AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

FAMINES AND FLOODS

An up-to-date and chronological history of the damage caused by calamities like famines, floods, cyclones, locusts, plague and such other natural calamities in the district from early times to the present days is as under:—

Early Famines. [Central Provinces District Gazetteers, Buldhana District, 1910.] —"There is no separate famine history of the Buldhana District prior to the cession in 1853, but certain conclusions can be drawn from the reference to famine in Berar and Central India generally. Probably Buldana suffered in common with the rest of Berar from the severe famine which occurred early in the reign of Muhammand II, about 1378, and from the one which took place in the reign of Mahammand III, about 1473 and 1474. In the latter famine it is stated that most of the people who escaped death from starvation fled to Malwa and Gujarat, and did not return home for a long time. About 156 years later during the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan of Delhi, the rains of 1630 completely failed with the result that there was a severe famine. Unfortunately the famine came on at a time of war between Delhi and Ahmadnagar. The imperial forces, numbering 50,000, encamped at Deulgaon Raja in the Chikhli taluk for days together and made the condition of the country still worse. Measures of relief, though adopted, were miserably inadequate. The famine of 1630 is thus described in the official chronicles of Shah Jahan's reign."

'Buyers were ready to give a life for a loaf, but seller was there none. The flesh of dogs was sold as that of goats, and the bones of the dead were ground down with the flour sold in the market, but the punishment of those who profited by such traffic produced yet direr results. Men devoured one another and came to regard the flesh of their children as sweeter than their love. The inhabitants fled afar to other tracts till the corpses of those who fell by the way checked those who came after, and in the lands of Berar. which had been famous for their fertility and prosperity, no trace of habitation remained.

The District suffered again in 1804 from famine. General Wellesley writing about 1804 says: ' Sindkhed (in the Mehkar taluk) is a nest of thieves. The situation of this country is shocking; the people are starving in hundreds, and there is no Government to afford the slightest relief '.

The District does not appear to have been very seriously affected by the famine of 1833. though this was still talked of by the Berar Kunbi forty years later.

In 1871-72 there was a failure of crops, and the price of juari, the staple food of the District, rose to 13 seers per rupee. Six relief works were started in the old Buldana District; the work consisted entirely of road construction and was carried out at a cost of Rs. 5,000.

The year 1877-78 was a trying one as prices rose high and the grain pits were almost exhausted by the large demand for export. A period of prosperity then ensued, and in 1893 so remote did the idea of famine seem that the Commissioner felt justified in reporting that a programme of relief works was not required for Berar. This illusion was, however, soon rudely dispelled.

