upon environment influence. Local varieties of pulses are

cultivated in the tahsil. Almost all the pulses, except gram are cultivated in kharip season.

If soil conditions are suitable the farmers prefer pulses after bajara in the same field. The

field observation reveals that the area under pulses broadly resembles with. The zone of

light soils, locally called as malran. The village wise distribution of area under different

pulses have been complied and shown in the table (Table No. 4.4). The major advantages

of pulses are:

i) The pulses being leguminous plant increase fertility of soils.

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ii) They provide proteins in the diet of poor people.

iii) They utilize marginal resources both physical and human.

Table No. 4.3 Area Under Pulses

Sr. No. Pulses Area Hectare % to NSA

1 Gram 716.33 20.17 2 Black Gram 499 14.05 3 Wal 478 13.46 4 Hulga 417.16 11.75 5 Mug 230.59 6.49 6 Mataki 169.16 4.76 7 Watana/Pea 168 4.73 8 Tur 120.8 3.40 9 Other Pulses 752 21.18 Total 3551.04 100

Source: Tahsil office, Akole.

4.4.1 Gram

Gram is the 1st rank crop among pulses in the tahsil. It accounts for 20.17% NSA

in the year 2015. The gram is grown in the tahsil as a rabbi crop throughout the year (Fig.

No. 4.9). Gram is sown in June and July and harvested in the months of November or

December.

Some villages show the land under gram crop in the year 2015 Dhamangaon pat

1.20%NSA, Augastinagar 1.14% NSA, Thakarwadi 1.13% NSA, Ghodsarwadi 1.10%

NSA, Godewadi 1.07% NSA, Sangavi 1.04% NSA and Vashere 1.03% NSA.

It is grown on all types of soils from the heaviest clay to the lightest loam. It gives

a high yield on good black soil where it is grown alone, while on light soils it is taken as

a mixed crop. The crop is harvested after about three months when the leaves become

reddish brown and the green colour of pods turns into pale white. The plants are pulled

out and casted to the threshing floor. They are stacked for about a week, dried and

trampled under the feet of oxen to get the pulse. It is a common practice to pluck off the

tops of the shoots before the flowering time to render them strong and bushy and increase

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the out-turn of grain. The department of agriculture has evolved the strain named as

Chaffa in the tahsil, which gets ready earlier than the local varieties by a week and is a

high-yielding variety.

4.4.2 Black Gram (Udid)

It is another important crop grown in the tahsil. The crop contributes 14.05%

NSA in the year 2015. Black gram is grown throughout the tahsil as a kharip crop in the

months of june or july and harvested in the month of November. Black gram can grown

as a mixed crop with bajara (Fig. No. 4.10). Some villages showing land under black

gram in the year 2015 are Augastinagar, Dhamangaon Awari, Dhmangaon Pat, Kotul and

Deothan 1.40% NSA, Sawargaon pat, Tahakari, Khirvire, Kombhalne, Muthalne,

Virgaon, Pimpalgaon nipani and Paithan 1.20% NSA.

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4.4.3 Wal

Wal is the interior variety of pulses cultivated in kharip and Rabbi season. It is

a good source of protein for the poor. It is processed to make ‘dal’ for marketing but

production of it on very small scale and it is seal in local market only. It is marketed

locally. Wal is important rabbi crop in the Tahsil (Fig. No. 4.11). In the year 2015 it

contributes 13.46% NSA. Few villages showing land under Wal crop in the year 2015 are

Khirvire 1.46% NSA, Deothan, Waranghushi, Shivaginagar and Pachpattawadi 1.25%

NSA, Kodani, Titavi, Tirdhe, Ekdare, Samsherpur and Dhmangaon-Awari 1.05% NSA.

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4.4.4 Kulith/ Hulga/Horse Gram

Hulga is the interior variety of pulses cultivated in kharip season. It is a good

source of protein for the poor. It is not processed to make ‘dal’ for marketing. It is

marketed locally. Kulith is another important crop grown in the Tahsil (Fig. No. 4.12).

