AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

CONDIMENTS AND SPICES

Chillis: Condiments and spices grown in the district include chillis, garlic and coriander. Of these, chillis is the most important crop and accounts for a comparatively higher tillage area. Table No. 12 gives taluka-wise distribution of area under condiments and spices from 1961-62 to 1965-66. Chillis are grown mostly in Jamkhed, Karjat, Nevasa, Shrigonda, Sangamner and Parner talukas. The crop can be grown on a variety of soils and in a wide range of climatic conditions. It gives higher yield in loamy and black soils. Chilli-crop is generally grown in kharif season. It can be raised as a single crop

TABLE No. 11—AREA AND OUT-TURN OF SUGARCANE IN AHMADNAGAR DISTRICT FROM 1961-62 TO 1965-66 AND 1971-72

TABLE No. 11—contd.

* Figures for the year 1971-72 are given in hectares and out-turn in metric tonnes. Taluka-wise break-up of out-turn is not available.

or sometimes planted as subordinate to the other garden-crops. The field is thoroughly cultivated and well manured. The seedlings are first raised in a nursery and when they become about eight weeks old, they are transplanted at a distance of about two feet. When the plants are well established, they are earthed up by forming a little mound of soil round the plants at the stems. After about 2½ months from planting the first fruits are formed. Picking goes on for three to five months. Both green and red chillis are harvested. The red chillis are dried and then marketed. Various varieties including lavangi, bor-mirachi, etc., are grown in the district. Chillis are used in various food preparations. They are extensively used in chutnees and pickles.

Garlic: Garlic is an important spice, but it is grown on a very small area in the district. In 1965-66 it occupied only 400 acres in the district. The crop is raised singly and always as a cold-weather and irrigated one. The land is cultivated by ploughing and harrowing it. Manure is also liberally applied. The small flattish bulbs are broadcast in October in the specially-prepared beds, and lightly covered with soil. The crop is irrigated every ten or twelve days, according to the requirements. After about five months the crop shows signs of ripening as the leaves turn yellow. The bulbs are uprooted either by hand or with a very light pick-axe. Its roots and tops are removed and then the bulbs are spread for drying. Garlic is used in various preparations like chutnees, seasoning vegetables, in curries and pickles.

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