The Famine of 1896-97.—" The famine of 1896-97 was caused by the abrupt cessation of the rains at the end of August. The district received 5.53 inches in June and 9.45 inches in July, and prospects were then favourable: but after a fall of 3.72 inches in August the monsoon came to a sudden close. The total rainfall of the year was only 21 inches 28 cents as against a decennial average of 35 inches 28 cents. The kharif crops gradually dried up and the land became too hard and dry for the germination of the rabi crops. The outturn of the kharif crop was only a third of the average, and the rabi crop only an eighth. In the Malkapur taluk the failure of the rains and of the crops was most complete: the stocks were low, the condition of the people bad, and prices very high. In the upland taluks of Mehkar and Chikhli the rains failed and the crops suffered badly, and there would have been more distress but for the fact that this tract contained fewer labourers, and there was a fairly good crop in the adjoining districts of the dominion of His Highness the Nizam. Juari, which is the staple food of the population, sold at an average rate of 9 seers per rupee during the distress, while it was a little over 23 seers per rupee in the two previous years, which were normal. The price rose to a maximum of 6½ seers per rupee during the latter end of June and early in July 1897. The failure of the crops and the sudden rise in prices called for action on the part of the Government. In Octoher orders were issued for the preparation of a programme of relief works, and in November the Bombay Famine Code was applied. Government relief did not begin till March, but in the interval private enterprise did much to cope with the distress caused by the high prices. In the Malkapur taluk juari committees were formed at two centres Malkapur and Nandura. and subscriptions received in kind, shops were opened and juari was sold at moderate rates. Elsewhere cheap grain-shops were opened, and the poorer classes were thus enabled to purchase grain at moderate prices when the market rate was abnormally high and no labour was obtainable. Towards the end of February test works were opened by the District Board in the form of road repairs, and as these proved the existence of distress, other works consisting of road repair and tank improvements were taken in hand by the same agency from time to time. The District Board spent a sum of Rs. 27,816 on these famine relief works, and a further sum of Rs. 3,685 on works which, though not debited to famine relief, were specially sanctioned to meet the distress. Large public works were opened from March to July. The chief work carried out was the improvement of the Nagpur dak line road at a cost of Rs. 10,974. The collection of broken metal also provided considerable work, Rs. 12,279 being spent in this way. The total cost of the works was Rs. 50,603. The maximum number on works was 6,289 in June 1897. Gratuitous relief was also given to those who for various reasons were considered to be incapable of work. Relief was not given in the villages at the homes of the people, but lists of the deserving having been drawn up and thoroughly checked, weekly or daily tickets were given which entitled the recipients to certain doles from grain-shops established at 17 centres in the district. In this way 205,170 units were relieved at a cost of Rs. 20,978. In case of emergency patels were empowered to give relief in the villages. In addition dependents of workers were relieved at the works, 40,296 units in this way being relieved at a cost of Rs. 1,334. Six poor-houses were established in the district from the beginning of April, a total of 159,700 units being admitted to this form of relief at a total cost of Rs. 15,678. The total amount spent on gratuitous relief was Rs. 37,990. Throughout the district private charity was dispensed with most remarkable liberality. A grant of Rs. 5,000 was received from the Indian Famine Charitable Relief Fund and about Rs. 19,000 were collected in the district. The cheap grain-shops have already been referred to. In many of the large towns and villages, notably in the Malkapur taluk, there was a daily distribution of ghuger, plain boiled juari, and immense numbers of the poor received help in this way. Clothing was also distributed by private gentlemen. A sum of Rs. 29,798 was advanced under the Land Improvement Loans Act. and Rs. 2,169 under the Agriculturists' Loans Act. Although special instructions were issued providing for suspension of revenue in necessary cases, very little advantage was taken of the concession. The cultivators preferred to pay, and in November 1897 a balance of Rs. 19,068 only remained for collection out of a demand of Rs. 11,58,937. To sum up, relief measures lasted till 31st October 1897 and during the period the highest number of persons to whom assistance was given in one day was 126,381 on the second Saturday of July 1897, which is equal to 26.27 per cent of the total population of the district. The total expenditure on relief was nearly 1½ lakhs.''

The Famine of 1899-1900.—"The harvests of 1897-98 and 1898-99 were both above the average, and at the beginning of the rains of 1899-1900 the outlook was favourable. The monsoon began in June with a fall of 6 inches 10 cents. The kharif sowings were almost up to normal. 800,893 acres being sown as against an average of 820,274. After June the rainfall was quite inadequate, the fall in July being 2.62 inches, in August 1.52 inches, and in September 1.36 inches. Alter September no more rain fell, and the total rainfall was only 12.27 inches as against an average of 33 inches. The kharif crop withered away, and little or no spring crops could be sown. The loss caused to the district by this failure of rains was enormous. The normal outturn of the principal food crops, juari and wheat, in the preceding ten years had been 15 lakhs of maunds: the outturn of 1899-1900 is estimated to have been only 414 maunds, and the money loss represented by this difference is calculated at Rs. 33¾ lakhs. The failure of the crops caused the prices of food-grains to rise by leaps and bounds. Shortly before the famine, juari was cheaper than it had been for many years, and in June 1899 it was selling at 36 seers a rupee. By the 15th September it had risen to 16 seers, and by the end of that month to 10 seers. After that it fluctuated from 9 to 7 seers till the following October, reaching its maximum in June, July and August. "

Flood of 1959,—There were heavy iloods in this district during the year 1959. On the 29th and 30th August 1959. the rivers Man. Purna, and Nalganga were flooded due to excessive rains. Moreover, there were heavy rain ranging from 9 inches to 20 inches between 13th and 15th September 1959 in various parts of the district and the rivers Nalganga, Purna, Penganga, Dhamna, Khadak-Purna, Man. Unad and Dnyanganga were in floods.

