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CHAPTER-2
DETERMINANTS OF POMEGRANTE CULTIVATION
2.1 INTRODUCTION:
The distribution of fruit crops is everywhere influenced by environmental
controls. In some environments, climate, soil, and relief favour the fruit farming so
that very little effort is needed to grow the crop. In others, the farmers are a mercy of
nature; and great skill is required to modify the environment for producing the desired
fruit crop. Moreover, the fruit farming is not only growing of the crops but it is more
form of applied ecology. The requisite ecological balance for the economic cultivation
of fruit crops has proved to be a controlling factor in the areal expansion of fruit
farming regions (Tawade 1981).
Therefore, the first task of an agricultural geographer is to examine the
physical and cultural environment, together they determine environment for
describing and interpreting the pattern of agricultural enterprise. An investigation of
the physical environment of agricultural relevance is an indispensable tool for those
engaged in identifying the basic regional differences in agriculture formation. ( Singh
and Dhillon 1998). The basic physical factors affecting fruit farming are topography,
climate, soils and water resources, which remains interrelated and human being can
not alter those. Their individual or collective role in fruit farming and their spatial
variation can never be underestimated.
Against this backdrop, present section makes an investigation of the physical
setting in order to understand the location of pomegranate orchards in the study area.
2. 2 PHYSICAL DETERMINANTS:
The study region is also not an exception to a variety of physical conditions
that vary from the sub-region to sub-region. Hence not only the type of fruit cultivated
differs from one location to another but also the yield and quality of orchard trees
change according to the suitability of these factors. The major physical factors viz.
Geology, topography, drainage, climate, soil and water resources influencing the
pomegranate fruit farming are taken into account.
39
2. 2. 1 Geology:
The study area is located in the ‘Great Deccan’ trap of peninsular India. The
region made from volcanic eruptions consists of compact, stratified basalt rocks. The
thickness of the trap flows is about 5000 feet. They are uniformly thick having more
or less same elevations (District Gazetteer, 1975). The basalt is a most conspicuous
geological feature all over the study region. Hence, underground water at greater
depths become inaccessible due to hard rock strata beneath, dug wells of farmers are
recharged largely from sub-surface flows from joints and cracks of rocks.
2. 2. 2 Physiography:
The study area is located over the ‘Deccan Plateau of Peninsular India’. The
western part of the study area generally covers a portion of ‘Western Ghats’ with an
altitude of more than 1000 meters. While the central part is a highly dissected
landscape lies between 600 to 1000 meters and eastern part, a level surface is below
600 meters. Taking into consideration this significant variation in altitude of the study
region, the efforts have been made in the present study to understand the relationship
between altitude and yields of the pomegranate crop. The sample villages in different
altitude zones ranging from 330 meters to 735 meters ( Fig. 1.2) were selected for
study.
Based on altitude variations and relief features, the study area can be divided
into four broad topographical regions.
i) Sahyandri Hilly Region:
It is main range of hills in the Nashik District, which run in the north - south
direction, and occupies the western portion of the study region. The general altitude of
this region varies from 900 meters to 1200 meters. The location of above Sahyandri
hills in the western portion causes the phenomenon of orographic rainfall and effects
on rainfall distribution in the study area. It obstructs the moisture laden southwest
monsoon winds and makes windward side (western part) as wet zone and leeward
side (eastern part) as the ‘rain shadow area of Sahyandri’. Usually less than 50 % of
average annual rainfall (1075.77mm) of the district is recorded in this part.
40
Figure No. 2.1 Physioghaphic Divisions
41
ii) Western Downghat Konkan Region:
The general elevation of down-ghat zone is 200 meters. It lies to the west of
Sahyandri hills and at the edge of the Deccan plateau. The land suited for agricultural
use is limited owing to extreme ruggedness of terrain. Due to unfavourable factors i.e.
series of valleys and interfluves, moist and humid conditions and general
socioeconomic backwardness; this region is not suitable for pomegranate cultivation.
iii) Godavari Basin Region:
One of major river of peninsular India namely Godavari forms the third
topographic division of the study area. Altitude of this region is below 600 meters. It
comprises a source region of main river, northern sub region and upper Darna basin
covering Nashik, Dindori and Niphad tehsils of the study area. It is characterized by
fertile soils and abundant water supply that make it suitable for grape farming.
iv) Girna Basin Region:
The fourth sub-region is named on behalf of the second major ‘ Girna’ river
system of the study area. The sub-region is bounded by the Sahyandri hills in the
west, Satmala-Chandwad sub range in the south and Galna-Selbari sub range in the
north. This region lies in the northern portion of district consisting Kalwan, Deola,
Baglan, Malegaon, and Nandgaon of the district. This region receives the least
amount of rainfall in the study area. As such semi-arid features make this
topographical region favourable for pomegranate farming.
2.2.3 Drainage:
The study region is drained by 3 main river systems and their tributaries. All
rivers originate in Sahyandari hills. These hills also act as the water divide between
west and east flowing rivers.
i) The Godavari River:
Godavari is a major Peninsular river also known as ‘Ganga of South India’.
Out of its total length (1465km) in India only 111 km (7.6 %) length lies in Nashik
district. It rises at an elevation of about 1067 meters in Sahyandri near
Trimbakeshwar. Godavari and its tributaries drain larger part of district as compared
to other rivers. Kadva, Kashyapi, Unduhol, Valdevi, Vaki, Darna and Dev are
southern bank tributaries of Godavari River. Whereas Banganga, Kedwa, Unanda and
42
Gui are northern bank tributaries. The region drained by the Godavari and its source
tributaries also known as ‘Nashik basin’, which is characterized by varying land
forms and rich agricultural activity in its fertile valleys. In areas not far from the
Sahyandri hills, the valley in general has witnessed enormous sedimentation (Dixit
1986). The perennial source of irrigation by canals from Ganagpur, Kashyapi and
Ozharkhed dams makes this basin area famous for grape farming for all over the
nation.
ii) The Girna River:
The second largest river system of the district, “Girna,” is a major tributary of
the Tapi river system. It rises in the Sahyadries at about 8 km southwest of the Hatgad
village in Surgana tehsil. Total length of the river is 144 km and it receives some
major tributaries on the north bank namely Tambadi and Punand rising in Kalwan
tehsil. And other two north bank tributaries of Girna ‘Aram’ and ‘Mosam’ rise in
Baglan tehsil cover core area of pomegranate in study area. Both tributaries have wide
bed and low enough to make water use for irrigation. While the southern bank
tributaries Panjhan and Maniad rising in Nandgaon tehsil are relatively small. The
river course of both tributaries lies in rain shadow area so low volume of water in
channels. Consequently it is agriculturally poor region.
iii) The Konkan Rivers:
The Nashik District is also drained by number of the west flowing small rivers
namely Damanganga, Vaitarna, Bhima, Nar and Par. The topography is much
dissected and streams are distinguished by winding course with deep valleys, gorges
and waterfalls than the rest of rivers in the district. The Kokan Rivers, accordingly, do
not permit any easy economic use of them for agriculture (Deshpande 1971).
Though the study region is drained by three main rivers and large number of
tributaries but the volume of water in these rivers is subject to extreme fluctuations
i.e. maximum in monsoon, minimum in post monsoon and complete dry in summer.
Therefore, availability of adequate water from river during non rainy periods is a
major problem in agricultural occupations.
