Details - Department of Agriculture, Maharashtra State

Chapter II
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT
2.1 Introduction
Ahmednagar district is the largest district in the state of Maharashtra. The total geographical area
of the district is 17.02 lakh hectares, constituting 5.66 per cent of the state’s geographical area.
Ahmednagar District is surrounded by Ahmednagar district in the west, Nasik district in the north,
Aurangabad district in the north-east, Beed district in the south-east and Solapur district in the south.
Ahmednagar district has a glorious history. Being a drought prone area in the state of Maharashtra, the
district gets an annual rainfall of over 500 mm. Sugarcane, bajra, jawar and wheat are the main crops.
The district has historical heritage. The name of the district Ahmednagar has come from the name of the
founder of the town Ahmednagar by Ahmed Shah Nizam Shah. The District place Ahmednagar has
many places of Historical importance including Ahmednagar fort where many national heroes of Indian
freedom struggle including Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru were detained during Indian freedom
movement. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote his famous book "Discovery of India" in Ahmednagar Fort.
Ahmednagar is Maharashtra’s most advanced district in many ways. It has the maximum number of
sugar factories, perhaps to spread the message of “Rural Prosperity through Cooperation” it gave the
country half a century ago. The first cooperative sugar factory in Asia was established at Pravanagar.
Role Model of water conservation work can be seen at Ralegan-Siddhi and Hivare Bazar which are also
called ideal Villages. Newase where Dnyaneshwari was written, Shri Saibaba’s Shirdi, one of
Ashtavinayaks at Siddhatek, the famous Kanifnath temple, attract devotees. The Palace of Chandbibi, the
Bhandardara dam, the Maldhok (Indian Bustard) sanctuary and the Rehkuri sanctuary are some of the
places of tourist attraction. There other worth visiting places in the district which include Devgad, Tank
Museum, Mohta Devi, Mula Dam, Shani Shingnapur, Madhi and Vriddheshwar.
Map 1: Location Map of Maharashtra and Ahmednagar in India
8
Maharashtra
India
2.2 District at a Glance
2.2.1 Location and Geographical Units:
Ahmednagar district lies between 18.2 to 19.9 degree North latitude and 73.9 to 75.5 degree
eastern longitude. The district comprises of 14 talukas namely Ahmednagar, Parner, Pathardi,Shewgaon,
Karjat, Shrigonda,Jamkhed, Shrirampur, Newasa,Akole, Sangamner, Kopergaon,Rahuri, Rahta. The
district is divided into four subdivsion, namely Shrirampur, Sangamner, Karjat, Nagar, with a total of
1585 villages and 1296 Gram Panchayats. It is at a distance of about 285 kms from Mumbai.
9
Map 2: Road map of Ahmednagar district
2.2.2 Demographic Profile:
As per the Census 2011, the total population of the Ahmedngar district was 40.41/41.24 lakh
with a population density of 232 per square kilometer. It consists of 32.37 lakh of rural population and
80.37 lakh of urban population. The ratio of female population per thousand of male was 941. Out of the
total population 12.00 percent belong to SC and 7.51 percent to ST communities (Table 2.1). The district
is with high literacy level of 75.30 percent.
It is important to understand the workforce involved in agriculture in the state before analysing
the development of various aspects of agriculture. An analysis on the workforce would not only reveal
the share of rural population relying on agriculture for livelihood but also help in making a proper
agriculture policy for the district. The structure of workforce in Ahmednagar district reveals that 69.70
percent of workers are in the agricultural sector. While about 44.34percent are cultivators, 25.3 percent
are agricultural labourers. The total number of persons in the workforce in Ahmednagar district was
18.57 lakhs (main plus marginal workers). However the contribution of this sector to District Domestic
Product is 27 percent. It can thus be observed that agriculture is the dominant activity in Ahmednagar
district.
Table 2.1: Taluka-wise area, Number of villages, Gram Panchayats and Population of Ahmednagar
10
Population (2011)
(lakh)
General
Sr.N Taluka
o.
No.
of
reven
ue
villag No. of
es
G.P.
104
% to District total
Tota
l
1
A,nagar
Area
(sq.K.M.
)
1605.74
2
Parner
1930.28
11.17
131
1.40
1.33
2.74
2.47
6.67
4.90
3
Pathardi
1214.10
7.04
134
1.20
1.10
2.30
2.15
9.55
1.26
4
Karjat
1503.61
8.92
121
1.06
0.99
2.23
2.06
13.53
1.12
5
Jamkhed
878.62
5.24
86
0.65
0.59
1.24
1.34
11.97
1.40
6
Shrigonda
1603.81
9.60
114
1.48
1.36
2.84
2.77
12.34
2.67
7
Shrirampur
569.87
3.03
54
1.02
0.96
1.98
2.56
18.99
5.47
8
Shevgaon
1031.85
6.51
112
1.26
1.19
2.45
2.94
13.75
1.61
9
Newasa
1343.43
7.73
129
1.85
1.72
3.57
3.27
14.01
4.81
10
Rahata
759.19
4.11
58
1.34
1.26
2.61
2.88
16.02
5.35
11
Sangamner
1705.06
10.20
169
2.07
1.94
4.01
4.41
8.08
9.36
12
Akole
1505.08
9.01
191
2.82
1.43
1.39
2.67
4.21
45.59
13
Kopargaon
725.16
4.34
79
1.23
1.14
2.37
2.77
12.74
9.91
14
Rahata
759.19
4.11
58
1.34
1.26
2.61
2.88
16.02
5.35
18.77
17.52
36.30
41.2
4
12.00
7.51
% to
total
8.99
100.0 1540
1310
0
Source: District ocial & Economic Review- 2012-13
Total
17410.91
Male
Femal
e
Total
1.33
1.22
2.55
6.07
S.C.
(%)
13.05
S.T.
(%)
1.68
The taluka-wise area, number of villages, gram panchayats and population of Ahmednagar
district is presented in Table 2.1. It can be seen from the table that The population of the district was
41.24 lakhs with 14.71 percent of the population in Ahmednagar taluka which has only 8.99 percent of
area of the district (see Figure 2.1). The next most populous taluka is Sangamner which accounts for
10.70 percent of the population of the district. Thus, one quarter of the district’s population is located in
these tow talukas. The sex ratio of the population is almost equally shared by male and female, consists
of 50.42 percent male and 49.58 percent female population. The Akole taluka is having largest number of
S.T. population of 45.59 percent. Ahmednagar district has 1 municipal corporations, 8 nagarparishad, 1
nagar panchayat and 1cantonment boards. Aas mentioned earlier, the district is extended over 14 blocks
having 1540 villages and 1310 gram panchayats.
11
2.2.3 Topography and Agro-Climatic Conditions:
The whole district lies on the elevated table land of the Deccan which has a general slope from
west to east. The western sub-division of Akola, which abuts on the Sahyadris, is the highest part of the
district, and indeed of the Deccan, averaging 2500 feet above the sea-level. The plain of Shevgaon which
lies to the extreme east of the district is not more than 1500 feet above the sea. The Sahyadri mountains
form, for a distance of about twenty- five miles, a continuous natural boundary between the Ahmadnagar
and Thana districts. When viewed from the west or low level of the Konkan the appearance of this range
is that of a mighty wall of rock, 2000 to 3000 feet high, of dark hue relieved by narrow horizontal belts of
grass and evergreen forest, surmounted by isolated peaks and rocky bluffs rising in many places to a
further height of 1000 to 1500 feet. The three hill-forts of Kulang, Ratangad, and Harishchandragad are
