PARBHANI

Parbhani is located in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. The area is distinguished by its strong agrarian heritage and variety of agricultural practices. A significant section of the population works in farming and associated occupations, contributing to the district's primarily agrarian economy. The primary types of soils found in the district are Deep, Medium-Deep, and Shallow black soils, typical of the Deccan plateau.

In Parbhani, the majority of the soils are black, and they range in texture from clay to clay loam. Hilly regions have sandy loam soils. Deep soils are better for rabi crops like cotton, jowar, and gram, whereas lighter soils are better for kharif crops like jowar, bajri, groundnut, etc. This district has heavy, medium, and light soils. However, because the district's borders are traversed by large rivers like the Godavari, Purna, Dudhana, and Penganga, the majority of the area is covered in medium-to-heavy soils.

Another classification places the district's soils into three categories: Kharbad, medium Kali, and Chopani. High-lying slopes are home to Kharbad soil. It's a brownish-black, shallow sandy loam to loamy soil with murum underneath that comes from the basic rock, basalt. Low-lying soils get flooded, while high-lying soils drain effectively. The Kali soil is found alongside rivers, particularly in the Godavari and Purna valleys, as well as its tributaries. It ranges in depth from five to thirty feet. The Chopani soil is found in low-lying spots or a relatively limited belt along the banks of nallahs. It has a dark, reddish-brownish color, is difficult to break, cracks when dry, and becomes sticky and impenetrable when wet.

According to the 1967 District Gazetteer of Parbhani, the district’s agricultural landscape has remained consistent over the years. During the 19th century, crops such as wheat, rice, bajra, etc. Ragi (nagli), maize (maka), barley, kodra (harik), van, sava, etc, were grown. Today, these staples, along with gram, black gram, pigeon pea, and green gram, continue to be cultivated in the district. In addition to this, it also produces pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruits, vegetables, and fodder crops. Parbhani’s horticulture is rich and diverse, featuring main crops such as guavas, bananas, grapes, sweet oranges(mosambi), sour lime(Limbu), pomelo(papanas), onion, brinjal, bhindi, sweet potato, tomato, carrot, and radish. Besides these crops, sapota, mango, and cauliflower have been recently grown, according to the reports.

In addition to these horticultural offerings, cotton is widely cultivated across the district. The region also engages in sugarcane farming, further contributing to its agricultural diversity.

Tambakhu (tobacco), nagvel (betel leaves), and ajwain are among the drugs and narcotics grown in the district. They are produced mainly in Jintur, Parbhani, and Hingoli tahsils. Chilli(Mirchi), black pepper(Miri), coriander(kothimbir), and garlic(lasun) are the most often farmed condiments and spices in the district.

The district also has a considerable forest cover. Timber, firewood, and charcoal constitute the major items, while timru leaves, gums, mohwa seeds, fodder, rosha grass, amaltas, farwad barks, charoli, Biba fruits, etc., are the minor items of forest produce.

According to the district Gazetteer (1967 ), several communities in the region are intricately linked with agriculture. The Marathas are the primary land-owning and cultivating community, divided into two subgroups: Maratha Kshatriyas and Maratha Kunbis. The Kshatriyas are hypergamous to the Kunbis, though they were not originally distinct. The Rajputs from Northern India, belonging to the Suryavanshi (descendants of the Sun devta) and Chandravanshi (descendants of the Moon devta) lineages, are also present in the district.

Other communities involved in agriculture include the Mahars, Mangs, and Malis. The Malis are entirely dependent on agriculture and are divided into 13 endogamous subgroups based on the crops they primarily cultivate. Examples include the Phul Mali (flower growers), Jire Mali (cumin seed growers), and Halade Mali (turmeric growers).

Parbhani is also home to various indigenous communities. The Vanjaris, a community of carriers, cultivators, and laborers, are widely spread across Marathwada and nearby districts. The Lambadis, formerly nomadic grain and salt carriers, cattle breeders, and grazers, have settled and transitioned to farming. The Andhs, known for their hard work and skill in cultivation, are predominantly agricultural workers, with some serving as village patels. Many Andhs are landless laborers, supplementing their income by collecting wild bees' nests and firewood from nearby forests. According to a Technical bulletin by ICAR titled “A Step Towards Improving the Livelihood of farmers belonging to the Tribal Communities through Integrated Farming” (2017), the Korku community employs traditional farming methods and is mostly located in Parbhani's wooded areas. They are also known to use sustainable farming practices that are in line with their cultural customs to grow crops, including vegetables, pulses, and millet.

The Husaini Sayads are also a community who primarily work as cultivators, the Baghvans as gardeners, and the Multanis as husbandmen and cattle breeders, reflecting the district’s diverse cultural and occupational profile.

