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GATHERING AGRARIAN CRISIS - FARMERS’ SUICIDES IN WARANGAL DISTRICT (A.P.)
INDIA CITIZENS’ REPORT - 1998 Centre for Environmental Studies Warangal 2-2-421, Kishanpura, Hanamkonda (A.P) India - 506001 Dedicated to the farmers who always committ their toil to life and suffer
endless misery silently; but now driven to committ suicides. Preface
Farming community in India
today is entangled in a crisis- ridden state.
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Punjab are witnessing
unabated farmer’s suicides. By now more
than 360 farmers have committed suicides in Andhra Pradesh alone, since
December1997. Of them, 84% occur in the telangana region and more than 40% in
Warangal District alone. Indeed a great
cause of concern. Some
view it as a consequence of a failure of
cotton crop while others attribute it to unprecedented weather
conditions. Few others hold that it is an account of failure of agricultural
technology when implanted on unsound conditions. Another perception is that it is the result of a failure of agrarian system it at the
political economy level. Thus
Cross-Section perceptions differ far and wide. The
initialisation of the process of agricultural development which commenced with
the adoption of green revolution in mid 60’s inspite of some positive changes,
agriculture is beset with accumulated problems which, perhaps must have been
responsible for gathering crisis. The agrarian crisis must have exploded in
1997-98 with the occurrence of adverse environmental conditions leading to
drought and pest outbreak. For understanding of agrarian conditions and to
identify the reasons for farmer’s suicides, a few local voluntary organisations
i.e. Centre for Environmental Studies, Society for Development Alternatives,
Warangal Consumer Council and Society for agricultural/Rural Development have
jointly sponsored a study. The
study team comprises of the following : 1. Dr.A.Sudarshan Reddy, Advisor, Warangal
Consumers Council Chairman 2. Sri S.Vedantha, Vice - President, Society for Development Alternatives Vice-Chairman 3. Dr.B.Venkateshwar Rao. Secretary, Centre
for Environmental Studies Secretary 4. Sri Ch. Sunder Ram Reddy, J-Secretary,
Centre for Environmental Studies Member 5. Sri Y.Venkat Reddy, Secretary, Society
for Agricultural/Rural Development. Member The study team has gone through
relevant records from different sources, visited 50 deceased farmers’
households and collected required information. To work out economics of
different crops ,relevant data are obtained through schedules from 50 small
farms in the district. It has made extensive interviews with the cross section
of the society. The study has brought
out three interim reports/research papers. 1. Report
submitted to the Central Team on Agricultural conditions in Warangal District
under the title “Report on the Present Status of Agriculture in Warangal
District”on 29-1-1998. 2. “Changing
Agrarian Conditions and Emerging ,Patterns of
Informal Credit in Warangal - A view Farmers Suicide Deaths”. Paper
presented at the seminar on “Emerging trends in Financing Rural sector in India”
being held on 24-3-1998 under the auspices of Department of Economics, Kakatiya
University, Warangal. 3. “Economics of Different Crops
in Warangal District 1996-97 and 1997-98” paper presented at the seminar on
Telangana Districts’ Cotton and Chilly on 4-4-1998 at Warangal being organised
by Department of Agriculture and N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad. All
these three papers were presented before the “Peoples’ Tribunal” being held at
Warangal on 16-4-1998 under the auspices of Rytu Sahayaka Committee(A.P.). This
is the final report with the title “Gathering Agrarian Crisis-Farmers’ Suicides
in Warangal District (A.P.) India”. We
wish to express our gratitude to all institutions, government officials from
different departments and farmers and cross section of people who spared
valuable information and enriched our knowledge in this regard. Our special
thanks are due to Dr. T.Sudhaker Reddy,
Principal, C.K.M. Arts & Science College, Warangal for the encouragement
and facilities provided to us. Our thanks are due to Sri P.Kishan Rao, who
helped in data collection and Mr.G.Madhu Mohan for typing. Date:5-6-1998 Dr.A.
