SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF AGRICULTURE IN TUMKUR...

Chapter-VI

181

Chapter-VI

SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF AGRICULTURE IN

TUMKUR DISTRICT

6.1 INTRODUCTION :

Agriculture geography is concerned with the interpretation of

geographic distribution of crops and measurement of geographic

relationships. For a long time geographers studying the agriculture have been

discussing the distributional patterns of agriculture phenomena in general

qualitative terms and supported their descriptions with a few maps. Their

studies varied in approach from topical to regional and from small areas of

minor political units to large sections of the territory or entire country.

Topical studies have been scattered in both space and time, and there studies

discuss the distribution of a particular crop or some other phenomenon,

seeking to interpret the distribution in terms of geographical factors. They

have emphasized the regional variations of crops in the study area.

Agricultural landuse and cropping patterns are the important

components of the disciplines of agricultural economics and agricultural

geography. Agricultural land use and cropping patterns often undergo

remarkable changes from time to time as a natural consequence of the

influence of physical, cultural, technological and economic factors. The

analysis of variations in agricultural landuse over a period of time gives us an

insight into the type and magnitude of transformation of an agrain rural

society an analysis of agricultural land use is essential for a meaningful

understanding of the agricultural system prevailing in a region.

The cropping pattern means the proportion of under various crops at a

particular point of time. The crop statistics are used to denote cropping

Chapter-VI

182

pattern. It is however a dynamic concept as no cropping pattern can be good

and ideal for all times to come. The cropping pattern differs from macro to

micro regions both in space and time and largely depends upon the physical

environment and socio economic conditions. The former have started recently

the use of high yielding varieties of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides etc., to

grow a particular crop in a time. Even though most revolutionary changes are

taking place by extension and expansion irrigation facilities and introduction

of modern farm technology in the fields, but the physical environment

imposes limits to the distribution of crops. As a result the cropping pattern

differs from place there is wide gap in their percentage share to the total

cropped area undoubtedly the four natural elements rain, climate soil, and

water always influence on the crops grown. In view of this the cropping

pattern has been analyzed.

Cropping pattern bring the part of land use pattern, has always been a

dynamic phenomenon. The cropping pattern is, in fact, a reflection of the

interplay of the complex physical, social, and economic factors. On account of

dynamic socio-economic factors, the cropping pattern also changes in a long

run. Some times it may get replaced totally. The change that is observed in

the region is mainly due to the introduction of canal irrigation, changing

connectivity, urban influences and marketing systems. The major changes in

cropping patterns that have occurred in the study region are mainly from

traditional crops like rice, ragi, switch over to high yielding variety of crops

and from cereals to commercial or cash crops.

There are a good number of many geographical studies on land use and

cropping pattern in India and abroad. The studies with a spatial emphasis on

irrigation and agriculture are comparatively few in India. It must be

Chapter-VI

183

mentioned that irrigation is studied by Geographers, Agronomists economists,

irrigation engineers, and administrators from different points of view.

Geographical studies made during the last half century have been

mostly confined to regional agriculture alone, which have close relationships

with landuse studies. Mukherjee B.N. (1942) attempted to came out with the

agricultural regions of Uttar Pradesh on the basis of relief, climate soils crop

and density of population. Hectares delineated four agricultural regions and

ten sub-regions on the basis of irrigational facilities. Deshpande, C.D. (1942)

has made a descriptive study of the agricultural geography in the four

districts as Karnataka state.

Cropping pattern simply means the proportion of area under different

crops at a point of time, whereas change in cropping pattern refers to change

in proportion of area under different crops at two different points of time.

The cropping pattern of any area is generally controlled by physical, socio-

economic and technological factors Dharm Narain (1988). The cropping

pattern is based on both time and space sequence of crops. The variety in

cropping pattern is the result of physical, economic and social factors. The

physical environment provides a wide range of possibilities for growing crops.

But the social and economic condition determine as to which the crops to be

grown are and how much of it is to be devoted for different crops. Also social

and cultural values strongly influence the cropping pattern especially in the

countries where agriculture is a way of life Buchanan (1959).

Weaver (1954) originator of the concept of crop combination tried for

the first time to delineate quantitatively the crop combination of the mid-west

in the United States. Crop occupying more than one percent of the total

harvested area in an aerial unit were put against a theoretical standard and the

Chapter-VI

184

deviation was calculated with the help of the standard deviation formula. The

drawbacks of the method are that it is a time involving procedure and

secondly it tends to produce highly generalized results.

The crop culture is very intensive in the area though the types of

agricultural produce happen to vary under local conditions. The physiography

of the area has an impact on the association of crops and diversification as

revealed by Bhatia (1965), Gibbs (1962). The crop association regions display a

close relationship between physiography, soil climate, irrigational facilities

and availability of transport.

The farming communities have developed their own techniques and

traditions which affect the growing of crops. These crops are not always being

grown where they are best adapted to nor where they can be grown most

economically Dayal, E. (1968). All correlates of cropping pattern are of

dynamic nature except physical element which take a comparatively larger

time to change. Other determinants belong to the economic traits change very

fast.

Singh Jasbir (1974) has studied the dynamics of agricultural

productivity in a brochure entitled “the Green Revolution of India how green it

is” He has succeeded in pursuing the analysis of agricultural evolution upto

1971. He summarizes the impact of agricultural strategy launched in 1966

and the geographical ideas on the regionalization of India on the basis of

agricultural productivity, with a view to finding out district crop eco-systems

in India. The impact of socio-economic factors of technological change and

spatial diffusion of agricultural innovations in a district of eastern U.P., they

have found that socio-economic factors play a very vital role in the adaptation

of innovations Noor Mohammed and Majeed (1979).

Chapter-VI

185

Bhatia, S.S. (1965) in their study have analyzed the agricultural practice

is generally intensive in nature in the area though the types of agricultural

produces happen to vary under local conditions. The physiographic units of

the area play a vital role for practicing almost all crops with certain

concentration and diversification.

6.2 AGRICULTURAL LANDUSE INTENSITY EFFICIENCY :

A systematic and scientific evolution of agricultural land resources is of

paramount importance in regional agricultural land use planning. The

interaction of physical, socio-economic and technological factors determine

the efficiency and effective use of agricultural land resource in an area to a

great extent.

Agricultural land use efficiency is a complex and dynamic concept. Any

change in socio-economic and agro-technology input application brings

corresponding change in the efficient utilization of the natural quality and

availability of arable land. It represents the degree of optimal use and

performance of cultivated as well as cultivable land.

Therefore, the agricultural land use efficiency is an integrated system

which considers both the spatial spread of this land resource and the effective

ways and means of agronomic practices ranging from single to multiple

cropping, extent of irrigation, type of crop etc., of which this resource is being

utilized at optimum level. The term ‘efficiency’ is used here to denote the

overall performance and optimum use of agricultural land as manifested by

the positive and negative agronomic level by bringing harmony among the

physical, socio-economic and technological factors.

Chapter-VI

186

Since the evolution of the efficiency of agricultural land is related to

different variables, its quantification is very much required to know this

concept into more tangible. Comprehensive, precise and objective,

quantification of agricultural land use efficiency provides a conceptual

framework and objective measures to examine the degree of efficiency that

the land with certain natural characteristics under a given technological level

and socio-economic setup is put to optimum use.

In agricultural landuse efficiency study, a modified Kendall’s ‘Ranking

coefficient’ method which is otherwise designated as the ‘standard coefficient’

method of Reddy and Ramanaiah (1985) is employed to evaluate the

agricultural landuse efficiency in Andhra Pradesh. Kendall (1939) has

developed a measure to determine agricultural efficiency based on crop yield

levels and devised a system of ranking coefficients. Since (1970) applied

Kendall’s ‘Ranking Co-efficient’ method to measure the landuse efficiency of

Baraut Block in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh by taking five variables, by

selecting different variable of agricultural landuse, namely.

i) Net sown area

ii) Area sown more than once

iii) Irrigated land

iv) Non-cultivable land and

v) Cultivable waste for calculating the rank co-efficient.

Here the first three variables are positive and the last two are negative

variables. In assigning ranks, the first rank is given to the highest percentage

in the case of positive variables while it is given to the lowest percentage in

Chapter-VI

187

the case of negative variables. Finally, the given ranks of both the positive and

negative variables of a component area unit are added and averaged to obtain

the ranking coefficient. The degree of landuse efficiency of a component areal

unit is determined on the basis of the ranking co-efficient thus obtained. The

obtained ranking coefficients are inversely related to the degree of land use

efficiency i.e., higher co-efficient lower the agricultural efficiency vice-versa.

According to Reddy and Ramanaiah (1985) the Kendall’s ‘Ranking

Coefficient’ method suffers from certain shortcomings. In order to eliminate

or minimize such shortcomings of the Ranking coefficients method a modified

method designated as standard coefficient method is suggested by them.

Instead of assigning ranks, the actual percentage of the variables of a

particular component areal unit are added and averaged. The average value of

the variables of a component areal unit obtained is the standard coefficient

and denotes a level of efficiency. In resolving the problem of positive and

negative variables the percentage of each variable is converted into a standard

value. In the case of positive variables the higher percentage of each variable

among all the areal units will be 100 and it is the maximum standard value

that can occur. With reference to this maximum standard value, the

percentages of the variable of the remaining area units are computed

proportionately to obtain the respective standard values. In the case of the

negative variables, the least percentage of the negative variable is assigned a

standard value of 100 with reference to this maximum standard value. The

percentages of the variable as the remaining areal units are computed to

obtain the respective standard values. It may be noted here that as the

percentage of the negative variable increases the standard value decreases.

Chapter-VI

188

Here an attempt is made in the present study to know and find the

agricultural land use by adopting Kendal’s Ranking co-efficient method by

taking six variables namely i) net sown area, ii) Area sown more than once, iii)

Irrigation intensity, iv) cultivable waste, v) Fallow land and vi) waste land and

the result has been interpreted and presented in the form of choropleth map.

High Agricultural Land Use Efficiency Region :

In the district high agricultural land use efficiency region can be seen

two taluks (2005-06) that is Gubbi and Tumkur taluks with ranking co-efficient

of less than 4.00, the taluks are situated in eastern part of the region. The

favourable geographical and agronomic conditions in relation to agricultural

land use are prevailing in this region but with little variables. This region is

also considered to be the must productive and stable region in terms of

agriculture landuse development. These regions have a limited scope for

further improvement of the optimal returns. Gubbi taluk has second high

intensity of irrigation and ranks first in area sown more than once and these

taluks have sixth rank in cultivable waste land, fifth in fallow land and rank

first in non agricultural land and also third rank in net area sown area in

Gubbi taluk. But in Tumkur taluk second high agricultural landuse efficiency

in Tumkur district. First is in irrigation intensity, second in fallow land, third

in non agricultural land, fourth in net sown area and area sown more than

once and less cultivable waste land in Tumkur taluk.

Chapter-VI

189

Table-6.1

Agricultural Landuse Efficiency in Tumkur District by Kendal’s Ranking Coefficient method (1985-86)

Net Sown Area Area sown more than

once

Irrigation Intensity

Cultivable waste land

Fallow land Non

Agricultural Land

Sl. No.

