CHAPTER II INFRASTRUCTURAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ...
Transcript of CHAPTER II INFRASTRUCTURAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ...
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CHAPTER II
INFRASTRUCTURAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL FACTORS OF
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
2.0 Introduction
This chapter is divided into three parts. This chapter is mainly
concerned with natural factors like location, boundaries, physiography,
drainage, climate, soil, geology and the natural vegetation to the study
region. The second part of this chapter concerned with general land use,
agricultural land use, irrigation, livestock, electricity, transport and
communication facilities whereas third part deals with population
characteristic. These features are discussed in this chapter from the
viewpoint of growth of industries of the study region.
2.1 Physical Setting
2.1.1 Location and Boundaries
The district is located on the western coast of India.
Ratnagiri district is lying between 16o30’ to 18
o04’ north latitude and
73o02’ to 73
o52’ east longitude. The total geographical area of the district
is 8249 sq.km. The district stands twenty-two (2.7%) in area of
Maharashtra State. The district has a north south length of about 180 km
and east-west extension of 64 km. It has a coastline of 187 km. The total
population of the district was 1696777 with 8 towns and 1519 villages as
per 2001 Census. There are nine tahsils in Ratnagiri District.
The study region is western part of Maharashtra bounded by
Raigad district in the north, Arabian sea in the west, Sindhudurg district
in the south and Sahyadri hills in the east. Beyond the Sahydri hills
Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts are located. (Fig. 2.1)
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There were major changes in the administrative set-up of
Maharashtra immediately after the 1981 Census. For the administrative
convenience, industrial and agricultural development Ratnagiri district
was divided into two districts viz. Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg with effect
from 1st May, 1981.
2.1.2 Physiogaphy
Physiography is one of the dominant parameters of physical
environment and its impact on patterns and density of agriculture is
immense. Physical characteristics provided a host of possibilities for
agriculture and agro based industries in different areas (Chowhan
T.S.1987).
The relief varies remark from place to place and the broad and
relief changes are seen in the west-east direction with local variations.
These variations in land are due to the geological complexity of the
region and varied geomorphological evolution (Deshpande C.D. 1971)
The Ratnagiri district is broadly divided into three sub divisions
based on the elevation.
1. The Sahyadri Region
The eastern part of the district is covered Sahyadri hills and their
15 km surrounding area. Its coverage height is above 400m. In the
Sahyadri hills both above and below the main range, the tops are often
crowned or gridded by large massive basaltic rocks. This region is
extended north-south direction having steep slopes occupied by spurs and
saddles.
2. The low level lateric Plateau
Middle portion of the district is formed by a narrow belt of low
land, lying between the Arabian Sea and Sahyadri hills. This part of the
study region is locally known as ‘Valati’. This central zone, which is
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covered by small hills and ridges it having height above 150m to 400m
from the mean sea level. The general slope of this zone is from east to
west and it is formed by denudation of the rocks.
3. The river line and esturing level surfaces
The coastal belt was often rocky and broken by small bays and
creeks and fringed with islands. The elevation of the area is below 150m
and it formed by alluvial soil which is fertile. It is locally called ‘Khalati’.
Due to the uneven and undulating topography land not available for
cultivation i.e. net sown area is limited in the region.
2.1.3 Drainage
In Ratnagiri district fishing industry is very important. Water is
also essential for the development of agriculture. It affects on agro-based
industries. From the viewpoint industries it is essential to study drainage
pattern of the district in detail.
All the rivers in the district originate from the Sahyadri ranges and
flow from east to west and merge with the Arabian Sea. Vashisthi is the
most important river of the district from the view point of length as well
as navigational facilities. Other important rivers are Shastri, Bav,
Ratnagiri, Muchkundi, Jaitapur and Jagbudi. Each of them has a small
individual catchment area (Fig. 2.2).
i. Savitri River
The river Savitri flows on the northern periphery forms natural
boundary between Ratnagiri and Raigad districts and is navigable about
35 km in Ratnagiri district. The mouth of the river Savitri is formed by
bluff hills, jutting out on either side of the creek into the sea.
ii. Vashishti River
River vashishti, the largest and most important river in the
district, rises in the Tivra Pass and takes its name from Vashisht. The
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river Vashishti’s length is about 48 km. The river is navigable about 40
km from seacoast.
iii. Shastri River
Rising in the Sahyadri hills near Prachitgad and total length of
river shastri is 64 km. It falls into the Arebian Sea at Jaygad. Flowing
about 17 km west until it meets the Bav river at Phangas and the Gadnadi
meets the Shashtri at Velamb. There are four chief public ferries across
the Shastri river.
iv. Bav River
Bav river rising in the Sahyadri range near the Amba Pass. After a
course of about 56 km, joins the Shastri on its left bank at Phangas about
18 km from the coast.
v. Ratnagiri River
South of the Shastri lies the Ratnagiri river or creek with no special
name and comparatively less important. Ratnagiri river rising in the
Amba pass.
vi. Muchkundi River
South of the Ratnagiri is another small river the Munchundi, which
rises at Muchal near Prabhavli and flows into the sea with the fort of
Purngad on its northern bank.
vii. Jagbudi River
The Jagbudi the principal tributary of the Vashishti, rises near the
Hallot pass its reaches the town of Khed. The Jagbudi is also navigable
for small craft as far as Khed.
Near the seacoast line, there are some important creeks that are
Keleshi, Dabhol, Vashisti, Jaigad, Kalambadevi, Palsjet, Borya. These
creeks are useful for the navigation by small boats locally known as
hodyas, also more useful for the fisheries.
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During the fair several of these minor creeks afford shelter to small
casting vessels and fishing smacks and to cross all or nearly of them
ferries are wanted.
The district has a long coast line and has a considerable fishing
activity throughout the year except the monsoon. In the district fish-
canning industry is busiest one.
In general there are seasonal rivers, which are small in length and
are active with flow of water in monsoon season. However, the rivers,
creeks in this district are of great value from the point of view of
navigation and fisheries.
2.1.4 Climate
The climate of the Ratnagiri district is generally moist and humid.
Ratnagiri district being a coastal district, the variation of temperature
during the day and through the seasons is not large. The year may be
divided into three seasons, the summer season from March to May, the
monsoon season from June to September and winter season from
November to February.
Rainfall
Rainfall, as the primary ecological parameter, has created a variety
of farming enterprises, types or systems in the world. It is rainfall, which
controls to a great extent the crop pattern in the district. Failure of rains
affects the whole of the regions economy as well as the supply of
industrial raw material for various industries and adversely the
agricultural production. (Shukla, S. K.) Rainfall has control and for this
reason is a seasonal rhythm of condition influencing the patterns of land
use.
Rainfall is not uniform in all part of the district. It increases rapidly
from the coast of the district. In and around ghats rainfall is very heavy.
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Behind General rainfall condition in Ratnagiri district the rainfall is very
heavy. Annual rainfall ranges from 2605mm in Guhagar to 4032 mm in
Rajapur. Average rainfall is 3300mm from coast to Sahyadri the
proportion of rainfall increases. June to September is the rainy season.
During the month of July the district receives maximum rain.