Sudarshan Reddy Dr.B. Venkateshwar Rao Chairman Secretary Study Team Study Team Contents Page
No. Preface List of text tables List of charts List of appendix tables Frontice piece Chapter Items One : Introduction : Introductory-perceptions of
farmers’ suicides-pattern of agricultural development in A.P.-Issues
raised-Objectives and scope of the study -Methodology -Plan of Report. Two: Background of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural work
force-Share of agriculture-Emerging small farm sector-Changes in cropping
pattern- Indices of crop area -Productivity and production -Spread of cotton
-Irrigation trends in A.P.- Energisation of wells Fertilizer and pesticide
consumption credit -income and poverty - Farmers’ suicides in A.P. Three : Emerging Trends in the District
Agriculture Population and Rural Work Force -Growing Small Farms -
Soils - Rainfall and Recurring Droughts -Trends in Irrigation ,Ground Water
Potential Falling Ground Water Levels
-Shifts in Cropping pattern -Use of Modern inputs - Seeds, Fertilizers,
Pesticides, Extension Services, Agricultural Practices - Credit, Emergence of
Input -Output, linked Market - Productivity Trends - Agricultural prices -
Indebtedness. Four : Economics of Different Crops Cost of cultivation -Gross
Returns -Return/Cost ratios - composition of cost of cultivation -Inter-temporal comparison of Cost & Returns. Five : Fallout of 1997-98 The Drought - Falling Ground
Water Table - the later rains -
Outbreak of Pest - Effects on different Crops
Intra-District variation in Effects. Six
: Farmers’ Suicides Section - I - Characteristic
Features of Deceased Households -Castes, age, Landholdings - Cropping pattern - Sources of
Irrigation - Reasons for Farmers’
Suicides - Debt Burden -Purpose of Borrowing -Accumulation of Debts - Crop
Failure - Sources of Credit - Emergence of Inter linked Markets. Section - II -Imminent
causes and consequences suicides in Warangal District - mandal-wise
Distribution of Suicides in Warangal District. Seven : Summary of Findings and
Conclusion Select Bibliography
(Annex-I) Definitions and
Concepts (Annex -II) Appendix Tables List
of Text Tables : 4.1. Per Acre Costs & Returns for Different
Crops in Warangal District 1996-97 &
1997-98. 4.2. Per Acre Costs & and Returns for
Chilly and Cotton for 1975-76 5.1. Season -wise Comparative Rainfall Position
in Warangal District 1996- 97 &
1997-98.
List
of Charts & Maps: 1. Map
Showing Mandal-wise Suicides in
Warangal District. 2. Chart Showing
Mandal-wise Distribution of Suicides in Warangal Dist. List
of Appendix Tables : 2.1.1. Distribution of Working Population
in A.P. (1961-91) 2.1.2. Number and percentage of Holdings
and Area Operated According
to size in A.P. 2.1.3. Index Numbers of Area, Productivity and
Production of Selected
Crops in A.P. 1992-93 2.1.4. Area under Cotton Crop among the Districts
and regions of Andhra
Pradesh 1982-83 - 1992-93 2.1.5. Net Area Irrigated by Sources Region-wise
1982-83 and 1992-93 2.1.6. Per capita Income Ranked by
Districts(1955-56) 2.1.7. District-wise Incidence of Poverty
in A.P.1977-78 3.1.1. Number and Percentage Distribution of
Operational Holdings in Warangal Dist.1976-77
-1990-91 3.1.2. Rainfall in Warangal Dist.1982-83-1997-98 3.1.3. Net Area Irrigated by sources -Warangal Dist. 3.1.4. Cropping Pattern in Warangal
District 3.1.5. Institutional Credit Supply in
Warangal Dist.1987-88-1997-98 3.1.6. Yield Trends for Selected Crops in Warangal
Dist. 3.1.7. Agricultural Product Prices for
Selected Crops in Warangal Dist. 3.1.8. Seasonal Prices of Selected Crop
Products 4.1.1. Per Acre Costs & Returns for Cotton
1996-97 4.1.2. Per acre Costs and Returns for Cotton 1997-98 4.1.3. Per Acre Costs and Returns for Chilly 1996-97
and 1997-98 4.1.4. Per Acre Costs and Returns for Rice 1996-97 4.1.5. Per acre costs and Returns for Rice 1997-98 4.1.6. Per Acre Costs and Returns for Maize 1996-97 4.1.7. Per Acre Costs and Returns for Maize 1997-98 4.1.8. Per Acre Costs and Returns for Groundnut 1996-97 4.1.9. Per Acre Costs and Returns for Groundnut 1997-98 Chapter-I Introduction 1.1.1: A unique feature that emerged in the
agrarian scene in Andhra Pradesh is the manifestation of an agrarian crisis in
the farmers’ suicide deaths. The state had bitter taste of suicide deaths by
farmers in1987-88 where 37 farmers committed suicide unable to bear severe
losses occurred in cotton crop owing to pest out break in Guntur and Prakasham
Districts. The havoc was created by
American Bollworm. This was followed by deaths of Tobacco farmers in other
areas in the later period. 1.1.2: After a decade, similar problem recurred
with greater dimension in 1997-98. From December 1997 to the end of April
1998,the state is inflicted by more than 360 suicide deaths by farmers. As
could be seen from frontice piece, this time deaths are more concentrated in
the semi- arid region of Telangana.
