AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

FAMINES

1396—1408, 1460, 1520,1629-30.

The earliest record [ The account of famine between 1396 to 1877 is taken with some changes fromGazetteer of the Bombay Presidency Vol. XIX, Satara, 1885 as major portion ofthe present Sangli district was included in the old Satara district.] of famine is the famous Durga Devi famine, which beiginning in 1396, is said to have lasted twelve years and to have spread all over India south of the Narmada. The districts were emptied of their people, and for upwards of thirty years, a very scanty revenue was ohtained from the territory between the Godavari and the Krishna.[Grant Duffs Marathas, P. 59.] The famine of 1460, which is known as the famine of Damaji Pant, is remembered over the greater part of the Deccan [ Col. E:heridge's Report on Past Famines, 99.]. In 1520, mainly owing to military disturbances, the crops in the Deccan were destroyed and a famine followed. [Col. Etheridge's Report on Past Famines, 100.] In 1629-30 a severe famine raged throughout the Deccan. The rains failed for two years causing a grievous loss of life [Elphinstone's History, 507.]. According to local opinion the famine of 1791-92 was the severest ever known. It seems to have come after a series of had years, when the evils of scanty rainfall were aggravated hy disturbance and war. The early rains failed. In October rain fell abundantly, and the famine was ended by a good harvest in the spring of 1792. In Satara, the rupee fetched only six pounds (3 shers) of Indian millet. The Government grained large remissions of revenue, the export of grain was forbidden, and the sale price was fixed. Rice was brought from Bengal to Bombay [Colonel Etheridge's Report on Past Famines, 55, 58, 96, 98, 122.].

1802-03

The famine of 1802-03 which came next in severity to the 1791-92 famine also pressed severely on Satara district. In 1802 rainfall was scanty, but in Satara the harvest would have been good or fair, but for the ravages of Yeshvantrao Holkar and his Pendharis who destroyed the early crops as they were coming to maturity and prevented the late crops being sown. This scarcity was followed by the failure of the late rains in 1803. The local loss and scarcity were increased by the intlpw of starving people from the districts of the North Deccan where the failure of rain was more complete than in Satara. The result was that the famine was almost as severe in Satara as in the North Deccan. The pressure was greatest in July and August 1804, and was so grievous that, according to local information, men lived on human flesh. Corn is said to have been sold at two pounds. (I sher) a rupee. About 25,000 strangers are said to have flocked into the town of Wai, in the hope of obtaining relief from the liberality of the Pant Prati-nidhi, Raste, and other wealthy families and no fewer than 10,000 persons are said to have died in the town of Wai alone. Abundance of water and plenty of grass, for the early rains (June—August 1803) had been abundant, did much to lighten the general distress [Colonel Etheridge's Report on Past Famines 76, 80, 87, 97.]. In 1824-25 a failure of the early rains caused considerable and widespread scarcity. In Satara Indian millet prices rose to twelve pounds (6 shers) the rupee. In 1862 a scanty fall of rain in the early part of the season caused widespread scarcity. Grain prices were so high that grain compensation was granted to all government servants whose monthly salaries were less than Rs. 200 [Colonel Etheridge's Report, 153.].

An account of famines in the former Sangli State is given below [The account of famine is taken from Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency Vol. XXIV, Kolhapur, 1886 PP. 334-35.]: —

"After 1801, from which year the former Sangli State dates its existence, no famine seems to have occurred till 1876-77. The scanty and badly distributed rainfall [ The rainfall in 1876 at Sangli was as follows: In June 4.32 inches, in July 4.30,in August 0.41, and in September 0.5, that is a total of 8.53 inches.] of 1876, eight inches at Sangli compared with an average of twenty-two inches, led to failure of crops and distress amounting to famine. In all the subdivisions the kharif crops withered everywhere except in plans near the Krishna where the river had flooded the country or where artificial irrigation was available. In the absence of autumnal rains no rabi crops could be grown except in the bagavat or garden lands. In the beginning much difficulty was fell in raising funds for opening relief works. The balance in the Slate treasury was small. Loans were raised from local bankers, but the. funds were soon exhausted. Application was made to the then British Government for an advance, but to continue the relief works, before the sanction of the Government of India could be obtained, small sums were from time to time advanced from the Kolhapur treasury. The Government of India sanctioned a loan of Rs. 9 lakhs to the ex-Sangli State to meet the famine. In the beginning of July 1877 the first part of the loan was paid and no further difficulty was felt as regards funds.