43
Figure No. 2.2 Major Rivers and Water Reservoirs
Nashik District - Drainage
44
2.2.4 Climate:
The most important factors of climate from the standpoint of plant response
are temperature and rainfall. They may be treated as primary determinants of crop
growth (Singh and Dhillon 1998). The ultimate success of this enterprise depends
largely on favourability of micro-climate at a specific location (Tawade 1981). At this
point of view, it was essential to identify pomegranate production potential areas in
the study region with respect to climatic variables, especially temperature and rainfall.
I) Climate Characteristics:
The climate of the district is monsoonal with ‘hot’, ‘rainy’ and ‘cold’ weather
seasons and characterized by dryness except in southwest monsoon season. However
it is marked with large variations in weather conditions at different locations. By and
large, it leads to form three types of micro-climates in the study area.
a) Western part is characterized by high rainfall, moist or humid weather
condition favours the mango and recently there are evidences of strawberry
fruit cultivation.
b) The central part record moderate temperature and rainfall, where the grapes
are successfully practiced for several decades back.
c) Eastern part of the district receives low rainfall and marked with extreme heat
in the month of March, April and May and cold in Nov and Dec. The
pomegranate tree grows best in this semi-arid belt, where cool winter and hot
summer prevails.
II) Temperature:
Solar radiation is abundant in pomegranate growing regions due to a tropical
location of the study area. But it varies significantly from one season to another. The
‘growing season’ of pomegranate crop is of longer duration ( 4 ½ to 7 months) and
requires hot and dry climate during the period of fruit development and ripening. The
optimum temperature for fruit development is about 38°C. The tree can’t produce
sweet fruits unless the temp is high enough for a sufficiently long period. The quality
of fruit is adversely affected in humid climates (Patil and Shewale 2003). In this
context, temperature value available at two stations namely Malegaon and Ozhar were
obtained and averages two decades (1985 - 2005) were calculated to find out the
thermal conditions (Table No. 2.1 and fig. No. 2.3) suitable for pomegranate farming.
45
Table No. 2.1 Maximum, Minimum and Mean Monthly Temperature
(Source: Compiled by researcher)
a) An examination of table 2.1 show that with the onset of southwest monsoon
(rainy season) in the month of June, temperature starts decreasing. July,
August, September and October are the months of moderate heat due to high
humidity, cloudy skies the daytime temperatures are around 31°C. This value
is much below optimum temperature requirement of pomegranate (38°C).
Thus poor qualities of fruits are produced in rainy season ( ‘Mrig Bahar’ of
pomegranate).
b) The low daytime temperatures are recorded (28 - 30°C) in the months of
winter viz. November, December and January. Of them, January is the coldest
month having lowest minimum temperature (10°C). However rising daytime
temp in the month of February ( > 31°C) and March (35°C) helps in
development of fruits reaching towards maturing and ripening stage in winter
(‘Hast Bahar’ of pomegranate).
Sr.
No.
Month Malegaon Station Ozhar Station
Max.
Temp
(°C )
Min.
Temp
(°C)
Mean
Monthly
Max.
Temp
(°C)
Min.
Temp
(°C)
Mean
Monthly
1 Jan 28.2 11.8 21.1 29.2 9.3 19.3
2 Feb 32.7 11.9 22.3 31.1 10.6 20.9
3 Mar 35.9 16.6 26.2 35.2 15.4 25.3
4 April 37.9 20.3 29.6 37.6 19.1 28.3
5 May 39.9 22.5 30.2 38.2 21.6 29.5
6 June 34.4 24.1 29.2 32.9 22.6 27.8
7 July 32.4 22.8 26.3 31.8 21.9 25.4
8 Aug 31.5 21.9 25.6 31.1 21.1 24.6
9 Sept 29.3 20.8 26.1 29.8 20.2 25.0
10 Oct 31.5 18.1 25.4 31.2 17.4 24.3
11 Nov 29.9 14.7 23.1 30.9 14.3 22.6
12 Dec 28.1 10.1 20.8 28.8 10.4 19.6
Annual 38.3 12.4 25.4 36.9 11.0 23.9
46
c) Months of March, April and May are the hottest months of district. Dry
weather greatly facilitates the fruit quality and yield in summer (‘Ambe Bahar’
of pomegranate). However, recent temperature records of Malegaon station
revealed that the maximum temperature in May reaches up to 43 - 45°C. Such
excessive heating causes two types of physical disorder viz. sunscald or
sunburn of fruit skin and cracking of fruits. Those affected pomegranate fruits
though sweeter in taste but of no market value. At the same time, high
temperature during summer also leads to significant moisture loss from the
soil surface and crop foliage through evapo-transpiration. That again creates
more demand of water for irrigating pomegranate orchards.
d) Two weather observatories namely Malegaon and Ozhar are located 80 km
apart from one another, the former is in the eastern part while later in the
western part of district obviously indicates the annual difference of 1 - 2°C in
temperature values. Malegoan station located in the semiarid belt indicates
high summer and cool winter temperatures compared to Ozhar station, which
is located in proximity to hilly areas in the west.
In general, thermal conditions prevailing around the Malegaon station has
adequate sunshine and warmth available throughout the agricultural year that is
conducive to pomegranate crop growth in the study area.
47
Figure No. 2. 3 Maximum, Minimum and Mean Monthly Temperature.
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
JAN. FEB. MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. ANNUAL
TE
MP
ER
AT
UR
E I
N °
C
MONTH
Ozhar Max.
Ozhar Min.
Ozar Mean
Malegaon
Max.
Malegaon
Min.
Malegaon
Mean
48
III) Rainfall:
Rainfall was the single most dominant weather element that determined the
concentration of pomegranate farming at the particular locality. In context to this, the
rainfall characteristics were analyzed in terms of annual average amounts,
distribution, intensity, variability and its correlation with pomegranate farming.
A) Spatial Distribution of Rainfall:
The averages of annual rainfall, rainy days and intensity of rainfall are
calculated for the two decades (1985 -2005) data period and presented in table 2.2.
Table No. 2.2 Average annual rainfall, Rainy days and Intensity of rainfall
Sr.
No.
Tehsil Annual Average
Rainfall (in mm)
Rainy
Days
Intensity of Rainfall (mm)
(Ave. rainfall / rainy days )
1 Yeola 536.64 47 11.19
2 Deola 606.43 33 18.54
3 Satana 621.56 38 16.63
4 Malegaon 623.54 44 14.76
5 Nandgaon 649.52 43 15.40
6 Chandwad 657.74 55 13.06
7 Sinnar 680.75 51 13.70
8 Kalwan 698.13 54 12.76
9 Dindori 700.39 70 11.29
10 Niphad 755.45 47 16.71
11 Nashik 758.22 67 11.78
12 Peth 2278.92 94 24.50
13 Surgana 2417.30 87 28.09
14 Trambak 2679.57 87 30.87
15 Igatpuri 3189.70 111 31.70
District Average 1190.3 62 18.1
(Source: District Statistical Abstract: 1985 - 2005)
49
Figure No. 2.4 Annual Average Rainfall
Average annual rainfall of the district is 1190.30 mm. However, observation
of table No. 2.2 and figure No. 2.4 indicates significant variations in spatial
distribution of rainfall in the study region. As stated earlier, the relief of study area
significantly impacts on annual rainfall amounts, as a result four hyetal zones (Fig No.