More than 2/3 of total suicide deaths occurred in this region. Further
concentration is seen in Warangal where 140 deaths have been recorded since
December 1997. 1.1.3: The spate of suicides by farmers is
unabated. this happening in the state of ‘Annapurna’ (Rice Bowl) is a cause of
grave concern. 1.1.4: A cursory look into the spatial spread of
suicides in Andhra Pradesh give an impression that most of the farmers’
suicides are taking place in cotton growing areas. While Guntur and Prakasham
have grown cotton then and now, the problem occurred then and now. The
Telangana Districts have also have been witnessing a shift in the cropping
pattern orienting towards commercial crops like cotton and chilly during last
decade. Therefore, the suicides, which
have been taking place now in large number, are on account of cotton farming.
Much of the devastation is attributed to the occurrence of severe pest problem
on cotton then and now and the present problem is supposed to be precipitated
by adverse weather conditions. That way, the process and effects of growing ‘risky
and uncertain crops ‘in Andhra Pradesh comes to occupy the ‘centre stage’
discussion these days. 1.1.5. However,
a problem of this serious nature may not be attributed to a single factor but
must be born out of gathering agrarian crisis in the state overtime. 1.2.1. In the
early stages, the main focus on agricultural development in the state was
rested in the rationalisation of land institutions and the community
development programmes. The potential for increased agricultural production was
expected to come from redistribution of land and several land reforms were
introduced to effect changes in land tenures. Further, these reforms were
expected to meet the objective of equity as well. In practice, the effect of
these reforms being limited, the land struggle of 1950s and 1960s directed
against ‘jagirdari’ system and for protection tenants and for distribution of ‘banjar’
lands among the landless all have contributed for the emergence of owner
cultivation in the state. In the subsequent period, disintegration of joint
family system, subdivision and fragmentation, declining caste occupations and
due to lack of adequate opportunities outside agriculture have increased the
pressure on land and led to the growth of small and tiny holdings in the state. 1.2.2. By
considering that the traditional agriculture has limited scope for further
production ,the main plank of the state has been adoption of new agricultural
technology. In the early stages of the green revolution in Andhra Pradesh, the
spread of HYV technology was mostly confined to rice. The pre-requisites of
this technology being assured irrigation and intensive use of inputs, obviously
the coastal region was in the forefront in adoption. Opening of canal
irrigation in the 1930s, preexisting system of Rayatwari land tenures and
better resource position in the form of credit etc, have already opened up new
vistas of increased agricultural production long back and turned it into a ‘rice
bowl’ of Andhra Pradesh. Such a resource base has formed not only the basis of
introduction of IADP and IAAP but also paved the way for early adoption of New
Agricultural Technology. Though late in the other regions of the state, some
pockets of areas with assured irrigation could adopt it on a small scale, but
vast areas in other regions depending on rain fed crops have been left out. 1.2.3. The
review of early green revolution experience in the state has clearly brought
out two important problems to the fore. It exhibited regional variations in the
adoption of technology and also variations among the size group of farmers. It
has been claimed that the new technology is ‘scale neutral’. However the
institutions that are essential for the success of the new technology are not
scale neutral and as a result, the small farmers were precluded from sharing
the benefits of green revolution in the early period. 1.2.4. To
mitigate these deficiencies, the state has promoted well irrigation in the
Telangana and Rayalaseema regions by encouraging energisation of wells with
pumpsets. Further, the small farmers were assisted in digging wells and
installation of pumpsets etc. 1970s and 1980s witnessed rapid growth in
the number of wells and electric motor pumpsets. This brought relative change
in the source of irrigation, with well irrigation becoming predominant over
other sources. Thus, ground water became a major source of irrigation in
initiating new technology, with result new areas are brought under cultivation
of HYV rice. By 1973-74, rice production picked up momentum and in the
subsequent period it contributed substantially to increase agricultural
production in the state. The study of
A.Sudarshan Reddy1 while analysing irrigation trends at the state level,
brought-out that well irrigation trended to favour large and medium farms, as
positive relation existed between farm size and development of well irrigation. Economics of HYV Crops : 1.2.5. The study
of K.S.Surya Narayana 2 for period of
1975-76 to 1977-78 covering the three regions reveals the early experience of
green revolution in respect of Rice, Jowar and Maize. That study shows that
regional variations exist in the pace and extent of adoption of HYV in terms of
number of growers and coverage in area in all the districts. The study also
reveals the existence of wide gap between potential yield and actual yield
obtained by farmers. The study further, reveals that HYV production was found
to be economical only in Rice at operational costs. Farmers incur heavy losses
in the production of HYV on the basis of commercial costs (cost c). only on the
basis of operational costs they realised varying magnitude of returns. In Jowar
and Maize, the economic feasibility was not established to convince the farmers
to go in for HYV. 1.A.Sudarshan
Reddy “Irrigation Development in Andhra
Pradesh ----A Cross Sectional study” ,Paper
presented at the Third Annual Conference of the Andhra Pradesh Economic
Association held at Kavali during 19-20, January,1985. (page-5) 2.Surya
Narayana,K.S., Final Technical Report-Economic aspect of Yield Increasing Technology in Producing
Food grains in A.P., Department of Agricultural Economics, A.P.A.U, Rajendra
Nagar, Hyderabad, 1980. It is during the
same period that HYV technology was introduced in Jowar and Maize in view of
limitations of assured irrigation. In the subsequent period, not deny the fact
that agricultural production has got stimulus under the new technology by
increased productivity in respect of several crops. 1.2.6. In the
later period, a notable feature that emerged on the scene is a shift in the
cropping pattern orienting towards non-food crops over food crops. Between 1982-83
and 1992-93,the share of non- food crops has gone up from 24 percent to 35.4
percent. We notice striking regional differences in the magnitude of such a
shift. While Andhra region maintained its stability in the cropping pattern, in
the case of Rayalaseema phenomenal shift occurred in the case of groundnut. The
Telangana region noticed considerable shift to non- food crops notably cotton.