among the most striking of these masses of rock within Ahmadnagar limits. These mark the points of
divergence from the main line of the Sahyadris of three great spurs, Kalsubai, Baleshvar, and
Harishchandragad, which stretch far across the district, gradually decreasing in height as they pass
eastwards.
There are various landforms in Ahmednagar district. There are hilly offshoots of the Sahyadris in
the western part of he district. They are called Kalsubai, Adula, Baleshwar and Harishchandragad hill
ranges. Kalsubai, the highest peak in the Sahyadris, lies in Ahmednagar district. Harishchandragad,
Ratangad, Kulang and Ajuba are some other peaks in the district. We see the Vita ghat on the way to
12
Randha falls and the Chandanpuri ghat on the Ahmednagar-Sangamner road. In the northern part of the
district, plains are found along the banks of the rivers Godavari and Pravara and the southern part, along
the rivers Bhima, Ghod and Sina.The different landforms in a region constitute its physical setup. If we
consider the physical setup of Ahmednagar district we see that there are three physical divisions.
1. Western Hilly Region: Akole Taluka and of Sangamner Taluka are included in this region. The hill
ranges of Adula, Baleshwar and Harishchandragad lie in this region and various high peaks are found in
the same region. Kalsubai of height of 5427 feet, the highest peak in the Sahyadris, lies in this Region.
2. Central Plateau Region: Parner and Ahmednagar Taluka and parts of Sangamner, Shrigonda and
Karjat Taluka are included in this region.
3. The Region of Northern and Southern plains: This region includes northern Kopargaon, Rahata,
Shrirampur, Rahuri, Newasa, Shevgaon and Pathardi Taluka. This is the region of the Godavari and the
Pravara river basins. Parts of the southern Taluka of Shrigonda, Karjat, and Jamkhed are also included in
this physical division.
Agro climatic Zones:
Ahmednagar district is divided into three agro-climatic zones viz., Ghat (Hilly) zone, Plain (Transition)
zone and Scarcity zone
The characteristic features of Agro climatic Zones are as follows:
(A) Scarcity zone: This zone is spread over the whole district except one Taluka i.e.Akole, the remaining
13 Taluka are under this zone.
Climate: The western hilly region receives more rainfall, but as one goes towards the east, the amount of
rainfall deceases. The average rainfall of this zone ranges from 500 to 700 mm received in 40 to 45 days.
About 70-80% of annual rainfall is received during monsoon period (June to September). The maximum
temperature of this zone goes up to 40-41"C during April & May while minimum temperature is 10-15°C
during December – January.
Soil: Soil colour varies from reddish brown to dark gray and commonly grouped as light to medium
black soil. In very few places along the river basin, deep black soil is also observed. Soils are potentially
productive but soil moisture is the most limiting factor affecting productivity in dry lands. Erratic nature
of rainfall affects the moisture content in the soil, therefore, this zone is commonly known as drought
prone area. Cropping pattern: Major crops grown in this zone are pearl millet (Bajra), sorghum (Rabi
Jowar), safflower, chickpea, wheat, sugarcane etc.
(B) Plain (Transition) Zone: This zone is confined only to eastern part of Akole Taluka consisting only
about 4% of geographical area of the district.
Climate: The rainfall in this zone is 700 to 1250 mm annually which is well distributed.
Soils: Soils are grayish black with varying texture and depth.
13
Cropping pattern: The main crops grown in this region are pearl millet, Mung gram and wheat. Pravara
river which flows from this zone is a major source of irrigation through lift irrigation schemes which is
responsible for changing the scenario in this zone. Milk production is another profitable profession
among the farmers. Due to irrigation facility, farmers are growing. Vegetables like tomato, gourds and
fruit crops like pomegranate. Sugarcane is also grown wherever irrigation facility is available.
(C) Ghat (Hilly) Zone: This zone is situated in northwestern part of the district in western part of Akole
Taluka. Geographically this zone has only 4% of the district area. This zone spread along with crest of
Sahyadri ranges is having mostly tribal population with smallholdings and are economically backward.
Climatic: Very high rainfall which ranges from 1500 to 3000 mm and mostly covered by deciduous/semi
deciduous forests. The maximum temperature ranges from 31 to 39"C and minimum from 10 to 18°C.
Forests:
The western hilly part of Ahmednagar district has forests. Teak, babul, dhavada, haldu and neem
are trees found in these forests. Fruit trees like Mango, Tamrind, Amala, Ber are also found in the district.
Map 3: Agro-Climatic Zones- Ahmednagar District
Agro Ecological Situations (AES)
On the basis of soil types and sources of irrigation, the district has been categorized into eight
Agro Ecological Situations viz. assured and unassured irrigation system in command area with medium
and light soil and the rainfed area with black cotton, medium As well as light soils. The existing farming
14
systems being adopted by majority of farmers in rainfed area of district are characterizes by existence of
food grain crops including mostly Bajra, Jowar as cereals and Mung, Udid, and Tur as pulse crops in
combination with dairy and animal husbandry .
The analysis of the farming systems in command areas
indicates the dominance of sugarcane as a cash crop with dairy as an inseparable combination and it is
being supplemented by either vegetables and food grain crops or horticultural crops.
Rainfall and Temperature:
The climate of the district is hot and dry on whole extremely genial and is characterised by a hot
summer and general dryness during major part of the year except during south-west monsoon season. In
the hilly western part of the district ,the climate is slightly cool. Bhandardara is hill station in the Akole
taluka. In the cold season which lasts from November to February the air is dry and invigorating. The
period from March to the first week of June is the hot season. It is followed by the south- west monsoon
season which lasts till the end of September. October and November constitute the post-monsoon or the
retreating south-west monsoon season. The western hilly region receives more rainfall, but as one goes
towards the east, the amount of rainfall decreases. May is the hottest month & that December is the
coldest month and temperature varies from 19.92 to 36.380 c. On few occasions thin film of fog is being
observed in the early mornings of December & January. In scarcity zone the maximum temperature is
around 40°C (during April and May) and minimum temperature around 11° C (during Dec.)
Table 2.2: Data on Weather-Ahmdenagar district
Sr.
No.
Name of
Taluka
Rainfall
No.of
Average
rainy days rainfall (mm)
52
626
Temperature (0 c)
Minimum
Maximu
m
15
44
1
A,nagar
2
Parner
60
765
14
3
Pathardi
35
831
4
Karjat
45
5
Jamkhed
6
Humidity (%)
Minimum Maximum
58
95
43
58
95
13
41
35
75
573.3
14
33
55
72
38
675
15
33
42
75
Shrigonda
79
517
15
43
17
81
7
Shrirampur
77
487
14
35
21