The highest mean rainfall was recorded in Rajapur tahsil whereas
the lowest mean rainfall was experienced in Guhagar. (Table 2.1) Mean
Rainfall varies from tahsil to tahsil. Below 3000 mm mean rainfall was
found in Guhagar whereas 3000 to 3500 mm mean rainfall was recorded
in Ratnagiri, Chiplun & Lanja tahsils. Above 3500 mm mean rainfall is
recorded in Dapoli, Mandangad, Sangameshwar & Rajapur tahsils from
1985-86 to 2003-04 (Fig 2.3)
Table 2.1
Rainfall in Ratnagiri District
(1982 – 2002)
Sr.
no
Tahsil Mean Rainfall
(in mm)
Standard
Deviation
Variability
in %
1 Ratnagiri 3007 639.15 21.25
2 Guhagar 2605 625.37 24.00
3 Dapoli 3804 849.66 22.33
4 Mandangad 3817 606.43 15.88
5 Khed 3610 438.36 12.14
6 Chiplun 3435 554.41 16.14
7 Sangameshwar 3969 711.87 17.93
8 Lanja 3390 519.84 15.31
9 Rajapur 4032 991.50 24.59
Source – i) Socio Economic Review and District Statistical Abstracts of Ratnagiri from 1985 to 2007.
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Rainfall Variability
Although the region falls in high rainfall zones there are
local variations in the actual distribution of rainfall. The coefficient of
rainfall variability is calculated by the following Formula.
S
Co-efficient of rainfall Variability = ----- x 100
X¯
Where,
S = The Standard Deviation
X¯ = The Arithmetic mean of rainfall
In general the variability is high where the rainfall is less. It is
clearly seen from table 3.1 that the variability of rainfall in the Ratnagiri
district ranges from 12.14% in Khed to 24.5% in Rajapur tahsils. Above
20% rainfall variability was recorded in Ratnagiri, Dapoli, Guhagar,
Rajapur tahsils, whereas 15% to 20% rainfall variability was observed in
Mandangad, Chiplun, Sangameshwar, Lanja tahsils from 1982 to 2002.
Below 15% rainfall variability was noticed in Khed tahsil during the
period of investigation. (Fig. 2.4)
2.1.5 Soils
The soils are one of those factors, which determine the nature, and
character of agricultural and industrial activities which in turn determine
the type of agricultural raw materials for industries. Soils are important
natural resource. These are the source of practically the entire stock of
man’s food, clothing and ever increasing list of other needs. So that man
gets nearly all of his good from the soils less than one per cent of what he
eats being fish. Of the long list of natures gifts to man productive soils
and water are the most basic to human life.
The soils of the district are generally classified in three types i.e.
1) Laterite soils, 2) Salty soils and 3) Coastal alluviums.
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1. Laterite Soils
In the Ratnagiri district large area, (50 to 60% area) covers
for the laterite soils. It is predominant soils in the district. Extensive
spreads of laterites are noticed throughout the district. The heavy rains in
the region thoroughly leach the soils turning them acidic in reaction and
devoid of calcium carbonate. These soils are available on the slopes of
the hills and are partly recorded yellowish red and poor in fertility.
Further they are shallow in depth and coarse in texture. Ragi is the
principal crop in these soils. In large area of Khed, Chiplun,
Sangameshwar, Lanja and Rajapur tahsils are covered laterite soils.
2. Salty Soils
The salty or saline soils are situated on the flat, leveled land near
the sea usually along the creeks, which penetrate, into the coastal
alluvium at several places in both the broad soil zones. These soil are
formed due to the deposition of salts from the sea or from lands reclaimed
from the sea. They are usually flat, clay-to-clay loam in textile and
reddish or yellow grey in colour. They are locally known as ‘Khar’ or
‘Khajan’ lands. (Shinde S. D.) In some area of Mandangad, Dapoli,
Guhagar, Ratnagiri and Rajapur tahsils cover coastal saline soils.
3. Coastal Alluviums Soils
The coastal alluvium occupies near about 15% to 20 % of the total
soil cover in Ratnagiri district. The alluvium in theses soils is derived
either from the trap rock or the laterites. The coastal strips have deep
sandy loams. They are relatively deep soils developed on flat land and
loamy in texture with reddish grey colour. They are devoid of clay
fraction or humus and are open in nature. They support the famous
garden crops. In Ratnagiri, Lanja, Guhagar, Dapoli, Rajapur tahsils
covers some area of coastal alluvium soils.
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2.1.6 Geology and Minerals
The rocks and minerals often play important role in Industrial
location. The industrial units remain dependent on geological resources
for part of their raw materials and power supplies. Ratnagiri district has a
varied geological structure with a great variety of rocks and minerals. The
principals geological formations include the rocks of Gneissic or
Metamorphic series, Kalddgi, Quartzites, Deccan Trap, Ratnagiri plant
Beds.
Rocks of Ratnagiri belong to five groups. These rocks in arranged
in their true or descending order: –
A) Azoic 1) Gneissic (Matamorhic) series with
trap and granite intrusions
2) Kaladgi Quarliziles and shales
B) Upper Secondary 3) Deccan Traps Ironclay (laterite)
C) Middle or Lower Tertiary 4) Ratnagiri Plant Beds
D) Upper do 5) Konkan Laterite
E) Post Tertiary or Reun 6) Alluvial Deposits
7) Sub aerial formations and soil
Minerals
Ratnagiri District is endowed with different types of minerals of
economic importance Manganese and Iron ores are found in the southern
part of Ratnagiri district. Ilmenite is found along the coast from Purangad
to Malgund in Ratnagiri District. Ilmenite is an ore of Titanium metal.
Ratnagiri District is also blessed with huge deposits of silica sand and
annually thousands of tons of silica sand is being dispatched to places like
Bombay, Pune, Kolhapur, Belgaum, Ichalkaranji etc. Silica is found in
Rajapur tahsil. Bouxite is found in Mandangad and Dapoli tahsils. There
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are many good deposits of clay in the district. There are also occurrences
of mica, felsper, steatile, quartzs, mineral pigments such as copper salt,
asbestone, limestone, clay, building stones, glass, sand etc. radioactive
minerals like Uranium oxide are also found in some parts of the district
(Census Handbook). There are some mineral based industries in Ratnagiri
district like laterite stone, Clay pots manufacturing, Sand, Glazed
Articles, Sodium Silicate, Play Articles etc.
2.1.7 Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation is important from the view point of rainfall
distribution and the fertility of the soil. It also checks the soil erosion and
keeps the natural balance. Forest products support to the forest based
industries.
In the Ratnagiri District whole area the proportion of forested area
is very uneven. About 225 species of trees, 4 types of Bomboos and 15
types of grasses are recorded from the district. Ain, Anjali, Apta, Bel,
Chinch, Hirda, Jambhul, Khair, Amba, Kinjal, Moha, Palas, Phanas,
Pimpal, Sag, Shiras etc. are the main trees in the region. There are
number of trees and strubs which have medicinal value.
Area under forest was 1.04% to the total geographical area in 1982-
87 and it decreased up to 0.74% area during period under study. It means
area under forest decreased by 0.3% during the period of 20 years.
2.2 Economic setting
2.2.1 General Land use
The intensive use of land depends upon better agricultural
production, human establishments, industrial locations, communication
and transport lines and crude forms of transport. Land utilization is also
related to conservation of land from one major use to another general use.
(Nanavati, 1957)
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In the forgoing discussion the general land use pattern of the
study region is presented. For the present study, they are grouped into
five land use categories viz. Area under forest, Area not available for
cultivation, Other uncultivable land, Fallow land and Net sown area.