Taluks

Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank

Total Rank

Ranking Co-

efficient

1. C.N. Halli 54.50 4 0.35 9 3.14 9 19.6 1 8.2 7 5.9 8 38 6.33

2. Gubbi 58.40 3 1.65 3 12.31 6 2.7 8 13.2 5 17.3 1 26 4.33

3. Koratagere 35.10 9 1.73 2 14.33 5 3.1 7 8.2 8 4.2 10 41 6.83

4. Kunigal 54.30 5 1.07 4 20.66 3 12.7 2 3.2 10 6.3 7 31 5.67

5. Madhugiri 44.10 7 2.66 1 25.10 2 9.7 3 23.4 3 8.7 3 19 3.67

6. Pavagada 76.20 1 0.61 7 9.20 7 5.7 5 26.4 2 7.0 5 27 4.50

7. Sira 31.60 10 0.82 6 34.86 1 9.5 4 52.5 1 10.2 2 24 4.00

8. Tiptur 48.10 6 0.23 10 2.89 10 4.2 6 3.7 9 6.6 6 47 7.83

9. Tumkur 63.10 2 0.93 5 15.79 4 1.8 9 11.6 6 7.8 4 30 5.00

10. Turuvekere 38.80 8 0.44 8 5.64 8 1.3 10 16.1 4 5.8 9 47 7.83

District 504.2 10.51 13.38 70.3 166.5 79.8

Source : Data compiled from Bureau of Economics and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

Chapter-VI

190

Table-6.2

Agricultural Landuse Efficiency in Tumkur District by Kendal’s Ranking Coefficient method (2005-06)

Net Sown Area Area sown more than

once

Irrigation Intensity

Cultivable waste land

Fallow land Non

Agricultural Land

Sl. No.

Taluks

Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank Area Rank

Total Rank

Ranking Co-

efficient

1. C.N. Halli 57.80 5 3.73 5 17.18 9 18.20 1 6.90 6 6.80 7 33 5.50

2. Gubbi 73.00 3 6.49 1 36.80 2 2.70 6 7.20 5 17.40 1 18 3.00

3. Koratagere 39.60 10 2.43 9 19.56 8 2.70 7 7.60 4 4.30 10 48 8.00

4. Kunigal 57.10 6 3.13 8 30.89 3 11.90 2 6.20 7 6.40 8 34 5.67

5. Madhugiri 54.70 7 3.49 7 23.46 6 8.90 3 14.30 3 9.00 4 30 5.00

6. Pavagada 86.90 2 3.68 6 13.33 10 5.60 5 16.10 1 7.20 6 30 5.00

7. Sira 87.90 1 5.64 3 21.22 7 8.10 4 5.10 9 10.70 2 26 4.33

8. Tiptur 50.20 9 1.81 10 28.58 4 1.90 8 4.50 10 7.40 5 46 7.67

9. Tumkur 60.70 4 4.29 4 37.09 1 1.80 9 15.90 2 9.00 3 23 3.83

10. Turuvekere 53.50 8 6.06 2 28.50 5 0.60 10 5.20 8 6.00 9 42 7.00

District 619.50 40.77 25.32 62.40 89.00 84.20

Source : Data compiled from Bureau of Economics and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

Chapter-VI

191

Medium Agricultural Land Use Efficiency Region :

The medium agricultural landuse efficiencies are found with five taluks

with ranking co-efficient is about 4.00 to 6.00, these taluks are namely Sira,

Pavagada, Madhugiri, C.N. Halli and Kunigal (2005-06). However, most of

these taluk like Kunigal taluk has plain and undulating plain topographical

conditions favourable for agriculture, better protective irrigational facilities

particularly tank and well irrigation as well as limited proportion of non-

cultivable. Other cultivable and fallow lands this region stands good chances

for further improvement in its agricultural land use efficiency provided

protective irrigation facilities are augmented by conjunctive use of surface and

sub surface water resources, better soil and crop management is practiced and

the socio-economic conditions are improved.

Low Agricultural Landuse Efficiency Region :

Low agricultural land use efficiency is confined to three taluks like

Turuvekere, Tiptur and Koratagere taluks which fall under this category. The

geographical and agronomic conditions like poor edaphic conditions, low

rainfall, limited spatial extent of agricultural lands. Significant proportion of

lands under fallow cover and scanty irrigation facilities are not very

favourable in one way or other for effective utilization of agricultural land

resources at intensive level. It may be noted that, the only favourable aspects

of agricultural land use in this region are found as significant proportion of

area under commercial cropping depending upon dry farming.

Chapter-VI

192

Chapter-VI

193

Chapter-VI

194

These taluks of the region are either embraced with very low

agricultural land use efficiency in the region- because the very low

development of irrigation. But in recent years to Turuvekere and Tiptur taluk

western parts irrigation is improved. Particularly Koratagere taluk has very

low intensity of cropping which is responsible for very poor efficiency of

agricultural land use.

6.3 GENERAL CROPPING PATTERN :

The study of cropping pattern broadly denotes the regional variables of

crops. The same can be used for the purpose of formulating long term and

short term agricultural planning for comprehensive regional development.

The cropping pattern study is one of the methods used for agricultural

regionalization. Cultivation has been the chief occupation of the people of the

region since ancient times. Considerable amount of regional peculiarities are

therefore found in the region both in cropping patterns and farming practices.

The distribution of crops in the region bears close relationships with the

distribution of rainfall and soil. However the development of irrigation in

some areas has influenced the choice of crops.

In Tumkur district has poor irrigation development, red soil conditions

too not so fertile except some tracts and cultural traditions, the region grows

a fairly good number of crops among which nearly 18 crops are really more

significant (See Table-6.3). In order to ascertain the crop intensity of each

crop in the district during the study period, the major crops are grouped in to

Chapter-VI

195

five broad categories viz., cereals, pulses, oilseeds, species, commercial/cash

crops including horticulture and floriculture crops.

a) Cereals : ragi, paddy, jowar, maize, bajra and miner millets.

b) Pulses : tur, gram, horse gram, black gram, green gram, red gram (avare)

and others.

c) Oil seeds : coconut, groundnut, til, mustard niger, sunflower, caster.

d) Spices : chilly, tamarind and others.

e) Commercial/ cash crops and others :

Sugarcane, arcanut, cotton, tobacco, mulberry and others.

Fruits : mango, banana, water melon, jackfruit, pomegranate,

guava, sapota, cashew and others.

Vegetables : potato, sweet potato, onion, brinjal, tomato, beans, and

others.

Flowers : rose, champa, aster, jasmine, marigold, crossandra,

chrysanthemum and others.

Above these categories of major agricultural crops each of these

occupies a minimum of nearly one percent of the total cropped area (Table-

6.4) of the district.

Chapter-VI

196

Table-6.3

Temporal Variation of Area Under Different Agricultural Crops in Tumkur District (1985-86, 1995-96 and 2005-06)

1985-86 1995-96 2005-06 Crops

Area (in hec.) % Area (in hec.) % Area (in hec.) %

I. Cereals

1.1 Ragi 1,58,013 30.69 1,82,448 30.63 1,71,673 26.21

1.2 Paddy 26,838 5.21 20,024 3.36 38,848 5.93

1.3 Jowar 4,822 0.94 7,307 1.23 3,041 0.46

1.4 Maize 4,552 0.88 4,979 0.84 14,026 2.14

1.5 Bajra 2,952 0.57 522 0.09 224 0.03

1.6 Minor Millets 21,433 4.16 4,757 0.80 3,546 0.54

Total Cereals 2,18,610 42.46 2,20,037 36.95 2,31,358 35.33

II. Pulses

2.1 Tur 8,838 1.72 12,560 2.11 9,889 1.51

2.2 Gram 745 0.14 825 0.14 425 0.06

2.3 Horse Gram 65,458 12.71 29,226 4.91 25,106 3.83

2.4 Black Gram 452 0.09 526 0.09 478 0.07

2.5 Green Gram 2,236 0.43 3,703 0.62 4,100 0.63

2.6 Avare (red gram) 8,915 1.73 12,427 2.09 9,103 1.39

2.7 Others 4,763 0.92 6,026 1.01 4,057 0.62

Total Pulses 91,407 17.75 65,293 10.96 53,158 8.12

Chapter-VI

197

1985-86 1995-96 2005-06 Crops


Total Food Grains (I + II) 3,10,017 60.21 2,85,330 47.91 2,84,516 43.44

III. Oil Seeds

3.1 Coconut 51,054 9.91 73,006 12.26 1,22,690 18.73

3.2 Groundnut 1,00,369 19.49 1,71,641 28.82 1,62,114 24.75

3.3 Til 491 0.09 667 0.11 392 0.06

3.4 Mustard 162 0.03 805 0.13 733 0.11

3.5 Niger 1,912 0.37 2,207 0.37 1,362 0.21

3.6 Sunflower 365 0.07 7,180 1.21 14,103 2.15

3.7 Caster 4,644 0.90 4,328 0.73 3,140 0.48

Total Oil seeds 1,58,997 30.88 2,59,834 43.63 3,04,534 46.50

IV. Spices 4,286 0.83 5,194 0.87 5,497 0.85

V. Other Commercial Crops 34,752 6.75 34,050 5.72 39,484 6.03

VI. Fruits, Vegetable, Flowers 6,843 1.33 11,087 1.86 20,843 3.18

Total Gross Cropped Area 5,14,895 100 5,95,495 100 6,54,874 100

Source : : Percentage of crop area to gross cropped area. Bureau of Economic and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

Chapter-VI

198

Table-6.4

Agricultural Crops in Tumkur District (1985-86, 1995-96 and 2005-06)

1985-86 1995-96 2005-06 Crops


A Cereals 2,18,609 42.4 2,20,037 36.9 2,31,358 35.2

B Pulses 91,407 17.7 65,297 11.0 53,158 8.1

C Oil Seeds 1,58,997 30.9 2,54,762 42.8 3,04,524 46.3

D Spices 4,286 0.8 5,194 0.9 5,497 0.8

E Other Commercial Crops 41,595 8.1 45,137 7.6 60,328 9.2

Total Cropped Area 5,14,896 100.0 5,95,499 100.0 6,57,865 100

Net Sown Area 5,04,287 5,73,244 6,19,654

Source : Data compiled from Bureau of Economic and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

Chapter-VI

199

Fig.6.3

Bar graph showing Agricultural Crops in Tumkur District.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Cereals Pulses Oil Seeds Spices Other Commercial Crops

Agricultural Crops

In Percentage

1985-86

1995-96

2005-06

In recent years the areal strength of these groups of cropping pattern,

which have emerged are economically more profitable and productive. An

attempt has been made in this chapter to analyze the general growth rate of

crops and total variations change in under different crops. Table-6.4 reveals

the changing proportion of area under different groups of crops during the

study period. Out of the total cropped area in the region, the proportion of

the area under cereals ranked first and occupied an area of 2,18,609 hectares

(42.4%) of the total cropped area in 1985-86, in 1995-96 2,20,037 hectares

(36.9%). But if percentage has continuous decreased to 2,31,358 hectares

(35.2%). The net decrease in the area under cereals during the study period

was about 7.2%. This decrease in the area was mainly due to lack of rainfall,

development of transportation, urbanization, science and technology and

mainly due to globalization. Oil seeds and commercial crops have increased

but cereals area was decreased in the district. The proportion of area under

pulses crops was about 91,407 hectares (17.7%) in 1985-86. In 1995-96, it was

Chapter-VI

200

about 65,297 hectares (11.0%) whereas it further decreased to 53,158 hectares

(8.1%) during 2005-06. The net decrease in the area under pulses was about

9.6% during the study period i.e., 1985-86 to 2005-06. This is a negative

development in pulse cultivation in the district study has shown that

uncertain rain, damage to pulse crops by pests and increasing aridity in the

district is responsible. Also there is a sort to negligence by farmers who

prefer to grow mono crops instead pulses as mixed crops. This decrease in the

area under pulses was due to the farmers preferred to grow exclusive by

groundnut crops without much interfiling of pulses and uncertainly of

monsoons.

Oil seeds are the must predominant crops grown in the region. The

proportion of area under this category during 1985-86 was about 1,58,997

hectares (30.9%). In 1995-96 it was about 2,54,762 hectare (42.8%) whereas it

increased to 3,04,524 hectares (46.3%), the net increase in the area under oil

seeds was about 15.4%. This increase in the area under oil seeds was due to

growth in extension of tube well irrigation (See Table-6.5) in the recent

decades, their cropped area has increased substantially and also helped in the

development of agro based industries like oil mills in taluk headquarters.