25
8
Shevgaon
33
537
14
41
35
78
9
Newasa
77
505
15
35
21
25
10
Rahuri
67
621
14
40
21
92
11
Sangamner
67
379
14
40
60
95
12
Akole
25
570
15
40
25
90
13
Kopargaon
48
466
15
40
21
92
14
Rahata
65
436.31
14
40
30
85
It can be seen from the table that average rainfall of the district is 436.31 mm and 65 rainy days.
The minimum and maximum temperature ranges between 14 degree centigrade to 44 degree centigrade
15
(Table 2.2). The percentage of humidity normally ranges between 20 to 95 percent. The number of rainy
days are less in Akole, Shevgaonand Pathardi talukas, which are predominantly rainfed areas resulted in
limiting agricultural cropping season. The short period of rainfall distribution pattern in these talukas
affects crop growth at maturity stage due to shortage of soil moisture in soil and also for subsequent
crops in the rabi season demanding efficient water conservation measures to to store the rainwater.
Therefore, monsoon rain plays a critical role in the development of agriculture. The average rainfall of
the district is lower than the state average and the variation in rainfall across different blocks within the
district as well as over different years is one of the major constraints in district’s agriculture. An analysis
shows that the productivity of agricultural commodities goes down sharply whenever there is a reduction
in rainfall. This is because of the fact that foodgrains and other crops are cultivated predominantly under
rainfed condition.
The district receives an average annual rainfall of 566 mm. It can broadly be categorized into
three separate zones namely Scarcity zone (receiving 500-700 mm rainfall); Transition zone (receiving
700-1250 mm rainfall) and hilly zone (receiving 1250-3250 mm rainfall). The scarcity zone occupies 13
out of 14 blocks in the district. However, Akole block consists of two zones namely the transition zone
and hilly zone. Except Akole block, the entire Ahmednagar district falls under drought prone area. The
rainfall in this region is uncertain, erratic and unassured in nature. There are four major categories of soil
in the district namely coarse shallow soil; medium black soil; deep black soil and reddish soil occupying
about 38, 41, 13 and 8 percent of the cultivated area respectively. In the first two categories, soil moisture
is the predominant limiting factor affecting productivity of crops particularly under rainfed condition.
Though heavy near the Sahyadris in Akola & plentiful in the hilly parts of Sangamner, Rahuri, Shevgaon
& Jamkhed, the rainfall is uncertain. In the plains the early rains are often scanty and the late rains
capricious, so that droughts, especially in the Bhima basin, appear to form the rule and good year the
exception.
Table 2.3: Taluka-wise Monthly Normal Rainfall (in mm.)
Sr.
Block/Taluk
a
Jan
Feb
Mar
Ap
r
Ma
y
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
No
v
Dec
Tota
l
1
A,nagar
0
0
45
0
0
29
31
105
354
129
0
0
693
2
Parner
0
0
1
0
0
15
18
68
208
79
0
0
389
3
Pathardi
0
0
62
0
0
65
22
107
361
70
0
0
687
4
Karjat
0
0
31
0
0
22
66
99
516
60
0
0
794
5
Jamkhed
0
0
14
0
0
51
60
143
376
85
0
0
729
6
Shrigonda
0
0
0
0
0
5
21
137
241
44
0
0
448
7
Shrirampur
0
0
18
0
0
12
103
104
263
21
0
0
521
8
Shevgaon
0
0
47
0
0
65
43
71
262
54
0
0
542
9
Newasa
0
0
12
0
0
90
79
154
244
24
0
0
603
10
Rahuri
0
0
20
0
0
17
93
80
397
64
0
0
671
16
11
Sangamner
0
0
0
0
0
25
64
86
304
8
0
0
487
12
Akole
0
0
0
0
0
91
153
218
459
85
0
0
1006
13
14
Kopargaon
0
0
0
0
0
7
25
85
262
22
0
0
Rahata
0
0
0
0
0
4
14
100
232
35
0
0
Total
0
0
250
0
0
476 792 1557 4479 780
0
0
Total Average
0
0
17.9 0
0
34 56.6 111
320 55.7
0
0
Source –www.agri.mah.nic.in
It can be seen from the Table 2.3 that maximum rainfall receives in the district is during
401
385
8334
595
the
months during June to September. Out of total rainfall receives in the district, 3-5 percent receives as premonsoon rains, 5-10 percent in the month of June; 10-15 percent in the month of July; 18-20 per cent in
the month of August, 53-55 per cent in the month of September and 9-10 per cent in the month of
October. This monsoon distribution pattern indicates that the kharif season in Ahmednagar district not
much assured because of low percentage of rainfall often resulted into low production or sometimes crop
failures to due to long moisture stress experienced. In the months of August and September it get higher
percentage of rainfall. The rainfall received in these months is helpful for Rabi cropping season
suggesting the suitability of rainfall in the district fir rabi based cropping. Over 67 percent of cropped
area is cultivated under rainfed condition in the district. Therefore, monsoon rain plays a critical role in
the development of agriculture. The average rainfall of the district is lower than the state average and the
variation in rainfall across different blocks within the district as well as across different years is one of
the major constraints in district’s agriculture. An analysis shows that the productivity of agricultural
commodities goes down sharply whenever there is a reduction in rainfall. This is because of the fact that
foodgrains and other crops are cultivated predominantly under rainfed condition.
Map 4: DPAP Talukas of Ahmednagar district
17
Soil Type:
The soil types of the district are broadly divided into four categories namely coarse shallow soil;
medium black soil; deep black soil and reddish soil occupying about 38, 41, 13 and 8 percent of the
cultivated area respectively. In the first two categories, soil moisture is the predominant limiting factor
affecting productivity of crops particularly under rainfed condition.
Map 5: Geological Map of Ahmednagar district
Land Capability Classification:
The taluka-wise land use capability classification of Ahmednagar district is presented in Table
2.4. It can be seen from the table that about 24.73 percent of land falls under class –II, 15.87 percent of
land in Class –III type, 38.53 of land in class-IV type and class- VI type land covers 8.81 percent lands.
Class –VII and class- VIII types lands occupied 10.39 percent and 2.03 percent. Lands of the district are
not suitable for any cultivation and mostly covers the soils from Ahmednagar, Pathardi, Sangamner and
Akole talukas that are predominantly rainfed areas. The class III to class –IV type soils are spread in all
18
the talukas supporting cultivation of all types of crops. Except few hectares, Rahata, Shrirampur and
Kopargaon talukas having more land of cultivable type.
Table 2.4: Taluka-wise Land Use Capability Classification of Ahmednagar District
Sr.
No.
Taluka
Class
-I
Class II
Class III
Class IV
Class
-V
Class VI
Class
- VII
Class
- VIII
Total
surveye
d area
1
A,nagar
-
40304
27739
46299
0
10100
9454
768
134664
2
Parner
-
10895
20416
53802
0
16273
10680
0
112066
3
Pathardi
-
20354
10736
27947
0
8633
7781
602
76053
4
Karjat
-
6253
5429
17132
0
3269
2976
0
35059
5
Jamkhed
-
7356
4825
12770
0
1136
479
0
26566
6
Shrigonda
-
12139
8314
14521
0
5611
5099
0
45684
7
Shrirampur
-
7942
7223
2682
0
89
0
0
17936
8
Shevgaon
-
20468
10225
26698
0
1236
590
0
59217
9
Newasa
-
11775
7848
7699
0
211
244
0
27777
10
Rahuri
-
12878
6184
14808
0
7147
5941
0
46958
11
Sangamner
-
36264
12058