The crop contributes 11.75% NSA in the year 2015. Some villages show the area under

Kulith are Khirvire 1.44% NSA, Khuntewadi 1.26% NSA, Shivajinagar and

Pachpattawadi 1.20% NSA, Kumbhefal and Chas 1.11% NSA, Unchkhadak and Pimpari

1.04% NSA.

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4.4.5 Mug (Green Gram)

Mug is important kharip crop among various pulses (Fig. No. 4.13). Mug is

cultivated in the months of June or July and the crop is ready within 3 to 4 months. The

percentage of net sown area of the tahsil in 2015 is 6.49% NSA.

Some villages show the land under Mug cultivation are Tambhol 2.78% NSA,

Ganore 2.41% NSA, Ghodsarwadi and Nagawadi 2.28% NSA, Akole 2.14% NSA,

Dongargaon 2.10% NSA and Pimpalgaon nipani 2.01% NSA.

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4.4.6 Mataki

Mataki is important crop among the pulses grown in the Tahsil (Fig. No. 4.14).

The percentage of net sown area of the tahsil is 4.76% NSA in the year 2015. Mataki is

grown throughout the tahsil as a kharip in the months of June or July and harvested in the

month of November. Mataki is grown as mixed crop with Bajara it covers a soil and it

increases the fertility of soil. Some villages showing land under Mataki are Dhamangaon

pat 7.27% NSA, Deothan 2.74% NSA, Ganore 2.35% NSA, Virgaon 2.25% NSA,

Tambhol 2.13% NSA, Unchkhadak Bk. 2.08% NSA, Samsherpur and Akole 2.04% NSA

and Dhamangaon awari 2.03% NSA.

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Some places it is sown mixed with bajara. It can be grown on light sandy

soils. The crop is inter-cultured twice but is not weeded. The crop ripens after bajara.

The plants are uprooted and brought to the threshing floor. After drying, they are

trampled by oxen or beaten with sticks to break open the pods. The broken pods are

winnowed and the grain is ready for market. Mataki is used as a split pulse.

4.4.7 Watana (Green Pea)

Watana is another important crop grown in the Tahsil (Fig. No. 4.15). The crop

contributes 4.73% NSA in the year 2015. Some villages show the area under Watana are

Unchkhadak Bk., Nimbral, Rumbhodi, Unchkhadak Kh, Takali, Sugaon Kh., Kumbhefal,

Kalas Kh., Kalas Bk., Sugaon Bk., Parkhatpur, Akole, Augastinagar, Dhumalwadi and

Navalewadi 1.79% NSA.

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4.4.8 Tur

Another important crop in the pulses is Tur as a kharip crop and it depends upon

the climate and environment conditions (Fig. No. 4.16). The crop contributes 3.40% NSA

in the year 2015. Some villages show the area under Tur are Samsherpur 2.08% NSA,

Hivargaon and Pimpalgaon nipani 1.56% NSA, Kumbhefal 1.65% NSA, Virgaon and

Kotul 1.53% NSA, Bahirwadi 1.52% NSA.

Tur crops takes about five months from sowing to harvest while maize or bajara is

mature within 3.5 months. This means that after harvesting bajara the field has only one

crop i.e. tur for period of 1.5 months. This kind of traditional mixed farming practice is

useful in complementing both the crops instead of competing. It is also observed that the

high yielding varieties of tur have been used in the irrigated areas for the purpose of

selling the wet pods as vegetable.

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4.4.9 Other pulses

Masur (Lentil), Been, Chavali etc. are other important pulses grown in the tahsil.

Other pulses cover 21.18% NSA in the year 2015. These crops are important food crops

in the tahsil and grown all over the tahsil. Some of them are kharip rainfed crops and

some are grown in rabbi season with irrigation facilities (Fig. No. 4.17).

In study area few villages show land under various other pulses in the year 2015

namely Waranghushi 1.06% NSA, Khirvire 1.46% NSA, Dhamangaon Awari 1.86%

NSA, Koltembhe 1.06% NSA, Deothan 2.39% NSA, Brahmanwada 1.20% NSA,

Virgaon 1.73% NSA, Dongargaon and Pimpalgaon Nipani 1.06% NSA,

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4.5 Oilseeds

Groundnut and other important oilseeds grown in the tahsil. Oilseeds covered

3.73% NSA in 2015.