Relief-Works.

The rebel works consisted of making new roads and ponds, repairing old roads, clearing and repairing old wells and ponds. Owing to the want of a proper engineering staff the works were generally carried on a small-scale. The relief works cost Rs. 2,18,000 of which Rs. 1,16,620 were paid by the State and Rs. 1,01,380 from local funds.

Relief House.

In December 1876, a relief kitchen was opened at Sangli. It was started by private subscriptions and was aided by the state funds: in other places the relief houses cost Rs. 22,790 of which Rs. 18,870 were paid by the state and the remaining amount was raised by private subscriptions.

The following statement shows the average daily number of persons on relief works and the amount of cost: —

SANGLI FAMINE, 1876-77.

Compared with 1872 the 1881 census returns showed a decrease of 26,831 people, mostly due to the mortality during the- 1876-77 famine.

Cost.

The total cost of the famine was estimated at Rs. 2,43,970 of which Rs. 2,18,000 were spent on relief works, Rs. 18,870 on charitable relief, and Rs. 7,100 on special allowances to state servants. Adding to this Rs. 4,92,250 as loss by revenue the total amounted to Rs. 7,36,220. The loss by revenue included Rs. 1,72,320 as remissions on land revenue, Rs. 1,930 as remissions to farmers and contractors and Rs. 3,18,000 as the estimated loss in land revenue due to emigration.

The rainfall of 1877, though late and deficient at first, was in the end ample and the crops were generally good. In 1878 the season was favourable, but a plague of rats ate up almost every grain particularly in the eastern parts. Steps were taken to destroy the rats which were killed in thousands. But the destruction they caused led to much distress. In the next season in 1879 the plague disappeared. Since then the seasons have been generally favourable and the people have recovered from the famine."

The scanty and badly distributed rainfall of 1876, thirty-nine compared with an average of fifty inches, led to failure of crops and distress amounting to famine over about one-half of the district. [The estimate was in an area of 2,682 out of a total of 4,792 square miles, and in population 461,000 out of 1,062,350.] As rain held off, the early crops failed in the greater part of Tasgaon taluka. With high grain prices, millet at seventeen instead of thirty-five pounds per rupee and no demand for field work, the poorer classes fell into distress. The grain-dealers withheld their stores and no grain was offered for sale. As soon as the traders saw that government was ready to import grain they opened their shops and began to import on their own account. From December to March the pressure of distress was lighter as large supplies came into the district. In the hot months, with rising prices, the distress increased. The long period of dry weather in July and August forced grain prices still higher and caused much distress and suffering; but the plentiful and timely rainfall of September and October removed all cause of anxiety. By the close of November the demand for special Government help had ceased.

The following details show, month by month, the various phases through which distress passed and the measures taken to relieve it. In September 1876 rain held off so completely that people could not prepare their fields for the cold-weather crops. The early crops failed in the greater part of Khanapur and Tasgaon. In Khanapur and Tasgaon talukas, fodder was scarce and dear. Grain prices rose till about the end of the month. On 21st October showers fell at Tasgaon and Islampur.