2.5) can be identified.
i) The Wet Zone:
In the western hilly regions of Sahyndris, the moisture laden southwest
monsoon winds are obstructed. That leads to yield the orographic or relief type of
precipitation. Consequently, the highest rainfall < 2000 mm is often recorded on the
narrow strip at the extreme western part close to Sahyandri hills. It covers Igatpuri,
Trambak, Peth and Surgana tehsils.
ii) The Intermediate zone:
There is a rapid decrease in the amount of rainfall in the east of crest
Sahyandris. The annual rainfall is between 2000 to 1050 mm in parts of Kalwan,
Dindori, Nashik and Igatpuri tehsils. Hence, it forms transition or intermediate zone
between wet and dry rainfall zones of the district.
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
An
nu
al
Ra
infa
ll (
mm
)
Name of Tehsil
Nasik District-Annual Average Rainfall
50
iii) The Semi-arid and Arid Zone:
The south west monsoon moisture-laden winds get empty while crossing the
‘Sahyandri Mountains’ and they reach in eastern region with decreased capacity to
shed moisture in the form of rains. So that leads to the formation of rain-shadow area
in eastern portion. This area is spread over larger portion; partially or fully cover 11
tehsils of the study region.
“The region having less than 700mm annual average rainfall can be
considered as drought prone area” (Phule 2002). With reference to this, it can be
stated that the eastern half of district can be considered as drought prone area of the
Nashik district. The stations namely Yeola, Deola, Satana, Malegaon, Nandgaon,
Chandwad, Sinnar tehsils record < 700 mm annual rainfall (table No. 2.2). Here lies
the origin of research problem for the present study. The uncertain and low rainfall
amounts lead the growers to adopt pomegranate crop due its low water requirement. It
is evident from Fig No. 2.5 that pomegranate orchards are highly concentrated in this
drought prone region. The isohyet of value 1050 mm show the limit of pomegranate
cultivation in the study area.
Fig No. 2.5 Isohyets with Pomegranate Concentration Zones
51
B) Rainfall variability:
Normally it is seen that rainfall is a highly variable phenomenon from season
to season and one year to another. And its variability increases with decreasing mean
annual rainfall. In this view, the coefficient of rainfall variability was obtained useing
the formula given by Hammond and McCullagh (1998). Simply, it is converting a
standard deviation to a percentage of the mean.
Coefficient of Variability = ����� ����������
���� x 100
Table No. 2.3 Coefficient of Annual Rainfall Variability (1985-2006)
Sr.
No.
Tehsil Coefficient of
Rainfall
Variability (in %)
Sr.
No.
Tehsil Coefficient of
Rainfall
Variability (in %)
1 Yeola 38.77 9 Dindori 28.04
2 Deola 36.82 10 Niphad 33.64
3 Satana 37.00 11 Nashik 27.44
4 Malegaon 40.03 12 Peth 29.88
5 Nandgaon 38.14 13 Surgana 21.59
6 Chandwad 38.56 14 Trambak 22.66
7 Sinnar 42.02 15 Igatpuri 22.55
8 Kalwan 34.33 District Average 32.76
(Source: Compiled by researcher)
It can be observed from table No. 2.3 that variability is usually minimum over
areas of high rainfall (Nashik, Peth, Surgana, Trambak and Igatpuri) but greatest over
rest parts having low rainfall. Variability in excess of 20 % implies a great risk to
farming (Singh and Dhillon 1998). It indicates that in the absence of irrigation
facilities, agriculture occupation could be a risky job in the study area. The dry
farming practices are expected to face the climatic hazard like famines and droughts
any time.
52
At the micro level table No. 2.3 show a considerable regional contrast in
rainfall variability. Over the Sinnar plateau in the south and in the easternmost parts
(Deola, Chandwad, Yeola, Nandgaon, Malegaon and Satana tehsils) the rainfall is
highly variable ( > 35%), in other words, it is uneven phenomenon. Moreover, due to
intense solar radiation the potential evapo-transpiration is high in major parts of the
year. Under such conditions of moisture deficiency, only drought resistant crops like
bajara, jowar in food grains are cultivated. And the fruits like pomegranates are
cultivated with the help of arid horticultural techniques such as drip irrigation and
organic soil mulching.
C) The Correlation Analysis:
The discussion made above amply clears that the fundamental cause of the
concentration of pomegranate orchards in semiarid regions is the low amounts of
natural precipitation. In context to this, the correlation study was attempted by
considering two variables. Tehsil wise annual rainfall was taken as (X) independent
variable and year wise area under pomegranate cultivation (Y) as dependant variable.
The Spearman’s rank correlation technique (Hammond and McCullah, 1998) was
used and the statistical significance is tested at 0.05 and 0.01 levels.
Correlation coefficient (rs) = 1 - ���∑�²�
��³���
Where, d = difference between ranks of variables
n = number of tehsils (13)
The coefficient value + 1 show perfectly positive correlation and - 1 reveal a
perfect negative correlation. For, the district as a whole, the average correlation
coefficient value - 0.64 for 17 years (1990 to 2006) data period was obtained (Table
No. 2.4). It indicates significant negative or inverse correlation ship between these
two variables. In other words, the cultivated area under a pomegranate decreased with
an increase in the amount of annual average rainfall in particular tehsil or vice versa.
53
Table No. 2.4 Average correlation coefficient for rainfall and pomegranate.
Sr.
No.
Year Correlation
Coefficient
Sr.
No.
Year Correlation
coefficient
1 1990 - 0.70 10 1999 - 0.63
2 1991 - 0.81 11 2000 - 0.84
3 1992 - 0.62 12 2001 - 0.54
4 1993 - 0.57 13 2002 - 0.49
5 1994 - 0.52 14 2003 - 0.71
6 1995 - 0.61 15 2004 - 0.58
7 1996 - 0.54 16 2005 - 0.69
8 1997 - 0.72 17 2006 - 0.70
9 1998 - 0.67 Dist. Average - 0.64
(Source: Compiled by a researcher from results of statistical analysis)
In brief, an overall analysis of rainfall parameter proved that the magnitude of
rainfall is a fundamental weather element, which determined the location of the
pomegranate fruit crop in drier parts of the study area in particular.
IV) Humidity:
Humidity is usually high in western parts of the district than central and south
of the study area. Because western region has more area under forest cover as well as
close to the western coastal region (Arabian Sea) than remaining parts of the district.
The moist atmospheric conditions due to high humidity in these western hilly and
downghat zones of the study area can favour the population growth of pathogens
(fungi and bacteria). This region does not record a single hectare area under
pomegranate. In contrast, south and eastern parts of study region are dry in nature are
more conducive to pomegranate cultivation.
In this context, several research studies made by Jalikop and et. al. (2006)
Kulkarni and Dethe (2006), Kotikal and et. al. (2009) shows that the amount of
humidity is positively correlated with occurrence of insect, pest and diseases on
pomegranate. The meteorological data of the district show that during the southwest
monsoon or rainy season the relative humidity varies from 60 to 80 % depending on
54
the existing temperature conditions at different stations. Ultimately, high humidity in
Mrig Bahar (rainy) cropping season of pomegranate hampers the quality of fruits. As
well as high morning relative humidity in winter also increases the population of
insect pests. But summer season is the driest part of a year with relative humidity only
20 - 25 % in the afternoon records minimum incidences of insect pests.