Chapter-VI

201

Table-6.5

Taluk wise Decadal Variations in Area Irrigated by Tubewell

Irrigation in Tumkur district.

(Area in hectares)

1985-86 1995-96 2005-06 Sl. No.

Name of the taluks

Area % Area % Area %

1. C.N. Halli 1495 4.66 2106 3.7 9913 7.7

2. Gubbi 3408 10.6 6703 11.8 25806 20.1

3. Koratagere 2718 8.5 3779 6.7 7080 5.5

4. Kunigal 2104 6.6 2920 5.2 5288 4.1

5. Madhugiri 7475 23.3 8342 14.7 12801 10.0

6. Pavagada 4680 14.6 5632 9.9 11330 8.8

7. Sira 4622 14.4 4893 8.6 17087 13.3

8. Tiptur 918 2.9 8170 14.4 9381 7.3

9. Tumkur 3729 11.6 10695 18.9 22051 17.1

10. Turuvekere 947 2.9 3432 6.1 7855 6.1

District 32096 (47.6) 56672 (76.1) 128592 (91.0)

Source: Data compiled from Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

The area occupied by the spices was about 4,286 hectares (0.8%) in

1985-86. In the year 1995-96 it has increased to 5194 hectares (0.9%) whereas

it percentage of area decreased slightly to 5497 hectares (0.8%) in 2005-06.

The percentage of spices area during the study period has not seen much

change maximum only in the year 1995-96. It was change 0.1% due to

basically the study region is not a major spice crops area. But there is a

greater loss of agricultural biodiversity due to decline of their cultivation.

Other commercial or cash crops are the third important group of crops

grown in the region. Under this group of crops are sugar cane, tobacco,

Chapter-VI

202

arconut, cotton, horticulture and floriculture crops. The area under cash

crops was about 41595 hectares (8.1%) in the year 1985-86. In the year 1995-

96 it has increased to 45137 hectares (7.6%). Whereas it increased to 60328

hectare (9.2%) the net increase in the area under this crop during the study

period was about 1.1%. This increase in the area mainly is due to the

extension of irrigational facilities provided by Hemavathi canal, Marconahalli

dam, Mangala project, Boranakanive and other irrigation sources in the

district. As some of these are irrigation intensive crops and higher

agricultural inputs their area has seen growth but it is also market based

(flowers like Aster, Jasmine, Rose, Marrigold etc.).

In recent socio-economic factors other commercial cropped area is in

rise at the cost of food crops. At present rural youths are migrating leaving

agriculture thereby creating the artificial shortage of agricultural labourers.

This trend must be reversed to make not only better living but also overall

sustainable growth of Indian agriculture. It requires not only ‘PURA’ like rural

development, but also rural youth must follow sustainable diary can

agriculture with initiatives to convert agricultural produces into value addition

to their agricultural products at rural level.

6.4 SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF CROPS :

Being a part of Karnataka agriculture is the main occupation of the

people of Tumkur district. The crop distribution in the whole study region

has a close relationship with the distribution of rainfall and fertility of soil.

The area produces quite good number of crops and its cropping pattern and

its spatial variation is the result of climate and topography. The main food

crops (cereals) grown in the district are ragi, paddy, jowar, maize, bajra and

Chapter-VI

203

other minor millets. The important among the pulses are tur, gram, horse

gram, blackgram, green gram, red gram and others. The major oil seeds are

coconut, groundnut, til, mustard, niger, sunflower and caster. Also district

has other crops like spices fruits, vegetables and flowers. Their spatial

aspects have been dealt in the following passages only those crops which are

important from the point of area economic importance and special cops are

described.

6.4.1 Cereals :

As the district is basically predominantly a dry land without much

assured irrigation. The crops under this group in their order of area of

cultivation are ragi, paddy (rice), minor millets (locally they are known as

‘navane’, ‘korale’, ‘save’ and the like.) Ragi a major cereal cultivated in almost

all the taluks as a kharif crop. Some amount of this crop is also grown with

well and tank irrigation. Paddy or rice is purely an irrigated crop depended on

well irrigation or tank irrigation. Off late (since 1980’s) extension of canal

irrigation has marginally increased its area in western taluks of the district. In

almost all the taluks, the cultivation of minor millets has considerably

declined. This is on one hand is due to change in people’s attitude towards

consumption of them and on the other, the cultivation of tree crops in such

marginal lands like Tamarind, Mangoes etc., in recent years. In a semiarid rain

dependent cultivable lands once supported these minor millets under

sustainable evolved form of agriculture. But people at present do not have the

concept of sustainable concept to agriculture compared to our elders. It is a

loss to agricultural bio-diversity and also to some extent food security.

Chapter-VI

204

Table-6.6

Trends of Agricultural Crops in Tumkur District (1985-86, 1995-96 and 2005-06)

1985-86 1995-96 2005-06

Crops

Area (in hec.) % GR Area (in hec.) % GR Area (in hec.) % GR

A Cereals 2,18,609 42.4 - 2,20,037 36.9 +0.06 2,31,358 35.2 +0.51

B Pulses 91,407 17.7 - 65,297 11.0 -2.85 53,158 8.1 -1.86

C Oil Seeds 1,58,997 30.9 - 2,54,762 42.8 +6.02 3,04,524 46.3 +1.95

D Spices 4,286 0.8 - 5,194 0.9 +2.12 5,497 0.8 +0.60

E Other Commercial Crops

41,595 8.1 - 45,137 7.6 +0.85 60,328 9.2 +3.36

Total Cropped Area 5,14,896 100 - 5,95,499 100 +1.60 6,57,865 100 +1.05

Net Sown Area 5,04,287 - - 5,73,244 - +1.40 6,19,654 - +0.81


Chapter-VI

205

Table-6.7

Spatial Pattern of Total Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, Spices and Other Commercial Cropped Area in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06)

Cereals Pulses Oil Seeds Spices Other

Commercial Crops

Net Area Sown Total Cropped

Area Sl. No.

Taluks

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1 C.N. Halli 22288 27002 12734 6422 15689 25283 538 451 3665 2317 54559 57865 54914 61475

% 10.2 11.7 13.9 12.1 9.9 8.3 12.6 8.2 8.8 3.8 10.8 9.9 10.7 9.3

2 Gubbi 30799 32555 13491 4408 9198 28573 304 324 6455 13090 58394 73039 60047 78950

% 14.1 14.1 14.8 8.3 5.8 9.4 7.0 5.9 15.6 21.7 11.6 11.8 11.5 12.0

3 Koratagere 12010 19171 5725 2839 15367 12574 446 652 3254 4485 35068 37592 36802 42721

% 5.5 8.3 6.3 5.2 9.7 4.2 10.4 11.9 7.8 7.4 6.9 6.4 7.6 6.5

4 Kunigal 39138 39888 8124 4820 3388 7282 179 103 4530 7708 54280 57145 55359 59801

% 17.9 17.2 8.9 9.0 2.1 2.4 4.2 1.9 10.9 12.8 10.8 9.4 10.7 9.1

5 Madhugiri 15074 14298 6172 4226 20157 34131 701 1315 4610 3978 44130 54727 46714 57948

% 6.9 6.2 6.8 7.9 12.7 11.2 16.3 23.9 11.1 6.6 8.8 8.8 9.0 8.8

6 Pavagada 12066 4775 6335 4333 54236 78054 482 915 3665 2115 76710 86955 76784 90192

% 5.5 2.0 6.9 8.5 34.1 25.6 11.2 16.6 8.8 3.6 15.0 13.0 14.9 13.7

Chapter-VI

206

Cereals Pulses Oil Seeds Spices Other

Commercial Crops

Net Area Sown Total Cropped

Area Sl. No.

Taluks

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

1985-86

2005-06

7 Sira 12756 19919 6338 7096 7454 57023 441 789 5383 8073 31584 87883 32372 92900

% 5.8 8.6 6.9 13.3 4.7 18.7 10.3 14.3 12.9 13.4 6.3 12.8 6.2 14.1

8 Tiptur 20650 19723 8529 4924 16662 24168 410 235 2127 2844 48152 50258 48378 51894

% 9.5 8.5 9.3 9.3 10.5 7.9 9.6 4.3 5.1 4.7 9.6 9.0 9.4 7.9

9 Tumkur 38464 31576 12954 5450 6745 12798 401 556 5518 12127 63146 60702 64082 62507

% 17.6 13.7 14.2 10.2 4.2 4.2 9.4 10.1 13.3 20.1 12.5 10.6 12.4 9.6

10 Turuvekere 15364 22451 11005 8640 10101 24638 385 157 2388 3591 38804 53488 39244 59477

% 7.0 9.7 12.0 16.2 6.3 8.1 9.0 2.9 5.7 6.0 7.7 8.3 7.6 9.0

District Total

218609

231358

91407 53158 158997

304524

4286 5497 41595 60328 504287

619654

514895

657865

Source : Data Compiled from district at a glance Tumkur District.

Chapter-VI

207

A glance at Table-6.6 shows a distributing scenario of declining cereals

growing area in the district. It has declined from 42.4% in 1985-86 to 36.9%

and further to 35.2% of total cropped area in the district. In fact, it is a loss

and threatens the food security of the district. People in yester years used to

be self sufficient. But in these basic cereals like ragi and rice, now they have

switched over to commercial non cereals crops like ground nut or coconut,

flowers and fruits. This has made them to buy food grains and worst of it also

to buy fodder too. There is a decline in draft animals and there is an increase

in use of inanimate power (tractors, harvesters too). Decline bio-manure

which has made farmers to use chemical manures, which too become costly

over the years has caused damage to the soils (See Plate-4).

Ragi (Eleusine coracona) :

Ragi is tropical coarse cereal crop and very much localized in southern

Karnataka. It needs about 65 cm of annual average rainfall and red soils.

Irrigation can substitute the rain in dry areas. Ragi cultivation needs

temperature not less than 24°C. Ragi is major food crop grown extensively in

the district. This crop occupies nearly 26% of the whole cultivated area of the

district. Ragi crop has many good features which mark it off sharply from

other food grains. It is one of the hardiest crops well suited for dry farming.

It can grow under conditions of very low rainfall and it can withstand drought

condition reviving again with vigour after a good shower of rain. The grain is

of a great nutritive value and is considered very sustaining to people doing

hard physical work. Ragi is largely grown as a dry crop in the district twice or

thrice. This crop is remarkable and it is less affected by pests and diseases.

Its straw is a valuable fodder, highly favoured both for working and milking

Chapter-VI

208

animals. The yield of ragi under dry cultivation is correlated with the total

rainfall in the five months from July to November and it is harvested in

October/ November.

Table-6.8

Spatial Distribution of Ragi cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-86

and 2005-06)

Area (in Hectares) Volume of Change Sl. No.

Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 16713 10.6 23605 13.7 6892 3.10

2. Gubbi 23983 15.2 28487 16.6 4504 1.40

3. Koratagere 8294 5.2 9813 5.7 1519 0.50

4. Kunigal 30576 19.3 28527 16.6 2049 -2.70

5. Madhugiri 7933 5.0 4529 2.6 3404 -2.40

6. Pavagada 4924 3.1 1334 0.8 3590 -2.30

7. Sira 5384 3.4 14039 8.2 8655 4.80

8. Tiptur 17712 11.2 17906 10.3 194 -0.90

9. Tumkur 29897 19.0 25546 14.9 4351 -4.10

10. Turuvekre 12597 8.0 17887 10.6 5290 2.60

District Total 158013 100

(30.69)

171673 100

(10.6)

13660

Total cropped area 514895 657865

Source: Data compiled from Bureau of Economic and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

The distribution of ragi cultivation during 1985-86, the area under ragi

was about 158013 hectares (30.69% ) and it was increased to 171673 hectares

(26.10%) the net increase in the area under ragi was about 13660 hectares

from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is the first largest crop grown in the study region

and also ranks first among the cereals with 74.21% of its share among the

cereals.