Tahsilwise general land use pattern of Ratnagiri District is
presented in table 2.2 and fig. 2.5 and 2.6.
Table 2.2
Land use in Ratnagiri District in hectors
Tahsils Land
use Year
Ratna
giri
Guha
gar Dapoli
Mand-
angad Khed
Chip-
lun
Sangam
eshwar Lanja
Raja
pur
Dist
-rict
1982-87 0 0 9 1 23 2 12.6 10.2 26.6 84.4
% 0 0 1.04 0.24 2.3 0.18 1.02 1.38 2.16 1.04
1997-2002 0 0 4.41 1 34.6 2.2 0 10 8 60.2
% 0 0 0.5 0.24 3.63 0.19 0 1.34 0.67 0.74
Fo
rest
Lan
d
Vol.of
change in % 0 0 -0.54 0 1.33 0.01 -1.02 -0.04 -1.49 -0.3
1982-87 352.2 211.6 211.2 106.6 209.6 309 370.4 214 425 2410
% 37.96 33.25 24.46 25.06 20.96 27.68 30.08 28.97 34.59 29.5
1997-2002 373 181 235.8 100.8 197.4 309 380.6 203.2 113.2 2092.6
% 39.84 28.6 27.58 24.15 20.71 27.31 31.78 27.13 9.38 25.85 Are
a n
ot
Av
aila
ble
fo
r
Cu
ltiv
atio
n
Vol.of
change in % 1.88 -4.65 3.12 -0.91 -0.25 -0.37 1.7 -1.84 -25.21 -3.65
1982-87 192.6 217.4 216.6 59.4 155 276.8 298.6 180.4 349.2 1946
% 20.76 34.16 25.09 13.96 15.5 24.79 24.25 24.42 28.42 23.82
1997-2002 216.4 218.8 251 38.8 224 220 215.4 164 689 2240.8
% 23.11 34.58 29.35 9.3 23.49 19.44 17.99 21.9 57.13 27.67
Oth
er
Un
cult
ivab
le
lan
d
Vol.of
change in % 2.35 0.42 4.26 -4.66 7.99 -5.35 -6.26 -2.52 28.71 3.85
1982-87 57.8 49 122.2 123 412.4 83.8 218 95.2 143.4 1304.8
% 6.23 7.7 14.15 28.91 41.25 75.1 17.71 12.89 11.67 15.97
1997-2002 72.4 37.4 88.2 84.2 276 142 246 106 91 1155.8
% 7.74 5.91 10.32 20.17 28.95 12.55 20.54 14.16 7.54 14.28
Fal
low
lan
d
Vol.of change
in % 1.51 -1.79 -3.83 -8.74 -12.3 5.04 2.83 1.27 -4.13 -1.69
1982-87 325.2 158.4 304.4 135.4 199.8 444.8 331.8 239 284.6 2423.4
% 35.05 24.89 35.26 31.83 19.98 39.84 26.94 32.34 23.16 29.67
1997-2002 274.4 195.6 275.8 192.6 221.2 458.6 355.6 265.6 305 2547
% 29.31 30.91 32.25 46.14 23.21 40.51 29.69 35.47 25.28 31.46
Net
sow
n a
rea
Vol.of
change in % -5.14 6.02 -3.01 14.31 3.23 0.67 2.75 3.13 2.12 1.79
1982-87 927.8 636.4 863.4 425.4 999.8 1116.4 1231.4 738.8 1228.8 8168.6
% 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
1997-2002 936.2 632.8 855.21 417.4 953.2 1131.8 1197.6 748.8 1206.2 8208 To
tal
% 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Source : Socio-Economic Review and District Statistical Abstract of Ratnagiri 1989-90, 2006-07.
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i. Area under Forest
This category includes all areas actually under forests whether state
owned or private and classed or administered as forests under any legal
enactment dealing with the forest. Most of the forests in the region are
situated on steep and precipitous slopes of the Sahyadri in the upper
reaches of the ravines and inaccessible folds of mountains. Very often the
scattered state forests are interspersed with malki and inam lands
especially in Ratnagiri district.
Forest occupies about 8440 hectares of area during 1982-87 and it
was decreased to 6020 hectares during 1982-87 and 1997-02. It means
area under forest decreased by 0.3% during the period of investigation. It
means not more change in forest land area in the Ratnagiri district.
Among the 9 tahsils Khed accounts for half of the total forest area of the
district. Only below 1% to 4% area covers forest land for other tahsils.
Out of the total geographical area below 1% area was under forest in
Dapoli, Mandangad, Chiplun and Rajapur tahsils whereas in Lanja and
Khed tahsils. Above 1% geographical area was recorded during 1997-
2002. Table 2.2 showed that Ratnagiri, Guhagar and Sangameshwar
tahsils were not recorded forest area during period of investigation.
Volume of change in Forest area during the period of investigation
Zero percent change was experienced in only Mandangad tahsils whereas
below 1% negative change in forest area was observed in Dapoli and
Lanja tahsils. Above 1% negative change was observed in Sangameshwar
and Rajapur tahsils. Positive change in forest area was found in Chiplun
and Khed (1.33%) tahsils during the period of investigation.
ii. Area not Available for Cultivation
During 1982-87 about 24100 hectares of land was under this
category and it was decreased to 209260 hectares during 1997-2002. It
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means that about 3.65% negative change was recorded in this group. Out
of the total geographical area less than 25% area was found under area
not available for cultivation in Guhagar, Dapoli, Chiplun and Lanja
tahsils during 1997-2002. Above 30% geographical area not available for
cultivation was found in Ratnagiri and Sangameshwar tahsil during 1997-
2002.
Volume of change in land not available for cultivation is shown in
table 2.2. Above 4% negative change in Guhagar and Rajapur tahsils and
below 4% negative change in area not available for cultivation was
observed in Lanja tahsil between 1982-87 and 1997-2002. Below 1%
positive change in Mandangad, Khed and Chiplun tahsil and above 1%
positive change was observed Ratnagiri, Dapoli and Sagameshwar tahsil
during the period of investigation.
Area not available for cultivation is important for wide scope of
industrialization. Mostly industries are located in this area and
surrounding area developed.
iii. Other Uncultivable Land (Excluding Fallow Land)
Regional distribution under this category varies from 9% to
57%. In Rajapur tahsil very high (57.13%) percentage of area under this
category and very low (9.30%) proportion of land recorded in
Mandangad tahsil. Out of the total geographical area below 20% area was
recorded under this group in Mandangad, Chiplun and Sangameshwar
tahsils, while 20% to 30% was observed in Ratnagiri, Dapoli, Khed and
Lanja tahsils during 1997-2002. Above 30% geographical area was
noticed under other uncultivable land in Guhagar and Rajapur tahsils
during the period of investigation. (Table 2.2)
The volume of change in uncultivable land is very uneven. Most of
increase in area involved in change is confined to larger part of coastal
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area of the district. Below 5% positive changes in other cultivable land
was found in Ratnagiri, Guhagar and Dapoli tahsils. Above 5% positive
change observed in Khed and Rajapur tahsils in this group from 1982-87
to 1997-2002. Most of the increase in area involved in change is confined
to Rajapur tahsil. (28.71%)
Other uncultivable land area has decreased in the period of
investigation between 2% to 6%. Below 5% negative change in other
uncultivable land was took place in Mandangad and Lanja tahsils, where
as above 5% negative change in this group was recorded in Chiplun and
Sangameshwar tahsils from 1982-87 to 1997-2002.
iv Fallow Land
Ratnagiri district has substantial proportion of fallow land with an
average of 16% of total geographical area. Regional disparities in the
spatial distributional pattern of fallow lands in Ratnagiri district are
exhibited in table 2.2. In Ratnagiri district Khed tahsil recorded high
percentage of fallow land. Rest of tahsils recorded relatively less
proportion of fallow lands. This is because of the topographic and
edapho-climatic conditions in most part of Ratnagiri district. Out of the
total geographical area below 20% area was recorded in Mandangad,
Chiplun and Sangameshwar tahsils while 20% to 30% area was observed
under fallow land in Ratnagiri, Dapoli, Khed and Lanja tahsil during
1997-2002. Above 30% geographical area was found in Guhagar and
Rajapur tahsils.