In Parbhani, Gudi Padwa, which is observed as the Marathi New Year, is very important for agriculture. The celebration, which ushers in the Rabi harvest season, is strongly associated with several agricultural customs and activities. The harvest of Rabi crops, especially sorghum (jowar), wheat, and pulses, falls on Gudi Padwa. Farmers celebrate this holiday, which represents wealth and success, as a way of showing their appreciation for the abundant crop.

Additionally, the celebration signifies the start of the Kharif sowing season preparations. During this time, farmers choose seeds for the next monsoon season and organise their crop rotations. This comprises conventional methods like soil preparation and fertilisation with organic inputs like cattle manure. Farmers create a Gudi, a symbol of success and prosperity, as part of their ceremonies on Gudi Padwa. Mango leaves and a pot, which symbolise the optimism for a successful agricultural year ahead, are used to decorate the Gudi. Farmers gather to celebrate and exchange knowledge about agricultural operations, which strengthens their sense of community.

Dhawara is a cherished tradition in the local farming culture, marking the celebration of a successful harvest with a sacred meal. The preparations for Dhawara begin on the new moon of Diwali, a day dedicated to worshiping the Pandavas, the five legendary brothers from the Mahabharat. In the fields, five small stones are selected and painted with Chuna (limewash), symbolizing the Pandavas.

As part of the ritual, wheat flour dough is shaped into various forms such as plain balls, fruits, and lamps before being steamed. These, along with dried dates, dry coconut, Ambil (a tangy buttermilk preparation infused with chilies and coriander), Kadhi (a tempered chickpea-buttermilk curry), and Wadya (steamed gram flour cakes), are offered as Naivedya (a devotional offering). A Morva (medium-sized earthen pot) and Shendur (a sacred red powder) are also placed near the symbolic Pandavas.

In keeping with tradition, five stacks of Jowar Pachundas (bundles of harvested sorghum) are arranged upright before the stones. A lamp is then placed inside the Morva and lit as a mark of reverence. At dusk, the Morva is carefully buried near the painted stones, symbolizing the completion of the Dhawara ritual and expressing gratitude for the harvest.

In earlier times, Parbhani farmers had pulled wooden plows, called "Khar" or "hal" in the local dialect, with oxen. Using this technique, two oxen are harnessed and led by farmers to plow the ground. The plow is made out of a wooden frame and a sharp iron blade that turns the dirt over so that it can be planted. Oxen-powered plowing efficiently loosens the soil, facilitating seed penetration and root establishment. In the semi-arid climate of Parbhani, where soil compaction can impede crop growth, this is especially crucial. Effective ox-ploughing techniques are usually handed down through the generations.

Younger farmers learn from older farmers how to operate the plow, handle oxen, and identify the ideal planting soil conditions. Parbhani farmers have created specialized methods for their particular climate, such as varying the plowing depth according to the type of soil and moisture content. To maximize crop production, this local knowledge is essential.

Farmers frequently band together as a community to support one another during the plowing season. During periods of high agricultural demand, like before the Kharif season, when prompt plowing is necessary for seeding, this spirit of cooperation is vital. In addition to being useful, these group activities act as social events when farmers trade seeds, share knowledge, and talk about farming methods. Farmers' social bonds are strengthened and a feeling of community is fostered.

Plowing dates are set by custom according to seasonal variations and lunar cycles. The best time to till the ground is decided by farmers using traditional calendars and local weather patterns. In agricultural studies that stress the significance of coordinating farming operations with natural cycles to optimize productivity, this facet of traditional farming is frequently highlighted. Crop rotation has long been used by Parbhani farmers to preserve soil fertility and lessen pest infestations. Legumes are often planted after cereal crops as part of rotations to assist the soil recover nitrogen. Agricultural research demonstrates the efficacy of this method in improving crop yields and soil health.

More than 135 crop varieties, including high-yielding types of cotton, sorghum, and pulses, have been created by VNMKV specifically for the local climate and soil. The bio-fortified Parbhani Shakti sorghum variety, which has increased nutritional content and yield potential, and the NHH 44 (Bt) hybrid cotton are notable examples.

Additionally, to efficiently control pests, the institution has implemented integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that make use of entomopathogens and biopesticides. This strategy promotes environmental sustainability by lowering dependency on chemical pesticides.

Due to the unpredictable rainfall in the area, VNMKV has adopted water-saving measures like collecting rainwater and building farm ponds to improve irrigation effectiveness. Additionally, sprinkler irrigation systems have been marketed as a way to maximize water use during crucial stages of growth.

Soil erosion may result from the increased rainfall intensity, especially on the shallow and medium-deep soils that are common in Parbhani. Heavy rains cause a large loss of topsoil and nutrients necessary for crop growth due to high runoff. Furthermore, inadequate water-saving techniques lead to a decline in soil health.

The establishment of industrial zones, such as the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporations (MIDCs), has led many residents to shift away from traditional farming. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has developed 300 industrial plots, which reduces the area available for farming.