51894
0
4652
27117
725
132710
12
Akole
-
15773
11033
37504
0
19055
20875 15643
13
Kopargaon
-
7284
3466
8377
0
0
0
0
19127
14
Rahata
-
4436
3906
16316
0
0
23
0
24681
Total
-
214121 139402 338449
0
77412
91259 17827
119883
878470
Notes: Class I - Very good cultivable land, Class II - Good cultivable land, Class III -Moderately good
cultivable land, Class IV-Fairly good land, suited for occasional cultivation-, Class V - Nearly level land
not suitable for cultivation because of stoniness, wetness, etc., Class VI -Steep slopes, highly erosion
prone with shallow soils, Class VII -Steep slope with sever soil erosion resulting in eroded stony and
rough soil surfaces with shallow soil , Class VIII- hilly area very steep slope , uncultivable
Source: District Soil survey & Soil Testing Office, Ahmednagar
19
Map 7: Soil and Land Use Capability Classification Map of Ahmednagar District
Soil Fertility Indices:
Soil fertility refers to the inherent capacity of the soil to supply nutrients in adequate amounts
and in suitable proportions for crop growth and crop yield. The trend in increasing the yield by adopting
high yielding varieties has resulted in
deficiency of nutrients in soils and has reflected as deficiency
symptoms in plants. Hence, it is required to know the fertility status of the soils of the district applying
the required dosage of fertilisers and planning the regional distribution of fertilizers. The soil fertility
indices of PH, E.C., available organic carbon, available phosphorus and available Potash, analyzed from
4670 total samples collected from different talukas of the district is presented in Table 2.5. It can be seen
from the table about 98 percent of the soil in the district fall under category with neutral PH status. About
95 percent of soil in the district falls under category of low Electrical Conductivity and about 85 percent
of soil contain low Organic Carbon. The available phosphorus and potash status in the soils of
Ahmednagar district shows that more than 78 percent of soil in the district is low in phosphorus and most
of the soil in the district is high potash (about 95 percent of soil). The critical analysis status of district
20
indicates low organic carbon content of majority of soils in almost in all talukas. The fertility status of all
soils is degrading due to indiscriminate application of chemical fertilizers.
No of
Soil
Sampl
es
analys
ed
Acidic
Neutral
Table 2.5: Soil Fertility Indices-Ahmednagar district
772
1
749
Parner
Pathardi
301
-
301
695
-
685
Karjat
Jamkhed
Shrigonda
442
74
-
436
74
406
-
389
158
-
157
471
652
139
-
57
30
High
low
Medium
High
low
Medium
High
low
Medium
High
Available
Potash (Kg/ha.)
Medium
Shrirampu
r
Shevgaon
Newasa
Rahuri
Sangamne
r
Akole
Kopargao
n
Rahata
Total
Available
Phosphorus
(Kg/ha.)
low
A,nagar
Organic Carbon
(%)
E.C.(ds/m)
733
39
-
194
290
288
597
84
91
17
8
747
292
8
1
67
134
100
220
36
45
7
3
291
665
28
2
237
240
218
599
53
43
6
13
676
437
66
4
6
1
2
196
37
160
20
180
17
344
63
52
6
46
5
25
7
22
3
395
64
389
15
2
83
176
147
337
32
37
14
10
382
1
158
-
-
42
66
50
136
14
12
-
2
156
466
644
135
5
8
4
440
607
136
23
45
2
8
1
240
219
89
164
246
35
67
287
15
388
530
106
46
65
14
37
57
19
24
6
8
13
11
9
434
635
122
-
57
-
57
-
-
5
33
19
42
7
7
-
-
57
-
30
-
30
-
-
-
-
30
115
218
36
55
2
5
302
62
137
1
70
367
7
33
47
8
61
51
5
2
11
8
3
10
2
159
445
0
Alkalin
e
Taluka
PH
2
2
1
0
6
1
7
30
24
6
1
309
291
291 18 57
137
8
164
162 2 151 12 1
50
52
457 9 445 20 1 154 155
4670
1
6
3
2
0
8
0
9
Source- District Soil Survey & Soil Testing Office, Ahmednagar
Map 8: Soil Fertility Index of Available Nitrogen (on the basis of Organic Carbon %)
of Ahmednagar District
21
Map 9: Soil Fertility Index of Available Phosphorus of Ahmednagar District
Map 10: Soil Fertility Index of Available Potassium of Ahmednagar District
22
Map 11: Soil Electrical Conductivity of Ahmednagar District
Map 12: Soil Reaction pH - Ahmednagar District
Map 13: Soil Available Micronutrient Status- Ahmednagar District
23
Micronutrient Status
Because of wide spread deficiencies in soils leading to reduced crop yields, an emphasis is given
on soil micronutrient sufficiency /deficiency and are being intensively studied in recent times. The
deficiencies are caused due to use of chemically pure and micronutrient free fertilisers, cultivation of
improved crop varieties with high nutrient requirements and intensive cultivation of crops.
Table 2.6: Micronutrient Status in the Soil of Ahmednagar district
Sr.
No
.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Name of
the Taluka
A,nagar
Parner
Pathardi
Karjat
Jamkhed
Shrigonda
Shrirampur
Shevgaon
Newasa
Rahuri
Sangamner
Akole
Kopargaon
Rahata
Total
No of Soil
Samples
Analyzed
17
24
31
1
14
44
1
190
2
16
12
352
Copper (Cu)
S
17
D
-
24
31
1
14
44
1
190
2
16
12
352
Iron (Fe)
S
16
-
D
1
-
-
24
31
1
14
42
1
187
2
16
12
346
24
2
3
6
Manganese
(Mn)
S
D
17
24
30
1
1
14
44
1
188
2
2
16
12
349
3
Zinc (Zn)
S
17
D
-
20
31
1
14
22
1
184
2
15
10
317
4
22
6
1
2
35
Note: S- Sufficient, D-Deficient
Source- District Soil Survey & Soil Testing Office, Ahmednagar
The soil samples analyzed for micro-nutrient status of Ahmednagar district is indicated in the
Table 2.6. From the table it can been seen that the soils in all talukas are sufficient in copper, iron, zinc
and manganese content.
Rivers:
Two main rivers, the Godavari and the Bhima drain the district a tributary of the Krishna. The
Watershed line is the great spur of the Sahyadris that branches off at Harichandragad and stretches
completely across the district from west to east. The important rivers flowing through the district are
Paravara, Mula, Sina and Dhora. Pravara is tributary of the river Godavari. Waters of the river Pravara
fall from a great height, creating the Randha Falls. The Godavari, which drains by far the larger part of
the district, including the Tahsils of Kopargaon, Sangamner, Akole, Rahuri, Newasa, Shevgaon the
northern half of Parner and parts of Nagar and Jamkhed, rises near Trimbak in Nashik on the eastern
slope.
The Pravara rises on the eastern slopes of the Sahayadris between Kulang and Ratangad. After
the sinuous course of twelve miles in an easterly direction, near the village Ranad, it falls into rocky
chasm 200 feet deep, and then winds for eight miles through a deep narrow glen which opens wider
Valley East of and below the central plateau on which the town of Rajur stands. Total Length of Pravara
is 120 miles. The Dam Bhandardara is constructed across the river at Bhandardara, near by are the
Randha falls.
The Adhala rises in north of Akole on the Slopes of Patta and Mahakali.It flows for fifteen miles
in an easterly direction between two ranges of hills which encloses the Samsherpur valley; then falling
into the rocky chasm some 150 feet deep it winds between rugged and precipitous hill-sides for couple of
miles, when, debouching in to the plain of Sangamner,it turns south and falls into the Pravara three miles
west of the town of Sangamner.The Mahalungi rises on the southern and eastern slopes of Patta and
Aundha.After the course of three miles it passes east into the Sinnar subdivision of Nashik.It reenters
Ahmednagar after taking bend to south. The Mula rises on the eastern slopes of the Sahaydris between