The early crops continued to wither, while throughout the district, except the Shalu, the cold-weather crops were either not sown, or where sown were dying. Cattle were starving for want of fodder and they were heing sold at nominal prices or given away. In some places the crops were cut down for fodder. Grain import had not hegun and grain-dealers withheld their stores. Prices rose so high that the Collector thought it necessary to order grain from Bombay. Arrangements were also made with a Satara merchant to import grain for sale at a moderate profit. At Tasgaon, grain was so difficult to buy that the Collector sent fifty cart-loads of jvari from Satara. To help the import of grain, the municipal dues in Satara and Tasgaon were suspended. Great commotion and clamour prevailed, especially among the Mahars, Mangs and Ramoshis in Tasgaon and people began to leave the district. Thefts were frequent, and in Tasgaon, bands of the poorer classes assembled and demanded work. In the Collector's opinion, had nor the arrival of government grain forced the local dealers to bring forward their stores, their meetings would have turned into grain riots. To allay the disorder, local fund works, were opened, and, on the 17th Government placed a sum of Rs. 25.000 at the Collector's disposal for charitable, relief. In the south and east water was growing scarce. Grass and straw were very scarce, and in places even sugarcane was used for fodder. The grain ordered by the Collector arrived from Bombay through Chiplun. Its presence had a favourable effect and stimulated private imports of grain. To stimulate imports, treasury orders on Bombay and other large towns were given to traders at par, and it was proposed to remit tolls on grain carts. The rupee price of jvari rose from eighteen pounds at the beginning of the month to sixteen pounds towards the close, and that of bajri from twenty to seventeen pounds. There was much movement among the people, some leaving the district, others coming in large numbers from Jath, Mirai, Sangli and other neighbouring ex-states. Still as most land holders had reaped some small harvest and did not seek relief until their stock of grain was finished, the pressure on the works was not great, the daily number of labourers rising from 1,000 in the beginning of the month to 11,414 at the: close. Of 4,371, the average daily number for the month, 4,056 were able bodied, expected to do a full days work and superintended by public works officers, and 315 were aged or feeble, expected to do less than a full day's work and superintended by civif officers. [The original day's wages were for a man 2 as, for a woman 1½ as. and for a boy or girl one anna. About the middle of November a sliding scale was introduced providing that when prices rose over sixteen pounds the rupee, the money rate should vary with the price of grain and that a man should always receive theprice of one pound of grain in addition to one anna.] Early in the month meetings were held at Satara and Tasgaon, and relief committees were formed. On the 9th Rs. 2,000 out of the Gaikwad's grant of Rs. 10,000 were placed at the Collector's disposal to be spent on alms.

About the end of the month cholera made its appearance. December passed without rain and with no change in crop prospects. Grain import continued, and the rupee prices fell for jvari from eighteen pounds at the beginning of the month to 20½ pounds about the close, and for bajri from 17 to 19½ pounds. The scarcity of fodder was increasing and people were moving with lheir cattle to the Konkan. A mild form of cholera was prevalent.. The nutnher of the destitutes increased from 4,056 to 13,371 on public works and from 315 to 2,703 on civil works.

