AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

CONDIMENTS AND SPICES

Condiments and spices are the important cash crops of the district. The total area under condiments and spices in 1961-62 was 10,264.860 hectares (25,365 acres). The principal condiments and spices are chillis, turmeric, coriander and garlic. These crops are generally grown as irrigated crops.

The following table shows the distribution of area under condiments and spices in the district from 1958-59 to 1961-62.

TABLE No. 25.

TALUKAWISE AREA UNDER CONDIMENTS AND SPICES IN SANGLI DISTRICT, 1958-59 TO 1961-62.

Area in hectares*

* Figures in brackets indicate area in acres.

TABLE No. 25—contd.

Area in hectares*

*Figures in brackets indicate area in acres.

Chillis.

Chillis (mirchi) occupied 5.836.381 hectares (14,422 acres) in 1961.62. The crop is grown almost all over the district. It can be grown on a wide range of soils and under different climatic conditions. The chilli crop can he raised in both the seasons, kharif as well as rabi. Generally chillis are to a large extent grown as a single crop. The seedlings are first raised in May in a manured seed-plot and transplanted after about a month. Usually the seedlings are planted in rows at a distance of about 0.457 m. (one and a half feet) around the plant. It begins to hear fruit within three months of its transplantation. Both, green as well as ripe chillis are picked. The picking of chillis goes on for three to five months. Thrips are a serious pest of the crop. They suck the sap of leaves and stems. The pest can be checked by spraying the crop with tobacco decoction.

Turmeric.

Turmeric (Halad) occupied 3,596.039 hectares (8,886 acres) in 1961-62 in the district. Turmeric is used as a. spice and also as a dye. The selected pieces of turmeric rhizomes having two or three buds are planted in a line at a distance of about 0.305 m (one foot), between the two plants. The crop is periodically irrigated. It is ready for harvesting after about ten months since plantation. The crop is uprooted. It is first boiled and then dried in the sun.

Coriander.

Coriander (kothimbir) occupied 521.235 hectares (1,288 acres) in 1961-62. The leaves of the seedlings are used as vegetables. The ripe seeds of coriander locally known as dhane possess medicinal properties. The crop is many a time grown as a mixed crop with groundnut. The seed is cither mixed with groundnut seed and' then drilled or sometimes it is drilled separately while drilling the main crop at a distance of about 0.914 m. (three feet) between the two rows. This method is locally known as mogane. The crop is ready for harvesting within three months.

Garlic.

Garlic (lasun) is grown in the district on a small scale. Usually it is grown as a single crop wherever irrigation facilities are available. The little bulbs arc separated and are broadcast in the beds specially prepared for irrigation. The bulbs are then lightly covered with soil. The crop is ready for harvesting within five to six months. The bulbs are uprooted either by hand or with a very light pick-axe.

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