According to the Maharashtra One District One Product (ODOP) Booklet published by the Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra in 2022. The district has a large cultivation area under sugarcane and contributes around 2% of the state's overall production. The district has around 30 operational jaggery units. Under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme, 5 farmer-producer companies are formed in the district. Parbhani also has 6 operational sugar factories.

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), which was founded on May 18, 1972, is a major institution for agricultural research and education in Parbhani. Initially established to meet the Marathwada region's agricultural needs, it has subsequently developed into a center of excellence for several fields, such as agriculture, food technology, horticulture, agricultural engineering, and agricultural biotechnology. With an emphasis on crops including cotton, sorghum, bajra, rice, pulses, and oilseeds, the institution carries out a great deal of research that is adapted to local conditions. It has greatly impacted local agricultural output by releasing several crop types that are especially suited to the climate and soil characteristics of the area. According to an article in the Times of India published in 2023, the university was able to convert 1,000 acres of land that had been left unused since 2001 into cultivable land. The university administration employed manpower and heavy machinery to remove unwanted vegetation and created new ponds while renovating the older ones to ensure adequate water supply. The university is also credited with the development of new varieties of Jowar, Safflower, and Desi cotton.

Late Rajiv Gandhi College of Agriculture, which was established in 2002 under the Jeevan Jyot Charitable Trust, provides undergraduate courses in horticulture and agriculture. Through its well-equipped facilities and sizable college farm, it is associated with VNMKV and seeks to offer both practical agricultural training and high-quality education.

In Parbhani, farmers primarily sell their horticultural crops locally or in sub-markets located in Dhaitana, Pedagaon, and Zari. Several APMCs manage vegetable, oilseed, pulse, cereal, and other agricultural commodities in Parbhani. These markets are essential for local farmers to reach wider markets and get competitive pricing for their produce. Some important commodities include cotton, soybean, gram, green gram, sorghum(jawar), pigeon pea, ground nut pods, wheat(husked), etc.

According to articles published in the Times of India and other newspapers, the farmers of Parbhani face a variety of problems such as constant droughts, unseasonal rain, infrastructural issues, Debt traps, low market prices, high costs, unsafe and expensive storage, and high wages etc. As a result of this, agriculture becomes a loss, causing a financial burden. This leads to the bigger problem that plagues the state of farmers' suicides. In 2023, 103 farmers had committed suicide, and in 2024, about 31 farmers had committed suicide (till July).

According to Faisal Malik in his 2018 article titled “Maharashtra declares drought 26 districts hit” in the Hindustan Times, the district of Parbhani has experienced prolonged periods of drought, famine, scarcity, and wet famines at various times. Between 1915 and 1921, drought and scarcity severely impacted both agriculture and the local economy, and then in 1959, Parbhani suffered from a wet famine due to heavy rains that ruined crops. More recently, the district has faced water shortages and heavy rainfall on multiple occasions, such as in 2016 & 2018 and water shortages in a good number of years. In September 2024, heavy rains damaged kharif crops like cotton, soybean, maize, and tur (pigeon pea) spread over thousands of acres.

Parbhani has faced prolonged periods of drought, famine, water scarcity, and wet famines over the years, significantly impacting agriculture and the local economy. Between 1915 and 1921, drought and scarcity severely affected the region, while in 1959, Parbhani suffered a wet famine due to heavy rains that devastated crops. In recent years, erratic rainfall patterns have continued to create challenges, with water shortages occurring frequently and heavy rainfall events in 2016, 2018, and 2024 causing severe damage to Kharif crops such as cotton, soybean, maize, and tur (pigeon pea).

In their 2018 research article titled “Agroclimatic Characterization of Cotton Crop under Parbhani District of Marathwada Region,”  V. R. Dendage,  A. M. Khobragade, A. B. Bagade, and K. K. Chavan mention, the unpredictability of monsoon rains which is largely attributed to climate change, has emerged as a major threat to agriculture in Parbhani. Droughts and floods, caused by shifting rainfall patterns, directly impact the timing and success of crop planting and harvesting. Cotton, sorghum, and soybeans—staple crops of the region—are particularly vulnerable to these changes. Studies indicate that cotton productivity has been declining in recent years, primarily due to erratic weather conditions and an increase in pest infestations, both of which are worsened by climatic variability.

Climate change also affects insect populations and their life cycles, leading to a rise in pest infestations that further diminish crop yields. For instance, favorable conditions brought about by climate shifts have increased the prevalence of pests such as bollworms and jassids, which thrive under unpredictable weather conditions. Moreover, extreme weather patterns disrupt timely pest control measures, making it harder for farmers to protect their crops.

With Parbhani's agriculture heavily dependent on monsoon rains, the growing frequency of droughts, unseasonal rainfall, and pest outbreaks highlights the urgent need for climate-resilient farming practices and improved irrigation strategies to ensure sustainable agricultural production in the region