In all 330 villages and 7 towns were affected by the floods, covering an area of 63 square miles and a population of one lakh. In this flood 43 human lives were lost as also 2,552 heads of cattle and the approximate loss suffered was estimated at Rs. 1.86.000. In all 9,118 houses were damaged or destroyed or collapsed. Estimated loss to houses and household properties was Rs. 26,78,887.

The total loss suffered on private and Government accounts excluding that sustained by the farmers amounted to Rs. 29,76,687.

Crops were damaged over an area of 43,910 acres and the value of the loss was estimated at Rs. 43,46,474.

Relief Measures.— The affected people were rescued and brought to safer places wherever possible, some were temporarily housed in sarais, school buildings and other community places in the neighbouring towns and were also given free food for 8 to 10 days until they could be sent back to their respective villages. Temporary shelters were also erected in some villages where people could not go back to their houses. In addition arrangements were made to organise community kitchens and clothes and cash were distributed to the sufferers. An amount of Rs. 6,11,050 was distributed immediately after the flood as gratuitous relief to the flood sufferers for purchase of food, clothing and utensils, etc. In addition cash subsidy amounting to Rs. 2,80,650 was distributed to the flood sufferers for construction or repairs to their damaged houses. Moreover material such as bamboo, ballies and galvanised corrugated iron sheets were distributed valued at Rs. 2,84,300.

An amount of Rs. 18,83,000 was distributed to the flood affected agriculturists, under Land Improvement Loans Act, 1883 and Agriculturists Loans Act, 1884, as ordinary tagai loans. Moreover, non-agricultural loans amounting to Rs. 1,80,410 were distributed for construction of houses which were damaged by floods to the non-agriculturists who were affected during the floods of 1959-60. During the year 1959-60 the suspension of land revenue amounting to Rs. 12,88,805 and remission of Rs. 3,664 were granted. In the same year 4,824 quintals of wheat seed, 2,763 quintals of gram-seed, 105 quintals of rabi jowar and 5 quintals of kardi were distributed as tagai loans. The cost of the distributed seeds was about Rs. 2,25,000.

Donations amounting to Rs. 61,415 in cash and Rs. 63,770 in kind were received from public and private bodies. Grains, food and clothes amounting to Rs. 63,770 and Rs. 30,000 in cash were immediately distributed to the poor and needy flood sufferers.

During the flood of 1959 in all 72 village sites were shifted to the new gaothan sites. Government. land in 12 villages and private land in 60 villages was made available for the purpose. The layouts were prepared and plots were allotted to the sufferers of 57 villages.

Flood of 1961,—Continuous rains were received all over Bul-dhana District in the first and second week of September 1961. There were floods from 7th September 1961 to 10th September 1961 and again from 14th to 17th September in the belt of Purna river which passes through this district in Khamgaon, Jalgaon and Malkapur tahsils.

In all 288 villages and 3 towns were affected by floods during the year 1961 covering an area of 23,995 acres, and a population of 5,138. In this flood two human lives and nine cattle heads were lost and the approximate value of the loss amounted to Rs. 1,360. 196 houses were partly damaged by floods and 28 houses collapsed. The estimated value of the damages to houses was Rs. 37,172. The total loss other than the loss sustained by crops amounted to Rs. 46,532. Two bridges collapsed during the floods, one on Nandura-Jalgaon road on Purna river and the other on Motala-Nandura road on Vishwaganga river.

Crops in 18.954 acres were damaged and the value of the loss to the crops was estimated at Rs. 15,24.720.

Measures Taken.—The villagers on the banks of the rivers were alerted by the Revenue officers during the floods. Necessary relief was granted to the flood sufferers and a sum of Rs. 2,190 was distributed as gratuitous relief: 450 bailies valued at Rs. 1,000 and 150 galvanised corrugated iron sheets on cash payment were distributed; Rs. 2,64,000 were distributed to the flood affected agriculturists as loan under Agriculturists Loans Act, 1883 and Land Improvement Loans Act. 1884: Rs. 41,465 were distributed to the non-agriculturists for construction of their damaged houses. Suspension of land revenue amounting to Rs. 3,46,265 and remission of Rs. 21,603 was granted by the State Government during 1961-62.