Though, overall area under cotton in A.P. has shown only marginal growth, this
crop has spread into new areas In Telangana and more particularly in the
districts of Warangal, Karimnagar,
Medak and Nizamabad. The share of cotton in these districts has shown
substantial increase during the last decade. 1.2.7. In view
of uneconomical nature of certain crops, constraints in ground water, power
shortages, farmers searched for alternative crops, in the process cotton along
with chilly has emerged on the scene. Originally, this crop is grown
predominantly in Adilabad and Mahaboob Nagar and used traditional local
varieties. However, the HYV cotton and chilly have become prominent only
because Andhra settlers in several black tracts of Telangana raised them
successfully with higher yields. Encouraged by this, local farmers have
followed the suit. Further, they have promoted this crop by way of providing
seeds and other inputs. 1.2.8. As
already mentioned earlier, several of major crops grown in this region proved
to be uneconomical. A superimposition of an alien and risky and resource
intensive crops like cotton and chilly on unsuitable soils is likely to further
deepen the existing agrarian crisis. 1.2.9. It is in
the backdrop of the above that certain issues are raised in the context of
agricultural development in the state. 1) In view of growing very smallholdings
overtime what is the feasibility (or relevance) of new technology form into a
vital issue. 2) another important issue raised in this connection is the
implanting of new technology among the illiterate and ignorant farming
community and its disastrous consequences. 3) in view of depleting ground water
resources particularly in semi arid regions, an important issue that arises is
the sustenance of new technology. 4) The green revolution so far has not only
created regional imbalances but also about imbalances in the cropping pattern
and therefore, the issue is as to how to correct the imbalances in the cropping
pattern which will have serious repercussions at the regional level. 5) In the
context of the growing small farm holdings and depleting resource position, reduction
of public investment in irrigation development, extension services, credit,
input supplies what will be the repercussions on the farming community more
particularly on small farms. An issue of vital importance in the present
context is whether one could link the present farmers’ suicides to the
deep-rooted agrarian crisis that emerged on the agrarian scene of Andhra
Pradesh during the last decades. It is therefore, a matter of interest to find
out reasons for unabated farmer suicide deaths more particularly in the
Telangana region. For the purpose of analysis, Warangal district has been
purposely selected where more than one-third of total farmer suicide deaths
took place in Andhra Pradesh. Objectives : 1.3.1.The main
objective of the study is to identify the reasons for unprecedented farmers’
suicide deaths in Warangal district. The specific objectives of the study are: 1) To analyse the broad trends like
changes in land holding position, cropping pattern, irrigation development,
natural factors, cultivation practices, debt position etc. with a view to link
them suicide deaths. 2) To examine the investment pattern in
well irrigation and to ascertain the changes in groundwater tables. 3) To measure the impact of drought and
unfavourable weather conditions as prevailed in 1997-98. 4) To examine the pattern of credit
distribution and emerging trends in the credit market. 5) To work out costs and returns for
different crops in the district. 6) To ascertain the reasons for suicide
deaths from the deceased families and 7) To work out policy implications and
recommendations based on the observations made in the study. Scope of the study : 1.3.2. The common understanding is that the present
farmers’ suicide deaths are more on account of failure of cotton crop but the
fact is that the crisis is not only limited to cotton or for that matter any
other commercial crop like chilly and groundnut, it is as well a case in other
crops also. The factors contributing to such a crisis are too many and have
been accumulating over the period. Therefore, our analysis tries to probe into
larger questions faced by the present agrarian situation. It addresses its
focus on such vital questions as resource use, technology, agrarian
institutions, and the question of sustainable development of agriculture in the
state. Further, the study also examined in detail credit relations among
commission agents, pesticide sub-dealers, relatives and others. Data collection : 1.3.3. For the
purpose of the study, the data are collected from both secondary and primary
sources. For analysing the broad trends at the district level the relevant data
are collected from different government departments including the chief
planning officer. It also relied on several previous studies conducted in this
area on different aspects related to district agriculture. For analysing the
costs and returns for different crops ,relevant data are collected from 50
sample small farms drawn from 10 mandals through structured questionnaires for
1996-97 and 1997-98. For identifying the reasons for suicide deaths relevant
data are obtained 50 deceased families through structured questionnaires. Method
of Analysis : 1.3.4. The
technological transformation that has been in vogue in the state during the
last 30 years no doubt an important force to reckon with in altering the
agrarian structure. Therefore, the available information both for the state and
district is made use of to make inter-temporal comparison in order to catch the
main trends that were in operation. In order to measure the impact of drought
and the peculiar weather conditions on yields we made the comparison of the
current year with that of preceding year i.e. 1996-97 which happened to be a
normal rainfall year. The data collected from the 50 farm households is made