Table No. 4.4

Area Under Oilseeds

Sr. No. Oilseeds Area

Hectare % to NSA

1 Groundnut 626.07 26.04

2 Other Oilseeds 1696.11 73.96

Total 100

Source: Tahsil office, Akole.

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4.5.1 Groundnut

Groundnut is the important commercial crop in the tahsil. It mostly grown as a

kharip rainfed crop and in the rabbi season with irrigation facilities (Fig. No. 4.18). In

the year 2015 is accounts 26.04% NSA. it ranges from medium black and alluvial soil.

The seeds are sown in June and July by hand or with tractor or with the help of old

instrument ox.

In the study area few villages show land under groundnut in the year 2015 namely

Deothan 2.94% NSA, Virgaon 2.16% NSA, Bramhanwada 1.99% NSA, Kotul 1.77%

NSA, Kalas Bk. 1.76% NSA, Dhamangaon awari 1.73% NSA, Ambad 1.46% NSA,

Mehenduri 1.25% NSA, Pimpaldari 1.24% NSA, Lingdev and Induri 1.23% NSA,

Bahirwadi 1.20% NSA, Belapur 1.10% NSA, Pimpalgaon Nopani 1.09% NSA, Chas

1.08% NSA, Rumbhodi 1.07% NSA, Paithan and Gardani 1.06% NSA, Tambhol,

Hivargaon and Ganore 1.05% NSA.

Some villages in the tahsil occupied area under groundnut in summer season also.

The irrigation facilities in the tahsil shows changes in cultivation of groundnut in summer

season, e.g. Hivargaon, Pimpalgaon Nipani, Chas, Kunbhefal, Dongargaon, Ranad Bk,

Kodani, Vithe etc.

4.5.2 Other Oilseeds

Kardai, Jawas, Teel, Sunflower, Soyabeen, Kardai, Karala etc. are other important

oilseeds grown in the tahsil. Other oilseeds cover 73.96% NSA in the year 2015. These

crops are important commercial crops in the tahsil and grown all over the Tahsil (Fig. No.

4.19). Some of them are kharip rainfed crops and some are grown in rabbi season with

irrigation facilities.

In study area few villages show land under various other oilseeds in the year 2015

namely Khivire 2.42% NSA, Deothan 2.18% NSA, Virgaon 2.00% NSA, Waranghushi

1.65% NSA, Bramhanwada 1.58% NSA,Kotul 1.57% NSA and Dhamangaon awari

1.56% NSA,

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4.6 Vegetables

Table No. 4.5

Area Under Vegetables

Sr. No. Vegetables Area

Hectare % to NSA

1 Onion 982.3 33.28

2 Potato 773.83 26.22

3 Tomato 442.1 14.98

4 Ladyfinger 202.65 6.87

5 Gawari 31.56 1.07

6 Brinjal 25.24 0.86

7 Chilly 11.71 0.40

8 Other 482.21 16.34

Total 2951.6 100

Source: Tahsil office, Akole.

In tahsil onion, potato, tomato, brinjal, chilli etc. are grown. They occupied an

area of 2939.89 hactares in the year 2015.

The villages having land under vegetables in 2015 are Akole 2.58% NSA,

Virgaon 2.44% NSA, Deothan 2.35% NSA, Mehanduri 2.26% NSA, Hivargaon 2.19%

NSA, Kotul 2.17% NSA, Takali and Sugaon Bk. 2.15% NSA, Parkhatpur 2.09% nSA,

Dongargaon 2.05% NSA, Dhumalwadi 2.04% NSA, Unchkhadak and Augastinagar

2.01% NSA, and Nagawadi 2.00% NSA.

