The Gazetteers Department

Institutional finance and the establishment of commercial as well as co-operative banks have a very important bearing on the development of industries, agriculture, trade and business activity of a district. On account of the recent money-lending legislation imposing controls and strict regulations on the business of money-lending, agriculturists and craftsmen find it difficult to get credit facilities from private money-lenders. Being hard pressed by financial difficulties their activities are sometimes handicapped. It has, therefore, become almost imperative to provide them with institutional credit at the right time. Commercial and co-operative banking agencies should be encouraged to establish new branches and expand activities in this district. Co-operative credit is quite suitable to the needs of the farmers and owners of small industries. Hence, expansion and intensification of the co-operative movement should be encouraged. This will give rise to higher productivity of agriculture, and small industrial establishments. The co-operative sale societies will also facilitate the Profitable marketing of their produce. A fair degree of progress in this respect has been achieved during the last few years.

In the interests of agricultural prosperity, the cultivator should be assured fair returns for his produce. He should be protected from the malpractices prevailing in an uncontrolled system of marketing. The need for the formation of organised and con-trolled markets for agricultural produce was stressed both by the Royal Commission on Indian Agriculture (1927-1928) and the Central Banking Enquiry Committee. The recommendation of the Royal Commission was implemented in the former Hyderabad State by passing the Agricultural Markets Act of 1339 Fasli (1930 A.D.). In pursuance of this enactment, the first regulated market in Bhir district was established at Parali-Vaijnath. Subsequently regulated markets were established at Bhir, Ambejogai, Georai, Manjlegaon, Dharur, Kaij and Patoda.