Drought Situational Analysis of Cropping in Rajasthan

Abstract of
SECOND VISIT TO RAJASTHAN
BY PROF. DR. GHULAM MOHYUDDIN WANI
CHIEF CONSULTANT NRAA and V. M. SIKKA

Rabi Season Implementation Plan

Against a target of 61 lac hectares under Rabbi 2009-10, ninety three thousand hectare has been sown until mid October. This is a meager 1.5% of the targeted area. The main reason is scantly rains for sowing. Stress is made on fodder cultivation like oats, Lucerne & Sarson, Wheat, Gram Bajra is on receding end. The meager irrigated belts have completed sowing targeted.

Statewide situation of crops sown is as oilseeds 81,000 hectares, Mustard 80,000 hectares, other are just 11,000 hectare. The details of District wise tour reports are annexed as Annexure I: District Jodhpur, Pali & Barmar by Dr. G.M. Wani and District Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dosa, Sikar and Bikaner by V.M. Sikka.

Fertilizer Availability

Most of the needed fungicides, pesticides are distributed through private sale centers. Every district has private sale centers and fungicides, pesticides are available. The Dept of Agriculture ensures quality control through its officers. The necessary schedules under low rainfall conditions stand distributed. A decline in the sale of fungicides & pesticides over last year has been registered. A pictorial view of few such stores in Jodhpur/Pali districts is also available in main report.

Seed Replacement Rates & Seed Availability

Details of varieties of short duration introduced in Jodhpur district under advisement of Zonal Agric. Res. Centre, is detailed in the main report. A contingency plan is reported to be in operation. Only 10% seed distribution is through Govt agencies, rest is with private concerns & seed replacement of more than 50% or even 100% in sarson etc., is anticipated through private seed sale centers in the state.

Proposed recommendations on the basis of interaction with farmers, scientists, experts, village co-operatives & NGO’s.
1. Farm ponds be supported under National horticulture mission, relaxation of 10 lac for 5 farmers is advocated. Present community basis be relaxed to individual basis of one farmer with one lac assistance to remove the disputes arising in the present scheme.
2. NAREGA type support for stray or low producing cows or majority of male cattle, Buffaloes need to be formulated to save rich livestock wealth.
3. A system of farm animal use & welfare support is needed by converging the A.H, co-operatives, Banks, Gowshal S, University, Veterinary colleges & all associated dept & persons.
4. The propagation of Khejri & local grasses as detailed in annexure I need priority.
5. Use of solar energy, Ber production needs support. The solar FEED COOKER FOR ANIMALS BY KVK ,CAZRI, Jodhpur need a support of 29 lac to disseminate the technology for future & present use.
6. Value addition and marketing of Ber, sonamuchki, amla & other locally available fruits needs priority.
7. The availability of certain weeds as saneria plant (Crotalania burhia) is supporting sheep and goat under present harsh conditions. A contingency plan to propagate & enhance productivity of these low water requiring fodder needs support for propagation.
8. Livestock is sustaining Rajasthan farmers under worst hit drought 2009. A comprehension plan is needed for sustenance of left (stray) animals, grazing on denuded pastures & resulting damages to forest lands & farm economy.
9. Local dairy farming diversification needs encouragement. Even the Govt run dairy in Jodhpur is running as profit subsidizing cattle fodder & feed may help many private dairy to overcome high price rise in feed & fodder.
10. The present abeyan of seed sale, minikits of fodder & awareness to farmers is satisfactory.
11. Long term measures for using salty water & or preparing rivers & ponds needs priority. Age old Ponds are functioning better so need propagation.

G. M. Wani