BANKING TRADE AND COMMERCE

EXPORT TRADE

The export [Export refers to the commodities sent from this district to other districts either in the State or other States. District is the most convenient geographical unit for the purpose of a District Gazetteer and hence this usage.] trade from this district is mainly composed of rice. salt, firewood charcoal, timber, decorative articles, coconuts and betel-nuts.

Rice.

Kolaba has been proverbially known as a granary of rice. Of the total production of 10 lakh tons of rice in the State, Kolaba shares more than a sixth part. The exportable surplus of rice is considerable. In the days of the rationing of foodgrains a large proportion of rice was procured from this district. Kolaba used to cater to not less than ten per cent, of the requirements of the State. With subsequent improvements in the conditions of production and adoption of the Japanese method of paddy cultivation, the out-turn of rice has increased to a large extent and so has an exportable surplus of rice also.

Rice is mainly exported from Panvel, Pen, Mangaon, Mahad, Roha and Karjat. More than half of the rice exported is destined for Bombay. Rest of it is sent to Poona, Ratnagiri and Satara. The general commission agents purchase rice from the rice millers and send it to the respective outside markets. They either purchase on their own or negotiate the transactions on behalf of the bigger merchants at Bombay.

During the year ending 31st March 1957, 30,864 maunds of rice was exported from Neral by rail to Bombay, Kalyan, and Poona; 6,044 maunds from Karjat to Pandharpur, Poona and Barsi and 6,482 maunds from Khopoli to Raichur and Bombay. The statistics regarding quantity exported by road transport are not available. The Bombay-Konkan-Goa and Alibag-Khopoli state highways and the Bombay-Poona National Highway are the main arteries of export trade. All the important centres of rice trade are touched by these roads. Export of rice by water routes is also not negligible.

Salt.

Since the 19th century and before salt has been an important commodity of export from Kolaba. In 1874 Alibag, Pen, Washi and Roha were the prominent centres of salt trade. In 1880-81 about 22,151 tons of salt was produced at the pans nearabout Pen. In the meantime, importance of Pen as an exporting centre of salt declined. Of late, however, it has regained its importance. The production and the amount exported have actually exceeded previous performance.

At present the important exporting centres are Pen, Mora and Uran. More than 40 lakh maunds of salt valued at about Rs. 40 lakhs are exported annually. Khopoli being the nearest railway station, salt from Pen is exported mostly from there. During the year ending 31st March 1957, 1,25,182 maunds of salt was exported from Khopoli railway station to Barsi, Latur, Nanded, Parbhani, Sholapur, Pandharpur, etc. From Uran and Mora it is sent in vessels to Bombay and Ratnagiri. A large quantity of salt is sent to Kalyan, from where it is redistributed by railways to distant markets.

Vegetables.

Vegetables are produced on a commercial scale in the district. Panvel, Pen, Uran and Alibag are the prominent centres of assembling vegetables. Proximity of the Bombay market acts as great encouragement to the production of vegetables. All the stock is sent to Bombay for marketing. The vegetables are trans-ported in motor trucks from Panvel and Pen, while vessels serve as means of transport for the vegetables sent from Uran and Alibag.

It is a usual practice of the vegetable growers to take the produce to Bombay market for sale by themselves or by their agents. Sale by open auction is not prevalent. The sales are effected by secret methods. The system is known as 'hattya' system. The dalals of the sellers and buyers execute the bargain by touching the fingers with secret signs under cover of a piece of cloth. The producers of vegetables are confronted with numerous difficulties regarding marketing of the produce. The cost of transport and damages in transit are very high. The cost of transport per trip of a truck from Panvel and Pen to Bombay is about Rs. 50 to Rs. 65 and Rs. 60 to Rs. 75, respectively.

The following statement shows the average annual quantity of the vegetables sent from Panvel, Pen, Uran and Alibag to Bombay: -

TABLE No. 18

Other Exports.

In addition to the commodities enumerated above there are many others which arc exported in smaller quantities but still have commercial importance. Large quantities of fish are sent to Bombay Crawford Market from Revdanda, Rewas, Murud, Shri-wardhan, Karanja and Uran. The fishermen (kolis) who are engaged in the trade bring fish in launches and machwas to Bombay. Dry fish is brought to Sewn (Bombay) from where it is redistributed. Charcoal and firewood are sent from Karjat to Kalyan and Bombay. Raw mangoes (kairis) are sent to Bombay mainly from Mahad. Shriwardhan, Murud and Panvel. In the vicinity of Panvel a large quantum of vegetables, e.g., chillies, tomato, val, cabbage (kobi), coriander, gram (harbara), brinjals (wangi), gowar, lady's lingers (bhendi). gourds, pumpkins, etc., are produced in the rabi season and sent mainly to Bombay.

Among the exportable articles, pohas (rice flakes) constitute an important item. Bombay, Poona and Sholapur are the chief markets. The 'nylon' points of Pen have come to be regarded as a delicacy and fetch better prices. Some people earn their livelihood by preparing beautiful images of the God Ganapati and others. These images and other artistic productions like decorative articles and toys are sent in boxes far and wide all over the country. Grinding stones and wheels are also exported on a large scale.

Apta leaves which are collected from the forests in Kolaba district are sent in large quantities to Nipani and the tobacco-producing areas of Gujarat and Saurashtra. These leaves are used in the manufacture of bidis.

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