10
(3) Inadequacy and Inefficiency of Cattle.
From the following figures we find that the number
of cattle varies from district to district, there being a sur-
plus in some, a deficiency in others.
^ . Cropped area per pair of
Dlstrlct plough cattle in acres*
Ahmedabad ....'.. 24*8
Kaira........ 16-2
Panch Mahals..... 10-5
Broach........ 22-8
Surat....... . 11-8
It is well known that on account of this deficiency the
system of. Sandhal or exchange of bullocks in seed and
harvest seasons is prevalent. Besides the inadequacy
of the number of cattle, they have generally grown ineffi-
cient. Among the causes of this tendency may be men-
tioned (i) a decrease in facilities for rearing cattle due to
reduction in grazing areas consequent on extension of cul-
tivation, (2) frequent occurrence of fodder famines parti-
cularly after 1900, the effects of which on the cattle are
known to be disastrous and (3) the increase in crop area
per pair of plough cattle.
Among the other causes of low yield, we may men-
tion the use of primitive implements, the existence of crop
disease, the damage caused by wild animals or by cattle
let loose in fields by negligence and so on.
In view of these considerations it is but natural that
we find complaints regarding the deterioration of the soil
in British Gujarat.2 It has been observed that the pea-
sants of Gujarat do not adopt the wholesome practice of
manuring the soil, of protecting crops and of carefully
preparing the soil before sowing. This tendency may be
ascribed to the following cases : (i) want of means to pur-
chase manure or to keep sufficient cattle to get an ade-
1 Taken from the Statistical Atlas of the Bombay Presidency, 1925.
2 Bombay Land Revenue Assessment Committee, -1925, Evidence' Vol.
page 117.