Economy & Livelihoods: Agriculture, Horticulture, Non-Farm Work

Agriculture remains the backbone of livelihood in Shahuwadi. Because over 97% of people live in rural villages, most households depend on farming, animal husbandry or allied work.

Major crops include rice, sugarcane, and other staples fitting to the climate and terrain. The monsoon plays a crucial role. Soil types vary with slopes, valleys and forested patches, so yield can be uneven.

Horticulture and plantation crops are increasingly being promoted. The district plan (PLP-2021-22) mentions that in Shahuwadi block, efforts have been made for growing vegetables, flowers, fruit crops, under shade-net or open field. NABARD Also, non-traditional agriculture like mulberry plantation and silk worm rearing is being introduced in some villages. NABARD

Besides farming, many people are engaged in seasonal work (marginal work) when agricultural work is slow. Per Census 2011, out of total workers ~95,908, about 83.5% are in “main work” (more than 6 months), and ~16.5% in marginal work.

Forestry, collection of forest produce (firewood, small herbs, sometimes minor forest products) also contribute to livelihoods, especially in remote villages. There is potential for eco-tourism, guided nature walks, and small-scale rural tourism that can augment incomes.

Challenges include: lack of irrigation in many areas; dependence on monsoon; remoteness which increases cost of transporting produce; lack of cold-storage, market linkages; sometimes small land holdings; constraints for women to access credit, inputs.

Some development programs (by state / district) are working to improve horticulture, promotions of greenhouses, better seeds, possibly contract farming to connect to bigger markets. If these can be scaled and made accessible equitably, Shahuwadi’s economy has good potential.

• Mandar Vaidya