The volume of change in fallow land in the period of investigation,
below 5% negative change was observed in Guhagar, Dapoli and Rajapur
tahsils, whereas above 5% negative change was recorded in Mandangad
and Khed tahsils. Below 2% positive change in fallow land was took
place in Ratnagiri and Lanja tahsils, whereas above 2% positive change in
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fallow land was recorded in Chiplun and Sangameshwar tahsils during
the period of investigation.
In Ratnagiri District 130480 hectares of land was under fallow land
in 1982-87 and it decreased up to 115580 hectares in the period of
investigation. It means the net sown area and other cultivable land area
increased in the study region during period of 1997-2002. Hence fallow
land slowly decreased.
v Net Sown Area
Net sown area is the land which is being actively filled for raising
of industrial crops. A glance at table 2.2 depicting Ratnagiri District’s
general land use reveals that net area sown occupies the largest share
31.46% in the region’s geographical area. It clearly shows that agriculture
in Ratnagiri is handicapped. 70% of the total land area is not used for
cultivation owing to dearth of cultivable land. Rugged terrain, poor soils
and scarcity of water supply coupled together with poorly developed
transport network and low technological development have all
contributed to this situation.
Below 30% geographical area was observed under land under
cultivation in Ratnagiri, Khed, Rajapur, Sangameshwar tahsils during
1997-2002, about 30% to 40% geographical area was found in Guhagar,
Dapoli and Lanja tahsils. And above 40% area was recorded under net
sown area in Mandangad and Chiplun tahsils during the period of
investigation.
Volume of change in net sown area during the period of 1982-87 to
1997-2002 was recorded above 6% positive change in Guhagar and
Mandangad tahsils. About 3% to 6% positive change was found net sown
area in Lanja and Khed tahsil while below 3% positive change was
observed in Chiplun, Rajapur and Sangameshwar tahsils between 1982-
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87 and 1997-2002. Below 3% negative change was observed in Ratnagiri
and Dapoli tahsils.
2.2.2 Agricultural Land use
This concentrates mainly on the study of trends in area of rice, ragi,
vari, pulses, cereals, spices and condiments, fruits and vegetables, oil
seeds and fodder crops. There is remarkable variation of all crop area in
Ratnagiri district. Variation of all the crop area showed ups and downs
during the period of investigation.
The change in cropping pattern in a particular span of time clearly
indicates the changes that have taken place in the agricultural
development and agro based and food processing industries in the study
region.
Annual Area Variation of Selected Industrial Crops
Taking into consideration annual area variation of selected crops in
the study region the table 2.3 clearly indicates that there is positive and
negative change. Rice, ragi, vari, other cereals total pulses, spices and
condiments, fruits and vegetables, oil seeds and fodder crops are
considered as selected crops. The farmers have changed their attitude
from traditional crops to cash crop i.e. Alphanso Mango and Cashew
nuts.
The year 1982-83 is taken as base year for the sake of comparison
and review of the area under crops development reached during the
period under study.
i. Rice –
Rice is one of the major food crops in the study region. Rice area
showed positive change in eleven years from 1982-83 to 2001-02 in
Ratnagiri district. The highest increase in area under rice was found (5369
hectares) in 1988-89 and the lowest increase was registered in 1991-92.
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7608 hectares observed negative change in rice area in 2001-02 whereas
only 106 hectares of rice area was noticed in 1997-98.
Table 2.3
Annual Area Variation of Selected Industrial Crops in
Ratnagiri District (Area in hectares)
Crops
Years Rice Ragi Vari Other
Cereals
Total
Pulses
Spices &
Condi.
Fruits &
Veg.
Oil
seeds
Fodder
Crops
1982-83 155 -428 -256 -148 -478 -228 74 -978 -904
1983-84 624 27 -526 3772 26 -7 12 734 2353
1984-85 -925 7292 112 -1479 -713 33 592 402 4509
1985-86 4641 103 400 70 61 -52 510 -828 -9519
1986-87 -4345 7041 -640 -20 -22 -11 837 7225 10189
1987-88 -1283 -15662 -610 -2343 -384 14 8285 -6783 -1041
1988-89 5369 4330 -684 1287 2692 -133 -1524 -326 -17599
1989-90 0 1605 -2539 -1305 -3143 -483 -1252 -1235 -4091
1990-91 1342 -2812 150 305 1762 81 2218 1887 1980
1991-92 192 -178 -150 -266 -1130 332 -2218 230 -1980
1992-93 220 -3458 928 4153 2565 100 4807 4210 730
1993-94 -540 -851 154 -2827 -946 -12 7233 19685 -3530
1994-95 -786 -329 -522 -607 615 2 1490 -20669 -165
1995-96 -2249 -2740 669 4242 -2145 -600 7245 -865 19465
1996-97 218 -2055 -552 -1782 -1168 796 3168 -4021 6784
1997-98 -106 -445 343 -2987 1761 -351 -10040 1221 7016
1998-99 1688 500 9 0 300 100 2803 2100 33400
99-2000 -3570 -622 740 -87 -100 114 1138 -429 715
2000-01 3378 -78 2 1527 -1700 -14 -6628 -2671 -30715
2001-02 -7608 700 -742 -1440 1800 -100 1710 3100 7030
Source :- Socio Economic Review and District Statistical Abstracts of Ratnagiri from 1982-83 to 2006-
07.
ii. Ragi –
Ragi area showed 10 years negative change in a study region. The
highest negative change in ragi area was noticed in 1987-88. It decreased
by 7292 hectares in 1984-85. It was decreased by 32.28 per cent during
the period of investigation.
36
iii. Vari –
Area variation of vari showed 11 years negative change whereas
nine times positive change from 1982-83 to 2001-02. It is clear from table
2.3 indicate that the highest negative change (2539 hectares) area was
occurred in 1989-90 while the highest positive change (740 hectares) area
was observed in 1999-2000.
iv. Other Cereals
Area under other cereals increased in seven years and decreased in
remaining years during the period under study. The highest decrease
(2987 hectares) in area under other cereals was observed in 1997-98
where the highest increase (3772 hectares) was seen in 1983-84 (table
2.3).
v. Total Pulses
During the period of 20 years area under pulses decreased in 11
years in the entire study area. The highest negative change in pulses area
was noticed in 1989-90 whereas only only twenty-two hectares decreased
it in 1986-87. During 1988-89 area under pulses increased by 2692
hectares 26 hectares increased it in 1983-84.
vi. Spices and Condiments
Spices and condiments area showed highest positive change (796
hectare) in 1996-97 whereas the highest negative change (7245 hectares)
recorded in 1995-96.
vii. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables farming gives more scope for small scale
agro based industries. In the Ratnagiri district Mango and Cashewnut are
more important for the fruit Industry. Out of the total area under fruit and
vegetables mango crops and cashewnut crop occupied 7500 hectares and
20800 hectares respectively in 2004-05.