V) Wind:
The study region experiences light to the gentle breezes of the north east
monsoon so in winter season velocity of winds is as low as < 20 km / hr. But high
speed southwest monsoon winds (60 - 80 km / hr) prevail during the summer and
rainy season. The winds have direct and indirect influences on the pomegranate
orchards. The gentle light breezes help in the pollination of flowers thereby
increasing flower and fruit setting and yield of pomegranate. Whereas, the strong
winds directly cause mechanical damages like dropping of leaves, flowers and fruits
of pomegranate tree.
2. 2. 5 Soil:
The district under study is located in peninsular India, which is covered with
‘Great Deccan Trap’ of volcanic formation. These volcanic portions consist of
compact stratified basalt rock. Hence the region is dominated by black cotton soil
type. But differences in the micro-climatic conditions along with the topography at
different locations mainly altered the physical characteristics of the basic soil type. So
soils of study region can be broadly grouped into four subtypes (Fig. No. 2.6).
55
Figure No. 2.6 Nashik District : Soil Types
56
a) Soils of Sahyandri:
This zone is characterized by high rainfall with warm humid climate; rich in
natural vegetation gave rise to laterite soil type. Obviously, it contains high amounts
of organic matter. They are light in texture with open or free draining structure but
poor in all other fertility constituents. Depending on altitude, these soils vary in colour
from yellowish, brown, grayish brown to reddish brown. This soil type covers the
western part including Surgana, Peth, Trambak, Igatpuri tehsil.
b) Soils of Foothill Zone:
It lies to east of Sahyandri covers the central portion covers Dindori, Niphad,
Kalwan, parts of Satana tehsil. Due to sloping lands accompanied with moderate
rainfall, it gets eroded easily. These soils derived from basaltic rocks contain ferrous
or iron hence dark brown to grayish blank in color. They are sandy to loamy in texture
favours grape farming.
c) Deep Alluvial Soil:
The soils in the valleys of the Godavari, the Kadwa and Girna and Mosam
rivers are quite deep and fertile. Due to a sudden decrease in slope, these rivers
deposited certain amount of alluvium in their valleys. Their color is much darker and
profile thickness is much deeper and uniform in depth. These soils have a larger
proportion of clay. Soil characteristic like the high water retention capacity makes it
potentially productive for agriculture especially for grapefruit crop.
d) Soils of Scarcity Zone:
These are light black color soils found in low rainfall region covers
Chandwad, Sinnar, Nandgaon, Yeola, Deola, and Malegaon tehsils of district. Their
texture ranges from sandy to sandy loam as well as structure is also highly variable
being porous and free draining in characteristic. The moisture retentive capacity is
low because of their shallow profile and a coarse texture. The free water drains easily.
This characteristic of scarcity tract soil favour growth of pomegranate tree.
57
Textural Soil Classification
(Source: Compiled by researchers from USDA Textural Soil classification)
Figure No. 2.7 Textural class of soils suitable for pomegranate.
In brief, it is concluded that lateritic soil type of high rainfall tract, foothill
soils and river plains alluvial are not suitable for pomegranate due to moisture
retention characteristics. Since the roots of pomegranate tree can’t tolerate stagnant
water for a long time that lead to rotting of feeder roots. Hence this crop is more
successful in coarse textured scarcity tract soils viz. loamy sand and sandy loam soils
(Fig No. 2.7). Those are porous or free water draining in nature. The eastern half
portion dominated by these soil types indicated good potentials for pomegranate
production in the study area, where 90 % orchards of this fruit crop are concentrated.
58
2.2.6 The Water Resources:
An inadequate and poor water supply leads to the inferior subsistence farming
and a poor living standard of the peasants. On the other hand, sufficient and assured
water supply to these dry land farms results into stable, diversified, and commercially
profitable farming as well as superior living standards (Singh and Dhillon 1998). In
this view, the availability of existing water resources in the study area was
understood.
A) Surface Water:
The establishment of pomegranate farming begins with consideration of an
assured and regulated supply of water either from ground or surface resources. It is
the decisive factor upon which the success of pomegranate farming depends.
i) River Channels:
Godavari and Girna rivers and their tributaries now became seasonal in nature
and remains dry during almost for 6 months of the year. Even during rainy season the
volume of water in rivers is declining. It leads to minimize the availability of surface
water for agriculture. Despite of that water from the dug wells into channels or banks
of above rivers is source of water especially for the large category of farmers. Those
have enough financial potentials for lift irrigation, in other words, to dug the wells in
river channels and carry water for long distances (4 -10 km) through pipelines.
ii) Artificial Water Reservoirs or Dams:
There are 15 large and 8 medium irrigation projects in the study area (Fig No.
2.2). The oldest of them is ‘Darna project’ completed in 1916 on Darna River. It is
followed by ‘Chanakapur Dam’ in 1918 located at the upper course of Girna River in
Kalwan tehsil. And all others are of recent origin only 4 to 5 decades old. Notable of
them are Gangapur, Vaitarna, Karanjwan, Ozharkhed, Aalandi on Godavari river and
Girna dam, Karanjwan, Palkhed Haranbari, Kelzhar Nagasakya on Girna river.
Although water reservoirs are good in numbers and stores ample water having
canals both right and left are sufficiently long and well distributed but they do not
fulfill the demand of water for agriculture. For instance, “Chanakapur dam” located in
Kalwan tehsil has the height of 39.01 meters and maximum storage capacity of
Chankapur dam is 79.79 million cubic meters of water. Two canals namely Girna
59
right bank (35.08 kms) and the Girna left bank (29.20 kms) provide irrigation facility
in Deola, Satana and Malegaon tehsils. It is the core area of pomegranate cultivation.
But hardly one or two rotations in year are provided that partially help to sustain
pomegranate orchards. Moreover, in low rainfall years, the reservoirs do not overflow
or do not completely fill up. Under such conditions, there are no chances of irrigation
water from canals when need is greatest for crops.
The water reservoirs are unable to meet the perennial demand of irrigation
water. Because, firstly the reservoirs has to fulfill daily water needs of the growing
population of the district approximately 4 crores in 2001 to 6 crore in 2011. And
secondly, the reservoirs has to provide enough water for expanding industrial sector in
Nashik, Sinnar, Igatpuri and Malegaon headquarters of the study area.
B) Ground Water:
Now it is clear that surface water is lacking or inadequate hence development
of underground water is the only available option. The dug wells and tube wells form
basic source of water for irrigating pomegranate orchards. The traditional methods of
digging wells to extract underground water are yet in practice.
i) Dug Wells:
They are large in number and widely distributed so also record maximum
coverage of land under irrigation in almost every part of the study region.
Nevertheless, due to declining water levels in recent years, the water yields are poor.
In most cases these wells are effective during the rainy season only. In drier eastern
parts of the study area, the situation during summer in April and May is worst. An
open well recharged overnight yields minute quantity of water, the electric pumps run
for 15 to 30 minutes and fulfill needs of farm houses and animals only.
The growers are going deeper and deeper in search of underground water.
Every year they are extending the depth of dug well by at least one or two meters to
meet the irrigation water requirements. As a result, withdrawal of large quantity of
underground water, the water table is totally disturbed and depleted in the study
region,
The interviews with growers clears that despite of the underlying rock strata,
there exists an indirect competition among neighbour growers to dig the well at
greater depths for getting maximum water. In this context, Singh and Dhillon (1998)
60
stated that where the depth of water table does not exceed 7.5 meters, local peasants
can tap water by locally available mechanical lifts. This process also keeps the water-
table at the required level. As a rule, well irrigation is not advisable wherever the
depth of sub-soil water is over 10 meters, as beyond that depth the cost of lifting well
water is very high and not commensurate with the value of crops grown.
