AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

RAINFALL

Rainfall is of prime importance as a factor considerably influencing the agricultural economy of the district. It determines the pattern of crops taken in the district as well as the performance of various agricultural operations. The extent and spacing of rainfall perhaps explain the different culturable practices obtained in varying degree.-; between the regions. The rainfall varies in different parts of the district, depending upon their nearness or otherwise to the mountains. 'Thus, the western part has a high rainfall on account of its mountainous topography, while the eastern part of the district has a low rainfall. The rainfall commences in the month of April and continues till the end of September. However, the precipitation of monsoons proper begins by the end of the first week of June. The average rainfall for the district as a whole except Mahabaleshwar taluka comes to about 33", whereas for Mahabaleshwar taluka, the average is about 260". Usually sowings are completed during the first and the second weeks of June. In November-December there is a shower known as Mango-shower which is beneficial to the agriculturist for his rabi crops.

Due to marked variations in the rainfall from year to year, it is difficult to divide the district into suitable zones. However, the rainfall returns for a series of years justify the division of the district into three zones as indicated below :-

(1) Paddy zone comprising Mahabaleshwar, western parts of Jaoli, Wai, Patan and Satara talukas and Khandala peta, having an annual average rainfall of about 125".

(2) Jowar zone comprising eastern parts of Jaoli, Wai, Satara Patan, Karad and Koregaon talukas and Khandala peta having an annual average rainfall of about 25".

(3) Bajra zone comprising eastern part of Man and Phaltan talukas and Khandala peta having an annual average rainfall of about 20".

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