Ratangad and Harichandragad for first twenty miles it flows parallel to Pravara draining the southernmost
or Kotul valley of Akole subdivision. Passing the town of Kotul it takes a bend to Baleshvar.It then
crosses through Sangamner, Parner. The Dam Mula is constructed across the river at Baragaon Nandur.
The Dhora rises on the slopes of the hill east of the town of Ahmendagar.It flows northeasterly, draining
Shevgaon and part of Newasa. The Bhima river drains the whole of the southern portion of the district,
comprising the greater part of the Parner and Nagar subdivisions, the whole Shrigonda and Karjat, and
nearly the whole of Jamkhed. The Sina has two chief sources, one near Jamgaon fourteen miles west of
the town of Ahmednagar, near, Jeur ten miles to the northeast. The town of Ahmednagar is built on left
25
bank of the river, which there takes southeasterly course. Leaving the district boundary it enters Solapur
and ultimately falls into the Bhima.
Map 14: Watershed Map of Ahmednagar District
Map 15: Surface Reservoir Map of Ahmednagar District
26
2.2.4 Land Use Pattern and Land holdings:
Land use pattern explains how effectively land resources are utilised for different purposes in a
state. Development in irrigation and growth in population are the two important factors, which mostly
decide the land use pattern of any region/state. Table 2.7 presents the detailed land use pattern of the
Ahmednagar district. It can be seen from the table that out of geographical area, about 23 percent of land
is under non agricultural usage i.e. forest, land under non-agricultural use, cultivable waste, permanent
pasture and miscellaneous trees and groves. About 7.5 percent land is as current and other fallow and
about 71.10 percent of land is sown. Thus, altogether about 9.22 percent of land is available in the form
of cultivable waste, current as well as other follows, which can be brought under productive use with a
proper wasteland development programme. The cropping intensity of the district is 111 percent, which is
lower than the state average (127.9 percent).
Current
fallows
Other
Fallow
Net Sown
Area
Area
Sown
More
Once
than
Gross
Cropped
Area
Cropping
Intensity
(%)
Percentage to total Geographical Area
Forest
Area
Barren
and
Uncultiva
Land
area
ble
under
Non-agri.
Use
Cultivabl
e Waste
Sr
.
N
o.
Geographica
l Area (% to
district)
Table 2.7: Land Utilization Pattern of Ahmednagar District,
1
Akole
9.02
27.7
2
8.28
0.46
0.00
0.66
2.08
60.7
9
2.60
63.3
9
104.28
2
Sangmner
8.14
0.84
15.3
0.08
4.35
1.91
2.15
75.3
7.09
82.4
109.40
Taluka
27
0
7
6
3
Kopargaon
4.23
0.00
4.16
2.39
5.70
9.20
5.62
72.9
3
15.1
5
88.0
8
120.77
4
Rahata
4.12
0.00
2.30
1.20
14.3
1
7.26
1.28
73.6
6
10.0
2
83.6
8
113.61
5
Shrirampu
r
3.03
0.00
5.08
2.02
0.00
11.1
2
8.68
73.1
1
17.5
7
90.6
8
124.04
6
Newasa
7.75
1.13
11.6
5
0.60
0.00
2.76
0.21
83.6
4
15.1
7
98.8
1
118.13
7
Shewagao
n
6.52
1.06
9.97
0.58
0.13
2.66
12.4
1
73.1
7
8.35
81.5
2
111.42
8
Pathardi
7.06
5.46
9.50
0.53
2.35
4.65
3.25
74.2
8
8.35
82.6
2
111.24
9
Nagar
9.01
8.76
8.61
1.34
1.17
1.31
2.34
76.4
7
3.54
80.0
1
104.63
10 Rahuri
6.10
15.4
5
12.8
2
0.50
1.05
2.88
5.69
61.6
1
6.01
67.6
2
109.75
11 Parner
11.20
10.0
6
15.4
3
0.50
0.38
0.26
5.66
67.7
1
17.2
8
84.9
9
125.52
12 Shrigonda
9.62
9.48
4.72
0.48
1.52
5.27
9.50
69.0
3
1.93
70.9
6
102.79
13 Karjat
8.94
8.76
22.1
4
0.02
0.00
6.34
0.00
62.7
4
5.95
68.6
9
109.48
14 Jamkhad
5.25
4.31
14.8
7
0.17
0.00
0.07
1.27
79.3
1
7.00
86.3
0
108.82
71.1
0
8.41
79.5
2
111.83
11.1
0.65 1.72 3.36 4.14
4
Source: District Socio-Economic Review, 2006-07 Ahmednagar District.
District
100.0
7.89
The land holding pattern of Ahmednagar district for the year 2001 is presented in Table 2.4. As
per the agricultural census of 2001, the total land holdings in district were 6.81 lakh and area was about
13.48 lakh ha. It can be seen from the table that about 31.42 % of farmers have land holding below 2
hectares i.e. marginal and small farmers 35.14 % having total land holding up to 2 hectares. However,
23.20 % & 9 % are semi- medium and medium land holdings respectively. Large farmers cover only
1.20% of total land holdings in the district. The small and marginal land holdings together cover 66.57 %
land in the district. The agricultural extension and development activities are being focused for these land
holdings.
28
29
Table 2.8: Land holding pattern of Ahmednagar District, 2001 (Percentage to total)
Sr.
No.
Marginal Farmers
(< 1 ha)
Taluka
Other
Farmers ( Above
2.0 Ha)
Small Farmers
(1– 2 ha)
Total
No.
Area
No.
Area
No.
Area
No.
Area
Av. Land
Holding
in ha.
1
Nagar
39639
18691.81
21026
30022.63
17391
60824.85
78056
109539.3
1.40
2
Parner
34167
16185.07
24283
35043.37
25579
98816.59
84029
150045
1.79
3
Shrigonda
39438
24966.65
26550
38576.57
20466
68318.14
86454
131861.3
1.53
4
Karjat
30683
17166.25
23480
35037.91
21468
75418.69
75631
127622.9
1.69
5
Jamkhed
19524
10309.55
13280
19894.44
13370
48610.71
46174
78814.7
1.71
6
Shevgaon
30138
15810.86
21406
28933.84
11929
37792.17
63671
82536.87
1.30
7
Pathardi
45403
21360.30
21656
29089.96
14002
44331.31
81061
94781.57
1.17
8
Newasa
38491
22455.94
34288
49281.61
14452
42587.08
87231
114324.6
1.31
9
Rahuri
30383
16255.08
19472
26736.7
8954
29921.62
58809
72913.4
1.24
10
Sangamner
47560
25806.37
24536
33506.88
16038
54197.7
88134
113511
1.29
11
Akola
25897
12635.09
14683
21061.14
14873
64353.04
55453
98049.27
1.77
12
Kopargaon
16994
9996.61
15125
22212.44
8267
26777.28
40386
58986.33
1.46
13
Rahata
20854
10615.26
13153
18614.71
7128
26728.23
41135
55958.2
1.36
14
Shrirampur
14481
7799.27
10313
15191.82
5706
25312.2
30500
48303.29
1.58
283449
403204
199623
703989.6
916724
1337248
1.46
Dist. Av.
433 652
230054
Group-wise
Source: Agriculture Census
Cropping Pattern:
The maximum area of Ahmednagar district is categorized as scarcity zone and agriculture is
dependent mainly on monsoons. Hence rabi crops dominate the cropping pattern. The area under rabi crops
was more than 60 per cent, while that under kharif crops is more than 39 percent. The area under summer
crops is negligible. The cropping pattern in Ahmednagar district and Maharashtra state is presented in
Table 2.9.
Table 2.9: Cropping Pattern in Ahmednagar and Maharashtra 2012-13
Crops
Rice
Ahmednagar
Area (00 ha)
% to GCA
80
0.56
Maharashtra
Area (00 ha)
% to GCA
15087
6.46
Wheat
893
6.21
7557
3.23
Jowar
5551
38.61
47561
20.35
Bajra
2405
16.73
15289
6.54
Other Cereals
322
2.24
6605
2.83
31
Total Cereals
9251
64.34
92099
39.41
Gram
617
4.29
8299
3.55
Tur
122
0.85
10740
4.60
Other pulses
347
2.41
14815
6.34
Total Pulses
1086
7.55
33854
14.49
Total Foodgrains
10337
71.89
124953
53.47
Groundnut
148
1.03
4160
1.78
Safflower
208
1.45
2519
1.08
Soybean
355
2.47
21022
9.00
Sunflower
137
0.95
3207
1.37
Total Oilseed
903
6.28
33252
14.23
Cotton
159
1.11
28395
12.15
Sugarcane (H)
170
1.18
3269
1.40
Fruits*
206
1.43
4692
2.01
Vegetables*
303
2.11
3170
1.36
14378
100.00
233675
100.00
GCA
Note: *relates to 2011-12
Source: Office of the Commissionerate of Agriculture, Maharashtra State, Ahmednagar
Area, Production & Productivity of Major Crops
Kharif:
During the period 2011-12 to 2012-13, the area under kharif crops constituted more than 32 percent