In January 1877 no rain fell. Grain import continued and the supply was sufficient. Jvari remained steady at twenty pounds the rupee, and bajri fell from 19½ to 20 pounds. The public health was good, except at Tasgaon, where, about the middle of the month, there was slight cholera. The numbers on relief increased, from 13,371 to 15,639 on public works and from 2,703 to 3,289 on civil works. The grain supply continued to be sufficient. The rupee fetched only 18½ pounds of bajri, 20 pounds of jvari. Cholera was prevalent and was increasing. The numbers on public works rose from 15,639 to 23,728; on civil works, in consequence of a reduction in pay in the civil works and of the transfer of workmen to public works, they fell from 3,289 to 178 [The new rates were, for man the price of one pound of grain and half anna instead of 1 anna; for a woman the price of one pound and 1/4 anna instead of half anna and for a boy or girl the price of half a pound of grain and quarter anna.]. During the months twenty-four persons were on charitable relief. Early in March rain fell over most of the district. The grain supply continued to be sufficient, the rupee fetched 18½ to 19 pounds of jvari. Emigration to Bombay and the Konkan continued. Cholera was prevalent and increasing, the numbers on relief rose from 23,728 to 26,539 on public works, on civil works from 178 to 239 and from 24 to 197 on charitable relief. During April some good showers especially in the south and south-east, improved the scanty water-supply. The rupee price of both jvari and bajri rose from nineteen pounds at the beginning of the month to seventeen pounds about the close. The number of the destitute rose on public works from 26,539 to 32,122, on civil works from 239 to 514, and on charitable relief from 197 to 645. The mortality from cholera continued heavy. Late in May good rain fell in Walwa and showers in Tasgaon. Emigrants were slowly returning. In Khanapur, the Mahars and Ramoshis were in great want, and grain was distributed to them at their homes [In June the Collector put a stop to this mode of relief, as it was opposed to the spirit of government orders.]". The supply of grain continued sufficient, but rupee prices rose, for jvari from seventeen to 15½ pounds and for bajri from seventeen to 16½ pounds. The scarcity of fodder was pressing hard, and the mortality among cattle was increasing. For the benefit of the infirm poor ten additional relief houses were established. Cholera continued prevalent and the mortality was heavy. The number of destitutes considerably increased, from 32,122 to 42,731 on public works, from 514 to 1,564 on civil works and from 645 to 1,833 on charitable relief. About the second week in June the eastern storms began. In Tasgaon on two consecutive clays about six inches of rain fell in torrents. At Walwa and other places the rains had steadily set in by the 22nd June. During the month an average of 10.81 inches fell. Emigrants were coining back, and about the middle of the month large numbers began leaving the relief works to return to their fields. The sowing of the early crops was begun and was rapidly progressing and in plates the young crops had begun to show. The supply of grain continued good, but rupee prices for bajri and jvari rose from 15½ and fifteen pounds at the beginning of the month to fourteen pounds towards the close. The people largely supplemented their food wiih green vegetables, which had now become plentiful, and in Walwa mango, jack, and other fruits could he had in abundance. In Walwa, the young grass was high enough to afford grazing for cattle and was finding its way to the markets. The numbers of relief fell, on public works from 47,849 at the beginning of the month to 41,046 about the close, and on civil works from 2,560 to 1,400 [For June the average daily number of the destitutes was, on public works 46,317,on civil works 2,214 and on charitable relief 3.768.].

The mortality from cholera continued heavy. Crop prospects continued good, bur in places more rain was badly wanted. Emigrants were still returning. Cart-rates from Tasgaon to Poona and back rose from ordinary rates of Rs. 16 to Rs. 35. and grain traffic in carts from Chiplun was stopped. This, joined to the break in the monsoon, raised grain prices for jvari from fourteen to 10⅝ pounds and for bajri from 14½ to 11⅛ pounds the rupee; on the 22nd, at Tasgaon, grain was sold at seven pounds the rupee. These high prices caused less distress than might have been expected, as vegetables could be had in abundance and were freely eaten, but the want of salt caused much disease, especially dysentery. Green grass was coming to market and fodder was much cheaper. The mortality from cholera continued heavy. The numbers on relief fell, from 46,377 to 28,632 on public works, from 2,214 to 806 on civil works and from 3,768 to 3,051 on charitable relief. In August there was an average fall of 7.37 inches. Except udid, mug and rala, which in parts were much damaged by the scanty fall of the previous month, the crops were generally in good order but in the east required more rain. The supply of grain continued fair. Rupee prices both for bajri and jvari remained steady at eleven pounds. Cholera continued prevalent but was decreasing. The numbers on relief works fell considerably, from 28,632 to 19,517 on public works and from 806 to 524 on civil works and they rose from 3,051 to 5,345 on charitable relief. In September there was a good and heavy fall of rain, averaging 10.53 inches. Crops were good. Cart traffic to Chiplun, which had been stopped, was again opened. Rupee prices fell, for bajri from twelve pounds at the beginning of the month of nineteen pounds about the close, and for jvari from 11½ to 17½ pounds. The condition of the people considerably improved. Cholera continued to decrease. The numbers on relief fell, on public works from 19,517 to 16,601 and on civil works from 524 to 494. On charitable relief they rose from 5,345 to 10,342. In October an average of 6.91 inches of rain fell. The sowing of the cold weather crops was in progress, but it was kept back by the heavy rain, which also in some places injured the ripe early crops. Grain prices fell, for jvari from nineteen pounds at the beginning of the month to twenty pounds about the close, and for bajri from 21½ to 24 pounds. The numbers on relief fell, on public works from 16,601 to 7,718, on civil works from 494 to 113, and on charitable relief from 10,342 to 7,113. Early in the month (6th) all civil agency works were closed. A mild type of cholera continued prevalent. In November there were a few showers in Walwa and Tasgaon. The harvesting of the early crops was nearly finished and rabi sowing was almost complete. During the month grain averaged 23¾ pounds of jvari and 29½ pounds of bajri per rupee. The numbers on public works fell from 2,755 about the beginning of the month to 469 at the end, when the works were closed. The numbers on charitable relief fell from 1,073 at the beginning of the month to 134 on the 24th. In the last week no one was relieved charitably. In December a few showers greatly benefited the cold-weather crops. Grain continued to grow cheaper, jvari falling to thirty-one and bajri to thirty-two pounds. No one took advantage of the Government offer to charitable relief.

