The Gazetteers Department

CROP ROTATIONS: The value of a change in cropping is well known. Variations in rainfall influence cropping system in a place considerably. One finds vast differences in cropping systems from west to east in the district. Three distinct zones are observed in Kolhapur district, viz. (i) the western zone getting plenty of rainfall; (ii) the central zone, receiving moderate but assured rainfall; (iii) the eastern zone, receiving uncertain rainfall. The systems of cropping, though much the same within a zone, differ considerably from zone to zone.

Western Zone.

The western zone comprise the talukas of Shahuwadi. Radhanagari, Bhudargad, Ajra, Bavada and a part of Panhala. The following are the rotations followed in this zone.

Paddy is the main crop and is grown every year, except (i) on the low-lying areas where val, field peas or gram are grown in the rabi season and (ii) in river valleys and on the banks of the rivers where sugarcane, wheat and vegetables are grown after the harvest of paddy crop. On light and slopy soils ragi (nachani), vari, sava, rale or niger is grown every year for two to three years and then left fallow for about two years. In the case of heavy soils, where ragi is grown, it is rotated with groundnut and kharif jowar next year.

Central Zone.

The central zone comprises the talukas of Gadhinglaj and western part of Karvir and Kagal and eastern part of Panhala mahal. The major crops of this zone are kharif jowar and paddy. Jowar follows groundnut next year. Paddy is followed by sugarcane in the river valleys and in tracts with assured water supply. In the soils with moisture, field peas or gram is taken in the rabi season after paddy. In the areas, with seasonal water supply, wheat and vegetables are taken in the rabi season.

Eastern Zone.

The eastern zone comprises the talukas of Hatkanangle. Shirol, Eastern part of Karvir and Kagal. Kharif jowar and groundnut are the major crops of this zone. Tobacco and chillies are other important crops of this zone. Wells are the main source of irrigation in this tract. On good black soils kharif jowar, is rotated with tobacco in the next kharif season. On lighter soils and in certain heavy soil areas, groundnut follows next. Paddy is also grown under irrigation in this zone. Khapli wheat, gram or vegetables follow paddy in the rabi season. Khapli wheat and gram follow after chillies, in the rabi season in certain parts of this zone where seasonal irrigation facilities are available; otherwise groundnut or kharif jowar is taken next in the kharif season.

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