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4.6.1 Onion

Onion is important vegetable grown all over the thasil. It occupied an area of

982.3 hectares and 33.28% NSA to vegetables in 2015. Onion is taken to black to deep

black soil (Fig. No. 4.21). The bed has been prepared and plants replaced from another

bed. For maturating onion crop it requires 2 or 2 ½ months. In 2015 the villages showing

onion cultivation are Akole 2.97% NSA, Parkhatpur 2.70% NSA, Takali 2.69% NSA,

Sugaon kh 2.65% NS, Mehenduri 2.57% NSA, Dhumalwadi 2.56% NSA, Augastinagar

2.35% NSA, Unchkhadak Kh 2.30% NSA, Hivargaon 2.28% NSA, Dhokari % NSA,

Kotul 2.24% NSA, Unchkhadak Bk. 2.16% NSA, Kalas bk and Navalewadi 2.14% NSA,

Kalas kh 2.08% NSA, Deothan 2.05% NSA, Vithe, Sultanpur, Manoharpur, Vashere and

Sugan kh 2.04% NSA.

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4.6.2 Potato

Potato is another important vegetable. It occupied an area of 773.83 hectares and

26.22% NSA to vegetables in 2015. The cultivation of potato is in Akole circle because

the irrigation facilities are more in this area (Fig. No. 4.22). Potato is irrigated crop is

mainly taken black to deep black soil. Brown soil is required for cultivation. The potato

has been cut and it plant into the bed within 2 ½ month to 4 months the potato is ready.

potato comes under the soil, so plants is pickup and potato is collected. The use of potato

is more in the thasil as a vegetables and other production sent to the wafers making

industry.

The villages having land under potato in 2015 are Akole 3.28% NSA, Takali

2.86% NSA, Hivargaon and Dongargaon 2.84% NSA, Parkhatpur 2.65% NSA, Sugaon

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bk 2.57% NSA, Unchkhadak Bk 2.51% NSA, Virgaon 2.46% NSA, Unchkhadak kh

2.45% NSA, Agastinagar 2.42% NSA, Mehenduri 2.34% NSA, Samsherpur and

Nagawadi 2.33% NSA, Ganore 2.33% NSA, Manoharpur 2.27% NSA, Indori 2.26%

NSA, Dhokari 2.24% NSA, Deothan 2.20% NSA, Sugaon kh 2.18% NSA, Kalas bh

2.15% NSA, Dhumalwadi 2.12% NSA, Kalas kh 2.11% NSA, Tahakari 2.07% NSA,

Kumbhefal 2.06% NSA, Rumbhodi 2.04% NSA.

4.6.3 Tomato

Tomato is another fruit vegetable occupied an area of 442.1 hectares and 14.98%

NSA to vegetables in 2015. The south east of the part of the tahsil Akole circle the

cultivation of tomato is more (Fig. No. 4.23). Tomato can grow in variety of soil from

black to deep black and brown soil also. Tomato-seeds are propagated in nursery beds

and the seedlings are transplanted after three to four weeks. Two seedlings are planted

together. It is also grown as a mixed crop alongwith chillies and brinjals. It requires

frequent irrigation and heavy doses of manure. Ammonium sulphate and groundnut cake

are highly beneficial to the crop.. The crops get ready with in 2 and months to 3 months.

At the beginning the colour of the fruit is green and its change into red colour.

Green tomato used as vegetables and ripens used as a salad. The cultivation of tomato is

more in the village in 2015 namely Dhamangaon Awari 3.26% NSA, Nagawadi 3.23%

NSA, Kotul 3.08% NSA, Virgaon 3.03% NSA, Deothan 3.01% NSA, Samsherpur

2.53% NSA, Pimpalgaon Nipani 2.49% NSA, Vithe and Mehenduri 2.22% NSA,

Sawargaonpat and Ganore 2.01% NSA, Tahakari 1.99% NSA.

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4.6.4 Ladyfinger

Ladyfinger is another important vegetable. It occupied an area of 202.65 hectares

and 6.87% NSA to vegetables in 2015 (Fig. No. 4.24). The cultivation of Ladyfinger is

more in the village in 2015 namely Agastinagar 3.60% NSA, Akole 3.31% NSA,

Dhumalwadi 2.89% NSA, Mhaladevi 2.62% NSA, Takali 2.47% NSA, Dongargaon,

Unchkhadak Kh., Manoharpur and Dhokari 2.32% NSA, Kalas Bk and Navalewadi

2.27% NSA, Kotul 2.20% NSA, Mehunduri, Nimbral and Indori 2.17% NSA, Vashere

2.10% NSA, Tambhol 2.02% NSA.