use of to work out costs and returns for five major crops of cotton, chilly
rice, maize and groundnut under irrigated and unirrigated conditions. From
this, the return cost ratios are worked out to show the economic feasibility of
different crops and also to identify the major factors influencing costs and
returns. For selected crops like cotton and chilly, inter-temporal comparison
is made on the basis of data collected now and the data obtained from study on
these crops by A.Sudarshan Reddy et.al for the year 1975-76. The basic data
collected from another 50 deceased farm families is made use of to identify the
reasons for suicide deaths. The debt position, source of debt, purpose of debt,
crops grown, yields obtained and the reasons for crop failures etc. were the
main aspects considered in this respect. Tabular analysis is widely used. Limitations of the study : 1. Suicide deaths in general may occur on
account of economic, social, cultural and psychological factors. As the
information from deceased persons could not be elicited on the factors leading
to death and also the psychological stress which they are subjected to can only
be described by him but in the absence, the information is collected from
family members and their neighbours as to the probable reasons for their
suicide deaths. When economic and social depressions are afflicted on
individuals they may be reaching a brink and at this stage any minor event may
lead to extreme action. Therefore, the observations made in this regard are
subjected to such limitations. 2. Small farms being predominant in the
district agriculture and that the suicide deaths are within this group, we have
analysed economics of different crops on the basis data generated from small
farms of less than 5 acres. However, in the medium term, the cropping practices
will normalise at the village level. Therefore, the findings from this study
may also be relevant and useful for other farmers as well. 3. The study was limited one district and
therefore, the conclusions drawn from this study should be taken only as
indicative of the overall general crisis in agriculture. Plan
of the Report: 1.3.6. The first
chapter provides a brief review of agrarian trends in the state and across the
regions of the Andhra Pradesh and raised certain issues in the context of
deteriorating agrarian conditions in the state. Objectives, scope and method of
analysis are presented in the first chapter. The second
chapter deals with the salient features of agriculture in the state. The third
chapter provides the background of the district over the years in order to
catch the main trends in agricultural transformation in the district. The fourth
chapter deals with the analysis of costs and returns for different crops. The fifth chapter
deals with the agrarian conditions prevailing in 1996-97 and 1997-98 and
analyses the role of natural factors on agrarian conditions. The sixth
chapter deals with the characteristics of deceased farmer families and analyses
the reasons for farmers’ suicide deaths in Warangal district. Discussion,
summary and conclusions are provided in the seventh chapter. At the end,
select bibliography (Annex-I), definitions and concepts (Annex-II) and Appendix
tables follow these chapters. CHAPTER-II BACKGROUND OF
ANDHRA PRADESH Introduction 2.1.1. This chapter deals with some
of the basic characteristic features of agriculture in the state. It covers the
major trends that are in operation since formation of the state. They include
distribution of work force, emergence of small farm sector, changes in cropping
pattern and place of cotton, trends in sources and extent of irrigation, credit, fertilizer and pesticide
consumption, income and poverty, and farmer suicide deaths. Agricultural Work
Force : 2.1.2. Andhra Pradesh is
predominantly an agricultural state with three-distinct agro-climatic regions
viz. Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and telangana with varying but typical farming
systems. Rural Population, which was 29.09 lakhs in 1961, has increased to
486.21 lakhs in 1991. However in terms of percentage it has comedown from 82.6
to 73.1 during the same period. Agriculture provides major source of
livelihood. In the total working population, it provides employment to 69
percent in 1991. During the last two decades it is maintaining more or less
same level. Among the agricultural workforce, agricultural labourers form majority. During the last two
decades the percentage of workforce as cultivators has comedown marginally, on
the contrary, agricultural labourers show up an increase in absolute number and
percentage. (see appendix table 2.1.1.) Share of
Agriculture in State Domestic Product : 2.1.3. Agriculture still continues to
enjoy predominant position in the state domestic product. The share of primary
sector, which was 59.4 percent in 1960-61, has gradually declined to around 40
percent in 1995-96. Emerging small
farm sector : 2.1.4. The fact that the number of
cultivators has gone up from 57.9 lakhs to 78.9 lakhs during the last two
decades speaks of increased pressure on land. The number of operational
holdings have gone up substantially from 61.54 lakhs to 92.90 lakhs between
1976-77 and 1991 showing an increase of more than 50 percent. Among those total
operational holdings of less than 5 acres increased both in terms of number as well as percentage. It went up from
66.9 percent to 77.3 percent during same period. In terms of land share small
and marginal holdings account for 22.1 percent in 1976-77 and gone upto 39.5
percent in 1990-91. Changes in
cropping pattern : 2.1.5. The predominant cereals
grown, are rice and jowar in all the three regions. While maize is mostly
confined to Telangana region. In the early period, Andhra Pradesh relied more
on food crops with 77 percent area covered under them. But since 1980 s there
is a significant fall in the area covered by jowar, bajra, ragi and millets.