37
Area of industrial fruits and vegetables increased 15 years between
1982-83 and 2001-02. It is clear from table 2.3 the highest increase in the
area under fruits and vegetables was recorded 8285 hectares in 1987-88
while the lowest increase (12 hectares) was observed in 1983-84. The
highest decrease (10040 hectare) in the area under fruits and vegetables
recorded in 1997-98 whereas the lowest decrease (1252 hectares) was
seen in 1989-90 during the period of investigation. There is tremendous
increase in area under this crop’s due to the attitude of farmers as well as
supportive schemes followed by the state government. This crops has
more demand in national as well as international market hence the
awareness of the farmers are also responsible for increase in the area
under fruits and vegetables.
viii. Oil Seeds
Area under oil Seeds industrial crop was increased in ten years and
decreased in nine years during the period of investigation. The maximum
increase (19685 hectares) in area under this crop was noticed in 1993-94
whereas the minimum increase (230 hectares) was recorded in 1991-92.
The highest decrease (20669 hectares) area under oilseeds was found in
1994-95 while the lowest decrease (326 hectares) was seen in 1988-89
during the period under study (table 2.3).
ix. Fodder Crops
Under category of Fodder crops elephant grass, maize are
considered. Area of fodder crop decreased in 8 years from 1982-83 to
2001-02. The highest decrease in fodder crop area was observed in 2000-
01 whereas the lowest decrease in area was observed in 1994-95.
Livestock gives support to economy of the rural parts of the study
area. The Dairy farming also plays an important role in an increasing the
area under fodder crops. Awareness of farmers responsible for dairy
38
farming and it support to increase area under fodder crops slowly day by
day in the study region.
2.2.3 Changes in the Production of Selected industrial Crops in
Ratnagiri district
The changes in the production of the selected industrial crops are
given during the years 1982-83 to 1984-85 and 2002-03 to 2004-2005 in
table 2.4. Three yearly average changes in production of selected
industrial crops are worked out for the entire region. The productions of
selected industrial crops in 1983-84 (the mid year of ending triennium)
indicate an increase and decrease over that in 2003-04 (the mid year of
ending triennium) in study the region.
Table 2.4
Annual Average Trends of Production of selected Crops in
Ratnagiri District (1982-85 and 2002-05)
Average Production in
Tones
Change in Production
in between 1982-85
to 2002-2005
Annual change
Crops
1882-1985 2002-2005 Quantity Percentage Quantity
in Tones Percentage
Rice 1524 1941 417 27.37 18.13 1.19
Ragi 437 236 -201 -46.03 -8.74 -2
maize 1 2 1 66.67 0.03 2.9
Other Cereals 214 92 -122 -56.92 -5.3 -2.47
Tur 1 3 2 233.33 0.1 10.14
Udid 3 3 0 0 0 0
other Pulses 7 11 4 60 0.17 2.61
Coconut 6995 22454 15459 221.01 672.14 9.61
Source :- Socio Economic Review and District Statistical Abstracts of Ratnagiri from 1982-83 to
2006-07.
Table 2.4 indicates the production of rice, maize, tur, other pulses
and coconut shows percentage increase by 27.37 per cent, 66.67 per cent,
233.33 per cent, 60 per cent and 221.01 per cent respectively, while the
production of ragi and other cereals percentage has decreased by 46.03
per cent and 56.92 per cent respectively.
39
It means that table 2.4 indicate that an annual percentage increase
of 1.19 per cent, 2.9 per cent, 10.14 per cent, 2.61 per cent and 9.61 per
cent respectively for the crops of rice, maize, tur, other pulses and
coconut whereas, the annual negative percentage of change 2 per cent,
and 0.08 per cent respectively for the crops of ragi and other cereals.
Physical and non-physical factors affected for the increase and decrease
in selected crop production during the period of selected triennium of
1982-85 and 2002-05.
2.2.4 Irrigation
Ratnagiri district has negligible area under irrigation till recently.
Only 5371 hectares of the total cultivated land amounting to only 0.65 per
cent was under irrigation. Canals, tanks and wells are the chief sources of
irrigation in the district. The rugged terrain does not favour canal
irrigation in Konkan. Strees has therefore been laid on minor irrigation
schemes like bunds, bandharas and tanks.
Modes of Irrigation
It is essential to increase irrigation facilities in the Ratnagiri district
from the view point of industrial development. There are different
irrigational sources in Ratnagiri district. The modes of irrigation as
follows
a) Medium irrigation projects
b) Minor irrigation Projects
c) Well irrigation
a. Medium irrigation projects
In the Ratnagiri district, there are four medium irrigation projects.
Natuwadi project in Khed tahsil, Gadnadi project in Sangameshwar
tahsils, Arjuna project and Jamada project in Rajapur tahsil, are medium
40
irrigation project. But only one Natuwadi project in Khed tahsils is
completed.
1. Natuwadi Project
Construction of this project (Dam) was started in Khed tahsil. The
project not yet completed. Table 2.5 shows that about Rs. 3672 lakh
amount will be spent on this project and the total height of the dam
sanctioned is 45.25 metres. Total length of the canals is 36 km. Total
water storage capacity of the project is 28.08 million cubic metre.
However 7.552 million cubic meter water is stored as on 31st March,
2007. About 2050 hectares of land will be irrigated after completion of
this dam.
Table 2.5
Medium Irrigation Projects in Ratnagiri District
Sr.
No. Item Medium Irrigation Project
1 Name of the Project Natuwadi Gadnadi Arjuna Jamada
2 Tahsil Khed
Sangame-
shwar Rajapur Rajapur
3 Year of Completion 1998 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
4
Estimated cost of Expenditure
(Rs. in Lakhs) 3672.00 11279.64 26136.00 16658.71
5 Height of Dam (in Metres) 45.25 66.08 67.90 57.84
6 Length of Canal (in Km) R-00
L-36
R-47
L-24
R-80.50
L-49
R-65.50
L-42
7
Length of Canal completed
( in Km)
R-00
L-36
R-15
L-00 -- --
8
Maximum Storage capacity
(in Million m3) 28.08 65.32 74.67 48.05
9
Storage Capacity as on
31-03-2007 7.552 -- -- --
10
Total irrigation potential
(in Hectare) 2390 3578 7037 5075
11
Gross Area Commanded
(in Hectare) 2139 2862 5967 4239
12
Irrigable Area by Completed
Project (in Hect.) 2050 2576 5704 3500
13
Area Irrigated at 2007
(in Hect.) 13.82 -- -- --
Source : Socio-Economic Review and District Statistical Abstract of Ratnagiri District in 2006-07.
41
2. Gadnadi Project
This dam was constructed in Kankavali tahsil. About Rs. 11279.64
lakh is the estimated cost of expenditure and it will complete in 2007-08.