Keeping this fact in mind, the field survey data in context to the depth of wells
was obtained from respondents. Table No. 2.5 shows that overall 98.77% dug wells of
sample growers attained the depth beyond sustainable water table 7.5 meter.
Table No. 2.5 Depth of Dug Wells of Respondents
Sr. No. Depth of Dug well (meter) No. of sample growers (%)
1 < 7.5 1. 23
2 7.6 to 10.5 6.62
3 10.6 to 13.5 22.00
4 13.6 to 16.5 24.92
5 16.6 to 19.5 20.00
6 22.6 to 25.5 12.77
7 25.6 to 28.5 7.23
8 Above 28.6 5.23
Average depth 15 meters
(Source: Compiled by a researcher)
It is often beyond the financial capacity of growers or uneconomical to dig the
wells beyond 25 meters (80 -85 feet) depth. Either it becomes difficult to excavate
compact igneous rock strata beneath or it owes to risk of non reliability of
underground water availability. Therefore, recently growers prefer to opt for tube
wells rather than digging another well. As compared to digging wells, the tube wells
are less expensive and water can be extracted from greater depths.
61
iii) Tube or Bore wells:
As far as the study region is concerned, the expansion of the area under
pomegranate crop is closely associated with tube wells and drip irrigation systems.
Every grower at least owns 2 - 3 tube wells to fulfill the need of orchard. Low cost of
tube wells helped the farmers to diversify their traditional cropping pattern to
pomegranate farming in dry land regions. The cost of drilling tube well is much lower
(`300.0 meter-1) as compared to digging well (` 12000.0 meter -1). The drilling of
private tube well is the only way by which groundwater from small aquifers existing
in hard igneous rocks. However, table No. 2.6 indicates that water was extracted from
greater depths. The tube wells of all sample growers were beyond 30 meter.
Table No. 2.6 Depth of Tube Wells of Respondents
Sr. No. Depth of tube well (meters) No. of sample growers (%)
1 30 to 45 2.97
2 46 to 60 14.19
3 61 to 75 33.00
4 76 to 90 39.27
5 91 to 105 8.58
6 106 to 120 1.00
7 Above 121 1.00
- Average depth = 83 meters -
( Source: Compiled by researcher)
C) Water Table:
The underground water resource is very unevenly distributed in the study
region. Recently the surveys conducted by Water Resource and Irrigation Department
of Nashik District exposed large variations in underground water levels in the study
area.
62
Table no 2.7 Spatial Pattern of Underground Water Level (January 2010)
Sr.
No.
Tehsil Ground
water
Level
(meter)
Sr.
No.
Tehsil Ground
water
Level
(meter)
1 Trambak 1.61 9 Surgana 5.73
2 Igatpuri 2.00 10 Yeola 6.20
3 Dindori 2.10 11 Niphad 6.25
4 Peth 3.73 12 Deola 7.25
5 Malegaon 5.75 13 Chandwad 7.43
6 Sinnar 5.25 14 Kalwan 8.09
7 Nashik 5.28 15 Satana 8.40
8 Nandgaon 5.70 District Average 5.38
(Source: Water resource and Irrigation Department, Nashik District, GoM)
Figure No. 2.8 Nashik District: Spatial Pattern of Ground Water Levels
(Jan 2010)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Gro
und W
ater
Lev
el
in m
eter
Name of Tehsil
63
The water table beneath the natural surface of the land should remain at least
between 3.5 to 5.0 meters to sustain profitable irrigation for agriculture (Singh and
Dhillon 1998). With reference to this, table No. 2.7 and fig No. 2.8 indicate that the
water level in 11 tehsils of district has been considerably declined and disturbed that
attained the level beyond 5 meters. The alarming drop of water level more than 7
meter in Deola, Chandwad, Kalwan and Satana tehsils indicates the higher scarcity of
underground water in this core area of pomegranate crop. The fundamental reason for
the declining water table is the over pumping of ground water.
In brief, the water table is becoming inaccessible and water resource is
completely depleted all over the study region. The water resource, either from surface
or ground is scarce to meet annual requirement of crops. Therefore, grower with
minimum irrigation potentials in study region has preferred to practice the crops like
pomegranate whose annual water requirement is low.
2.3 NON-PHYSICAL DETERMINANTS:
Although in the study region, where pomegranate has become a commercial
crop do not have favourable Mediterranean climate but technological manipulation
has made it highly adaptable. Keeping this in mind, an attempt is made here to study
man made efforts that have transformed the agro environment for the growing of
pomegranate fruit orchards in the study area successfully.
2.3.1 Technological Determinants:
Modern agro technology utilized by growers is the key factor in making study
region prosperous in pomegranate fruit production. In fact, revolution of pomegranate
farming initiated after the adoption of several modern agro inputs i.e. irrigation
technology (drip system, agro ponds, tube wells,), chemical technology (liquid
fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides), bio-technology (high yielding varieties), agro
equipments (sprayers, dusters, orchard equipments) etc. The combination of all these
new inputs helped in expanding the pomegranate landscape in general and producing
good quality pomegranates in particular.
64
I) Irrigation:
The water shortage are increasing in the arid and semi-arid regions like study
area often experience drought conditions. However, development in irrigation
infrastructure was fundamental determinant in minimizing the adverse impact of
unreliable rainfall. Introduction of drip irrigation technique diversified considerable
agriculture area of study region into pomegranate farming.
i) Drip Irrigation: A basic input into dry climate
It is interesting to note that in India, Govt. of Maharashtra was the first state to
encourage use of drip irrigation by granting subsidy from year 1986. So that brought
the efficiency in water use for irrigating the pomegranate orchards. The drip irrigation
systems having the water source from tube wells were largely adopted by growers
which gave rise to popular motto ‘More Crop per Drop’ of water (Patil and Bachhav
2009). It not only saves 40 % irrigation water but also labour cost for irrigation,
minimizes weeds, lowers down soil erosion etc.
Today, 100% pomegranate orchards in the study region are raised on drip
systems of irrigation. Uniform distribution of water through plastic micro tubes and
drippers not only help in proper growth of trees and better yields but also enables
even to cultivate undulating slopes of barren and waste lands. This technology made
remarkable changes in the agricultural typology of the study region. Since it is more
efficient, particularly for those pomegranate orchards planted in sandy and coarser
soils, which requires frequent irrigation due to high percolation. The increase in area
under pomegranate cultivation in study region is the result of this sort of technology.
ii) Modern Sources of Irrigation:
The invention of plastic-culture enabled the growers to build up small water
harvesting structures known as ‘agro ponds’. It formed a assured and modern source
of irrigation.
a) Agro Ponds (Plasti-culture Technique):
It is the most important step in finding the solutions to issues of water scarcity.
Starting from the year 2005-06, the growers simply revived use of an old technique to
conserve the water that is suited to their needs and region. It is type rainwater
65
harvesting essentially means collecting excess water from their dug wells, lifts and
tube wells in rainy season and storing it in small water reservoirs locally known as
“agro pond” or “artificial agro lake” (photograph No. 00). In other words, excess dug
well water becomes the primary source for storage; then, pond water becomes a
secondary source for later use or irrigating the orchards especially during the dry
season.
