Tribal region of southern Rajasthan remained
agriculturally backward and its people poor even from
colonial and feudal period. Instead of developing agriculture
and allied sector, its forest, minerals and human resources
are arbitrarily exploited. Dungarpur is one of such a district
which has 70.82% of its total population tribal and comes
under 100 backward districts of India. Analysing and using
long term data and related reports, the agricultural situation
and peasant’s condition of this district are assessed. The
present status of natural and human resources has been
depicted and their problems and potentials are worked out.
Arable lands in the district are just 45.12% and that of net
sown area 34.84%. Forest though constitute 16.72% but
88.5% of them are degraded/ underutilized. Gross irrigated
area is 12.91% and irrigation intensity 102%. Surprisingly,
46% irrigation wells are lying dry. Crude maize-wheat
cropping system does not support livelihood.
Tanks/reservoirs too are in deteriorated condition.
Predominant marginal & eroded rainfed lands; meagre
livelihood assets; chronic poverty, misery and deprivation;
and weak health and education system are major factors for
backwardness of this tribal dominated district. The district
falls in bottom lines in composite index for agriculture and
livestock sector and human development index in the State.
However potentials and avenues are still there to overcome
the above challenges to a great extent.