However rice maintained its primacy around 35 to 40 lakh ha. 2.1.6. During 1982-83 and 1992-93, striking changes
have occurred in the composition of agricultural production. The area under
non-food crops has gone up from 24 to 35.4 percent during this period. However,
we notice regional differences in respect of proportion of area covered under
non-food crops. Coastal region noticed marginal increase from 21.0 to 23.3
percent and it continues to hold traditional cropping pattern more intact with
rice predominance. On the other hand, Rayalaseema witnessed phenomenal change
i.e. from 39.9 to 67.7 percent during this period. Much of its contribution
came from an increase in the area under groundnut in place of jowar and
millets. In case of Telangana, the share of non-food crops increased from 18.4
to 28.8 percent. Much of its increase has come from cotton and groundnut. Indices
of Crop Area,
Production and Productivity ; 2.1.7 Increase in agricultural production is effected by area
shifts among different crops and productivity changes on account of adoption of
HYV technology. The area shifts and productivity changes have a bearing on the
regional development pattern. In order to catch the trends in agricultural
production and the regional dimension, indices are provided in respect of crop
area, production and productivity for important crops up to 1992-93 by taking
1969-70 as base. A look into the Appendix table 2.1.3 shows that as many as 10
crops have lost their area in different magnitudes but the worst effected are
jowar, bajra. Inspite of increase in
productivity, the share of these crops in production has got reduced
considerably in this group except tobacco, mestha and bengalgram. On the other
hand, rice and green gram gained only marginally however, the productivity
increases in these two crops has raised the indices of production in these
crops. Substantial gains have been realised in terms of area by cotton, black
gram, sugar cane, maize, groundnut and chilly. Indices of productivity are also
substantial for the crops of cotton, black gram, maize and chilly. These two
gains together have contributed mainly to the higher production indices. Among
different crop categories, cereals have lost substantially while fibres gained
in terms of area. Non-food crops have shown index of 156. 2.1.8. If we add the regional dimension, it provides
the sources of increased contribution of the respective crops. While groundnut
has gained in place of jowar and bajra in Rayalaseema area, cotton, chilly and
maize got considerable area in Telangana. Cotton Cultivation in Andhra Pradesh: 2.1.8. As early as in 1955-56, the area under cotton
was 4.07 lakh ha in Andhra Pradesh and until 1980-81 it was maintaining a level
between the lowest of 2.60 lakh ha to 4.14 lakh ha .as maximum. However, it
picked up since then and gradually increased over the years reaching to a peak
level of 10.59 lakh ha in 1995-96. In 1991-92, Andhra Pradesh occupied 9.2
percent of the total area under cotton in the country. However, its
contribution was 13.3 percent in total cotton production in the country.
Relatively more contribution to production came from higher yields after Punjab
and Haryana. On the other hand, Maharashtra, which occupied 35.3 percent in
area, contributed only 11.8 percent of production owing to lower yields. All India Position of Cotton: 2.1.10. At the all India level, cotton arwa is around 7
to 8 million ha with slight year to year variation since 1951 -52. However
production increased from 3.28 million bales (of 170 kg each)in 1951-52 to 9.84
million bales in 1990-91. Much of its contribution came from increase in
productivity from 85 kgs per hectare in 1951-52 to 217 kgs per hectare in
1991-92. Apart from other factors, in important source in increase in
productivity is the rising proportion of irrigated area under cotton, which
rose from 9.1 percent in 1951-52 to 33.6 percent in 1989-90. Spread of Cotton in Telangana : 2.1.11. With in Andhra Pradesh, Guntur and Prakasham in
coastal area and Kurnool in Rayalaseema and Adilabad in Telangana region have
been traditionally growing cotton. However, 1992-93 notices significant
increases in the area noticed in almost all the districts in Telangana except
Hyderabad. Telangana region as a whole witnessed an increase in its share from
2.8 percent in 1982-83 to 9.5 percent in 1992-93. On the other hand, its share
remained more or less the same in Rayalaseema region. In coastal Andhra, its
share increased marginally from 4 percent to 5.1 percent during this period.