Relief Houses.

Of twenty relief-houses or camps opened in the old Satara district between November 1876 and November 1877, the details of six such houses which were opened at the below mentioned places are given as under as these places are now included in the Sangli district. The buildings used for the relief houses were generally dharmshalas or rest houses, Chavdis or village offices, and temples. The relief house at Tasgaon was opened on the 16th of November 1876 and was closed on the 1st of November 1877; at a cost of Rs. 16,237 it relieved a monthly average of ninety-four men, sixty women, and eighty children. The relief house at Islampur reservoir in Walwa was opened in February 1877 and closed on 30th of September; at a cost of Rs. 1,591, it relieved 17,472 persons in all or a monthly average of 2,184. The relief-house at Peth in Walwa was opened on the 14th May 1877 and closed on the 30th of June; at a total cost of Rs. 348, it relieved a monthly average of 214 men, 208 women, and 165 children. The relief-house at Kadegaon in Khanapur was opened on the 19th of May 1877 and closed on the 29th June; at a cost of Rs. 140 it relieved a monthly average of 157 men, 270 women, and 125 children. The relief-house at Vita in Khanapur was opened on the 20th of May 1877 and closed on the 30th of October; at a cost of Rs. 3,360, it relieved a monthly average of 600 men, 800 women, and 840 children. The relief-house at Khanapur was opened on the 22nd of May 1877 and closed on the 1st of November; at a cost of Rs. 1,176, it relieved a monthly average of 190 men, 225 women, and 176 children. Besides, the cost on these relief-houses, Government spent about Rs. 23,860 in village charity.

Relief Staff.

To superintend relief works two mamlatdars were employed, one in Khanapur from the 17th of January 1877 and one in Tasgaon from the 31st of January 1877. Besides these mamlat-dars, other relief officers and circle inspectors were also employed.

Some municipalities sold grain at fixed rates to the poor, a mode of charity which was much appreciated. During the fair season grain came in large quantities, into Satara from Bombay by sea to Chiplun and from Chiplun to Karad by the Kumhharli pass road: during the rains it chiefly came by rail to Poona and from Poona in carts to Satara along the Poona-Belgaum road. In the east, grain also came by rail to Sholapur and bom Sholapur in carts to Satara.

Emigration.

A great number of people from the Khanapur and Tasgaon sub-divisions left the district in the early days of distress. Some of them went north and north-east to Bombay, Berar and Khandesh, and others went south-west to the Konkan. The people who left the district, were those in charge of cattle, who usuallv bad some means, and field labourers and small landholder, who bad no stock of grain and no credit. Of these three classes, the labourers were the most numerous. The small landholders took with them their pair of bullocks and a cow or two, and left nothing behind but an empty house and a barricaded door. Some of them went to the Konkan and the rest to the Berar. Many, especially those who went to the Berar, are believed to have found opening and settled. Of the labouring classes, the better off left first and found work in distant parts: others went to the public works and remained there pretty steadily, others wandered to the Sahyadris whence later on they wandered back in much distress; and others, especially the women, hung about the villages living on next to nothing and dying in thousands on the first fall of rain.

Difficulties.

