AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

FAMINES

The oldest scarcity of which local memory remains was the famine of 1803. The distress caused by want of rain and failure of crops was increased by the influx of starving people from the Deccan. Great numbers are said to have died and children are said to have been sold for food. The price of husked rice rose to about three end a half pounds per rupee (Rs. 400 a khandi), and of cleaned rice to two pounds per rupee (one rupee per seer). But a great fall in prices followed the timely import of Bengal rice into Bombay. To relieve the distress, entire remissions of rent during the periods varying from eight months to two years were granted, private doles of food were distributed, State granaries were opened, the export of rice was forbidden and payments were made for burning and burying the dead.

1817-18

In 1817-18, there was a great scarcity of food approaching to a famine. Rich natives distributed food and remissions to the extent of from one-sixth to one-tenth were granted. As the scarcity was not attended with loss of life and lasted only a year, no Government relief measures were resorted to.

1848

In 1848, in the old Sankshi division, part of the salt rice crop was damaged by unusually high spring tides. Remissions were granted to the amount of Rs. 37,750.

1852.

In 1852, continued heavy rain from the 7th to the 12th of December damaged grain and other produce stacked in the fields.

1854

In 1854, an exceedingly good harvest was the outcome of a most favourable rainfall. But, on the 1st of November, a terrible hurricane completely destroyed every sort of field produce whether standing or stacked. In the garden lands of Underi and Revdanda, the cocoanut and betel-nut plantations suffered very severely. Many trees were either blown down or were so much injured as to be made valueless. Many water courses were damaged and the distress among the people was such that remissions of more than Rs. 12,000 were granted.

1855.

In 1855, the rainfall was scanty all over the district and more than Rs. 10,000 of revenue had to be remitted.

1871.

In 1871, there was a serious drought particularly in Mahad and Mangaon, the rainfall in Alibag being only forty inches. Private subscriptions were raised in the district and the Government gave money advances to poor husbandmen.

1875.

In July 1875, floods on the banks of the Savitri did much damage in Mahad and early in October, in Roha, Mangaon and Mahad.

1876.

In July 1876, floods did damage in Mahad, and in September-October, want of rain destroyed about half the upland crops in Mahad and injured those in Mangaon.

1878.

In 1878-79, the cold weather crops were much damaged by locusts.

1951.

Henceforward, the period till 1951 passed without a famine or scarcity conditions. In 1951, however, it re-appeared in a mild nature. The crop suffered long breaks in the monsoon as also from the damage by pest. The crop condition was eight annas in a rupee. Some famine works, were opened up in the district.

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