Witnessed an increase in its proportion from 15.8 to 22.0 during this period.
Thus, the Telangana districts have noticed a shift in the cropping pattern
towards cotton. (see table 2.1.4). Irrigation trends in A.P. : 2.2.1. In view of its role in raising productivity,
security and in facilitating the spread of Hyv technology, development of
irrigation formed main flank in the state plans. Public investment in this area
received greater attention. Under this influence net area irrigated has
increased from 27.46 lakh ha in 1955-56 to about 32.3 lakh ha in 1979-80 and to
40.28 lakh ha by 1992-93. During this period, the corresponding figures for
gross irrigated area are 31.99 lakh ha., 42.40 lakh ha and 50.85 lakh ha
respectively. Canals accounts for the largest share then and now. However, in
the recent past, the relative share of the canals has gone down marginally.
Between 1955-56 and 1992-93, the net area irrigated under canals has gone from
12.92 lakh ha to 17.26 lakh ha. But, its relative share has gone down from 47.0
to 42.9 percent. Wells and tube wells which irrigated an area of 2.84 lakh ha.
In 1955-56 has gone upto 14.10 lakh ha. While that of its share has gone up from
10.4 percent to 35 percent, a phenomenal increase indeed. Contrary to this
trend, area under tank irrigation has come down from 39.8 percent to 18.1
percent during this period. 2.2.2. while this being the broad trend at the state
level, there are wide regional variations in terms of different sources of
irrigation (see table 2.1.5). In coastal Andhra, canals continued to be a
predominant source. However, its relative share has come down marginally. Tube
wells have become important additional source of irrigation in the later period
there. Well irrigation constitutes only 7 percent. On the contrary, in
Rayalaseema tanks, which constituted by far the largest source of irrigation,
has been replaced by well irrigation. At present, tank irrigation constitute a
minor share and even less than the canal irrigation. Energisation of Wells : 2.2.3. In the semi arid region of the Telangana,
wells have been playing considerable role in providing irrigation
traditionally. However, well irrigation got impetus under the emphasis of rural
electrification since the third five-year plan. Energisation of pumpsets also
got encouragement on account of successive droughts during mid sixties and
consequent food crisis. In Andhra Pradesh the number of electric pumpsets being
1800 in 1961 and 2700 in 1966 increased rapidly to 1.86 lakhs in 1971 and to
4.01 lakhs by 1981 and to 13.31 lakhs in 1993. It is also striking to note that
more than 5.9 percent of pumpsets are concentrated in the Telangana region and
is followed by Rayalaseema 23 percent and coastal Andhra 18 percent. Thus, the
rapid increase in the number of pumpsets particularly in Telangana and
Rayalaseema regions has resulted in greater exploitation of ground water since
mid sixties and contributed for enhanced share of well irrigation in these
regions. Empirical evidence shows that groundwater is relatively more
dependable than the other sources of irrigation like tanks and canals etc. in
the years of insufficient rainfall. Thus, development of well irrigation served
as an important instrument of expansion of new agricultural technology in these
two regions. 2.2.4. A variation in sources of irrigation across
regions generated over the years has led to inequitable distribution of
irrigation benefits. While huge public investment was required for growth of
canal irrigation of coastal Andhra region and huge irrigation subsidy provided
there reduced the cost of irrigation to an insignificant level. The early
dependence of Telangana and Rayalaseema regions on tank irrigation has no doubt
benefitted the farmers with less irrigation charges. But, over the years, the
gross negligence of these irrigation structures and of lack of adequate new
investments on minor irrigation development resulted in the denial of benefits
to the farmers in these regions. On the other hand, development of well
irrigation has been done mostly by private investment. Excepting for a few
targeted sections like small and marginal farmers and tribal communities, where
state support was there, the rest of capital formation took place from private
sources. This has enhanced the demand for long term capital needs among the
farming community in these regions. Studies have clearly brought out that
compared to canal irrigation costs, cost of irrigation under wells was far
higher followed by tank irrigation. Fertilizer Consumption : 2.2.5. As Hyvs are more fertilizer responsive and
more pests prone, the spread of Hyv technology necessitated increased use of
fertilizers and pesticides. With the advent of commercial crops, particularly
after 1980s like Hyv cotton and chilly have enhanced the levels of fertilizers
and pesticides use. In 1980-81, the total consumption of fertilizers was 575.6
thousand tonnes in the state. At pre hectare level the consumption was 43.9 kgs
and ranked fourth in the country. A decade later, the total consumption has
gone up to 1618.8 thousand tonnes, an increase of 2.81 times. But one
noticeable change is that it has improved its rank from fourth to second in
terms of fertilizer consumption among different states in the country. We also
notice a significant change in the cropping pattern during this period. Pesticides Consumption : 2.2.6. Another concomitant change
associated with the new agricultural technology is that of increased use of pesticides
in the country. At the all India level, pesticide consumption has gone up from
7.5 thousand tonnes in 1968 to 83.2 thousand tons in 1995. Last decade
witnessed a phenomenal growth in the use of pesticides. Since 1988, it has been
growing at the rate of 20 percent per annum. Pesticides consumption 1995 is 450
gms. per hectare at the all India level. We notice inter- state differences in
the use of pesticides. Andhra Pradesh at present ranks third in pesticide
consumption with 0.83 kgs per hectare of cropped area after Tamilnadu (1 kg.)
