AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

VEGETABLES

The following table gives the area under vegetables in 1956-57.

TABLE No. 33

AREA IN ACRES UNDER VEGETABLES IN EACH TALUKA OF JALGAON DISTRICT IN 1956-57.

TABLE No. 33 - continued

The following are the roots and tubers grown in the district.

Kanda.

Kanda (onion) is grown all over the district and taken on a comparatively large scale in Erandol and Amalner talukas. The district grows both the varieties, viz., the red one and the white one. Onion is taken in the black soil. The land is ploughed to a depth of 6"-7". The clods are broken and pulverised and seedbeds made firm. Seeds are sown on raised seed-beds in October and November. The seedlings get ready in about four to five weeks' time. Irrigation is given just before transplanting the seedlings, at a distance of 4"-5" in rows and 9" apart. The crop requires standing water in the plot at the time of transplanting. Ten to twelve lbs. of seed per acre are required for producing bulbs and 3.000 lbs. of bulbs per acre are required for the production of seed. The bulbs are ready to lift in about three months from transplanting. The seed is ready for harvest in about four to eight months from transplanting. The seed is well-dried in the sun and preserved. About 800 to 1,000 lbs. of seed are obtained per acre. The yield of onion bulbs amounts to about 7,000 lbs. per acre. The onion bulbs and young leaves are both used as a vegetable.

Ratale.

Ratale (sweet potato). The cultivation of this crop was localised in Amalner, Bhusawal and Yawal talukas in 1956-57. Usually, ratale is grown during the cold season. However, as an irrigated crop' it can be taken at any time during the year. After a thorough preparation of land, the crop is propagated by cuttings. The cuttings with three nodes are planted on the sides of ridges. About a hundred vines per acre are required from which cuttings are made. The stems which throw out roots at each node are repeatedly lifted clear from the ground and turned over to prevent the formation of small tubers. One or two weedings and waterings, if required, are done. The crop matures in 5-5½ months time. The leaves of the vine turn yellow and drop off. The produce is dried in the sun for a week, before it is taken to market. The tubers are dried and made into chips and flour. The vines are fed to cattle.

Mula.

Mula (radish) is grown usually in any season, ft is also taken as a mixed crop with other vegetables. During hot season, frequent irrigations at an interval of 5 to 6 days are given. The roots get ready in 4 to 5 weeks for pulling out. They are pulled out early in the morning, cleaned with water and tied into bundles for being kept in the market. The roots, leaves and pods are used as vegetable.

Gajar

Gajar (carrot) is grown usually on light soils in rabi season. The crop is ready in three months from the time of sowing. During the first two months, the crop is watered every ten days. In the third month, roots begin to ripen and watering is stopped. The roots are removed from the soil and cleaned. They are used as vegetable and the leaves are fed to cattle.

Goradu.

Goradu (Yam) is usually taken as- a mixed crop. The land is ploughed in hot weather and farm-yard manure is applied at the time of preparing the land. Sets are cut from old roots in blocks with the outer skin intact. The pieces are planted by keeping the skin on sides or facing upwards. Planting is done in May. The creepers are supported on tall bamboos and irrigated, as required. The yams get ready in December. They may be dug out. as and when required. Harvesting is continued till the end of March or April.

In the following paragraphs are described the green vegetables grown in this region:—

Bhendi

Bhendi (lady's finger) is grown almost everywhere throughout the year. There are two varieties, viz., early (gari) and late (hati). The plant of the early type is 2 feet tall and capsules are thin, long and smooth. In the case of the late variety, the height is seven feet and the capsules are thick, short and prickly. The fruit is used as vegetable and the leaves are used as fodder.

Vangi.

Vangi (brinjal) is taken both as a rain-fed and an irrigated crop and requires considerable manurial treatment. Usually, it is taken on river banks and in gardens. The Faizpuri variety is popular in rhis district. Seeds are sown in nursery beds in June and the seedlings are transplanted 4 to 5 weeks afterwards. The plant begins to bear fruit in October and continues to do so for the next four months, if irrigation is given occasionally.

Welvangi.

Welvangi (tomato) is grown on medium-black soils. Nearly half of the acreage under this crop remained with Parola taluka alone. Recently, this crop has become quite popular in the district. Seeds are first sown in well-prepared and heavily manured nursery beds and the seedlings are transplanted after 3 to 4 weeks. Though the crop can be taken at any time of the year, the June crop yields are the best. The seed rate amounts to about 6 to 8 ounces per acre. The land is laid into ridges and furrows three feet apart and the seedlings are transplanted three feet apart in each row on the sides of the ridge. Two seedlings are put at each place. Irrigation is given immediately after transplanting and at intervals of 8 to 10 days, when there is no rain. Top-dressing with groundnut cake or ammonium sulphate is beneficial. The crop gets ready in about 2½ to 3 months. Fruits are harvested, when they arc fairly ripe and get a reddish tinge. The harvesting operation continues for about two months.

Kobi.

Kobi (cabbage) is grown during cool winters in such places where the soil is sandy loam or a clay loam. The seeds are sown in well-prepared nursery beds in August and the seedlings transplanted in September. The crop matures after 3 to 4 months. During rhis period 8 to 9 waterings are given. Top-dressing of oil-cake and sulphate of ammonia is also given one month after transplanting. As the heads get ready, they are harvested by hand. Cabbage leaves are fed to the cattle, while the heads are used as a vegetable.

Among other vegetables grown in the district are kalingad (water melon), dodka (ridge gourd), dudhya bhopla (bottle gourd), karle (bitter gourd), padwal (snake gourd), kakdi (cucumber), etc. Most of the varieties are sometimes taken as border crops and at times as garden crops.

The following leafy vegetables are also grown: —

Methi.

Methi (fenugreek) is grown in abundance. Amalner taluka being the biggest producer. It is grown in garden lands at any time of the year. The crop is ready for cutting in about 4 to 5 weeks. The leaves and tender shoots are used as a vegetable

Other leafy Vegetables.

Among other leafy vegetables grown here arc pokla (amaranthus blitum). chuka (rumex vcsicaris, L), landulja (amaranthus deracens, L). pudina (mint), chakvat (chenopodiumalbum, L), etc.

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