19

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)

20

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

21

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

22

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.

23

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.

24

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.

25

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.

26

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.

27

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

28

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)

29

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.

30

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

31

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

32

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

33

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-

34

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.

35

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.