Chapter-VI

209

Chapter-VI

210

The table-6.8 reveals the spatial distributional pattern of ragi in the

region, which reveals the fact that southern part of the study region has more

percentage of area under ragi than the northern region. Gubbi (16.6%), Kunigal

(16.6%), Tumkur (14.9%), C.N.Halli (13.7%), Turuvekere (10.6%) and Tiptur

(10.3%) taluks have recorded high percentage (more than 10) of an area under

ragi cultivation, whereas medium percentage (5 to 10%) of area under ragi was

observed in Sira (8.2%) and Koratagere (5.7%). The taluks like Madhugiri (2.6%)

and Pavagada (0.8%) have recorded low (less than 5%) percentage of area under

ragi during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.4).

The cultivation of ragi in the southern part of the region is more as

compared to the northern part. There are about 6 taluks of the region where

the area under ragi is more than that of the average area under ragi of the

region. It is mainly because of fertile red soil and the availability of

geographical area for cultivation and medium rainfall has made farmers to

grow ragi in these regions.

The study of volume of change in ragi cultivation in Tumkur district

there are about five taluks of the region, which have recorded increase in the

area under ragi like Sira (4.80%), C.N. Halli (3.1%), Turuvekere (2.6%), Gubbi

(1.40%) and Koratagere (0.50%). Remaining taluks have recorded decrease in

the area under this crop, the negative change of cultivation of ragi in the

taluks like Kunigal (-2.70%), Tumkur (-4.10%), Madhugiri (-2.30%), Pavagada (-

2.30%) and Tiptur (0.90%) in the district (See Table-6.8).

Paddy (Oryza sativa) :

Paddy or rice is an important cereal crop of India. It is the staple food

for a vast majority of people. It is principally a tropical crop. It is a dominant

kharif crop/ humid crop in the district. It needs an average annual rainfall of

Chapter-VI

211

100 to 125 cms. In this district dark red soils have formed suitable for rice

cultivation and also irrigation facilities in some of the taluks.

The spatial distribution of rice cultivation in the study area shows that

it has about 26838 hectare (5.22%) in the year 1985-86. It increased to 38848

hectare (5.91%) and net increase in the area under rice was about 12010

hectares or 0.69% from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is the fourth largest crop

grown in the region with 16.80% of its share among the cereals (2005-06)

cultivated in the district. The spatial distributional pattern of rice reveals that

with South and central part of the study region has more percentage of area

under rice and it is decreasing toward west and also north and north east.

Table-6.9

Spatial Distribution of Paddy Cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-86

and 2005-06)


Taluks 1985-96 % 2005-06 %

1985-96 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 675 2.5 747 1.9 72 -0.60

2. Gubbi 4124 15.4 3915 10.1 209 -5.30

3. Koratagere 1521 5.7 2190 5.6 669 -0.10

4. Kunigal 7933 29.6 11250 29.0 3317 -0.60

5. Madhugiri 1427 5.3 3163 8.1 1736 2.80

6. Pavagada 1266 4.7 2265 5.8 999 1.10

7. Sira 1211 4.6 4310 11.1 3099 6.50

8. Tiptur 707 2.6 1534 3.9 827 1.30

9. Tumkur 6885 25.6 5343 13.7 1542 -11.90

10. Turuvekre 1089 4.0 4131 10.8 3042 6.80


(5.22)

38848 100

(5.91)

12010


Source : Bureau of Economic and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

Chapter-VI

212

Chapter-VI

213

As particularly toward northern part assured irrigation is sparse.

Kunigal (29.00%) taluk had recorded high percentage (more than 20%) of area

under rice, it is mainly because of irrigation, suitable land, fertile soil etc.

whereas, the medium percentage (10 to 20%) of area under rice has been

observed in Tumkur (13.7%), Sira (11.1%), Turuvekere (10.8%) and Gubbi

(10.1%) taluk. The taluks like Madhugiri (8.1%), Pavagada (5.8%), Koratagere

(5.6%), Tiptur (3.9%) and C.N. Halli (1.9%) taluks have recorded low (less than

10%) percentage of area under this crop (See Table-6.9 & Fig.-6.5).

The study of volume change in rice cultivation in this district there are

about five taluks of the region, which have recorded increase in the area under

rice the taluks like Turuvekere (6.80%), Sira (6.50%), Madhugiri (2.80%), Tiptur

(1.30%) and Pavagada (1.10%). This is due to development of well irrigation.

Remaining taluks have recorded decrease in the area under this crop. The

negative change of rice cultivation can be seen in the taluks like Tumkur (-

11.9%), Gubbi (-5.30%), C.N. Halli (-0.60%), Kunigal (-0.60%) and Koratagere (-

0.10%) taluk in the Tumkur district.

Jowar (Sorghum Vulgare) :

Jowar is one of the food crops, grown in both kharif and rabi seasons.

It can withstand drought to a considerable extent and grown both as dry and

as an irrigated crop in the Cauvery basin. This crop requires a moderate

annual rainfall of 30-100 cm and high temperature of 27°-32° C for

germination of good growth. It cannot be grown in areas with less than 16° C

temperature. Both excessive moisture and prolonged droughts are harmful.

The crop is grown and a variety of soils but black soils are considered to be

most ideal for this crop. Jowar is par excellence a crop of the dry farming

Chapter-VI

214

areas grown mostly without irrigation support. It is grown an a variety of soils

ranging from heavy and light alluvium to red, gray, and yellow loam and even

sandy soils.

Table-6.10

Spatial Distribution of Jowar Cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-86

and 2005-06)


Taluks

1985-86 % 2005-06 % 1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 1062 22.0 620 20.4 442 -1.60

2. Gubbi 912 18.9 19 0.6 893 -18.30

3. Koratagere 191 4.0 138 4.5 53 0.50

4. Kunigal 190 3.9 - - - -

5. Madhugiri 61 1.3 851 28.0 790 26.70

6. Pavagada 893 18.6 732 24.1 161 5.50

7. Sira 356 7.4 12 0.4 344 -7.00

8. Tiptur 745 15.4 231 7.6 514 -7.80

9. Tumkur 69 1.4 5 0.2 64 -1.20

10. Turuvekre 342 7.1 433 14.2 91 7.10


(0.94)

3041 100

(0.47)

1781



The sub regional distribution with in Tumkur District of Jowar

cultivation area was 4822 hectares (0.94%) in the year 1985-86 and it had

decreased to 3041 hectares (0.47%). The net decrease in the area under jowar

was about 0.47% from 1985-86 to 2005-06.

Chapter-VI

215

Chapter-VI

216

It is the third largest crop among cereals with 1.32% of its share among

the cereals. The Table-6.10 shows the spatial distributional pattern of jowar

in the Tumkur district, which reveals the fact that north and north eastern

part of the region has more percentage of its area under than the southern

region. Madhugiri (28.0%), Pavagada (24.1%) and Chikkanayakana Halli (20.4%)

taluks have recorded high percentage (more than 20%) of an area under jowar

cultivation, whereas medium percentage (10 to 20%) of area under jowar was

observed in Turuvekere (14.2%). The taluks like Tiptur (7.6%), Koratagere

(4.5%), Gubbi (0.6%), Sira (0.4%) and Tumkur (0.2%) taluks have recorded low

(less than 10%) percentage of area under jowar during 2005-06 (Fig.-6.6). The

cultivation of jowar in the northern region and western taluks like Madhugiri,

Pavagada and C.N. Halli taluks have more compared to others. It is mainly

because of rainfall and well irrigation, further in these taluks in some region.

Lack of rainfall has made farmers to switch over to grow jowar in these areas.

The study of volume change in jowar cultivation in this district there a

bout four taluks, which have recorded increase in the area, under jowar the

taluks like Madhugiri (26.7%), Turuvekere (7.10%), Pavagada (5.50%) and

Koratagere (0.5%) taluks due to already mentioned factors like tube well

irrigation, and remaining taluks have recorded negative change of jowar

cultivation in the taluks in the district.

Maize (Zea mays) :

Maize is an important food crop in the recent decades in dry lands of

this low rainfall region. It can be grown under highly varied climatic and soil

conditions. Though it is also cultivated as a ‘rabi’ crop in some areas. Maize

Chapter-VI

217

is grown mostly as a rainfed kharif crop. About 35°C temperature is

considered ideal for the crop frost is fatal. It requires about 75cm of rainfall.

Spatial distribution of maize cultivation in the district shows it had

4552 hectares (0.89%) in the year 1985-86 and it had increased to 14026

hectares (2.14%) the net increase in the area under maize was about 9474

hectares or 1.25% from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is the fourth important cereals

crop with 6.07% of its share among the cereals. The table-6.11 reveals the

spatial distributional of maize in Tumkur district reveals the fact that, east

central part of the study area has more percentage of area under maize than

the other regions. Koratagere (50.1%) and Madhugiri (40.1%) taluks have

recorded more than 90% of maize cultivation area by 2005-06. This region is

recorded high percentage (more than 20%) of maize region. Whereas medium

percentage area class between 10 to 20% of area under maize in the district is

not recorded. But the remaining all eight taluks like Tukur (4.8%), Pavagada

(2.3%), Gubbi (0.9%), Sira (0.9%), Kunigal (0.7%), Tiptur (0.1%) taluks and nill in

C.N. Halli and Turuvekere taluks. Totally all these taluks have recorded low

(less than 10%) percentage of area under maize during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.7).

The analysis of volume change in maize cultivation in this district there

is about two taluks of the region which have recorded increase in the area

under maize in the taluks like Koratagere (27.9%) and Pavagada (1.3%) taluks

due to geographical factors, urbanization and food processing industries

development in the district and remaining taluks have recorded negative

change of maize cultivation in the district.

Chapter-VI

218

Table-6.11

Spatial Distribution of Maize Cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-86

and 2005-06)


Taluks

1985-86 % 2005-06 % 1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 20 0.4 - - - -

2. Gubbi 316 6.9 131 0.9 185 -6.00

3. Koratagere 1011 22.2 7025 50.1 6014 27.90

4. Kunigal 135 3.0 102 0.7 33 -2.30

5. Madhugiri 1953 42.9 5625 40.1 3672 -2.80

6. Pavagada 45 1.0 320 2.3 275 1.30

7. Sira 150 3.3 132 0.9 18 -2.40

8. Tiptur 74 1.6 16 0.1 58 -1.50

9. Tumkur 794 17.5 675 4.8 119 -12.7

10. Turuvekre 54 1.2 - - - -


(0.89)

14026 100

(2.14)

9474



Minor Millets :

The minor millets grown in the study area are locally known as navane,

save, harka etc. In recent years these minor millets area of cultivation

decreased due to effects of globalization the farmers are more interested to

cultivation cash crops hence these crops area decreased. The minor millets

are dry land crops they do not require more rainfall.

Chapter-VI

219

Chapter-VI

220

Tumkur district being a low rain fall region some of these an ultimated

along with cereals crops. They were cultivated as traditional crops in some

regions in the district.

The spatial distribution of minor millet cultivation area was 24385

hectares (4.74%) in the year 1985-86 and it got decreased to 3769 hectares

(0.58%), the net decrease in the area under minor millets area was about 20616

hectares or 4.16 percent from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It covers 1.63% of the

share among the cereals. The Table-6.12 reveals the spatial distributional

pattern of minor millets in Tumkur district shows that west central part of the

regions has more percentage of area under minor millets than the other

regions. C.N. Halli (53.86%) and Sira (37.96%) taluks record high percentage

(more than 20%) and remaining taluks record low percentage (less than 10%) of

area under minor millet during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.8).