Scarcity of 1959-60.—During the year 1959-60 there were excessive and untimely rains and the river Purna, running through Malkapur, Khamgaon. and Jalgaon tahsils of Buldhana district was heavily flooded. The crops on either side of the river were washed away from Jalgaon, Malkapur and Khamgaon tahsils.

281 villages as detailed below were affected by the conditions akin to scarcity due to the complete failure of kharif crops in following three tahsils: —

There were no cases of human death or migration.

Relief Measures.—Scarcity relief operations, such as execution of test scarcity works in the affected areas were not taken up as there was no necessity to start any test scarcity works. However, works under seasonal un-employment scheme were in progress to remove the distress of the agricultural labourers.

During the year 1959-60 three road works were taken up under seasonal un-employment scheme and the total expenditure incurred was Rs. 83,000.

Similarly, 10 road works, 4 metal breaking camps and repairs to tanks were taken up to provide employment to labourers in 1960-61. In all 67,866 labourers were engaged on the works during the year 1960-61. The total expenditure incurred was Rs. 1,33,734.

Though Government declared scarcity in 281 villages of Jalgaon, Khamgaon and Malkapur tahsils in this district due to heavy rains and high floods to Purna river, no scarcity of grass was reported by this district either to Commissioner or Government. However, some fodder was earmarked for this district as a precautionary measure. Accordingly 14,664 pounds of grass was received in this district just before the commencement of monsoon. This quantity of grass was not in demand due to the availability of local grass at a cheaper rate than the imported one. Hence the entire quantity was sold to the Agricultural Development Officer, Buldhana, to avoid damage.

Floods from 1962 to 1968.—There were no heavy floods from 1962 to 1968 in this district and no damage on large scale was caused. There were also no cyclones in this district. However, there were hail storms in this district during 1967-68.

Hail Storm.—Hail storms of light intensity swept part or Mehkar tahsil in the last week of February, 1968 and Chikhli and Khamgaon tahsils in the first week of March 1968. Wheat and bagayat crops on 3,410 acres of land valued at Rs. 7,36,095 were damaged in 75 villages of these tahsils. The cultivators who suffered loss were granted tagai loans to the tune of Rs. 50,000.

Scarcity of 1965-66.—Only 53 millimetres of rainfall was received during June 1965 and this delayed the sowing operations and thereby sowing and germination of cotton and groundnut was affected. Regular monsoon commenced from 14th July 1965 and was fairly well spread till the end of August 1965. The monsoon, however, withdrew from the month of September during which only 28 millimetres of rain was received in the district. There was no rainfall at all during the month of October 1965.

This resulted in the failure of crops and consequent un-employment amongst the agricultural labourers. Naturally test scarcity works to provide employment to agricultural labourers were started.

Area and population effected.—The existence of scarcity conditions in 1,291 villages out of 1,362 villages was declared by the Government. Out of a total populatios of 10,59,689, 9,28,620 people were affected. They were mostly agriculturists and agricultural labourers. The degree of distress was very acute because there was almost no work for agricultural labourers from the month of September 1965.

Cause of Scarcity.—The cause of the scarcity was withdrawal of monsoon from the month of September, 1965, and failure of rains during October, 1965. The average outturn of this district was below 4 annas. 569 villages had annewari below 4 annas and in 722 villages the annewari was between 4 and 6 annas. There were no cases of death or migration due to conditions of scarcity. Details of relief measures taken by Government, public and private bodies were as follows—

Relief Measures.-Scarcity Works: The scarcity works taken up were as under:—

Distribution of Cash doles: An amount of Rs. 30,000 for distribution of gratuitous relief and for improved water-supply was received. A sum of Rs. 14,684 was distributed as gratuitous relief to the persons eligible under paragraph 155 of Bombay Scarcity Manual (Draft) and Rs. 2,635 were distributed for improvement of water-supply. On receipt of Government orders that gratuitous relief should be distributed in kind in full, gratuitous relief was given in the shape of wheat atta. The total quantity distributed was 35 tonnes of wheat and 40 tonnes of wheat atta. Government also supplied 243 tonnes and 733 kg of skim milk powder for distribution to children between the age-group 0—14 and to nursing and expectant mothers. Similarly, 33,000 vitamin tablets received from the Indian Red Cross Society were distributed to the above category of persons. Nine cartons of macaroni were received for distribution to the labourers on the metal breaking camps and tank works. The stock of 22 tonnes of dried peas, 286 tonnes of wheat, 90 tonnes of wheat atta was also received for distribution in this scarcity area. 390 bags of Russian biscuits were also distributed to the children in the age-group of 0—14 years.