of GCA. The area under kharif crops was mostly dominated by foodgrains, especially cereals. Out of the
total area under kharif crops, cereals constituted 60.88 per cent while pulses constituted only 8.55 percent
(Table 2.10). Hence together, cereals and pulses constituted 69.43 percent of total area under Kharif crops.
Among cereals, bajra was the main crop and 95 percent of area under cereals was under bajra. Further,
bajra constituted 58 percent of the area under Kharif crops and more than 18 percent of GCA.
Table 2.10: Production and Productivity of Main Kharif Crops in the Ahmednagar District- TE 2012-13
Sr.
No.
1
2
3
4
1
2
Name of Crop
Paddy
Maize
Bajara
Other cereals
Total Kharif Cereals
Mung
udid
Area
(00 ha)
63
65
2704
24
2856
188
37
32
Production
(00 mt)
52.92
74.82
1679.18
14.52
1821.44
71.06
13.99
Productivity
(Kg/ha)
840
1151
621
605
3217
378
378
3
Tur
Total Kharif Pulses
Total Kharif Foodgrains
Soyabean
1
Groundnut
2
Sunflowar
3
Total Kharif Oilseeds
Sugarcane
Cotton
Kharif Season
176
401
3257
102
66
102
270
1030
134
4691
78.85
163.9
1985.34
119.75
52.6
38.25
210.6
61800
29.21
64025.15
448
1204
4421
1174
797
375
2346
60000
218
66985
Among oilseeds, the main crop cultivated were soybean and sunflower. The other oilseed crop
grown in the district was groundnut. Besides foodgrains and oilseed crop, two commercial crops viz.
sugarcane and cotton were grown in the district, which accounts for 25 percent of Kharif area and about 8
per cent gross cropped area.
Rabi:
As mentioned earlier, agriculture in Ahmednagar district is dominated by rabi crops and 60 percent
of GCA is under rabi crops during 2012-13. The area under rabi crops is dominated by foodgrains and as
much as 95 percent of area under rabi crops is under foodgrains. Major area (91 percent) under foodgrains
is under cereals (Table 2.11). The main foodgrain crop in the rabi season is jowar and about 82 percent of
area under rabi cereals is under rabi jowar. Further, rabi jowar constitutes 34 percent of GCA. Wheat is
also a rabi crop and constitutes about 7 percent of GCA. The main pulse crop is gram which constitutes 4
percent of GCA. Rabi oilseeds are negligible and constitute hardly 2.5 percent of GCA. The major area
under rabi oilseeds is under safflower.
Table 2.11: Production and Productivity of Main Rabi Crops in the Ahmednagar District - TE 2012-13
Sr.
No.
1
2
3
Name of Crop
Wheat
R. Jowar
Maize
Total Rabi Cereals
1
Gram
1
2
Total Rabi Pulses
Total Rabi Foodgrains
Sunflowar
Safflower
Total Rabi Oilseeds
Total Rabi Season
Area
(00 ha)
1021
4998
107
6126
601
601
6727
71
290
361
7088
Summer:
33
Production
(00 mt)
1427.36
1749.3
142.95
3319.61
331.15
331.15
3650.76
47
138.04
185.04
3835.8
Productivity
(Kg/ha)
1398
350
1336
3084
551
551
3635
662
476
1138
4773
Summer crops in Ahmednagar district are negligible and constitute hardly 0.09 percent of GCA.
The main pulse crop is moog and groundnut is the main oilseed crop cultivated in summer (Table 2.12).
Table 2.12: Production and Productivity of Summer Crops in Ahmednagar District - TE 2012-13
Sr.
No.
1
Area
Production
Productivity
(00 ha)
(00 mt)
(Kg/ha)
mug
1
0.6
600
1
0.6
600
Summer Pulses
1
0.6
600
Summer Foodgrain
11.6
20.04
1728
1
Groundnut
11.6
20.04
1728
Summer Oilseeds
12.6
20.64
2328
Summer Season
Overall, it can be concluded that in Ahmednagar district, about 68 percent of GCA is under
Name of Crop
foodgrains with 62 percent under cereals and about 7 percent under pulses. Rabi jowar is the main cereal
crop accounting for 34 percent of GCA, followed by kharif bajra which occupies 19 percent of GCA. Rabi
jowar and Kharif Bajra together account for 53 percent of GCA. The area under oilseeds is 4.4 percent of
GCA.
Horticulture:
Ahmednagar district has horticulture as a major allied activity. Area under horticulture is
increasing in the district. Due to diversified agro-ecological situation and available irrigation facilities
various vegetable crops are grown throughout the year. The otal area under cultivation of vegetables,
flowers and Aromatic and medicinal plant was about 17449 ha. The vegetable crops which are having large
area under cultivation in the district are onions, tomato, brinjal and cabbage. Under spices crop, chilli crop
is having more area followed by garlic, coriander and ginger. Under floriculture merigold, chrysanthemum,
roses and aster are important flower crops under cultivation. The total area under horticultural plantation in
the district was 67763 ha out of which 55945 ha area was with irrigation facilities and remaining was
rainfed. The major rainfed horticultural crops planted in the district include ber, custard apple and jamun.
The productivity of major horticultural crop is improving due to propagating precision farming practices in
the district.
Sericulture:
Sericulture is emerging as the virtual economic lifeline for farmers in Ahmednagar District.
Sericulture-related activity is spread across only 468 hectares in the district. It is one of the supplementary
enterprises recently being adopted by number of farm families as a major source of employment generating
activity perticularly in the talukas of Parner, Shrigonda, Ahmednagar and Newasa. The process begins with
farmers planting Mulberry saplings in the shade. Once these samplings grow sufficiently, government
officials are called in to inspect the tree and the leaves.
Animal Husbandry:
34
Animal husbandry is closely interwoven with agriculture and obviously plays an important role in
the national/state economy and also in the socio-economic development of rural households. This is the
sector where the poor contribute to growth directly instead of getting benefit from growth generated
elsewhere. The livestock sector (animal husbandry and poultry) is one of the important allied activities of
agriculture. By providing substantial income to rural households especially in the areas where agricultural
growth is poor, it helps to reduce the rural poverty. Ahmednagar district is very rich in case of animal
population. As per 17th Livestock Census 2003, the district has 1513926 bovines, 394994 sheep, 1055767
goat. Overall milk collection of the district is about 2907.65 lakh liters per year. Also 2139029 poultry
birds are being reared by the farmers. Ahmednagar district is also known for fish production (1955 mt
production in 2012-13).
Table 2.13: Livestock Population of Ahmednagar and Maharashtra, 2013
Particulars
Cattle
Buffalo
Total Bovine
Livestock Population (‘000)
Ahmednagar
Maharashtra
1315
16738
199
6084
1514
22822
Sheep
Goat
other
Total Livestock
Poultry
Source: 18th Livestock Census, 2007
395
1056
35
3000
2139
3175
10449
612
37058
34596
% share of
Ahmednagar
7.86
3.27
6.63
12.44
10.10
5.72
8.09
6.18
Allied activities in the form of animal husbandry and dairy development play a very important role
for rural households. Besides providing additional employment, these sectors also supplement income and
enhance nutritional security. It is well known that dietary patterns are gradually shifting towards livestock
and dairy products with increase in income levels. Hence Animal Husbandry and Dairy development can
play a major role as activities allied to agriculture.
Dairy Development:










Govt. Milk Scheme
Co-op. Dudh Sangh
Registered Pvt. Milk Projects
Registered Primary Milk Co opratives
Overall per Day Milk Collection
Overall per Day Milk Distribution
Registered Milk Producing SocietiesActive Milk Producing Societies
No. of Milch Cattle (Cows & Buffaloes)Milk Collection from outside of District
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
16
14
55
2858
17 lakh liters
35
 No. of MILK Chilling Centre
: 77
 Total Chilling Capacity (LPD)
: 2850 lakh liters/day
 Per capita Milk Consumption
: 397.22 ml/day
Source- District Dairy Development Officer, Ahmednagar
Fisheries Development:
 Length of Rivers in District
:
587 Kms.
 Water spread Area Favorable for Fisheries
:
18182 ha.
 Fish Production in 2012-13
:
1955 MT
 No. of Fish seed farms/hatcheries
:
01
Source- District Fishery Development Officer, Ahmednagar
Agriculture Marketing Centers:
All the APMC’s from the district are the major centers of marketing. These centers are supported
by Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board, Ahmednagar, various co-operative marketing societies
& private agencies among the district. The number of marketing centres in the district are as below:
APMC
Co-operative Sugar factory
Milk Co-op Societies
Rice mills
Oil mills
Cold Storage & Pre Cooling Centres
Winery
-
14
19
2913
0
0
0
0
Co-operative Development in the District
The district economy is mainly dependant on co-operative sector. Late Padmashree Dr. Vitthalrao
Vikhe Patil started the first co-operative sugar factory in the district at Pravaranagar during the year 1949,
which was the first of its kind in the Asian continent. Ahmednagar is a pioneer district in co-operative
development and in upliftment of sugarcane cultivators through the sugar factories. Similarly dairy cooperatives have also developed as a secondary movement for the benefit of the dairy farmers. Fourteen
co-operative sugar factories, 9310 co-operative societies, 1281 co-operatives dairy societies and 4 fruit and
vegetable co-operative societies are the backbone of the district providing impetus to the rural economy.
The irrigation water co-operatives and transports co-operatives are also playing an important role in the
district. The problem related to credit inputs and marketing has been addressed to a great extent that has
made the farming community free from the clutches of middlemen and private lenders through the dynamic
leadership of the co-operative movement. Thus, co-operative sector in the district is dealing with all types
36
of needs of the farming community, village prosperity and all-round socio-economic development of the
district.
2.2.5 Irrigation and Groundwater:
Ahmednagar district has a net sown area (NSA) of 11.86 lakh hectares of which net irrigated area
accounts for 4.32 lakh hectares. This indicates that only 36.43 per cent of net sown area is irrigated. The
percent of rea irrigated in Ahmednagar district was 44.95 percent during 2011-12, which very high as
compared to the state average (17 percent). Out of total net irrigated area, 78 percent area irrigated through
well irrigation (including lift) and remaining as surface irrigation, i.e. canal irrigation.
Table 2.14: Sources of Irrigation and Groundwater in Ahmednagar district
(Area in ’00 ha)
Year
Surface
Irrigation
Well
Irrigation
Gross
Irrigated Area
(GIA)
Percentage
of GIA to
GCA
% of groundwater
Irrigation to NIA
894
Net
Irrigated
Area
(NIA)
1358
1960-61
464
1545
11.66
65.83
1970-71
439
1149
1588
1856
14.44
72.36
1980-81
642
1271
1913
2806
22.08
66.44
1990-91
941
1973
2914
3507
27.37
67.71
2000-01
922
2688
3610
3939
28.24
74.46
2001-02
890
2475
3365
3687
29.81
73.55
5960
44.94
77.78
2004-05
960
3360
4320
Source: Season and Crop Report, various issues.
The takulawise source wise area irrigated in Ahmednagar district is presented in Table 2.15. It can
be seen from the table that irrigation intensity of the district is 135 percent. Shevgaon taluka has reported
highest irrigation intensity in the district
Table2.15: Takulawise Source wise Area Irrigated in Ahmednagar district 2012(Area in Ha)
S.N
o
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Taluka
A,nagar
Parner
Pathardi
Karjat
Jamkhed
Shrigonda
Shrirampur
Surface
Wells
335
2023
669
1352
1290
2625
3711
20129
15634
10514
19355
6840
35475
27669
Total Net
irrigated
area
20464
17657
11183
20707
8130
38100
31440
37
Total Gross
irrigated
area
23430
27864
14430
24948
10400
60786
31680
Irrigation
IIntensity (%)
114.49
157.81
129.04
120.48
127.92
159.54
100.76
8
9
10
Shevgaon
Newasa
Rahuri
1700
13378
13408
10673
25344
28985
12373
38722
42393
20747
61778
60226
167.68
159.54
142.07
11
Sangamner
1768
19076
20844
24533
117.70
12
Akole
1100
8484
9584
11006
114.84
13
Kopargaon
11739
15384
27123
30955
114.13
Rahata
4239
Total
59397
Source:------------------
11240
254802
15479
314199
22317
425100
144.18
135.30
14
Map 16: Groundwater Potential in Ahmednagar district
Map 17: Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects and Flood Affected Area in
Ahmednagar district
38
Map 18: Groundwater Estimation in Maharashtra
39
2.2.6 District Income:
The sector-wise income in Ahmednagar District can be observed from Table 2.16. The per capita
income in Satara district is lower than 1.36 times the state average. The sector wise distribution of income
indicates that out of the total district income, about 26 percent comes from the Primary sector. It was noted
earlier that about 70 percent of the workforce is engaged in the agricultural sector. However, the
contribution of this sector to the District income is only 24.83 percent which is very low as compared to
other sectors. This indicates that productivity in the primary sector is very low. The secondary sector
contributed about 19 percent to District income and in case of tertiary sector it was around 56 percent. The
overall picture leads us to conclude that half of the income of the district is derived from the tertiary sector.
Table 2.16: Sector wise district income and per capita income of Ahmednagar district for the year 2010-11
& 2011-12 (as per 1999-00 Prices)
(figures in lakh)
Sr.
No.
Sector
1.1 Agriculture
Year 2010-11
Gross
Net
Income
Income
Year 2011-12
Gross Income
Net
Income
235750
224929
254716
243025
1.2 Forestry
6489
6318
6421
6252
1.3 Fisheries
571
498
571
498
14
242824
11
231756
12
261720
11
249786
(25.82)
(27.05)
(25.52)
(26.74)
2.1 Reg. Industries
68289
52718
81379
62824
2.2 Un-reg. Industries
51174
37647
54193
39868
2.3 Construction
48341
46983
54640
53105
2.4 Elect., Gas & Water Supply
6614
174418
4372
141720
4763
194975
3149
158946
(18.54)
(16.54)
(19.01)
(17.02)
3.1 Railway
1890
1507
2049
1641
3.2 Transport & Storage
32076
25659
34633
27704
3.3 Communication
30682
26424
34197
29450
3.4 Trade & Restaurants
153362
149233
169602
165037
3.5 Banking & Insurance
95544
91698
103594
99424
3.6 Professional Services
84247
76333
88133
79854
3.7 Public Admin.
46182
39569
52417
44911
3.8 Other Services
79314
523297
72754
483177
84170
568795
77208
525228
(55.64)
(56.40)
(55.47)
(56.24)
1.4 Mines & Minerals
Total Primary Sector
Total Secondary Sector
Total Tertiary Sector
40
Total District Income
940538
856653
1025491
933959
Per Capita Income (Rs)
22266
20280
23991
21850
31083689
27733929
33942498
30295239
30306
27040
32587
29085
3.03
3.09
3.02
3.08
Total State Income
Per Capita Income State (Rs)
% of district Income to State Income
Note: Figures in brackets are percentage to total district income.
Source- District Social & Economic Review, 2012-13.
2.2.7 Intra-District Growth Differentials:
Table No. 2.17 Intra district Growth Regions of Ahmednagar District
Type of growth region
Vibrant growth region
Talukas
Kopargaon ,Rahata,Shrirampur,Rahuri, Newasa
Medium growth region
Shrigonda, Parner,Karjat & Sangamner
Slow growth region
Pathardi, Shevgaon, Nagar,Jamkhed & Akole
41
The different growth regions of the district are characterized by the following factors
Vibrant Growth Region
The vibrant growth region covering Kopargaon, Rahata, Shrirampur, Rahuri & Newasa. The following
indicators of development characterize vibrant growth region in Ahmednagar district.
1.Availability of Irrigation water facilities to the farmers from command area s of
Major, Medium and Minor projects. Irrigation is also available from rivers and
irrigation projects backwater especially in Newasa and Shevgaon talukas.
2. Predominance of Sugarcane Cultivation, gross irrigated area to gross cultivable
area is more than 20% in these talukas.
3. Horticulture development especially fruits & vegetable production is picking up.
4. Good network of Co-operative credit structure and Co-operative societies in this
area especially for Co-operative sugarcane factories and Milk Co-operatives.
5.Diversified and cropping system. Dairy as an important supplementary
enterprise.
6. Growing interest among farmers towards commercial farming.
7.Scope for Sericulture development.
8. The talukas have well-established APMC
9. Network of NGOs and SHGs exists in the talukas.
10.Scope for Agro- processing units due to availability of good infrastructure
facilities
Medium Growth Region
The medium growth region covering Shrigonda, Parner,Karjat & Sangamner talukas and are characterized by
the following indicators of development.
1.Availability of Irrigation water facilities to the farmers from command area s of
Major, Medium and Minor projects. Some agricultural cultivation depends on
rainfall.
2. Sugarcane Cultivation in command area of irrigation projects.
3. Horticulture development especially dryland fruits crop like pomegranate
production is picking up.
4. Good network of Co-operative credit structure and Co-operative societies in this
area especially for Co-operative sugarcane factories and Milk Co-operatives.
5.Diversified and cropping system.
42
6. Dairy as an important supplementary enterprise.
7. Sericulture development is picking up
8.Soils are medium to light undulating and terrain lands limiting agricultural
cultivation.
9.Good Scope for Soil & Water Conservation activities that are undertaken on
larger scale showing visible results of activities.
Slow Growth Region
The slow growth region covering Pathardi, Shevgaon, Nagar, Jamkhed & Akole talukas are characterized by the
following indicators of development.
1.The slow growth region talukas are characterized by the scarcity zone that receives 500 mm to
700 mm of rainfall except for Akole block, the entire talukas fall under drought prone area of the
district.
2. Thus, watershed programmes, ground water recharge and rainwater harvesting assume
significant importance in the district and must be given priority.
3.Irrigation projects are pending must be completed so that more area can be brought under
irrigation.
4.Rainfed farming depending upon vagaries of nature limiting crop production and crop
productivity.
5.Soils are medium to light undulating and terrain lands limiting agricultural cultivation.
6.Good Scope for Soil & Water Conservation activities that are undertaken on larger scale
showing visible results of activities.
As mentioned earlier, Ahmednagar District comprises of 14 tehsils. The per capita income in
Ahmednagar district is 1.4 times lower than state average. However, the important point that emerges is
that about 56 percent of the District Domestic Product comes from the service sector while 19 percent
come from the secondary sector. However, the agricultural sector that employs 70 percent of the
workforce in the district contributes only about 26 percent to the District Domestic Product. In all other
tehsils, agriculture and allied activities are the predominant activities.
43
2.3 Development Vision and Strategy:
As stated earlier, the Comprehensive District Agriculture Plan is to achieve an over all growth
rate of 4.0 percent in the agriculture sector during XIIth plan period, by ensuring a holistic development
of agriculture and allied sectors. Accordingly, each district has to formulate a district plan by including
resources available from the existing schemes.
The district has to project requirements for the
development of agriculture and allied sector through vision and strategy to achieve 4 percent agriculture
rate of growth. On the basis of above discussion, the following the developments plan and strategies are
drawn.