Chapter-VI

221

Table-6.12

Spatial Distribution of Other Minor Millets Cultivation in Tumkur

District (1985-86 and 2005-06)


Taluks

1985-86 % 2005-06 % 1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 3818 15.66 2030 53.86 1788 38.20

2. Gubbi 1464 6.01 03 0.08 1461 -5.93

3. Koratagere 993 4.08 04 0.11 989 -3.97

4. Kunigal 304 1.25 09 0.24 295 -1.01

5. Madhugiri 3700 15.18 130 3.45 3570 -11.73

6. Pavagada 4938 20.25 124 3.29 4814 -16.96

7. Sira 5655 23.19 1423 37.76 4232 14.57

8. Tiptur 1412 5.79 39 1.04 1373 -4.75

9. Tumkur 819 3.36 07 0.19 812 -3.17

10. Turuvekre 1282 5.26 - - - -


(4.74)

3769 100

(0.58)

20616


Source : Bureau of Economic and Statistics, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.

The spatial analysis of volume change in minor millets cultivation in

this district there is about two taluks of the region which have recorded

increase in the area under minor millet in the taluks like C.N. Halli (38.20%)

and Sira (14.57%) taluks due to geo-economic conditions and remaining taluks

have recorded negative change of minor millets in the district.

Chapter-VI

222

Chapter-VI

223

6.4.2 Pulses :

Pulses are leguminous inter-tilled crops like Tur, gram, horse gram,

black gram, green gram, red gram and others. As the study area is

predominantly rain dependent. Along with minor millets, some of these crops

too have further declined. Farmers prefer to grow exclusively some

commercial crops like groundnut crop without much inter-tilling of pulses.

Rise in horticultural crops area has taken the toll of these protein rich crops

exposing people to malnutrition. In earlier years most of the farmers used to

compulsorily grow some amount of all these pulses. But at present they are

dependent on out side areas for pulses playing very high price for them.

Definitely this has added to vulnerability of farming community towards food

in security in terms of pulses and also to malnutrition. Table-6.4 shows

pulses growing area in the cropped area of respective years has declined from

17.7% in 1985-86 to 11.0% in 1995-96 further to 8.1% by 2005-06 (See Plate-5).

Tur (Cajanus cajan) :

Tur is a second important pulse crop in the Tumkur region. This crop

is generally grown in rabi season. It requires moderate rainfall. This crop will

grow on red soils and it is cultivated as pure or mixed with other crops in the

region.

Spatial distribution of tur cultivation area shows that Tumkur district

had 8838 hectares (1.72%) in the pulses cultivation in the year 1985-86 and

area increased to 9889 hectares (1.51%) by total cropped area, the net increase

in the area under tur was about 1051hectares or 8.94% of from 1985-86 to

2005-06. It is the second important among pulses crop with 18.61% of its

share among the pulses. The Table-6.13 reveals that the spatial distributional

of tur in Tumkur district. Northern part of the region has more percentage of

Chapter-VI

224

its area under Tur than the other regions. Pavagada (26.7%) and Sira (24.9%)

taluks have recorded more than 50% of tur cultivation area in 2005-06 and this

region record high percentage (more than 20%) of tur cultivation region-

whereas medium percentage (10 to 20%) of area under tur in the district is

recorded in Madhugiri (12.3%) taluk. Only but the remaining all seven taluks

like C.N. Halli (7.1%), Tumkur (6.5%), Koratagere (5.6%), Gubbi (5.4%), Tiptur

(4.7%), Kunigal (3.6%) and Turuvekere (3.2%) taluks totally all these taluks have

recorded low (less than 10%) percentage of area under tur cultivation during

2005-06 (Fig. 6.9).

Table-6.13

Spatial Distribution of Tur Cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-86

and 2005-06)


Taluks

1985-86 % 2005-06 % 1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 1057 11.9 705 7.1 352 -4.80

2. Gubbi 829 9.5 533 5.4 296 -4.10

3. Koratagere 573 6.6 558 5.6 15 -1.00

4. Kunigal 800 9.0 354 3.6 446 -5.4

5. Madhugiri 954 10.8 1219 12.3 265 1.50

6. Pavagada 1504 17.0 2640 26.7 1136 9.70

7. Sira 520 5.9 2462 24.9 1942 19.00

8. Tiptur 1027 11.6 468 4.7 559 -6.90

9. Tumkur 1216 13.7 634 6.5 582 -7.20

10. Turuvekre 358 4.0 316 3.2 42 -0.80


(1.72)

9889 100

(1.51)

1051



Chapter-VI

225

Chapter-VI

226

The analysis of volume change in tur cultivation in this district there is

about three taluks of the region which have recorded an increase in the area

under tur in the taluks like Sira (19.00%), Pavagada (9.70%) and Madhugiri

(1.50%) taluks due to geo-economic factors like medium rain fall, good soil,

plain land, food processing industries and others and remaining taluks have

recorded negative change of tur cultivation in the district.

Gram (Cieer arietinum) :

Gram is the fifth important pulses crop in Tumkur district. This crop is

generally cultivation in winter season so it is known as rabi crop. It requires

cool weather and moderate rainfall. This crop will grown in red soil and also

sand loamy soil in Tumkur district.

Table-6.14

Spatial Distribution of Gram Cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-86

and 2005-06)


Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 108 14.5 35 8.2 73 -6.30

2. Gubbi 60 8.0 2 0.5 58 -7.50

3. Koratagere 9 1.2 2 0.5 7 -0.70

4. Kunigal 107 14.5 10 2.3 97 -12.20

5. Madhugiri 62 8.3 18 4.2 44 -4.10

6. Pavagada 8 1.1 185 43.5 177 42.40

7. Sira 20 2.6 86 20.3 66 17.70

8. Tiptur 200 26.8 32 7.6 168 -19.20

9. Tumkur 18 2.4 4 0.9 14 -1.50

10. Turuvekre 153 20.6 51 12.0 102 -8.60


(0.15)

425 100

(0.07)

320



Chapter-VI

227

Chapter-VI

228

The regional distribution of gram cultivation area was 745 hectares

(0.15%) area in total cropped area in the district in the year 1985-86 and it was

decreased to 425 hectares (0.07%), the net decrease in the area under gram

was about 0.08% from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is the fifth largest crop among

pulses with 0.14% of its share among pulses. The Table-6.14 reveals the

spatial distributional pattern of gram in the Tumkur district, which reveals the

fact that northern parts of the region had more percentage of area under gram

than the southern region. Pavagada (43.5%) and Sira (20.3%0 taluks have

recorded high percentage (more than 20%) of an area under gram cultivation,

whereas medium percentage (10 to 20%) of area under gram was observed in

Turuvekere (12.00%). The taluks like C.N. Halli (8.2%), Tiptur (7.6%), Madhugiri

(4.2%), Kunigal (2.3%), Tumkur (0.9%), Gubbi (0.5%) and Koratagere (0.5%) taluks

have recorded low (less than 10%) percentage of area under gram during 2005-

06 (Fig.6.10). The cultivation of gram in the northern regions like Pavagada

and Sira taluks and also southern taluk like Turuvekere taluks are more

compared to other it is mainly because of soil, and the availability plenty of

agricultural marginal lands area and lack of rainfall has made to grow gram in

these regions.

The study of volume change in gram cultivation in this district there is

about only two taluks of the region, which have recorded increase in the area

under gram the taluks like Pavagada (42.40%) and Sira (17.70%) taluks due to

geographical reasons and remaining taluks have recorded negative change of

gram cultivation in the taluks in the districts.

Chapter-VI

229

Horse Gram (Dolichos biflorus) :

Tumkur district being too rain fall (600 mm/annum) with plenty of

poor to agricultural marginal lands has good amount of horse gram

cultivation. Horse gram is the leading pulse crop in the Tumkur district. It is

generally a crop in the un-irrigated areas as a rabi crop. It requires a mild cool

weather and a low moderate rainfall of 35-50 ms. Although it can be

cultivated on a number of soils but well drained loamy soil and even red soils

are well suited.

Table-6.15

Spatial Distribution of Horse Gram Cultivation in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06).

Area (in Hectares) Volume of Change

Sl. No.

Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-

06 %

1. C.N. Halli 9640 14.7 1905 7.6 7735 -7.10

2. Gubbi 10497 16.0 2313 9.2 8184 -6.80

3. Koratagere 4223 6.4 1349 5.4 2874 -1.00

4. Kunigal 4793 7.3 1054 4.2 3739 -3.00

5. Madhugiri 3752 5.7 1607 6.4 2145 0.70

6. Pavagada 3953 6.0 660 2.6 3293 -3.40

7. Sira 5185 7.9 3381 13.5 1804 5.60

8. Tiptur 5485 8.5 2178 8.7 3307 0.20

9. Tumkur 9294 14.3 3647 14.6 5647 0.30

10. Turuvekre 8636 13.2 7012 27.9 1624 14.70


(12.72)

25106 100

(3.82)

40352



Chapter-VI

230

Chapter-VI

231

The spatial distribution of horse gram cultivation area was 65458

hectares (12.72%) of total cropped area in the year 1985-86, it was decreased

to 25106 hectares (3.82%) and net decrease in the area under horse gram was

about 40352 hectares or 8.90% from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is the first major

pulses crop grown in the region with 47.23% of its share among the pulses

(2005-06). The spatial distributional pattern of horse gram reveals that

Turuvekere (27.9%) taluk had record high percentage (more than 20%) of area

under horse gram, it is mainly because of suitable land good soil etc., whereas,

the medium percentage (10 to 20%) of area under horse gram has been

observed in Tumkur (14.6%) and Sira (13.5%) taluks. The taluks like Gubbi

(9.2)%), Tiptur (8.7%), C.N. Halli (7.6%), Madhugiri (6.4%), Koratagere (5.4%),

Kunigal (4.2%) and Pavagada (2.6%) taluks have recorded low (less than 10%)

percentage of area under this crop (See Table-6.15 and Fig.6.11).

The study of volume change in horse gram cultivation in this district

there are about five taluks of the region, which have recorded increase in the

percentage of area under horse gram the taluks like Turuvekere (14.70%), Sira

(5.60%), Madhugiri (0.70%), Tumkur (0.30%) and Tiptur (0.20%) taluks due the

development of tank and well irrigation and remaining taluks have recorded

decrease in the percentage of area under this crop, the negative change of

horse gram cultivation in the taluks like C.N. Halli (-7.10%), Gubbi (-6.80%),

Pavagada (-3.40%), Kunigal (-3.10%) and Koratagere (-1.00%) taluks in the

Tumkur district.

Green Gram (P.Mungo) :

Among the major pulses horse gram is the fourth leading crop in

Tumkur district. It is also a crop in the unirrigated areas and it is cultivated in

Chapter-VI

232

kharif season. It requires moderate weather and rainfall conditions. It is

normally cultivated in dry lands of red soil, black soil and also loamy soils.

Table-6.16

Spatial Distribution of Green Gram Cultivation in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06).


Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 450 20.1 1826 44.6 1376 24.50

2. Gubbi 210 9.4 119 2.9 91 -6.50

3. Koratagere 49 2.2 5 0.1 44 -2.10

4. Kunigal 204 9.1 896 21.8 692 12.70

5. Madhugiri 163 7.3 85 2.1 78 -5.20

6. Pavagada 182 8.2 123 3.0 59 -5.20

7. Sira 86 3.8 65 1.6 21 -2.20

8. Tiptur 406 18.2 810 19.7 404 1.50

9. Tumkur 215 9.6 23 0.6 192 -9.00

10. Turuvekre 271 12.1 148 3.6 123 -8.50


(0.44)

4100 100

(0.63)

1864



In spatial distribution of green gram cultivation area was about 2236

hectares (0.44%) of total cropped area in the district in the year 1985-86. It was

increased to 4100 hectares (0.63%) and net increase in the area under green

gram was about 1864 hectares from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It was the fourth

major pulses crop grown in the region with 7.72% of its share among the

pulses (2005-06).