Consequent on the failure of crops, an amount of Rs. 55.00 lakhs was distributed by the Revenue Department by way of taccavi to the eligible persons. Similarly, in order to give a fillip to the rabi campaign, an amount of Rs. 49.43,395 was distributed by the Land Mortgage and Co-operative Central Banks for construction and repairs to wells and for lift irrigation. The Zilla Parishad, Buldhana, also supplied 323 oil engines and 14 motor pumps to help rabi crop campaign. As a result of the intensive drive launched an additional area of 42,000 acres was brought under the special rabi crop campaign and the yield derived from this area proved very encouraging.

On account of failure of crops, the question of granting relief in the matter of repayment of Government dues was also taken up and the following concessions were granted to the cultivators:—

Distribution of free food, clothing, fodder, seed and cattle etc.: In addition to above, the Forest department opened cattle camps at 8 places in the district. The Forest department further extended concession of free grazing to the agriculturists on account of failure of crops. Adequate supplies of grazing grass to the extent of 500 tonnes was ensured and an amount of Rs. 4,800 was also distributed by way of fodder taccavi in kind to the cultivators. Five water tankers were also supplied for carrying drinking water from water sources to the villages.

Scarcity of 1967-68.— During the year 1967-68 scarcity condition was declared in 102 villages of Malkapur tahsil and 77 villages of Khamgaon tahsil. The number of persons affected by scarcity was 41,656 and 1.12,095 in Malkapur and Khamgaon tahsils, respectively.

Five Scarcity road works were taken up to provide employment to the labourers.

Distribution of gift articles.—The following gifts were received and distributed to affected persons: —

1968-69 and 1969-70.—There were conditions akin to scarcity in 151 villages of Malkapur tahsil in 1968-69 and 1969-70. Government declared full suspension in land revenue in 12 villages of the tahsil. However, no special measures were taken as the scarcity was not acute. The loss to crops was estimated at ahout Rs. 21,843. Three villages in Chikhli tahsil were affected by floods during the same years. Floods affected 2,822 families, and the loss due to the flood included cattle, houses, shops, school buildings, etc.

1970-71.—Conditions of acute scarcity prevailed in 1970-71 due to scarcity of rains. The estimated loss due to failure of crops was 10,59,698 persons. The estimated loss due to failure of crops was to the tune of Rs. 5.87 crores. As a part of famine relief, 243 relief works were undertaken which provided employment to 27,076 persons per day. The total expenditure incurred by Government on the relief works was Rs. 18,85,187. The concession of full suspension of land revenue was granted to 1,363 villages and tagai loans amounting to Rs. 8,91,570 were distributed under the Agriculturists Loans Act.

1971-72.—During the year 1971-72, the condition of famine and scarcity was declared in 1,363 villages which were distributed as under: Jalgaon 214, Malkapur 278, Khamgaon 231, Chikhli 289 and Mehkar 351. The population affected was 10,59,698. The number of relief works undertaken was 973 and the expenditure incurred on the same was Rs. 2,24,72,914. The concession of full suspension in land revenue was granted to 655 villages, and tagai amounting to Rs. 69,90,000 was distributed under Agriculturists Loans Act.

1972-73.—During 1972-73, the condition of famine and scarcity was declared in 1,250 villages in the district which were distributed as under: Chikhli 289, Malkapur 243, Jalgaon 139, Khamgaon 228 and Mehkar 251. The famine affected 11,30,973 persons. About 941 relief works were undertaken and 1,22,999 persons were employed in them. The expenditure incurred on them was Rs. 1,93,70,276. The concession of full suspension in land revenue was granted to 975 villages.

