'REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY, FOR THE YEAR 1907-1908' [‎14r] (26/137)

SUMMARY.
XY
1907*1908.]
produce a hybrid which is free from marked fluctuations either in the quality
or the quantity of the lint. With this end in view the work of hybridization
on the several cotton stations has been remodelled in accordance with approved
scientific principles. The conditions requisite for the successful cultivation of
■ggyptian cotton in Sind have been determined with an approach to certainty,
as also the suitability of American cottons and Cambodias to certain districts
of the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. . Broach cotton, a failure so far in the Deccan, was a
complete success in western Dharwar. In connection with sugarcane, the success
of sulphate of ammonia as a manure is noteworthy, especially as it may before
long be manufactured in India ; and the power cane-crusher gave most promis-
ing^results. The question of seed selection received careful attention. It is
proposed to establish a seed testing station at Poona. In entomology, the most
important discovery consists of a cheap and effective means of defeating the
attacks of the potato-borer.
30. The decline of 8 Ukhs, or 38 per cent., in advances under Act XII of
1881 , and of nearly 2 ^ lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees , or 21 per cent., in those under Act XIX of 1883,
indicates a return to more normal conditions in the Deccan and Karnatak after
the depression consequent on the severe scarcity of 1905-1906. The increase in
Gujar&t is attributed partly to an unfavourable season, and partly to an increased
demand for Government loans resulting from the introduction of the Deccan
Agriculturists’ Belief Act, which has reduced the rayats’ credit with private
money-lenders.
31. The experiment started last year in Ahmednagar, of giving villagers
conjoint tagdi for the purchase of approved stud bulls, has proved a success,
and the extension of the scheme to other districts is unde£ consideration. The
JSTorthcote Cattle Earm at Chharodi, the object of which is to supply the need
for stock bulls of the pure Kankreji type, is now under Government control.
A decrease of 67 in the number of mares covered by Government stallions is
ascribed partly to the less favourable season, partly to a restriction of the
number of coverings allowed per stallion in parts of Gujarat.
32. The popularity of the Cattle Shows held in connection with the
Mhaswad and Sholapur Pairs is well maintained. There were no other shows
in the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. this year. Well-attended Cattle Shows were held for the
first time at Moro and Shikarpur in Sind.
33. The season 1907-1908 was not favourable. The monsoon was char
acterised by a late arrival and an early withdrawal, the duration of full monsoon
conditions being limited in a large part of the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. to a little over
six weeks. Although the total rainfall from June to September was normal in
the Deccan, Gujarat and Kdthiaw^r, as well as in the Konkan, it was only
the Konkan that enjoyed a normal distribution. Elsewhere, the heavy rain
in July and August did not compensate for the deficiency in June and
September. Sind, which alone benefited by the first monsoon advance, had
more than the average rainfall during this period. Rainfall from October to
December was confined to the Konkan and Deccan, and deficient even there,
while the cold weather rain was also deficient, except in Sind, Gujarat and
Kathidwar.
34. After the partial check last year prices resumed their upward
tendency. The rise, though less marked in the Karn^tak and Konkan than
elsewhere, was universal and affected every district in the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. and Sind.
It extended to all the principal food-grains. The average prices of bajri and
Advances to
Cultivators.
Breeding
operations.
Fairs and
Shows.
Meteorology.
Prices and
wages.