Artha Vijnana: Journal of The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics

K. G. Kshirsagar ¹

Affiliations
1 Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (Deemed University), Pune 411 004, IN

Abstract

India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. It is also an important flower growing country. However, the high ranking in horticultural production is not matched by the availability of post-harvest infrastructure (PHI). leading to estimated losses of 20 to 35 percent valued at more than 30 billions of rupees annually. The share of Indian horticultural commodities in the world trade is also insignificant. Recognizing the need for the development of PHI for horticullural crops. the National Horticulture Board (NHB) had initiated two soft loan schemes (SLSs) in 1993-94. The "Integrated Project on Management of Post-Harvest infrastructure of Horticulture Crops" helped in the development of 127 grading/packing sheds, 64 pre-cooling units, 39 cold storages, 129 specialised/refrigerated transport vehicles and 214 retail outlets till 1996-97. Similarly, 69 projects were sanctioned under the scheme on "Development of Horticullural Produce through Participation of Soft Loon" during the some period. In order to evaluate the SLSs for the development of PHI for horticultural crops, this study was conducted in four states viz. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. The study covered a sample of 14 PHI units and 444 farmers. The study had brought out positive features of the SLSs like (I) the positive role played by the SLSs in attracting the private sector investment in development of PHI for horticultural crops, (2) reduction in post-harvest losses. and (3) positive impact on farmer', employment incomes and assets. However, farmers faced several problems in using such PHI facilities created in their area. In addition to this, the repayment performance of SLSs was very poor. The study has brought out a number of action points worth considering by the NHB and other stakeholders interested in the improvement of working of the soft loan schemes and the development of PHI for horticultural crops in the country.

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K. G. Kshirsagar ¹

Affiliations
1 Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune 411 004, IN

Abstract

Organic farming is a holistic farming system that promotes, improves and sustains the health of agro-ecosystem related to biodiversity, nutrient bio cycles, soil microbial and bio-chemical activities. Organic farming emphasizes management practices involving substantial use of organic manures, green manuring and management of pests and diseases through use of non-synthetic pesticides and practices. Thus, organic farming avoids the use of harmful, chemicals and promotes the use of renewable organic resources to improve and maintain the soil productivity and to manage the crop pests and diseases.

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K. G. Kshirsagar ¹, Deepak Shah ¹

Affiliations
1 Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (Deemed University), Pune 411004, IN

Abstract

A sample of 50 households (25 households each from Kolhapur and Pune) was chosen over the period 1995-96 - 1999-2000 to basically study the credit experience of farming families depending on landholding size. Relative importance of formal and informal credit agencies in aggregate loans taken by small, marginal and large farmers, purpose of the loans, default rates, prevalence of excess demand for loans, if any have been analysed. One novel idea employed in the paper is that instead of credit rating agencies assessing the loan repayment capability of borrowers, the authors find out the length of relationship between a lender and its borrowers. Thus, small and marginal farmers may be seen to be the most trusted partners of cooperatives.

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A. Narayanamoorthy ¹, K. G. Kshirsagar ¹

Affiliations
1 Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (Deemed University), Pune 411 004, IN

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of a watershed development project on different parameters using the field data collected from Gaosud watershed located in Osmanabad district in Maharashtra. This project was implemented under the scheme of National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA). The study compares a sample of beneficiaries of the project with that of non-beneficiaries (i.e .farmers with lands in contiguous areas outside the watershed) with respect to different parameters. The results of the study show that the watershed programme, besides changing the cropping pattern from low value crops to high value crops, also made remarkable improvement in water level of the wells, irrigated area, adoption of improved farming practices, productivity of different crops, gross income, assets position and availability of fodder and fuel wood for the land owing households. This programme has also markedly improved the employment days, fodder and fuel wood availability for the landless labour households. The study suggests that watershed development programme can be taken up wherever possible ntl only for improving the performance of rainfed agriculture but also as a permanent remedy for the drinking water problem of the rural areas.

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