4.6.5 Gawari (Cluster bean)

Gawari is another important vegetable. It occupied an area of 31.56 hectares and

1.07% NSA to vegetables in 2015(Fig. No. 4.25). The cultivation of Gawari is more in

the village in 2015 namely Ganore 3.58% NSA, Kumbhefal and Kotul 3.04% NSA,

Sugaon Kh 2.69% NSA, Pimpri 2.66% NSA, Sultanpur 2.63% NSA, Takali 2.50% NSA,

4.6.6 Brinjal

The plantation is done in the month of June and in September. Plant bears the

fruit. Brinjal is used as vegetables and extra production sent into the local market. It is

irrigated crop grown in the tahsil nearby the bank of the river or where the irrigation

facilities are available. In dry land it is sown in June in seed-beds and transplanted in

July. It begins to bear fruit in September. The fruiting period is extended to one more

month it’s irrigated. The summer brinjal crop is sown and transplanted in January. It

begins to bear fruit from the end of March. Brinjal is used very often as a vegetable at

home and on commercial basis. In 2015 brinjal occupied an area 25.24 hectares and

0.86% NSA to vegetables (Fig. No. 4.26).

In 2015 the villages with Brinjal plantation are Kumbhefal 3.17% NSA, Sugaon

Kh and Sultanpur 2.77% NSA, Kotul 2.73% NSA, Takali 2.65% NSA, Samsherpur,

Mhaladevi and Induri 2.58% NSA, Kalas Kh, Kalas Bk, Akole, Agastinagar,

Dhumalwadi, Navalewadi and Aurangpur 2.38% NSA.

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4.6.7 Chilli

Chilli is another important among vegetables. It occupied an area of 11.71

hectares and 0.40% NSA to vegetables (Fig. No. 4.27). Chilli is irrigated crop. The chilli

is grown on deep black to black soil, where the irrigation facility is available. The seeds

are sown in june and july after the growth of two to three weeks, it transplant in another

beds. It beings to bear the fruit in September. The summer chilli crop is sown and

transplanted in junuary. Chilli is very often to use home and commercial basis. The

cultivation of chilli is significant in 2015. Some villages show chilli cultivation, e.g.

Aurangpur 6.15% NSA, Akole and Agastinagar 2.82% NSA, Navalewadi 2.65% NSA,

Dhumalwadi 2.56% NSA, Mehenduri 2.22% NSA, Sugaon Bk 2.14% NSA, Takali

2.05% NSA.

4.6.8 Other Vegetables

Cabbage, Cucumber, Cauli Flower, Dhane, Mat, Garlik, Bean, Beet, Bitter gourd,

Capsicum, Carrot, Coriander, Drumstick, Fenugreek, Luffa, Pumpkin, Radish, Spinach,

etc. are other important vegetables grown in the tahsil. Other vegetables cover 482.21

hectares 16.34% NSA in the year 2015. These crops are important crops and grown all

over the tahsil. Some of them are kharip rainfed crops and some are grown in rabbi

season with irrigation facilities (Fig. No. 4.28).

In study area few villages show land under various other vegetables in the year

2015 namely Virgaon 4.00% NSA, Deothan 2.97% NSA, Kotul 2.11% NSA, Pimpalgaon

Nipani 1.73% NSA,Kalas Bk 1.69% NSA, Mehenduri and Dhamangaon Awari 1.63%

NSA, Sugaon Bk 1.54% NSA, Ganore 1.52% NSA, Kumbhefal 1.50% NSA.

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4.7 Fruit

In tahsil Guava, Papaya, Chickoo, Awala, Lemon are planted. They occupied an

area of 194.58 hectares and 0.31% NSA to fruit in the year 2015 (Fig. No. 4.29).