Locusts during 1960.—The first batch of the locust swarm made its entry in Jalgaon tahsil of this district in the afternoon of 27th September 1960 and left this district in the forenoon of 29th September 1960 after affecting three tahsils, viz., Jalgaon, Khamgaon and Mehkar. The swarm had settled on the night of 27th at village Parkhed and other adjoining villages of Khamgaon tahsil. On the night of 28th September 1960 the swarm had settled at village Sultanpur and its vicinity in Mehkar tahsil. On the following morning that is on 29th September 1960 the swarm left Buldhana district making its entry in Partur tahsil of Par-bhani district. The second batch of the swarm entered Buldhana district on 3rd October 1960 and settled in villages Dahegaon. Chinchkhed and Wadji of Malkapur tahsil. After crossing a distance of about 40 miles, the swarm took shelter in 'C class forests of Kawadgaon in Khamgaon tahsil on the night of 4th October 1960. The batch left Buldhana district in the afternoon of 5th October 1960 and headed towards Akola district. The third batch like the second one arrived from the direction of Bodwad in Jal-gaon district and settled on the night of 5th October 1960 in villages Sindkhed, Lapali and Ridhora of Malkapur tahsil. In the forenoon of 6th October 1960, it proceeded towards east and settled during the night after crossing a distance of about 20 miles at Taroda in ' A ' class forest in Malkapur tahsil. This batch had three more night halts in this district, one at Harni forest in Chikhli tahsil on the night of 7th October 1960 and two consecutive halts at villages Ghatbori, Iswi and Gohegaon of Mehkar tahsil on the nights of 8th and 9th October 1960, respectively. In the afternoon of 10th October 1960 the swarm entered Washim tahsil and was divided into two batches.

The fourth batch which was a part of the swarm which had entered Washim tahsil came back from Chikhli, Kolwad and Wanoja side of Washim tahsil and settled during the night of 13th October 1960 in the villages of Hirdao, Ardao and Wadao towards the west of Lonar, Deulgaon, Pangra and Ambhora of Mehkar tahsil. It left Buldhana district in the forenoon of 14th October 1960. There was no further entry of any locust swarm in this district.

Area and Population affected: Locust swarm appeared in all the five tahsils, viz., Jalgaon, Khamgaon, Malkapur, Chikhli and Mehkar of Buldhana district. They passed over 177 villages in the district and rested and settled at twelve places in the district. The area from 177 villages was partially affected. Crops over an area of 11,631 acres were damaged as shown below:—

Relief Measures: The first measure taken was of wide publicity and of alerting the people in the district by issue of leaf-lets containing suitable instructions and by propaganda on the loud-speakers in the area threatened by locust invasion. The entire Government machinery dealing with publicity and propaganda was utilised for this purpose and every care was taken to see that all villages in the district know about the locust: invasion and become conversant With the indigent measures like creating smoke, beating drums and burning by mashals to combat the locust menace.

The entire Government machinery was mobilised and jeeps and other vehicles were requisitioned for swift movement of the equipment and locust fighting squads from place to place.

The squad consisting of about 150 persons was organised including the gramsevaks, trainees of the Gramsevaks Training Centre, Patwari Training Centre, officials of the Agriculture department, mechanics trained in handling the power dusters and officers of the Agricultural and Revenue departments. The squad was headed by the District Agricultural Officer and one Executive Officer of the rank of Deputy Collector.

The dusting equipments available in the district were pooled and some power equipments were obtained from the Plant Protection Officer, Amravati. and some were taken on loan from the Collector, Jalgaon. The district squad had in its possession 110 hand dusters, 10 power dusters, two of which were of a major size which could be used by mounting them on open jeeps or bullock carts. There were four flame throwers also. Adequate stocks of B.H.C. 10% were built up.

Dusting was a common measure adopted at all the places where-ever the swarm had settled in the district. No batch of locust was allowed to rest without effective dusting with 10% B.H.C. Making smoke and burning of the locust by mashals were also commonly used in all the places visited by the locusts. There was not a single stoppage of the locusts which was not attacked by the district squad by power dusters, hand dusters and other indigenous methods. In addition to the above ground operations which consisted both of mechanical and chemical methods, an air-craft of the Central Government was also utilised for aerial spraying for killing the swarms in areas round about Motala and Dhamangaon in Malkapur tahsil and near Dongaon in Mehkar tahsil.

Full co-operation was rendered by the general public in fighting the locust menace. Measures like making smoke, using mashals and heating of drums were primarily undertaken by the villagers and the general public.

Field to field enquiry was made in order to assess the extent of damage caused by the locusts. Tagai loans were distributed to the deserving persons as an immediate relief.

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