Chapter-VI

233

Chapter-VI

234

The regional distribution pattern of green gram has revealed the fact

that western and southern taluks of the district have more percentage of area

under green gram than the other regions.

C.N. Halli (44.6%) and Kunigal (21.8%) taluks have recorded more than

65% of green gram cultivation area in 2005-06 and this region records high

percentage (more than 20%) of green gram cultivation region whereas medium

percentage (10 to 20%) of area under this crop in the district can be seen in

Tiptur (19.7%) taluk. But, the remaining of all taluks like Turuvekere (3.6%),

Pavagada (3.0%), Gubbi (2.9%), Madhugiri (2.1), Sira (1.6%), Tumkur (0.6%) and

Koratagere (0.1%) taluks have recorded low (less than 10%) percentage of area

under green gram during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.12).

The analysis of volume change in green gram cultivation in this district

there is about three taluks of the region which have recorded increase in the

area under green gram in the taluks like C.N. Halli (24.50%), Kunigal (12.7%),

Tiptur (1.50%) taluks due to geographical factors, recent changes of food

habits and other factors in the district remaining taluks have recorded

negative change of green gram cultivation in the district.

Red Gram (D. Lablab) :

Red gram is the third important crop under pulses in Tumkur district.

It is one of the crop grown in kharif season but good production in early rabi

season and generally a crop cultivated in the un-irrigated and irrigated areas.

It requires cool weather and moderate rainfall of 35-52 cms. Red soil is most

important soil for cultivation of this crop even other soil like loamy soils are

also well suited.

Chapter-VI

235

Table-6.17

Spatial Distribution of Red Gram Cultivation in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06).


Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 707 7.9 1211 13.3 504 5.40

2. Gubbi 1149 12.9 913 10.0 236 -2.90

3. Koratagere 425 4.8 593 6.5 168 1.70

4. Kunigal 1619 18.2 1946 21.4 327 3.20

5. Madhugiri 632 7.1 694 7.6 62 0.50

6. Pavagada 139 1.6 310 3.4 171 1.80

7. Sira 156 1.7 361 4.0 205 2.30

8. Tiptur 1217 13.6 1138 12.5 79 -1.10

9. Tumkur 1818 20.4 902 9.9 916 -10.50

10. Turuvekre 1053 11.8 1035 11.4 18 -0.40


(1.74)

9103 100

(1.39)

188



The spatial distribution of red gram cultivation area was 8915 hectares

(1.74%) of total cropped area in the year 1985-86, it was increased to 9103

hectares (1.39%) and net increase in the area under red gram was about 188

hectares from 1985-86 to 2005-06. But the percentage of red gram cultivation

has decreased due to total cropped area had increased in 2005-06. It is the

third major pulses crop grown in the region with 17.13% of its share among

the pulses (2005-06). The spatial distributional pattern of red gram reveals

the fact that western and southern taluks of the district have more percentage

of area under red gram than any other regions in the district.

Chapter-VI

236

Chapter-VI

237

Kunigal (21.4%) taluk had recorded highest cultivation area in 2005-06

and this region record high percentage (more than 20%) of red gram

cultivation region. Whereas, medium percentage (10 to 20%) of area under this

crop in the district is Tiptur (12.5%) and Turuvekere (11.4%) taluks. But the

remaining of all taluks like Gubbi (10.0%), Tumkur (9.9%), Madhugiri (7.6%),

Koratagere (6.5%), Sira (4.0%) and Pavagada (3.4%) taluks have recorded low

(less than 10%) percentage of area under red gram during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.13).

The spatial analysis of volume change in red gram cultivation in this

district there is about six taluks of the region which have recorded increase in

the area under red gram in the taluks like C.N. Halli (5.40%), Kunigal (3.20%),

Sira (2.30%), Pavagada (1.80%), Koratagere (1.70%) and Madhugiri (0.50%) taluks

show slight increase in its area. Remaining taluks have recorded negative

change of red gram cultivation in the district due other commercial and oil

seeds cultivation area was increased.

6.4.3 Oil Seeds :

Cultivation of oil seeds occupies an important position in Tumkur

District. Their cultivation can be seen both under khariff and rabi seasons.

Groundnut and mustard respectively occupy prime place among oilseeds with

a host of others in India. But in state level groundnut sunflower are

important. Groundnut and coconut are cultivated in South India and also in

study area in both the seasons where the later is an annual crop. Traditional

geographical factors like growing in red soils and their cultivation under

rainfed conditions still dominates in case of groundnut cultivation. Off late,

the rapid growth of tube wells has enhanced its cultivation in non khariff

period and in newer areas. Technology mission on oil seeds (TMO) initiated in

Chapter-VI

238

1986 has also influenced the cultivation of oil seeds particularly sunflower

and groundnut in assured irrigated areas. But considerable groundnut and

other oil seeds cultivation is still under the group of monsoon rains affecting

both yields and total production. However, in specific regions the one which

is under investigation has on one hand dominant groundnut cultivation as

rainfed crop. It is also seeing extension in its cultivation due to tube wells. At

the same reason due to both traditional and recent socio-economic factors.

Coconut cultivation is seeing expansion. Other minor oil seeds are often have

seen negative trends in their cultivation due to dominance of these two crops.

Due to small holdings and un-affordability of technology developments (TMO)

have not reached most of the oil seed producers hence yields and some of

these crops are still lowest in the Tumkur district compared to others in the

world.

In its ten taluks about seven different types of oil seeds are cultivated

in Tumkur district. A glance at Table-6.4 denotes that district as a hole has

about 5,04,287 hectares of net sown area (45.5% of G.A.) in 1985-86, which has

increased in the study period progressively to 53.3% in 1995-96 and to 58.2%

by 2005-06. Further study reveals that, in 1985-86 district as a whole had

158997 hectares of total area of oil seeds cultivation which accounted for

31.5% of net sown area. In the study period of twenty years this too has seen

remarkable growth by 1995-96 and it has reached 44.4% of total net sown area

under oil seeds in the district and to 46.3% by 2005-06 (See Plate-6).

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) :

Coconut palm is an important perennial tree providing nuts, timber,

fibre and leaves used for a range of purposes. Although coconut is important

Chapter-VI

239

for manufacture of copra from which oil is extracted. Coconut palm requires

an equable tropical climate with high temperature and minimum annual

rainfall of 100 cm., well distributed through out the year. The tree also cannot

withstand drought. It can grow on hill slopes up to 800-1000 meters height.

Coconut cultivation best on sandy loamy, red loams, light grey soils are most

important for good yielding.

Table-6.18

Spatial Distribution of Coconut Cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-

86 and 2005-06).


Taluks

1985-86 % 2005-06 % 1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 13382 26.2 22740 22.0 9358 -7.70

2. Gubbi 6827 13.4 27027 1.0 20200 8.60

3. Koratagere 614 1.2 1259 4.7 645 -0.20

4. Kunigal 1570 3.1 5801 0.7 4231 1.60

5. Madhugiri 193 0.4 885 0.6 692 0.30

6. Pavagada 160 0.3 621 4.8 461 0.30

7. Sira 1059 2.1 5938 18.6 4879 2.70

8. Tiptur 15128 29.6 22700 9.4 7572 -11.00

9. Tumkur 2835 5.5 11546 19.7 8711 3.90

10. Turuvekre 9286 18.2 24173 18.65 14887 1.50


(9.92)

122690 100

(18.65)

71636



Chapter-VI

240

Chapter-VI

241

Tumkur district particularly in its western taluks like Tiptur, Gubbi,

Turuvekere, Chikkanayakanahalli (C.N.Halli) form the core areas of its

cultivation. These are the traditional areas of coconut cultivation and also

have Tiptur as a nationally known copra (dry coconut kernel) market, added to

this, since 1980’s there is a gradual shortage of agricultural labours in general.

Migration of rural youth both educated and semi educated to big cities like

Bangalore and to other along with nuclearise families too have contributed to

the remarkable rise in coconut growing area in the district.

In the study period its area has been doubled from 51054 hectares i.e.,

32.1% of total oil seed cultivation of the district in 1985-86 to 28.1% and

further to 40.3% 2005-06. In most cases it is a garden commercial crop in

western taluks, often coconut orchards are common sight. In the recent years

even other taluks too have picked up it’s in kind of orchard type coconut

cultivation. One common affect seen in its cultivation in the district is people

raise coconut palms on the edges of their fields while land is mostly still put

to cereals and other crops cultivation. It is also not common to see thousands

of coconut palm as small number as even two in most of the households

adding to surplus production of coconut and making district as a leader in

coconut and copra production.

The spatial distribution of coconut cultivation area was 51054 hectare

(9.92%) in the year 1985-86, it has increased to 122690 hectares (18.65%) in

total cropped area in the district (2005-06). The net increase in the area under

coconut was about 71636 hectares from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is the second

important oil seed crop with 40.29% of its share among the oil seeds. The

table-6.18 reveals the spatial distribution of coconut in Tumkur district. It

also reveals the fact that western part of the region has more percentage of

Chapter-VI

242

area under coconut cultivation than the other regions. Gubbi (22.0%) taluk

had recorded more than 20% of coconut cultivation area in 2005-06 and this

region record high percentage of coconut cultivation regions whereas medium

percentage (10 to 20%) of area under coconut in the district is recorded in

Turuvekere (19.7%), Tiptur (18.6%), C.N. Halli (18.5%) taluks. But the remaining

all six taluks like Tumkur (9.4%), Sira (4.8%), Kunigal (4.7%), Koratagere (1.0%),

Madhugiri (0.7%) and Pavagada (0.6%) taluks have recorded low (less than 10%)

percentage of area under coconut cultivation during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.14).

The spatial analysis of volume change in coconut cultivation in this

district there are about seven taluks of the study area which have recorded

increase in the area under coconut in the taluks like Gubbi (8.60%), Tumkur

(3.90%), Sira (2.70%), Kunigal (1.60%), Turuvekere (1.50%), Madhugiri (0.30%)

and Pavagada (0.30%) taluks due to increase of tube well irrigation and other

geo-socio-economic factors and other three taluks have recorded negative

change of coconut cultivation in Tumkur district.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) :

Groundnut is a khariff crop grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

It requires 20°C - 30°C of temperature and 50-70 cm of rainfall. Sanday loams,

loams and well drained black soils, which allow enough of root turning are

considered suitable for groundnut cultivation.

Groundnut is a major oil seed cultivated in the northern and eastern

parts of Tumkur district. This is mostly a drought prone area of southeast in

Karnataka. It is a cash crop along with providing considerable fooder for draft

animals. But unfortunately its cultivation is still under the grip of S.W.

monsoons where it is a khariff crop. In these two decades, there is an

increased utilization of limited ground water by tubewells and it has

augmented the area under groundnut cultivation. It is increasing non khariff

season in the study area.

Chapter-VI

243

Table-6.19

Spatial Distribution of Groundnut Cultivation in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06).


Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 1054 1.0 1355 0.8 301 -0.20

2. Gubbi 1550 1.5 716 0.4 834 -1.10

3. Koratagere 14234 14.2 10774 6.6 3460 -7.60

4. Kunigal 786 0.8 462 0.3 324 -0.50

5. Madhugiri 19545 19.6 31416 19.4 11871 -0.20

6. Pavagada 53632 53.4 71758 44.3 18126 -9.10

7. Sira 6091 6.1 44796 27.6 38705 21.50

8. Tiptur 504 0.5 4 0.01 500 -0.49

9. Tumkur 2828 2.8 804 0.6 2024 -2.20

10. Turuvekre 145 0.1 29 0.02 116 -0.08


(19.49)

162114 100

(24.64)

61745



A detailed study of spatial distribution of the area under groundnut

shows that, about 1,00,369 hectares (19.49%) in the year 1985-86 and it has

increased to 1,62,114 hectares (24.64%) in total cropped area in the district in

the year 2005-06. The net increase in the area under groundnut was about

53.24%. A detailed study of Table-6.19 shows that Pavagada taluk (44.3%) is a

leader in its cultivation for the reasons accounted just now. While it is top one

in all the years, Sira (27.6%) taluk has second highest percentage (more than

20%) of area under groundnut, this was mainly due to increase in tubewells as

well tank irrigation, fertile soil and agro-based industries, whereas the

medium (10 to 20%) percentage of area under this crop was observed in

Madhugiri (19.4%) taluk.

Chapter-VI

244

Chapter-VI

245

The low percentage (less than 10%) was observed in the southern taluks

like Koratagere (6.6%), C.N. Halli (0.8%), Tumkur (0.6%), Gubbi (0.4%), Kunigal

(0.3%), Turuvekere (0.02%) and Tiptur (0.01%) taluks during the yuear 2005-06

(See Fog.6.15).

The taluk wise analysis of volume change in Groundnut cultivation in

the Tumkur district there is about only one taluk of the region which had

recorded increase in the area under groundnut in the taluk that is Sira

(21.50%) due to increased tubewell irrigation, oil industries and other factors

like it is location in national highway. Through which it receives groundnut

from far off areas. Remaining all nine taluks have recorded negative change

of groundnut cultivation in Tumkur district.

Other Oil Seeds :

As the taluks to Tumkur have red soils which are not so suitable for

other oil seeds like sunflower, til, mustard, niger seed and caster. They have

been cultivated in highly in significant area. Except caster oil seeds, areas of

others occupy less than one percent of oil seeds cultivated area. Including

caster oil seeds, they are cultivated as inter tilled crops other than exclusively

cultivated areas in the region. While all these have nutritional and health

value, agro products of soil seeds unfortunately people are neglecting their

cultivation. In the recent years declining trend can be seen in their cultivated

area. It is particularly true tin the case of caster oil seed. In fact there is a

need to restore and encourage their cultivation from the point of view of

keeping crop bio-diversity and nutrition aspects in the region.

Chapter-VI

246

6.4.4 Species :

Basically the study region is not a major spice crops area. But under

this group of crops include the cultivation of mostly red pepper (chillies),

tamarind, small quantities of coriander. Fenugreek and the like are covered.

A few decades back most of the families in the khariff season used to grow

them on a sustainable basis. In a piece of land often less than even ½ acre

they used to grow chillies with many inter tilled vegetables. In the edge of

such plots they used plant special variety of caster and tur with pumpkin like

guards. By the end of each khariff season most of the farmers used to have

enough home grown red chillies and a variety of vegetables. By the season

autumn or rabi season they used to grow coriander; Fenugreeks live spices

etc., in the same small piece of land for which even extra income they used

earn for the family. In a way, it was a sustainable agricultural subsystem

which is almost vanished in the district with the onset of globalization. This

is also mainly due to people’s greed to grow mono-crops commercially in a

larger area. Such crops are either maize or groundnut like commercial crops

cultivated under well irrigation. No doubt they are getting some income but

they are forced to loose nutrient home grown vegetables and other species.

There was a greater agricultural biodiversity earlier now it has declined.

However, the cultivation of green chillies and raw coriander (greens) for

growing urban markets have shown the rise under spices growing area. It has

increased over the years to more or less than 1% of total cropped area in the

region during the study period.

Chapter-VI

247

Table-6.20

Spatial Distribution of Major Spices Cultivation in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06).


Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 538 12.6 451 8.2 87 -4.40

2. Gubbi 304 7.0 324 5.9 20 -1.10

3. Koratagere 446 10.4 652 11.9 206 1.50

4. Kunigal 179 4.2 103 1.9 76 -2.30

5. Madhugiri 701 16.3 1315 23.9 614 7.60

6. Pavagada 482 11.2 915 16.6 433 5.40

7. Sira 441 10.3 789 14.3 348 4.00

8. Tiptur 410 9.6 235 4.3 175 -5.30

9. Tumkur 401 9.4 556 10.1 155 0.70

10. Turuvekre 385 9.0 157 2.9 228 -6.10


(0.83)

5497 100

(0.84)

1211



The spatial distribution of species cultivation area was 4286 hectares

(0.83%) area in total cropped area in the district in the year 1985-86 and it had

increased to 5497 hectares (0.84%). The net increase in the area under spices

was about 0.01% from 1985-86 to 2005-06. They are also one of the important

group of crops need by the economy of the district. The Table-6.20 reveals

that the spatial distributional of spices in the Tumkur district. It reveals the

fact that northern and north eastern parts of the region had more percentage

of area under spices than the other sections of the Tumkur district.

Chapter-VI

248

Chapter-VI

249

Madhugiri (23.9%) taluk had recorded high percentage (more than 20%)

of area under spices cultivation, whereas medium percentage (10 to 20%) of

area under spices has been observed in Pavagada (16.6%), Sira (14.3%),

Koratagere (11.9%) and Tumkur (10.1%). The taluks like C.N.Halli (8,2%), Gubbi

(5.9%), Tiptur (4.3%), Turuvekere (2.9%) and Kunigal (1.9%) taluks have

recorded low percentage (less than 10%) of area under spices during 2005-06

(Fig. 6.16).

The analysis of volume change in spices cultivation in this district there

are about five taluks which have shown positive in the percentage of area

under spices and the taluks like Madhugiri (7.60%), Pavagada (5.40%), Sira

(4.00%), Koratagere (1.50%) and Tumkur (0.70%) taluks due to geographical

conditions in the district. Remaining taluks have recorded negative change

under spice cultivation in the district.

6.4.5 Other Commercial Crops :

It consists of sugarcane, arcanut, cotton, tobacco etc., in the study

region. In the recent years as it has been observed that, there is a shortage of

farm labourers. It is truly a odd aspect that in popular country like ours.

Literate urban farmers are more, nuclear families, migration of youths to cities

like Bangalore have forced the farmers to grow more and coconut, mango and

Tamarind like plantation crops (small scale) by less labour support. As they

are annuals and commercial crops their cultivation suites their urban mode of

living too. The worrying factor is that some of the valuable, cereals/food

crops too are facing shortage in a globalizing world. Some crops like mango

are forcing losses and they have been frequently ravaged by hailstorms,

unusual occasions, heavy rains with gales and in some year’s famines too.

Chapter-VI

250

There is an overall rise in their absolute cultivated area in the total

cropped area (See Table-6.21 and Fig.6.17). They had 36867 hectares (7.16%)

and it is slightly increased to 39484 hectares (6.00%) in the year 2005-06. It

reveals the fact that, Tumkur (18.76%), Gubbi (18.07%), Sira (15.74%) and

Kunigal (13.93%) taluks have medium percentage (10 to 20%). This was mainly

due to availability of good soils, irrigation, market developments,

transportation other factors. The remaining taluks like Pavagada (9.10%),

Koratagere (7.66%), Turuvekere (6.90%), Madhugiri (6.09%), Tiptur (5.18%) and

C.N. Halli (4.71%) taluks have low percentage (less than 10%) particularly

except central part of the district the remaining regions have low percentage

of cultivation of other commercial crops.

Table-6.21

Spatial Distribution of Other Commercial Crops Cultivation in

Tumkur District (1985-86 and 2005-06).


Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 3396 9.22 1858 4.70 1538 -4.51

2. Gubbi 4537 12.31 7132 18.07 2595 5.76

3. Koratagere 2456 6.67 3023 7.66 507 0.99

4. Kunigal 3988 10.82 5500 13.93 1512 3.11

5. Madhugiri 4094 11.11 2403 6.09 1691 -5.02

6. Pavagada 3140 8.52 3590 9.10 450 0.58

7. Sira 5042 13.68 6213 15.74 1171 2.06

8. Tiptur 1899 5.15 2042 5.18 143 0.03

9. Tumkur 4015 10.89 7405 18.76 3390 7.87

10. Turuvekre 2115 5.74 2721 6.90 606 1.16


(7.16)

39484 100

(6.00)

2617



Chapter-VI

251

Chapter-VI

252

The spatial analysis of volume change in other commercial crops

cultivation in the district there is about eight taluks of the region which have

positive changes in the percentage of area under other commercial crops in

the taluks like Tumkur (7.87%), Gubbi (5.76%), Kunigal (3.11%), Sira (2.06%),

Turuvekere (1.16%), Koratagere (0.99%), Pavagada (0.58%) and Tiptur (0.03%)

taluks due to urban development, industrial development, irrigation

development etc. Remaining taluks have recorded negative change of other

commercial crops cultivation in Madhugiri (-5.02%) and C.N. Halli (-4.51%)

taluks in Tumkur district. This happened due to deepening of ground water

levels, often earlier areca gardens have simply dryed continuous dry spell

(1970’s), whatever ground water available from deep type wells has been

utilized for flower and mulberry production.

6.4.6 Horticulture Crops :

The cultivation fruits, vegetables and flowers are known as horticulture.

Most of these crops are of short duration and seasonal. Horticulture is more

intensive and highly commercialized form of agriculture. It is also called

‘truck farming’. It is because there is wide market for these products in the

cities. As such these crops are produced in the surrounding regions and they

are transported to the urban markets by trucks. It has enabled in the district

to produce different types of horticultural crops. Horticulture is more labour

intensive and of short duration. So the cultivator gets good returns within a

short period. Consumption of horticultural crops improves health condition

of the people. It is the principal source of proteins to millions of vegetarians

of the district and country. In addition exports of horticultural crops are

increasing one year to another. So the government has given more emphasis

for the development of horticulture in Tumkur district in the recent years. So

a remarkable progress has been achieved by this sector in the recent years

which is described as “Golden revolution’.

Chapter-VI

253

Fruits :

The study area produces different varieties of fruits in different parts

of the district. The major varieties of fruits like mango, banana, pomegranate,

sapota, watermelon, jackfruit, guava, cashew etc., are produced. Due to

predominance of vegetarian diet, adequate emphasis has been focused on the

production and use of fruits in the region. The fruit gardening has been put

on similar footing along with agriculture but horticulture on modern scientific

lines is the outcome of last two decades.

Table-6.22

Spatial Distribution of Major Fruits Cultivation in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06).


Taluks 1985-86 %

2005-06

% 1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 201 3.70 372 2.29 171 -1.41

2. Gubbi 1785 32.85 5780 35.49 3995 2.64

3. Koratagere 702 12.92 857 5.27 155 -7.65

4. Kunigal 457 8.41 2071 12.72 1614 4.31

5. Madhugiri 360 6.63 683 4.20 323 -2.43

6. Pavagada 409 7.53 746 4.58 337 -2.95

7. Sira 268 4.94 1126 6.92 858 -1.98

8. Tiptur 157 2.89 562 3.45 405 0.56

9. Tumkur 912 16.78 3308 20.31 2396 3.53

10. Turuvekre 184 3.39 783 4.81 599 1.42

District Total

5435 100

(1.00)

16288 100

(2.48)

10853



Chapter-VI

254

Chapter-VI

255

The spatial distribution of fruits cultivation in Tumkur district and

their area was around 5435 hectare (1.06%) in the year 1985-86 in the total

cropped area in the district. It increased to 16288 hectares (2.48%), the net

increase in the area under fruits cultivation was about 10853 hectares or

1.42% from 1985-86 to 2005-06. They are important commercial crops in total

cropped area. The Table-6.22 reveals the spatial distributional of fruits in

Tumkur district, which reveals the fact that central part of the region has

more percentage of area under fruits cultivation than the other regions. Gubbi

(35.49%) and Tumkur (20.31%) taluks have recorded high percentage (more

than 20%) of an area under fruits cultivation. Whereas medium percentage (10

to 20%) of area under fruits was observed in Kunigal (12.72%) taluks. The

taluks like Sira (6.92%), Koratagere (5.27%), Turuvekere (4.81%), Madhugiri

(4.20%), Pavagada (4.58%), Tiptur (3.45%) and C.N. Halli (2.29%) taluks have

recorded low percentage (less than 10%) of area under fruits during 2005-06

(Fig. 6.18).