The height of this dam sanctioned as 66.08 metres. Table 2.5 show that
the storage capacity of this project is 65.32 million cubic metre. The
project not yet completed. Hence not a single hectare of land was not
irrigated by this project in 2007. About 2576 hectares of land will be
irrigated after the completion of this dam.
Arjuna and Jamada projects were having not a single million cubic
meter water is stored as on 31st March, 2007.
The main characteristics of the medium projects in Ratnagiri
District, is that only one project has been completed. These irrigation
projects when completed will play an important role in the agricultural
and industrial development in the study region.
2.2.5 Livestock
Livestock resource also plays an important role as a base for
development of industries in the region. Animal husbandry is not a mere
adjunct to agriculture. In fact it is mixed farming and facilitates
agricultural operations and supplements. It also affords base for some of
the small-scale industries like dairy, tanning, leather etc. All the
agricultural operations are based on livestock and they are the chief
source of power and manure (Kaystha S. L., 1961). Only main groups
like cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep and other livestock are considered.
i. Total Cattle
The total cattle include Jercy cows, Jercy bullocks; young stock of
cows and bullocks Country cows breeds is normally found in Ratnagiri
district. In the absence of mechanized farming the small, marginal and
medium farmers almost entirely depend on livestock.
42
Out of the total cattle below 70% cattle was observed in Ratnagiri
where as 70% to 75% cattle was recorded in Chiplun, Rajapur and Khed
tahsils during 2003. About 75% to 80% cattle share in livestock was
registered in Dapoli, Mandangad and Sangameshwar while above 80%
cattle share was recorded in Guhagar and Lanja tahsils during 2003.
Cattle population was decreased in some tahsils. Only in Ratnagiri
tahsils total cattle population was increased by 69.70% during 2003. Near
about all tahsils show positive change from 1992 to 2003. Above 10%
positive change was noticed in Ratnagiri, Rajapur, Dapoli tahsils, while
below 10% positive change was observed in Guhagar, Sangameshwar,
Mandangad, Lanja, Chiplun tahsils during the period under study. Only
below 1% negative change was recorded in cattle population in Khed
tahsils during 2003.
Table 2.6
Livestock in Ratnagiri District (1992 and 2003)
Tahsil Year Total
Cattle
Total
Buffalo’s
Goats Sheep Other
Livestock
Total
Livestock
1992 52786 10714 57226 28 58801 179595
% 29.39 5.97 31.89 0.02 32.74 100
2003 64950 11848 7091 6 9285 93181
% 69.70 12.72 7.61 0.01 9.96 100 Ratnagiri
Vol. of
Change 40.31 6.75 -24.28 -0.01 -22.78
1992 44103 4810 1708 ------ 6862 57483
% 76.72 8.37 2.97 ------ 11.94 100
2003 40486 2458 1438 3 2420 46807
% 86.50 5.25 3.07 0.01 5.17 100 Guhagar
Vol. of
Change 9.78 -3.12 0.10 0.01 -6.77
1992 77761 18020 7713 13 10874 114388
% 67.98 15.75 6.74 0.01 9.51 100
2003 52129 4239 4106 26 5173 65682
% 79.38 6.45 6.25 0.04 7.88 100 Dapoli
Vol. of
Change 11.39 -9.30 -0.49 0.03 -1.63
1992 34415 3932 5175 ----- 5820 49342
% 69.75 7.97 10.49 ----- 11.80 100
2003 22286 1863 2190 ----- 2076 28418
% 78.43 6.56 7.71 ----- 7.31 100
Mandan
-gad
Vol. of
Change 8.68 -1.41 -2.78 ----- -4.49
43
Source : Socio-Economic Review and District Statistical Abstract of Ratnagiri 1997-98, 2006-07.
ii. Total Buffaloes
The proportion of buffaloes was recorded 9.81%. Out of the total
buffaloes below 6% buffaloes proportion was recorded in Guhagar where
as 6% to 10% buffaloes share in total livestock was experienced in
Sangameshwar, Mandangad, Dapoli and Lanja tahsils during 2003. About
11.39% buffaloes were found in Rajapur tahsil and above 12% buffaloes
proportion in livestock was observed in Khed, Ratnagiri and Chiplun
tahsils during the period of investigation.
1992 74124 11605 5887 1 6125 97757
% 75.84 11.87 6.02 - 6.27 100
2003 57550 9863 2953 - 6735 77103
% 74.64 12.79 3.83 - 8.74 100 Khed
Vol. of
Change -1.19 0.92 -2.19 - 2.47
1992 83090 12272 7346 - 12969 115687
% 71.83 10.61 6.35 - 11.21 100
2003 70219 11549 6519 - 4344 92632
% 75.81 12.47 7.04 - 4.69 100 Chiplun
Vol. of
Change 3.98 1.86 0.69 - -6.52
1992 77821 9767 11904 - 13497 112989
% 68.87 8.64 10.54 - 11.95 100
2003 64642 6470 5758 - 5831 82701
% 78.16 7.82 6.96 - 7.05 100
Sangam
eshwar
Vol. of
Change 9.29 -0.82 -3.57 - -4.89
1992 52729 5267 5653 - 6482 70134
% 75.18 7.51 8.06 - 9.25 100
2003 46054 3622 1887 - 4322 55885
% 82.41 6.48 3.38 - 7.73 100 Lanja
Vol. of
Change 7.23 -1.03 -4.68 - -1.51
1992 66921 13668 12488 - 14803 107880
% 62.03 12.67 11.58 - 13.72 100
2003 62810 9529 6556 - 4744 83639
% 75.10 11.39 7.84 - 5.67 100 Rajapur
Vol. of
Change 13.06 -1.28 -3.74 - -8.05
1992 563750 90055 115140 47 136226 905255
% 62.28 9.95 12.72 0.01 15.05 100
2003 481126 61441 38498 35 44930 626048
% 76.82 9.81 6.15 0.01 7.18 100 District
Vol. of
Change 14.58 -0.13 -6.57 0.00 -7.87
44
Volume of change of Buffaloes population between 1992 and 2003
showed in table 2.6. Positive change in buffalo’s population was observed
in Ratnagiri, Chiplun and Khed tahsils. Below 3% negative change in
buffalo’s population was recorded in Mandangad, Rajapur, Lanja and
Sangameshwar tahsils from 1992 to 2003. Above 3% negative change in
population was experienced in Dapoli and Guhagar tahsils during the
period of investigation.
iii. Goat
Goats form on integral part of the Indian agricultural economy.
Proportion of Goat distribution in livestock varies from tahsils to tahsils.
In the Ratnagiri district vary less proportion of Goat population during
the period of investigation. All tahsils was recorded below 10% of Goat
population. In the Ratnagiri district, out of the total livestock Goat
population was recorded only 6.15% in 2003. The proportion of goat in
the total animal resource was below 4% in Khed, Lanja and Guhagar
tahsils whereas 4% to 6% share of goat in livestock was recorded in
Sangameshwar and Dapoli tahsils during 2003. Above 6% proportion of
goat was experienced in Rajapur, Mandangad, Ratnagiri and Chiplun
during the period of investigation. Below 1% positive change in goat
population was recorded in Chiplun and Guhagar tahsils during 2003.