Punjab (0.87 kg). We also find cropwise differences in the use of pesticides.
More than 70 percent of total consumption find use in cotton and rice crops
alone. It is estimated that cotton alone, which occupies about 6 to 7 percent
of area in the country, consumes nearly 50 percent of total pesticides in the
country. IARI’s studies further bring to the light that these four states,
which notice higher quantities of pesticide use also, suffered more from
insect/pest problems and more disease outbreaks. Way back in 1987-88 cotton was
infested with American bollworm. The consequential failure of crops, resulted
in farmers committing suicides. In 1997-98 a serious outbreak of several pests
like spodoptera litura, American bollworm, white fly etc resulted in
unprecedented crop losses in several parts of the state, not only confined to
cotton but also to other crops. A recent study in Andhra Pradesh reveals
Helicoverpa Armigera, a pest widely effecting cotton crop in parts of the state
has become 300 fold resistant to the pesticides, cyper mithrin. The emerging
practice of monoculture of cotton and chilly has given rise to the problems of
soil degradation, decreasing productivity, pest resistance and ultimately a
threat to sustained development of agriculture. Credit: 2.2.7. The spread of green revolution in the state
no doubt raised the demand for institutional credit both for crop cultivation
and long term investments particularly in the development of well irrigation.
In the post-nationalization period, commercial banks witnessed considerable
increase in the number of branches in the state. However , for 1990 the credit
supply by all the scheduled commercial banks has averaged only Rs. 2000 per ha.
of net sown area. By any standards this
is considered to be a meagre amount which can not fulfil even 20 percent of the
credit needs of the farming community. Further, it is noticed that there are
inter-regional variations in the distribution of the credit at per hectare
level. Coastal Andhra received relatively more credit per hectare of sown area
(Rs.2540 per hectare). Telangana follows next with Rs. 1900 per hectare and
that of Rayalaseema least with Rs. 1380 per hectare. State Income and Poverty : 2.2.8. The state per capita income was Rs. 232 in
1955-56. We can notice inter regional differences in per capita income where
coastal Andhra record highest per capita income of Rs. 257 and is followed by
Rayalaseema with Rs. 225 and the least in the Telangana region with Rs 201.
Warangal has the lowest per capita income in the state in 1956 (see table
2.1.6). when compared to the national average of Rs 289 for the year 1955-56,
the state income is lower by20 percent. At constant prices of 1980-81, state
domestic product has increased from 5218.8 crores in 1972-73 to 7323.95 crores
in 1980-81 and to 13776.49 in 1995-96, an increase of 2.6 times over two and
half decades. The per capita income at constant prices of 1980-81 was Rs. 1163
in 1972-73 and it increased to Rs.1913 by 1995-96. The increase in per capita
income accounts for 1.64 times between 1972-73 and 1995-96.the contribution of
agriculture to state domestic product has come down from 49.4 percent in
1955-56 to 43.1 in 1980-81 and 36.5 in 1995-96. 2.2.9. The district wise incidence of poverty for
1977-78 as shown in Appendix 2.2.7 table indicate that it is more in the
Telangana and the Rayalaseema districts as compared to the districts in the
coastal Andhra region. Farmers’s Suicides in Andhra Pradesh : 2.2.10. As mentioned earlier, 37 cotton farmers
committed suicides in Guntur and Prakasham districts 1987-88. High power
committee headed by Ojha, Deputy Director of Reserve Bank of India submitted a
report. The measures suggested include moratorium on the repayment of loans, pegging
interest rates, develop pest resistant varieties, providing irrigation
facilities, setting up Cotton Regulatory Board. However, they remained
unattended to. 2.2.11. When the present phase of farmers’ suicides
started reporting in December 1997, the Chief Minister made a visit to Warangal
and initiated certain adhoc measures. A relief package worth Rs. 50 crores was
announced. Payment of exgratia worth of Rs. 100,000 to deceased families, Rs.
1,250 per hectare of cotton, Rs. 1000 per hectare of red gram, rescheduling of
institutional crop loans, enhancing the price of cotton to Rs. 2,200 per
quintal. Intervention of CCI and Markfed, farmers’ awareness programmes, local
research centre at Warangal have formed part of the package. |