The spatial analysis of volume change in fruits, cultivation in this

district there is about six taluks of the region which have positive change

percentage of area under fruits cultivation in the taluks like Kunigal (4.31%),

Tumkur (3.53%), Gubbi (2.64%), Sira (1.98%), Turuvekere (1.42%) and Tiptur

(0.56%) taluks due to urbanization, migration population from rural to urban,

transportation, market etc., and remaining taluks have recorded negative

change of fruits cultivation in the district.

Among the fruits cultivation mango rank first (63.3%), next fruit Banana

(24.00%), pomegranate (4.0%), Sapota (2.6%) in the total fruits cultivated area in

this district in the year 2005-06.

Chapter-VI

256

Vegetables :

Vegetables comprise a complex group of edible plants which are

derived from their leaves, flowers, seeds, cuttings, tubers and roots. These are

of high nutritive value rids in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and proteins.

Hence, they play a vital role in improving rural health and income to rural

areas. The adoption of improved varieties and efficient methods of vegetable

production can help raise incomes and also ensure greater equity in their

distribution. The rapid population growth and urbanization there is a

increasing demand for food and vegetables.

Tumkur district lies in southern part of Karnataka under tropical

monsoon climate with growing year round season. As such the district

produces vegetables in all the seasons, onion, tomato, brinjal, cauliflower,

potato, beans etc., are the major vegetables cultivated in the district. They are

also the short duration crops (See Plate-7).

The spatial distribution of major vegetables cultivated and their area

was about 1118 hectares (0.22%) area in total cropped area in the district in

the year 1985-86. It had increased to about 2346 hectares (0.36%). The net

increase in the area under vegetables was about 1228 hectare or 0.14 percent

from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is also one of the important commercial

horticultural crop. The Table-6.23 reveals that the spatial distributional of

vegetables in the Tumkur district. It reveals the fact that Tumkur taluk

(34.19%) and Sira (21.32%) taluks have recorded high percentages (more than

20%) of their area under vegetables cultivation, whereas, medium percentage

(10 to 20%) of area under vegetables was not observed in any taluks. But

remaining all taluks like Tiptur (9.30%), Madhugiri (8.36%), Gubbi (6.74%),

Chapter-VI

257

Kunigal (5.25%), Koratgere (4.56%), Pavagada (4.31%), C.N. Halli (3.63%) and

Turuvekere (2.39%) taluks have recorded low percentage (less than 10%) of

area under vegetables during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.19).

Table-6.23

Spatial of Major Vegetables Cultivation in Tumkur District (1985-86

and 2005-06).


Taluks 1985-86 % 2005-06 %

1985-86 to 2005-06

%

1. C.N. Halli 63 5.64 8.5 3.63 22 -2.01

2. Gubbi 112 10.02 158 6.74 46 -3.28

3. Koratagere 69 6.18 107 4.56 38 -1.62

4. Kunigal 80 7.16 123 5.25 43 -1.91

5. Madhugiri 83 7.43 196 8.36 113 0.93

6. Pavagada 67 6.00 101 4.31 34 -1.69

7. Sira 68 6.09 500 21.32 432 15.23

8. Tiptur 63 5.64 218 9.30 155 3.66

9. Tumkur 445 39.81 802 34.19 357 -5.62

10. Turuvekre 68 6.09 56 2.39 12 -3.70


(0.22)

2346 100

(0.36)

1228



The spatial analysis of volume change in vegetables cultivation in this

district is about three taluks of the region which have positive in the

percentage of area under vegetables in the taluks like Sira (15.32%), Tiptur

(3.66%) and Madhugiri (0.93%) taluks due to transportation, irrigation,

urbanization and geo-economic factors and remaining taluks have recorded

negative change of vegetables cultivation in the district.

Chapter-VI

258

Chapter-VI

259

Floriculture :

Commercial cultivation of flowers in a region is known as floriculture.

Though cultivation of flower is a traditional feature in India regions like

Tumkur district has got commercial momentum only in the recent years.

Roses, champa, marigold, jasmine and other flowers are cultivated in different

taluks of Tumkur district.

The spatial distribution of flowers cultivation area was 281hectares

(0.05%) area in total cropped area in the year 1985-86, it is remarkable

increase 2209 hectares (0.34%) area in total cropped area in the year 2005-06

in Tumkur district, the net increase in the area under flowers cultivation was

about 1928 hectare (0.29%) from 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is the very important

commercial crop in the district. The Table-6.24 reveals the spatial

distributional of flowers in Tumkur district, which reveals the fact that eastern

and part of central region has more percentage of area under flower

cultivation than the other regions. Madhugiri (31.51%), Tumkur (27.71%),

Koratagere (22.55%) taluks have recorded high percentage (more than 20%) of

an area under flowers cultivation. Whereas, medium percentage (10 to 20%0

of area under flowers was observed in only one taluk that is Sira (10.60%)

taluk. The taluks like Pavagada (3.67%), Turuvekere (1.41%), Tiptur (1.00%),

Gubbi (0.91%), Kunigal (0.64%) and C.N. Halli (0.05%) taluks have recorded low

percentage (less than 10%) of area under flowers during 2005-06 (Fig. 6.20).

Chapter-VI

260

Table-6.24

Spatial Distribution of Major Flowers Cultivation in Tumkur District

(1985-86 and 2005-06).

Area (in Hectares) Volume of Change

Sl. No.

Taluks

1985-86 % 2005-06 % 1985-86 to 2005-

06 %

1. C.N. Halli 5 1.78 1 0.05 4 -1.73

2. Gubbi 12 4.27 20 0.91 8 -3.36

3. Koratagere 27 9.61 498 22.55 471 12.94

4. Kunigal 5 1.78 14 0.64 9 -1.14

5. Madhugiri 73 25.98 696 31.51 623 5.53

6. Pavagada 49 17.44 81 3.67 32 -13.77

7. Sira 5 1.78 234 10.60 229 8.82

8. Tiptur 8 2.85 22 1.00 14 1.85

9. Tumkur 96 34.17 612 27.71 516 -6.46

10. Turuvekre 1 0.36 31 1.41 30 1.05


(0.05)

2209 100

(0.34)

1928



The analysis of volume change in flowers cultivation in this district

there is about five taluks of the region which have positive in the percentage

of area under flowers in the taluk like Koratagere (12.94%), Sira (8.82%),

Madhugiri (5.53%), Tiptur (1.85%) and Turuvekere (1.05%) taluks due to

development of road transportation, mini trucks, auto’s tube well irrigation.

Chapter-VI

261

Chapter-VI

262

Added to this (pesticides and fertilizers) essence extraction science and

technology development in agriculture urbanization, small land holdings and

other geographical conditions in the district and remaining taluks have

recorded negative change of flowers cultivation in the district. Increase in the

consumption of flowers can be seen in rural and urban areas.

6.4.7 Strategies for Horticulture Crops Development :

• Promotion of nurseries for production of elite planting material.

• Area expansion of important fruit crops like mango, sapota, banana,

pomegranate, sweet orange and lime.

• Promotion of inter crops like pepper, cocoa, beetle vine and banana in

the existing coconut and arecanut gardens.

• Introduction of high yielding varieties and advanced cultivation

practices in vegetables.

• Promotion of floricultural crops both as open field crops and under

protected cultivation.

• Efficient utilization of irrigation water through micro irrigation

systems, whereby reducing the juvenile period of perennial plants to

increase productivity and quality of horticultural produce.

• Giving thrust for soil and water conservation with special reference to

rain water harvesting.

• Promotion of organic farming by utilizing large quantities of biomass

available.

• Rejuvenation of old and senile plantation.

Chapter-VI

263

• Promotion of primary processing and value addition to improve

employment opportunities and increase per capital income.

• Strengthening the market infrastructure like establishment of wholesale

markets and retail markets for fruits, vegetables and flowers.

• Establishment of cold storages and pach houses.

• Provide banking facilities with low interest.

• Extension services including providing logistics support like qualified

personnel mobility and efficient utilization of mass media for

dissemination of knowledge.

6.5 CONCLUSION :

Agricultural landuse efficiency is a complex and dynamic concept. Any

change in socio-economic and agro-technology input application brings

corresponding change in the efficient utilization of the natural quality and

availability of arable land. It represents the degree of optimal use and

performance of cultivated as well as cultivable land. The study highlights the

agriculture landuse efficiency regions by adopting Kendal’s ranking co-

efficient method by taking six variable in Tumkur district. The very high

agricultural landuse efficiency was emerged in two taluks during 2005-06 viz.,

Gubbi and Tumkur. Medium in Sira, Pavagada, Madhugiri, C.N.Halli and

Kunigal taluk. Whereas the low agricultural landuse efficiency confined to

three taluks namely Turuvekere, Tiptur and Koratagere taluks.

The entire cropping pattern of Tumkur district seems to be governed by

agro-climatic conditions. Irrigation plays a prominent role by changing the

nature and extent of cropping pattern. Thus the development of irrigation in

Chapter-VI

264

some areas particularly tube well irrigation have influenced the choice of

cropping. This is due to a number of factors like diversity in weather

condition, irrigation development, soils, transport development, agriculture

markets urbanization, globalization etc., the region has experienced

introduction of new horticultural.

In this study period Tumkur district experienced about 18 crops in

different parts of the district. Out of the total cropped area in Tumkur district,

the proportion of area under cereals was about 42.4% during 1985-86 and it

has decreased to 35.2% in the year 2005-06. The net decrease in the area

under cereals during period was about 7.2%. The proportion of area under

pulses crops was about 17.7% in 1985-86 whereas it was decreased to 8.1%

during 2005-06. Oil seeds (Ground nut, coconut and caster seeds) are the

most predominant crops grown in the district. The proportion of area under

this during 1985-86 was about 30.9% whereas it increased to 46.3%, the net

increase in the area under oil seeds was about 15.4%. This increase in the area

under oil seeds was due to growth in extension of tube well irrigation in the

recent decades. Their cropped area has increased substantially and also

helped in the development of agro-based industries like oil mills in the taluk

headquarters.

The area occupied by the spices was about 0.8% in 1985-86 whereas its

percentage remained same even 0.8% in 2005-06. The percentage of species

area during the study period has not seen much change in the district. The

area under other cash crops was about 8.1% in the year 1985-86. Whereas it

has in increased to 9.2% at 2005-06. This increase in the area mainly is due to

the extension of irrigational facilities in the district.

Chapter-VI

265

In Tumkur district out of eighteen crops, selected few crops occupied a

large area. Ragi 30.69% of area during 1985-86 and it was decreased to 26.21%

in the year 2005-06 followed by groundnut 19.49% increased to 24.75%,

coconut 9.91% increased to 18.73%, paddy 5.21% increased to 5.93%, horse

gram 12.71% decreased to 3.83%, maize 0.88% increased to 2.14%, horticulture

crops like fruits, vegetables flowers 1.33% increased to 3.18% etc., during the

study period i.e., 1985-86 to 2005-06.

Chapter-VI

266

Chapter-VI

267

Chapter-VI

268

Chapter-VI

269

Date post:	29-Oct-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	3 times
Download:	0 times

SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF AGRICULTURE IN TUMKUR...

Documents