The villages having land under fruit plantation in 2015 are Virgaon 4.07% NSA,

Kumbhefal 3.30% NSA, Mehenduri 3.15% NSA, Kalas Bk 2.99% NSA, Induri 2.89%

NSA, Unchkhadak 2.82% NSA, Sugaon Bk 2.73% NSA, Unchkhadak kh 2.58% NSA,

Hivargaon 2.40% NSA, Sugaon Kh 2.39% NSA, Pimpalgaon Nipani 2.28% NSA,

Rumbhodi 2.18% NSA, Bahirwadi 2.12% NSA, Kotul 2.08% NSA,

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Table No. 4.6 Area Under Fruits

Sr. No. Fruit Area

Hectare % to NSA

1 Guava 8.22 5.01

2 Chickoo 5.65 3.44

3 Pomegranate 4.07 2.48

4 Awala 2.38 1.45

5 Papaya 1.50 0.91

6 Lemon 0.86 0.52

7 Other 141.54 86.19

Total 164.22 100

Source: Tahsil office, Akole.

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4.7.1 Guava

Guava is an important fruit. It occupied an area of 8.22 hectares and 5.01% NSA

to fruit in 2015 (Fig. No. 4.30). The plantation of Guava is more in the village in 2015

namely Navalewadi 4.38% NSA, Sugaon Bk, Vashere and Parakhatpur 3.77% NSA,

Kalas Bh and Akole 3.04, Agar, Agastinagar and Sultanpur 2.92% NSA, Manoharpur

2.80% NSA, Khanapur, Dhumalwadi and Kumbhefal 2.68% NSA, Takali, Kalas,

Aurangpur, Dhamangaon Awari, and Sugaon 2.55% NSA, Mehenduri and Nimbral

2.07% NSA,

4.7.2 Chickoo

Chikoo is an important fruit. It occupied an area of 5.65 hectares and 3.44% NSA

to fruit in 2015 (Fig. No. 4.31). The plantation of Chikoo is more in the village in 2015

namely Aurangpue 3.19% NSA, Navalewadi 3.01% NSA, Bahirwadi, Dhumalwadi and

Akole 2.83% NSA, Tambhol, Unchkhadak Bk, Kalas Bk and Ganore 2.48% NSA,

Ambikanagar and Sultanpur 2.30% NSA, Pimpalgaon Nipani, Mehenduri, Nilwande,

Induri, Kalas Kh, Sugaon Bk, Agastinagar and Dongargaon 2.12% NSA,

4.7.3 Pomegranate

Pomegranate is an important fruit. It is grown in dry soils with light rain-fall. It

thrives well in short winters and long summers. It flourishes quite well on medium to

lighter types of soils. Seedlings of pomegranates are grown from seeds of selected fruits

and get ready for transplantation after one year. They are planted about 3.048 metres (ten

feet) apart in pits which are filled with soil and farm-yard manure. The plants usually

bear fruit three years after transplantation. Fruit-borer and insects ruin the crop. The pest

can be controlled by spraying wet table D.D.T. The fruits are nourishing and used as

table-dish. It occupied an area of 4.07 hectares and 2.48% NSA to fruit in 2015 (Fig. No.

4.32). The plantation of Pomegranate is more in the village in 2015 namely Kotul 4.67%

NSA, Bahirwadi 3.69% NSA, Dhamangaon Pat and Paithan 3.44% NSA, Mogras 2.95%

NSA, Pangari and Dhokari 2.46% NSA, Unchkhadak 2.21% NSA.

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4.7.4 Awala/ Amla

Awala is an important fruit. It occupied an area of 2.38 hectares and 1.45% NSA

to fruit in 2015 (Fig. No. 4.33). The plantation of Awala is more in the village in 2015

namely Bahirwadi 4.20% NSA, Agastinagar and Dhumalwadi 3.78% NSA, Agar, Akole,

Thakarwadi and Unchkhadak Kh 3.36% NSA, Takali and Navalewadi 2.94% NSA,

Khanapur, Induri, Rede, Manoharpur, Parkhatpur, Dhamangaon Awari, Kotul and

Mehenduri 2.52% NSA, Ambikanagar, Aurangpur and Unchkhadak Bk 2.10% NSA,

4.7.5 Papaya

Papaya is an important fruit. It occupied an area of 1.50 hectares and 0.91% NSA

to fruit in 2015 (Fig. No. 4.34). The plantation of Papaya is more in the village in 2015