To achieve a sustainable growth rate for the agriculture and allied sector of 7 % per annum
during the end of 12th Five-Year Plan.

Ahmednagar district has a huge rural population . A major portion of the income of the district
is derived from tertiary sector.

In today’s context, Ahmednagar is most advanced district having maximum number of sugar
factories, perhaps to spread the message "rural prosperity through cooperation". The
first cooperative sugar factory in Asia was established at Pravara Nagar. Role Model of
water conservation work can be seen at Ralegan-Siddhi and Hivare Bazar that are also called
ideal Villages. Ahmednagar district has 19 sugar factories. -------

The place like Shri Saibaba’s Shirdi, one of Ashtavinayaks at Siddhatek, the famous Kanifnath
temple, attract devotees and therefore creates huge demand for flowers in these temples. There
is also huge international demand for flowers during colder months due to festival season
(Christmas, etc). Ahmednagar with infrastructure facilities increasing exports of flowers by
promoting hi-tech floriculture is envisioned in the 12th Plan.

Enhancement of milk production from the present 22 lakh litters to 32 lakh litters at the end of
12th Plan. The district has a conducive climate and well-developed infrastructure for promoting
dairy activities by the cooperative as well as private sector. The issues addressed in the 12th
Plan will aim at promoting veterinary centres that provide health care to facilitate dairy
development. Strengthening of milk collection centres and processing schemes in cooperative
sector may be strengthened.

Provision of good class infrastructure (farm roads, internal roads, uninterrupted power supply,
water) for agro-based industries including food processing industry

The district has great potential in poultry development especially in Parner ,Shrigonda and
Parner
Taluka. With close proximity to Mumbai and large number of Corporates in the
poultry sector, there is tremendous scope for further promoting contract farming.

Encourage contract farming in vegetables (area expansion, processing etc.)

Increase in irrigation facility in DPAP areas and promotion of consumptive use of water in
these areas.
44

Development of post harvest management facilities (pack houses, cold stoppages. cold chain,
onion storage structures etc.)

Establishment of soil health up to taluka level.

Promotion of organic farming through farmers groups.

Human resource development through imparting high-tech knowledge in agriculture and allied
sectors.
45