The chief difficulties in dealing with the famines were the obstinancy of some who would not leave their villages for the works and the vagrancy of others who persisted in wandering instead of working. These difficulties were met by careful village inspection and gentle pressure in the case of the stay-at-homes, and by watchful supervision by officers of all grades in the case of the vagrants.

Result.

In the eastern sub-divisions, according to the agricultural returns, the number of cattle fell from 9,94,272 in 1876-77 to 7,75,393 in 1877-78, that is a loss of 2,18,879. In 1877-78 the actual number of offences reported was 5,912 against 4,064 in 1876-77. Serious crime such as murder, dacoity and robbery seems to have been more prevalent and the number of thefts was considerably more than double what it was in 1876-77.

In 1878, the village area fell short of that in 1876 by about 18,400 acres. Of about Rs. 15,57,400, the realizable land revenue for the year 1876-77, Rs. 5,820 were remitted, and the rest was collected in subsequent years.

Scarcity or near-famine conditions have prevailed in the district in the recent past on several occasion. What is given below is an account of them, in brief.

1940-41, 1942-43, 1945-46.

Scarcity conditions prevailed in Tasgaon taluka in 1940-41, 1942-43 and 1945-46. Eighteen villages were affected in 1940-41, 44 in 1942-43 and 32 villages in 1945-46. In 1940-41, Rs. 28,669 were distributed as tagai for fodder. In 1942-43, when scarcity conditions existed in 44 villages, an area of about 276 sq. miles and a population of 87,804, were affected, due to the failure of rain, the following relief measures were undertaken: —

In 1945-46 scarcity conditions prevailed in 32 villages, an area of about 232 sq. miles and a population of 68,259 were affected. As relief measures. Rs. 35,100 were granted as gratuitous relief and Rs. 3,993 were granted by way of doles. Besides, 51 tons of groundnut cakes and 612 bags of cotton-seed were distributed. The remission of land revenue was also granted during these scarcity periods.

1946-47.

In 1946-47 eight villages in Walwa taluka were affected when the following relief measures were undertaken: —

No remission of land revenue was granted.

1952—54.

During 1952—1954 scarcity conditions prevailed in Jath, Miraj and Khanapur talukas. In Jath taluka, 30,000 people, living in an area of about 867 sq. miles, were affected. In Jath taluka, three P.W.D. works costing Rs. 2,40,217 were undertaken and completed up to a safe stage. The work of improvements to Karal Nagaj—Jath Bijapur Road miles 152/4 to 163/0 and special repairs to Jath station road relieved on an average 350 workers per day. While the work of improvements to Karad-Nagaj-Jath-Bijapur Road, mile Nos. 164 to 175/2, relieved on an average 476 workers per day. Eleven soil conservation works undertaken at the cost of Rs. 4,22,862 relieved 31,020 people. Grass to the extent of 661 bales weighing 95,795 lbs. and 29,100 sheaves received from Kolhapur on Government account were sold at low rates. Skim milk powder to the tune of 7,425 lbs. was distributed through 11 centres. Sixty-eight bags of UNICEF rice were distributed in the famine stricken area. The following amounts ware suspended and remitted: —

The public body viz. the District Famine Relief Committee also undertook the following relief measures:—

One Fibre Industrial School was opened at Umarani village, with a view to provide work to backward class people. A grant of Rs. 500 was given by the then District Development Board. The school was run for 2½ months and provided work for 50 persons per week. The total expenses of the scheme were Rs. 1,812-8-3. One spinning centre was conducted for 3 months at Jath for the relief of middle class people, especially ladies providing work for 40 ladies. The total expenses on the scheme were Rs, 594-15-0. A canteen at the bunding centre at Billur village was stalled to supply meals to the workers. A meal consisting of 5 loaves and curry was charged Re. 0-2-6. The total expenses were Rs. 1,674-6-0. Another canteen at Sankh bunding centre was started. To every worker two meals per clay were provided at a cost of Re. 0-5 0. The total expenses on this scheme were Rs. 307-4-0.

Two truck loads and 50,000 sheaves of bay, 1,500 clothes and 5,000 sheaves of kadbi were distributed free.