namely Padalne 8.00% NSA, Paithan and Dhagewadi 6.67% NSA, Akole 3.40% NSA,

Navalewadi 2.73% NSA, Virgaon, Gardani and Hivargaon 2.67% NSA, Dhumalwadi

2.53% NSA, Mehenduri 2.33% NSA, Vashere and Dongargaon 2.07% NSA,

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4.7.6 Lemon

Lemon is an important fruit. It occupied an area of 0.86 hectares and 0.52% NSA

to fruit in 2015 (Fig. No. 4.35). The plantation of Lemon is more in the village in 2015

namely Parkhatpur 4.65% NSA, Tahakari, Akole, Dhumalwadi, Pimpalgaon Nipani,

Unchkhadak Bk, Mehenduri and Induri 3.49% NSA, Bhojadarawadi, Samsherpur,

Nagawadi, Dagadwadi, Deothan, Takali, Kalas Bk, Sultanpur, Manoharpur, Navalewadi,

Aurangpur, Sugaon Bk, Virgaon, Hivargaon, Tambhol, Gardani, Dhokari, Nimbral,

Rumbhodi and Ambikanagae 2.33% NSA,

4.8 Sugarcane

Sugarcane is major cash crop in the study area. The plantation of this crop is

done in the October and November or in the January month. Sugarcane occupied 3418

hectares area in 2015 and 5.50% to NSA (Fig. No. 4.36). The cultivation of sugarcane in

the thasil is increasing due to improvement in the irrigation facilities. The sugar factory is

located on the eastern side of tahsil at Akole. The sugarcane is also supplied to nearby

factory at Sangamner. Sugarcane is mainly irrigated crop and is grown all over the

villages in black to deep black soil in the tahsil. The most of the sugarcane area is nearby

the river banks of Pravara, Mula and Adhula. The sugarcane cultivation are increased due

to small K.T. wires on Pravara and Mula river. In the upper Pravara basin Bhandardara

and Nilvende dams have been constructed. Thick soil covers along to the bank of river

and lift irrigation support the cultivation of sugarcane.

The important factor which favors sugarcane cultivation is soil. Sugarcane is

grown better on deep black soil which contain good amount of humas and good holding

capacity.

In 2015 the villages showing sugarcane cultivation are Induri 4.10% NSA, Kalas

Kh 4.04% NSA, Rumbhodi and Kumbhefal 3.98% NSA, Virgaon 3.89% NSA,

Dhmangaon Awari 3.51% NSA, Sugaon Bk and Akole3.39% NSA, Dhumalwadi 3.28%

NSA, Augastinagar 2.98% NSA, Vashere 2.93% NSA, Mehenduri 2.55% NSA,

Unchkhadak Kh 2.43% NSA, Unchkhadak Bk 2.37% NSA, Sugaon Kh 2.22% NSA,

Tambhol 2.17% NSA, Parkhatpur 2.14% NSA, Nimbral 2.05% NSA,

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4.9 Fodder

Fodder is observed in the following villages in the year 2015 are Deothan and

Bramhanwada 3.67% NSA, Khirvire 3.51% NSA, Kotul 2.61% NSA, Dhamangaon

Awari 2.25% NSA, Virgaon 2.02% NSA.

4.10 Flowers

The villages showing land under flowers in 2015 are Kalas Bk 12.72% NSA,

Chital Wedhe 4.74% NSA, Unchkhadak 3.74% NSA, Vithe 3.49% NSA, Virgaon,

Kumbhefal, Akole, Ambad and Induri 3.24% NSA, Kotul and Dhamangaon awari 2.74%

NSA, Bhojadarawadi, Hivargaon, Rumbhodi, Sugaon Kh, Parkhatpur, Agastinagar,

Navalewadi, Aurangpur and Deothan 2.49% NSA, Vashere and Dhumalwadi 2.24%

NSA.

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Resume

This chapter revealed that area under various crops. Sugarcane and vegetables are

important crops in the Tahsil. In 2014-15 the area under fodder crops was higher but

contribution of pulses, cereals, sugarcane and vegetables also very good. Proportion of

cereals is decreasing with increasing irrigation facilities and causes to changing cropping

pattern. The impact of irrigation shows from the increases the area under the sugarcane

cultivation.