Other tahsils showed negative change in goat population between 1992
and 2003. Below 3% negative change in goat population was observed in
Mandangad, Khed and Dapoli whereas 3% to 6% negative change in goat
population was recorded in Lanja, Rajapur and Sangameshwar tahsils.
Above 6% negative change in goat population was experienced in
Ratnagiri tahsils during the period under study.
45
iv. Sheep
The distribution of livestock, sheep was observed only three tahsils
Ratnagiri, Dapoli and Guhagar. Other tahsils were not recorded sheep
population during the period of investigation.
v. Other Livestock
Out of the total livestock the proportion of other livestock was
below 6% in Rajapur, Guhagar and Chiplun tahsils in 2003. Above 6% to
8% proportion of the livestock was observed in Dapoli, Lanja,
Mandangad, Sangameshwar whereas, above 8% other livestock
proportion was recorded in Ratnagiri and Khed tahsils in 2003.
Below 2% negative change in other livestock was observed in
Dapoli and Lanja. Above 2% to 8% negative change in other livestock
was took place in Guhagar, Chiplun, Sangameshwar and Mandangad
tahsils whereas above 8% negative change observed in Ratnagiri and
Rajapur tahsils during the period of study. Above 1% positive change in
other livestock was recorded in Khed tahsils from 1992 to 2003.
2.2.6 Electricity
Among the infrastructure facilities the adequate supply of
electricity is the most important for economic progress of any area. The
use of electricity has profoundly changed the structure and role of energy
supplies in modern industry and has certain important consequences on
the location industrial activity.
Pofali, Alore and Kolakewadi project supported to create electricity
and ultimately benefited to agro based industries. Due to these projects
has changed cropping pattern from food crops to cash crops or industrial
crops since last few years.
46
In 2009-10 about 59.87% electricity was used in industrial sector.
The share of domestic purpose, agricultural and other purpose in the total
consumption were 27.97%, 1.83% and 10.33% respectively in 2009-10.
2.2.7 Marketing
Availability of market is very essential for the development of
industry because finished products of any industry are finally brought to
the market for sale. Therefore if the region has several and large market
centres, then the region receives more incentives and has good scope for
the development of industries. Generally large villages have at least a few
permanent shops, which deal with the daily necessities of the residents.
Weekly markets are also held in some of the important villages. In rural
areas of the district such markets are held in as many as 111 (7.33%)
villages of the 1515 villages. There are 10 market centres such as Dapoli,
Jalgaon, Khed, Chiplun, Khed, Guhagar, Ratnagiri, Nachne, Lanja and
Rajapur. They are unevenly distributed in the Ratnagiri district.
2.2.8 Banking Facilities
Banking facilities are important for industrial development
because capital investment is essential for establishment of industry. 196
banking institutions were functioning in the district. Out of these 80%
were working in rural areas and 20% were in urban areas. The banking
facility was available to 88 villages and towns in the district. There were
13 banking institutions per lakh population. Ratnagiri, Khed, Chiplun and
Sangameshwar being the important trade centres have more than half of
the total number of banking institutions in the district. The State Bank of
India works for the treasury for the district.
2.2.9 Transport and Communication
The location of industry is greatly influenced by availability
of transportation facilities. Railways and roads are the nerves and veins of
47
the region. The development of the study region depends upon the
transport facilities available in the study region. The principle modes of
transport serving the region are the railways, the roads and water
transport is also available in the district.
Railways
In the Ratnagiri district, Railway transport developed by under the
Konkan railway project. The main trunk route of the railway is aligned
almost parallel to the coast line. In Ratnagiri district about 194 km broad
gauge railway line is available. In the district total railway stations are 15
i.e. Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Sangameshwar, Rajapur, Khed, Kutra, Nivdi,
Mirjore, Pali etc.
Roadways
Roads are one of the important pre-requisities of economic
development. This is particularly true in a district study area is covered
by hills and rocky tracks as there is other means of transport in this hilly
district.
The total length of the roads is 7409 km in 2008-09. The roads
were not uniformly distributed in the region. An Increase in road length
during the last 25 years works out to be 22%. Out of the total length about
275 km was National Highway, 849 km State Highway, 1398 km district
roads and other district roads were 1273 km About 3197 km were found
in village area. Total length per square geographical area is 84 km.
Water Transport
Water transport is also available in the district. Arabian Sea,
creeks, rivers are important for the navigation. Ratnagiri district has 187
km coast line. In this coast line some ports are developed i.e. Ratnagiri.
In the absence of a connecting railway and adequate road transport
facilities coastal steamer services are only communication. Fortunately,
48
the Konkan coastline is well indented with numerous creeks and
headlands that offer shelter for country crafts and small coastal vessels.
Janjira, Harnai, Ratnagiri Vijaydurg are some of these ports which are
service centres for the coastal shipping vessels, that sail from Bombay
southwards.
There were 656 post offices on 1st March 2008 and about 153
telephone offices in this district. In the Ratnagiri district only 3129
telephones are available in 1984-85 and it was increased up to 52221 in
2000-01 and 90640 in 2008. The highest telephones (24740) are available
in Ratnagiri tahsil.
2.3 Population Characteristics
Population resource is the most important resource, which supports
as a base for the development of industry. Man being a powerful
geographical factor on the earth surface not only determines the economic
pattern of resource utilization but also is himself a very dynamic and
important resource for the society. He plays a crucial role in the entire
progress of production and he is also the beneficiary of the whole of
resources utilization and economic development.
The analysis of different elements of population is as fallows.
2.3.1 Growth of population
The trend of population growth is basic to the changes in the
overall geographic personality of any area. In this section is discussed the
growth of population since 1981.
Table 2.7 reveals the decade wise growth rate of population in the
Ratnagiri district. According to Census 2001, total population of the
district is 1696777, among them 794498 are males and 902279 are
females. In 2001 growth rate of population is 9.89%. It is 12.84% lower
than states growth rate of population. The low growth rate of population
49
and low number of male population because of the persons of the districts
are migrated for the employment in the Mumbai, Pune cities.
Table 2.7
Growth of Population in Ratnagiri District (1901-2001)
Growth Rate in % Sr.No. Decade
Total Rural Urban
1 1901 -- -- --
2 1911 2.53 3.32 -14.53
3 1921 -4.24 -4.18 -5.87
4 1931 12.68 12.84 8.41
5 1941 6.04 5.01 34.86
6 1951 5.21 2.45 65.12
7 1961 6.52 5.19 24.45
8 1971 11.56 10.44 24.29
9 1981 7.89 8.21 4.70
10 1991 11.92 11.65 14.69
11 2001 9.89 7.01 39.23 Source : Socio-Economic Review and District Statistical Abstract of Ratnagiri 2009-10.
The trend of general population growth rate and rural population
growth rate are some parallel during 1991-2001. Rural population growth
rate was more (8.21%) than the General population growth rate (7.89%)
from 1981 to 1991 decade. Urban population growth of Ratnagiri district
is only 14.69% during 1981 to 1991 decade, whereas it was increased by
39.23% during the period of last decade. Urban population of the
Ratnagiri district was increased to a greater extent due of development to
towns and cities.
During 1991-2001, the region recorded the increase of 11.92%
growth due to the industrialization and rural development. Concentration
of industries at Ratnagiri and Chiplun cities development of
communication and other services were the main factors which
influenced the increase of population.
