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AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION
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SOIL CONSERVATION
Of the 13 talukas of the district Shevgaon, Pathardi, Jamkhed, Karjat, Parner, Shrigonda, Rahuri and Sangamner talukas are generally affected by scarcity due to the unsatisfactory rains every year. In these areas therefore the problem of soil and moisture conservation is of great importance. In view of this some scientific agronomic practices such as bunding, terracing, etc., become essential for preservation and improvement of soil. The Government of Maharashtra, therefore, laid specific emphasis upon the scheme of soil conservation in the State. This scheme was undertaken in the district in 1958-59.
There are two divisions and eight sub-divisions pertaining to the scheme of soil conservation in the district. The Ahmadnagar division comprises four sub-divisions, viz., Ahmadnagar, Shevgaon, Pathardi and Jamkhed and one sub-division of prototype package programme scheme located at Shrigonda. Similarly the Sangamner division consists of four sub-divisions at Sangamner, Parner, Rahuri and Kopargaon and one terracing sub-division at Akola.
Upto 28th February 1970 contour bunding work was carried out in 10,85,770 acres of land. It stopped erosion of soil and checked water run-off. This has greatly improved the productivity of land in the district. Besides, the scheme has been of immense importance in solving the problem of rural unemployment. The following statement gives information regarding the work done under the scheme in the two divisions in 1969-70:—
(Figures in acres)
|
Sub-division |
Target |
Achievement up to February 1970 |
Total achievement |
Ahmadnagar division— | |
Ahmadnagar |
8,000 |
5,685 |
95,338 |
Shevgaon |
9,000 |
5,465 |
75,140 |
Pathardi |
8,000 |
5,525 |
1,14,284 |
Jamkhed |
7,200 |
5,894 |
3,43,748 |
|
32,200 |
22,569 |
6,28,510 |
Sangamner
division— |
|
Sanganmer |
8,500 |
6,492 |
1,37,745 |
Rahuri |
2,000 |
1,672 |
67,717 |
Koparagaon |
7,500 |
2,803 |
39,101 |
Parner |
7,500 |
3,399 |
1,81,025 |
Akola |
2,500 |
3,069 |
31,673 |
|
28,000 |
17,435 |
4,57,261 |
Nala bunding is another effective measure to check the erosion of soil and run-off of rain-water. Under this scheme the water of the nalas and gullies flowing through the land is arrested by small earthen or stone bunds. The Agriculture Department, therefore, introduced this scheme in the district and each division was given a target of 50 acres of nala bunding. The achievement under the scheme during 1969-70 was as follows:—
(Figures in acres)
|
Sub-division |
Target |
Achievement |
Ahmadnagar division— | |
Ahmadnagar |
13 |
2.10 |
Pathardi |
13 |
36.00 |
Shevgaon |
12 |
-- |
Jamkhed |
12 |
9.33 |
|
50 |
48.03 |
(Figures in acres)
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Sub-division |
Target |
Achievement |
Sangamner division— | |
| |
Sangamner |
25 |
84.11 |
Kopargaon |
10 |
25.20 |
Rahuri |
5 |
-- |
Parner |
10 |
13.00 |
|
50 |
122.31 |
The terracing scheme is in operation in the heavy rainfall area of Akola taluka with a view to bring more area under paddy crop. 1,202.19 acres of land was terraced upto 31st March 1969. The target fixed for 1969-70 was 500 acres of which an area of 177.15 acres has been terraced upto January 1970.
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