The irrigation ponds are constructed in the agriculture field with the help of
locally available earthen material i e by making soil mounds or masonary bunds in
square or rectangle shapes. Then the total area of the pond is covered with one-piece
of high quality thick plastic sheet (500 micron) to avoid the water seepage and
leakage. The four walls of pond are commonly 1 meter wide and 3 to 4 meters in
height from the average level of the land. Depending on financial capacity of grower,
the size of pond greatly varied from 20 to 76 meters in length and width accordingly
the water-storing capacity ranged from 8000 to 16000 cubic meters. So also
construction cost from ` 2 - 6 lakhs. Efforts made by growers were further supported
by Agri. Dept. (G o M) so as providing a 35 % subsidy of construction cost under
‘National Horticulture Mission’ for this minor irrigation project.
From last 5 years total numbers of ponds in pomegranate growing villages are
increasing. Official record of total agro ponds in the study area is not available but
primary data revealed that out of the total 454 respondents, 22 were having the agro
pond irrigation facility. During the field survey it was noted that first agro pond in the
district was constructed at Dabhadi village in the year 2004. Likewise First
‘Community Agro Pond’ (group of growers) that received a 100 % subsidy (4.5 lakh)
was constructed at village Dahidi in 2005. Largest pond covering an ‘area of an acre’
of land with storage capacity of 5 crore liters was built at village ‘Tingri’ (Malegaon
tehsil).
b) Round Cement Tanks:
Truly, the district peasants are innovative in nature who possess ability to
overcome or mitigate any sort of problem. For instance, due to some the
disadvantages of agro ponds like evaporation and wear and tear of polythene paper,
risk of leakage; few growers constructed cement concrete water tanks (photograph
No. 00). The diameter of tanks, those visited during field survey ranged from 3.5 to
66
5.5 meters and depth from 8 to 10 meters. Depending upon the size of the tank, water
storage capacity varied from 75000 liter to 3 lakh liters so also construction cost from
` 70000 to 2 lakhs.
These tanks are specifically designed to meet the small irrigation water
requirements. As compared to agricultural ponds, water storage capacity is very low
and cost of construction is high and no government subsidy. Hence only 3
respondents were found to build this type of water reservoir.
c) Water Tankers:
Most of pomegranate orchards have been raised in light to medium soils,
therefore, due to more seepage from soil and high rate of evaporation in summer
causes large deficiencies of soil moisture. That could hamper the growth of trees and
yields in summer cropping season in some cases, the trees may perhaps die.
Therefore, during severe water scarcity period (April and May) use of water tankers
becomes essential.
About 10 % respondents irrigated their orchards by water tankers in summer.
They were from extreme water scarcity pomegranate growing villages of study area
namely Vaygaon and Satmane (Malegaon tehsil), Chougaon, Pofir, Pingalwade,
Tembhe, Deolane, Bijote (Satana tehsil), Rayate and Dhulgaon (Yeola tehsil),
Kundalgaon (Chandwad tehsil) and Dahiwad (Deola tehsil). Some of them have own
tractors and tankers, while others hired it at the rate of ` 300 to 500.0 per tanker. As
per the water need of grower everyday 2-3 tankers are poured into open wells then
utilized by drip irrigation. It amply reveals that irrigation infrastructure at some
locations in the study area is much deteriorated. Hence the need arises to avail the
other personal irrigation facilities like agricultural ponds.
d) Lift Irrigation:
The large pomegranate holdings more than 4 to 5 ha were cultivated by lift
irrigation only. The field survey data revealed that 18% of sample pomegranate
growers have lift irrigation sources, of them 10 % were from the river banks of Girna
and Mosam, 8% from water reservoirs. The water tapped from the above sources was
transported through pipelines up to 2 to 10 km distances.
67
II) Fertigation Technique:
The installation of drip system also enabled the growers to apply water soluble
fertilizers with irrigation water to pomegranate orchards i.e. known as ‘fertigation’
technique (fertilizers + irrigation). There are several advantages of this technique as
compared to the traditional soil-mixed chemical fertilizers. Firstly, the fertilizers is
100 % soluble in water so directly available to root zone of the tree along with
everyday drip irrigation water. Therefore, it is more effective in supplying nutrients.
Secondly, labour cost is saved in digging channels or making rings and basins for
fertilizer application. Thirdly, equal distribution of nutrients results in better growth of
trees. Nearly 75% of respondents were reported to adopt this technique.
III) Soil Mulching Technique:
In drier parts of the study region, the rates of evaporation are high causes the
deficiency of soil moisture consequently demand more water for irrigation. Therefore
about 53% of respondents used organic materials like bajara husk, maize husk or
grass for covering the soils (mulching). This technique proved beneficial in
pomegranate farming, as it improves the fertility status of soil by adding humus into
soil.
IV) Plant Protection Technique:
The utilization of chemical technology has brought confidence among the
growers to continue pomegranate cultivation profitably. Today chemical power is
now accepted as one of supporting factors in pomegranate cultivation that is aimed
towards higher yields. The superior quality of pomegranate fruits is often produced by
aerial spraying of a variety of chemicals including insecticides, pesticides, fungicides,
bactericides and weedicides. Under the tropical conditions majority of insect, pests
and diseases grows and spreads very rapidly. Prevention is better than the cure
therefore, spraying of the above chemicals becomes essential at regular interval.
V) High Yielding Varieties (Biotechnology):
The pomegranate cultivation in the study area is also the outcome of plantation
of biotechnologically innovated high yielding varieties (Bhagawa and Aarkta) by
Mahatma Phule Krishi Veedyapeeth, (Rahuri, MS). Recently the same varieties have
been reproduced by using plant tissue culture technique having greater potentials in
68
terms of plant growth and yields. Indeed the support of this research institute by
releasing internationally demanded Bhagawa variety is identified as major
biotechnological tool that revolutionized the pomegranate cultivation all over the
state. The combination of features like attractive red color of the skin and seeds, good
taste and large size of fruits lead to increase consumption of pomegranate fruit, which
in turn fetched high prices in the markets. At same time, higher yields also brought
remunerative returns to growers.
VI) Modern Equipments:
In order to perform intercultural operations in a proper way and timely
manner, the pomegranate orchard also requires modern equipments e.g. soil tillers and
rotavators, sprayers, dusters, pruning scissors, power generators etc. The small power
tiller tractors are often used by medium and large growers. Moreover, the plant
protection machines popularly known as ‘piston pumps’ are extensively used for
spraying of pesticides. But the utilization of tractor equipped sprayers known as
‘blowers’ are limited in use i.e. only by large category of growers. Overall, the
utilization of modern machines not only resulted in ease of intercultural operations but
also intensified the land under pomegranate cultivation.
Concisely, the discussion of technological determinants proves that drip
irrigation, fertigation, plant protection and high yielding varieties are four important
pillars on which study region’s pomegranate farming is raised.
2.3.2 Infrastructural Services:
The framework of infrastructural facilities with relevance to pomegranate
farming consists of government policies, credit agencies, agro service centers,
marketing facilities and accessibility to roads. Their availability played decisive role
in development in modern pomegranate fruit farming.