In Miraj toluka failure of rain caused scarcity conditions in an area of 175 sq. miles affecting 17,556 people. The P. W. D. works of improvement to Karad-Nagaj-Jath-Bijapur Road from miles 14/0 to 25/0 costing Rs. 46,361 and which relieved 167 workers per day was completed up to a safe stage. The special repairs on mile No. 14/0 to 25/0 which cost Rs. 49,519 and relieved 235 persons per day was also completed up to a safe stage Three soil conservation works of which only earth work was completed costing Rs. 33,937 relieved 14,541 workers. A minor irrigation work of constructing a bandhara at Vajra-chounda costing Rs. 3,98,508 relieved 468 workers. Three hundred and sixty-three bales of grass received from Government were sold at low rates; 3,616 lbs. of skim milk powder were distributed through 17 centres; 20 bags of UNICEF rice was distributed in Kavathemahankal area and 12 bags of UNICEF rice was distributed at Vajrachounde dam. The following amounts were suspended: —

One canteen to provide meals to the workers on the dam was started on 10th May 1953 and was closed on 1-8-1953. The workers were provided with two meals, each meal containing 3 loaves and curry, at Re. 0-5-0. Per day 22,397 workers took advantage of the canteen. A prominent feature of this canteen was that the children were fed free. Some ayurvedic medicines were also made available to the workers. The canteen was run by the District Famine Relief Committee.

The scarcity conditions which existed in an area of 337 sq. miles in Khanapur taluka affected 28,300 people. Three P.W.D. works, mostly special repairs to roads, were undertaken costing Rs. 858. About 227 workers were relieved. The work on the Vita-Lengara road costing Rs. 3,355 relieved 200 workers. Soil conservation works, only of earth, at Atpadi, Madgule, Dighanchi, Karagani, Ghanand relieved 2,020 people; Rs. 33,365 were spent on them. Grass weighing 37,515 lbs. and paddy straw of 780 bales received on government account were sold at low rates. Skim milk powder of 1,800 lbs. was distributed through 5 centres: 10 bags of UNICEF rice was also distributed. Jn Atpadi area 1,000 sheaves of kadbi were distributed free of cost. The following amounts were suspended and remitted:—

1957-58.

During the year 1957-58, scarcity conditions prevailed in Jath taluka. About 39,879 people living in an area of 980 sq. miles were affected. As a relief work four D.L.B. road works costing Rs. 30,978 were undertaken and were nearly completed. It gave relief to 284 people for about three months. Eight bunding works costing Rs. 7,232 gave relief to 850 workers.

1958-59.

When in 1958-59, 49,177 people from Jath taluka were affected by the scarcity conditions, 36 bunding works were undertaken giving relief to 3,799 people; in addition four road works costing Rs. 31,171 gave relief to 273 people. In Walwa taluka 13 road works and 3 irrigation works costing Rs. 9,14,075 were undertaken giving relief to 2,00,253 persons. In Tasgaon taluka five bunding works costing Rs. 62,770 and road works costing Rs. 7,965 gave relief to 4,922 workers. In Miraj taluka two road works costing Rs. 2,223 gave relief to 815 workers.

The above account shows that the areas most susceptible to the conditions of scarcity in the district are the villages in Jath taluka and the whole of Atpadi area which form the border of Sholapur and Bijapur districts. The average rainfall throughout the district is neither heavy nor evenly distributed. In the Jath area rainfall is particularly scanty. The economic condition of the people in this tract is rather precarious. Though since the formation of the district in 1949 scarcity was not declared in Jath taluka or in any other taluka in the district, whenever scarcity conditions prevailed measures to give relief to the affected villages have been taken. Very often provisional measures such as prompt distribution of tagai, bunding works etc. against the recurring scarcity conditions are also undertaken. Besides, steps have also been taken to dig up new wells for drinking water-supply, to deepen and to desilt the existing wells and to install mobile pumping sets at cheaper rates through the agencies of the co-operative societies for irrigating the rabi crops and for growing fodder crops during summer.

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