50
2.3.2 Distribution of Population
Table 2.8 indicates tahsilwise distribution of population in
Ratnagiri district. The density of population in Ratnagiri district
according to the population census of 1981 was 167 persons per sq.km
and it was increased up to 207 per sq.km in census of 2001, where it was
decreased 196 per sq.km in Census of 2011.
Table 2.8
Population in Ratnagiri District (2001)
Sr.
No. Tahsil
Total
Population
Rural
Population
Urban
Population
Density in
per sq.km
1 Ratnagiri 302261 222641 79620 319
2 Guhagar 142259 139052 3207 220
3 Dapoli 193430 177567 15863 223
4 Mandangad 70593 70593 0 165
5 Khed 194515 180702 13813 189
6 Chiplun 281081 224150 56931 251
7 Sangameshwar 214819 214819 0 172
8 Lanja 113153 100877 12276 155
9 Rajapur 184666 174167 10499 154
District 1696777 1504568 192209 207
Source : Socio-Economic Review and District Statistical Abstract of Ratnagiri 2009-10.
Density of population was increased in every tahsil. The highest
density of population was recorded in Ratnagiri tahsil (319 persons per
sq.km) where as the lowest density (154 per sq.km) was found in Rajapur
tahsil. Fig 2.8 shows the density of population in census 2001 in the
Ratnagiri district.
Density below 160 per sq.km was found in Lanja and Rajapur
while tahsils population density 160 to 200 persons per sq.km was
recorded in Mandangad, Sangameshwar and Khed tahsils. And 200 to
250 persons per sq.km are observed in Guhagar and Dapoli tahsils.
Above 250 persons per sq.km density was recorded in Chiplun and
Ratnagiri tahsils. Because of the Industrial area developed in Chiplun and
51
Ratnagiri cities. Ratnagiri showed highest density of population per
sq.km due to industrial development in the Ratnagiri city.
2.3.3 Sex Ratio
In Ratnagiri district as a whole there are 1123 females per thousand
males. This is significant higher than that of the state average sex ratio of
925 in 2011. The sex ratio in Ratnagiri district has remained higher than
that of the state since 1901. Increasing trend of sex ratio in the district
support the argument that male dominated out migration, perhaps for
better employment opportunities, is the main cause for poor growth rate
and increasing predominance of females.
Table 2.9
Sex Ratio in Ratnagiri District (2001)
Sr.
No. Tahsil
Total Rural Urban
1 Ratnagiri 1042 1095 906
2 Guhagar 1132 1137 948
3 Dapoli 1196 1220 953
4 Mandangad 1247 1247 0
5 Khed 1121 1128 1029
6 Chiplun 1081 1113 963
7 Sangameshwar 1190 1190 0
8 Lanja 1182 1213 955
9 Rajapur 1212 1226 1011
District 1136 1163 944
Source : Socio-Economic Review and District Statistical Abstract of Ratnagiri 2009-10.
Within the district, the sex ratio varies from 1042 in Ratnagiri
tahsil to 1247 in Mandangad tahsil. Generally rural areas have a higher
proportion of females than the urban areas. From table 2.9 it is observed
that the rural sex ratio is more than 1000 in all tahsils of the district.
Within the district the lowest (1095) sex ratio is in Ratnagiri tahsil while
52
the highest (1247) in Mandangad tahsil. (Fig. 2.9) In the urban areas, the
sex ratio varies considerably. The lowest sex ratio is in Ratnagiri tahsil
(906) and the highest is in Khed tahsil (1029).
2.3.4 Literacy
Literacy and population growth are two factors that brings about a
change in agriculture and industry. Therefore the worth of literacy has to
assess by its effectiveness as an instrument of agricultural and industrial
development on progressive lines. (Singh J. & Dhillon, 1995)
According to the population Census of 2001 the total literacy is
75.05 per cent as total literacy rate of Maharashtra state is 76.90 per cent.
In the Rural area 73.32 per cent and urban area 88.26 per cent people are
literates. Male and female literacy is 85.89 per cent and 65.77 per cent
respectively.
Table 2.10
Literacy in Ratnagiri District (2001)
Source : Socio-Economic Review and District Statistical Abstract of Ratnagiri 2009-10.
Fig. 2.10 and table 2.10 show the tahsilwise literacy rate in 2001.
In the study region overall district literacy rate above 71 % was recorded.
Literacy in % Sr.No. Tahsil
Total Rural Urban
1 Ratnagiri 79.63 77.03 86.11
2 Guhagar 72.61 72.16 91.73
3 Dapoli 74.62 73.13 90.80
4 Mandangad 74.25 74.25 -
5 Khed 76.04 74.89 90.71
6 Chiplun 79.48 76.91 89.63
7 Sangameshwar 71.70 71.70 -
8 Lanja 69.15 67.17 85.35
9 Rajapur 69.77 68.60 88.92
District 75.05 73.32 88.26
53
The highest literacy rate (79.63%) was recorded in Ratnagiri tahsil where
as the lowest literacy rate (69.15%) was found in Lanja tahsils. Below
70% literacy was observed in Lanja and Rajapur tahsils. 70% to 75%
literacy rate was observed in Guhagar, Dapoli, Mandangad,
Sangameshwar tahsils during 2001. Above 75% literacy rate was
recorded in Ratnagiri and Chiplun tahsils. Urban centres and surrounding
areas have better infrastructure as far as educational facilities.
2.4 Summary
i. Due to the uneven and undulating topography land less useful for
agriculture. Net sown area is limited in the study region. These are the
limitations of development of agro-based industries. But some time useful
for development of forest based industries.
ii. The rivers, creeks in the district are of great value from the point of
view of navigation and fisheries. Most of the districts soil is covered with
laterite soil. In Ratnagiri district there is wide scope for mineral based
industries. viz. Laterite stone, clay pot manufacturing, sand, glazed
articles, sodium silicate, play articles etc. Forest constitutes one of the
most important sources of raw material for industrial growth in the
district.
iii. The average area under forest is considerably low compared to the
state. All the tahsils showed positive change in land use efficiency except
Ratnagiri and Dapoli tahsils.
iv. All cropped area indicates fluctuates in their area from base year to
last year of investigation. Area of fruits and vegetables was increased 15
years from the base year to the last year in Ratnagiri district.
v. During 1991-2001, the region recorded the increase of
11.92%populated due to the industrialization and rural development.
Density of population was increased every tahsils of the study region.
54
References
1. Census of India (1991) District Census Handbook of Ratnagiri.
2. Kayastha S.L. (1961) Animal Husbandry in Himalayan Beas
Basin’, National Geographical Journal of India. Vol., 7 part 2, pp.
122-134.
3. Nanavati M. B. (1957), “Reading in land utilization”, The Indian
Society of Agriculture Economics, Bombay, pp 2.
4. Shinde S. D. (1974), An Agricultural Geography of Konkan
(Maharashtra State), unpublished Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Shivaji
University, Kolhapur.
5. Shinde S.D., Agriculture in an underdeveloped Region – A
Geographical Survey, Himalaya Publication, Mumbai, pp.25, 27.
6. Shukla, S. K.(1984) Location of Industries in Madhya Bhart
Plateau, pp.11, 12
7. Singh J. (1974), ‘An Agricultural Atlas of India-A Geographical
Analysis’, Vishal Publication, University Campus, Kurukshetra,
p.106.