I) Government Policies:
Sometimes the political decisions play a far more decisive role as compared to
socioeconomic factors in many land use patterns (Singh and Dhillon 1998). It is
evident from the pomegranate farming in the study area that also reveals the impact of
governement policies on the agricultural landscape. The government of Maharashtra
69
was the first in India, who linked ‘Horticulture Development Program’ with
‘Employment Guarantee Scheme’ in year 1990 and still continuing.
Under the scheme, 25 fruit crops are covered and pomegranate is one of them.
The financial assistance is provided to growers in terms of subsidies, which fulfills the
initial demand of capital required for establishment of pomegranate orchard.
Presently, the subsidy amount for pomegranate is ` 45000 ha-1. Nearly 70% of sample
growers were benefited from the scheme. In addition, the grants are also sanctioned
for establishment of horticulture nurseries, agro ponds, packing sheds. Ultimately, the
expansion of pomegranate orchards on a large scale is also the outcome of
‘Government Will’.
II) Credit Agencies:
Provision of crop finance is a prerequisite for material and labour inputs in
pomegranate fruit farming. In this context, it is worth mentioning that ‘Nashik District
co-operative Bank’ (NDCC) is the financial backbone of agriculture sector. In
addition, the nationalized banks namely State Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra,
Syndicate Bank also played a good role as promoters in the horticultural sector by
disbursing short-term crop loans and long-term development loans for irrigation
sources, purchasing of new agri land, development of barren lands, costlier machinery
(tractors) etc. Nearly, 60% sampled growers availed short-term crop loans for a period
of year (` 75000 ha-1
). As such capital support had not only transformed the
agriculture into new cropping pattern but even helped small and marginal farmers in
adoption of modern farm technology.
III) Pomegranate Consultants:
The growers consulted and sought suggestions from various sources to get
proper guideline to cultivate the orchards (Table No. 2.8). The crop consultants were
visiting to fields once or twice in a month for giving technical know-how. They are
well qualified (B. Sc. Agri) unemployed youths working on remuneration either on a
hectare ( ` 15000-20000 ha-1) or per tree ( ` 20 - 30 tree-1) or on annual contract basis.
Especially they were appointed by new growers (10.13% respondents) in the medium
and low pomegranate concentration zones (Nandgaon, Yeola, Chandwad, Sinnar and
Niphad tehsils). The consultants hold significance in creating channels for diffusion of
technology in the pomegranate villages.
70
Table No. 2.8 Sources of Guideline to Sample Pomegranate Growers
Sr. No. Guideline source Number of respondents Percent in total
1 Crop consultant 46 10.13 %
2 Agro service center 88 19.38 %
3 Agro company agent 12 02.64 %
4 Researcher 05 01.10 %
5 Agri. Dept. Officer 07 01.54 %
6 Progressive Farmer 17 03.74 %
7 Neighbour grower 53 11.67 %
8 Friends 27 05.95%
9 Relative 55 12.11 %
10 Self experience 144 37.72 %
Total 454 100.00 %
(Source: Compiled by researcher)
IV) Rural Agro Service Centers:
According to district socioeconomic review 2010, there are 390 Agro service
scattered all over the district. The agro service centers particularly fertilizer and
pesticide input dealers played very crucial role in the initial stages of adoption of
pomegranate fruit crop. Along with material inputs they provided basic guidelines to
growers for achieving good yields. These centers also acted as a bridge between the
innovative centers (drip irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide companies) and the
pomegranate farms.
71
V) Marketing Facilities:
In study region, Nashik city is the district market center for all types of
agricultural produce. In addition, each tehsil headquarter (except two tribal blocks
Peth and Trambak) has a market center controlled by Agriculture Produce Market
Committee (APMC) elected body of member farmers. Overall, there are 21 agri
market centers located at the tehsil and other places in the study area. With respect to
pomegranate, there are five market places, where growers can sell all quality fruits
viz. a) Nashik head quarter (district market) b) Malegaon tehsil c) Satana tehsil d)
Nampur village (sub market center of Satana APMC) and e) recently established in
year 2011 Pimpalgaon- Baswant (sub-center of Niphad APMC).
VI) Accessibility to Roads:
If the financial credit is the lifeblood in modern agriculture development, then
the roads are the arteries or lifelines of an economic region (Singh & Dhillon 1998).
Roads are vital channels, whether metalled (black topped) or un-metalled are the
nervous system of a district. Better development of roads in the district (table No. 2.9
and fig No. 2.9) has facilitated the collection and distribution of various agro products
in general and pomegranate fruits to the national market in particular. The length of
village roads is higher and most of the villages in the study area are accessible either
by ‘Pucca’ (black top) or ‘Kuchcha’ roads (gravel or earthen) or by both types. They
help in transporting quickly the perishable commodities like fruits and vegetables to
urban centers
72
Table 2.9 Nashik District: types and length of roads (2010)
Sr.No. Road category Length in Kms
1 National Highways
i) Mumbai – Agra (NH 3) 185
ii) Poona – Nashik (NH 50) 55
2 State Highways 1657
3 Major district roads 2227
4 Other district roads 2400
5 Village roads 7575
Total length of roads 14099
(Source : Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Nashik)
VI) Accessibility to Railways:
The Nashik district comes under the zone of central railways, fairly well
served by rail-routes of national importance. The total length of rail routes in the
district is about 257 km; of them 203 km is broad gauge and 44 km meter gauge. Fig
No. 2.9 show that three rail routes of national importance traverse through the district
i) Mumbai - Bhusawal route
ii) Manmad - Daund route
iii) Manmad - Kachiguda.
The Manmad station as junction place occupies a central position in the study
area. Moreover, the major pomegranate growing region i.e. Malegaon (35km) and
Satana (60 km), Deola (70km) tehsils has easy access to the Manmad station by good
metalled roads. As a result, the transport of pomegranate fruits to National Markets of
North India viz. Dehli, Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur and South India like Chennai,
Hyderabad and Madras has been facilitated to a considerable extent.
73
Figure No. 2.9 Nashik District: Roads and Railways
74
2.3.3 Demographic Determinants:
The rising consciousness about education in a farming community proved
beneficial in adopting new innovations in agriculture. In this context, the literacy and
age group of pomegranate growers were two fundamental aspects in bringing the
changes in an agrarian society.
I) Age Group:
The educated farm family members, especially those with high school
education and above in the age group of 15-59, can contribute more towards the
processes of mechanization and bio-chemicalization at farms (Singh and Dhillon
1998). This was also commonly observed in case of pomegranate farming. Therefore,
special focus was placed on the education and age of family member fully involved in
the orchard so called as ‘Pomegranate Grower’ in the present study.
Table No. 2.10 Age Group of Sampled Pomegranate Growers
Sr. No. Age group Sample growers in %
1 20 – 25 20.35
2 26 – 30 21.46
3 31 – 35 20.58
4 36 – 40 12.17
5 41- 45 11.95
6 46 – 55 13.59
Total 100.00%
(Source: Compiled by the researcher)
The World Health Organization (WHO) defined youths as ‘any member of
society between the ages of 15 to 34’. With reference to this, table No. 2.10 shows
that 62.39 % of pomegranate growers fall in the category of ‘youths’. Those
unemployed youths with good literacy levels (table No.2.11) were in front in adoption
of the pomegranate cultivation and worked hard for producing good quality fruits.
75
II) Literacy Level:
The educated farmers can adopt new technologies for modern agriculture more
quickly than illiterates can. In this view, primary data was collected to know the
literacy level of sample growers.
Table No. 2. 11: Literacy Level of Sampled Pomegranate Growers
Sr.No. Education level Sample growers in %
1 < S.S.C 7.30 %
2 S.S.C. 22.79 %
3 H.S.C 45.35 %
4 Diploma 02.65 %
5 Degree 19.69 %
6 Post graduate 02.21 %
Total 100.00 %
(Source: Compiled by the researcher)
Table No. 2.11 show that nearly half of growers attempted level of H.S.C.
And others with higher qualifications viz. bachelor degree, post graduate and diploma
together contributed ¼ share. This high literacy level enabled the growers to identify
the potentials of pomegranate fruit in dry land farming and the possibilities of gainful
employment.
Therefore, along with congenial physical and economic factors, age and
literacy of respondents were identified as important demographic factors that created
awareness among growers in adopting pomegranate cultivation and boosting the
production through the application of modern farm technology. Overall, it resulted in
agro-economic growth of the villages in general and of individual pomegranate
grower in particular.
76
2.3.4 Agriculture Land Use:
The study region has more than 60% agrarian population that directly or
indirectly depends on land for their livelihoods. So the major portion of total
geographical area is under agricultural occupation. In the light of the above
discussion, the percentage strengths of all the crops are worked out for the district as a
whole and represented in Appendix-II.
I) Cropping Pattern:
The cropping pattern of the study area is typical indicating an underdeveloped
agricultural economy, where subsistence food grain production is of vital importance.
However, it is noteworthy that the district farmers are changing their traditional
subsistence crops and diversifying towards crops that are more remunerative. For
instance, in the year 1991, 81.08 % of GCA was devoted to food grain production that
declined to 68.90 % in 2005.
But the total fruit area that had grown rapidly from only 1.53% in 1991 to
6.53% in 2005 and vegetable area increased from 4.11% to 11.41%. This changing
scenario of cropping pattern from inferior to superior is the result of the introduction
of new agro- technology like drip irrigation. Recently even the cash crops like
vegetables, onions, maize crops are grown with drip irrigation in semi-arid regions of
the study area.
II) Fruit Farming:
Although, total fruit crops constitute a smaller proportion only 6.53 % (2005)
in the gross cropped area but it is superior type of cropping pattern, which is aimed
towards higher returns. However, the production of a particular fruit is restricted to
specific locations as region’s specialty. The distinctive type of specialized fruit
farming had come into existence in the recent past. The grape farming from the year
1960 while the pomegranate farming around 1985. The farmers at particular locations
specialize in the three major fruit crops pomegranate, grape, mango. The regional
distribution of fruit crops (table No. 2.12 and figure No. 2.10) leads to identify four
fruit farming zones in the study area.
77
Table No. 2.12 Spatial Pattern of Fruit Cropping (in percentages)
Sr.
No.
Tehsil Pomegranate Grape Mango Guava Other Total %
1 Malegaon 98.02 0.76 0.62 0.16 0.44 100
2 Deola 97.70 0.22 0.00 0.22 1.86 100
3 Satana 95.82 0.10 3.33 0.00 0.75 100
4 Nandgaon 93.70 1.26 2.10 1.68 1.26 100
5 Kalwan 89.82 4.57 4.71 0.07 0.83 100
6 Yeola 66.22 7.33 1.11 11.67 13.67 100
7 Chandwad 43.36 53.14 0.34 2.02 1.15 100
8 Sinnar 20.31 12.48 23.54 0.98 42.69 100
9 Niphad 5.60 92.29 0.11 1.30 0.70 100
10 Dindori 5.08 92.86 0.71 1.28 0.09 100
11 Nashik 0.53 87.94 2.80 7.97 0.75 100
12 Igatpuri 0.00 14.07 84.43 0.00 1.50 100
13 Surgana 0.00 5.85 93.57 0.00 0.58 100
14 Peth 0.00 0.77 96.92 0.00 2.31 100
15 Trambak 0.00 0.00 77.78 0.00 22.22 100
District Average 53.35 37.29 4.35 1.65 3.36 100
(Source: Compiled from Socio-economic Abstract of Nashik District 2004 - 05)
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Figure No. 2.10 Nashik District: Spatial Distribution of fruit crops
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a) Pomegranate Fruit Zone:
Even though farmers have recently adopted the pomegranate crop but over 90
% of cultivated area in total fruit crops in Kalwan, Satana, Malegaon, Deola and
Nandgaon tehsils is devoted to pomegranate production. It covers the northeastern
portion of the district lying in Girna river basin area. The region has semiarid climate
where rainfall amounts are low hence the most farmers adopted drought hardy,
pomegranate fruit crop. As a result, it occupied more than half of the area (53.35%) in
total fruit crops of the district (table No.2.12)
b) Grape Fruit Zone:
The grapefruit crop occupies 37.29%, the second largest position in total fruits
of the district. This oldest grapefruit growing zone is located in the southwest part
consist Niphad, parts of Nashik and Dindori tehsils and production of grape is now a
region’s specialty. The region is drained by Godavari basin; in addition, canal
irrigation facilities, well drained soils and a good transport network favoured the
production of table grapes.
c) Mango Fruit Zone:
The western down-ghat zone of Sahyandri Mountain is characterized by
humid climate and high rainfall and laterite soils. It resembles to physical
characteristic features of the Western Konkan zone of Maharashtra, popular for
mango production. Similarly this zone also specializes in mango production owing to
favourable edapho-climatic conditions. It comprises Igatpuri, Surgana, Peth and
Trambak tehsil in which ¾ area is under mango fruit.
d) Mix Fruit Zone:
The micro level variation in physiographic and edapho-climatic condition
results in adoption of mix fruits within particular tehsils. For instance, the western
part of Chandwad tehsil in proximity to the grape fruit zone produce grapes while
eastern part close to pomegranate high concentration zone favour pomegranate.
Similarly larger parts of Yeola tehsil, those are deficient in rainfall cultivate
pomegranate while canal irrigated parts facilitates grape and guava fruit crop. Truly,
the Sinnar tehsil is mix zone, all the fruits occupied significant percentage.
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In a nutshell, the preceding discussion reveals that the arid and semi-arid
regions of the study area are properly explored for commercial fruit growing. The
natural resources in terms of relief, climate, soil and water resources reveal are quite
favourable in the eastern half of study area for pomegranate production. Nevertheless,
a combination of technological, infrastructural, social and government policies
together helped to promote a dynamic and progressive environment for modern
pomegranate farming.
The dry weather has greatly facilitated its cultivation along with the ingenuity
of local innovative farmers and technical support of the research institutions (MPKV,
Rahuri). Indeed, the drip irrigation system coupled with tube wells and agro ponds
minimized adverse impact of unreliable rainfall and helped to sustain agronomy in
this water scarce area. The recent technological advances took place in the field of
irrigation made it capable of utilizing the available land and water resources for
growing pomegranates. Consequently, commercial growing of pomegranate fruits was
also popularized amongst the weaker section of agrarian society having small and
marginal holdings. It resulted in an enormous expansion of pomegranate orchards
within a short period of time.
Based on the discussion made above, the first declarative hypothesis made for
the present study is accepted that pomegranate is native of the Mediterranean region,
despite of that, it is successfully cultivated in the study area because of the favourable
environmental conditions.
