23
The decrease in the receipts was mainly due to the few sales of stock and
the decrease in the expenditure to economy in capital outlay. Owing to the
scarcity of fodder there was no demand for bulls or bullocks in Gujarát and a
proposal to send some bullocks for sale to the south of the Presidency fell
through. As one of the objects of the farm was the preservation of cattle in
times of scarcity something was attained. If the year is normal a good demand
is expected next autumn. It is hoped particularly that the District Boards
of Gujarát will buy some stud bulls. Instead of buying any last year the
District Boards of Ahmedabad and Kaira sent theirs to the farm to be kept.
The increase of Rs. 951 under salaries of establishment is accounted for
by travelling allowance being included under this head for the first time at the
suggestion of the Auditor. Previously it had been shown under " other heads ".
The actual rise in salaries amounting to Rs. 302 is made up of a personal
allowance of Rs. 30 per mensem from December for the Manager, the pay of
an acting Manager for 49 days and increments. The increase of Rs. 2,800
under "feed and keep" is not excessive considering that extra grain at swollen
prices had to be given to a larger number of cattle. The expenditure under
other heads " was for petty construction, appliances and contingencies.
See Table IX.
26. The number of cattle exclusive of those of Mr. Borges was 572 at the
close of the year being an increase of 53 head. There
were only 71 births during the year which was not
satisfactory. Many of the cows are old but they are being replaced and better
results may be expected if favourable seasons are obtained. Only two bulls
were sold. There were 16 deaths from various causes being a mortality of
2.8 per cent. One sporadic case of hæmorrhagic septicæmia was diagnosed.
27. No hay could be made during the year and only 387,093 pounds of
hay and 2,920 pounds of jowári karbi remained at its close. This will be con-
sumed on the farm by the end of June so that the replenishment of the stock
of hay is dependent upon the forthcoming monsoon. 241,772 pounds of hay
were sold during the year which included 13,600 pounds out of 100,000 placed
at the disposal of the Collector of Ahmedabad at the moderate price of Rs. 12
per 1,000 for cultivators. The remaining 86,400 pounds of hay had still to be
taken over at the end of the year. There were no receipts from cultivation or
for the hiring of grass areas.
28. It was not possible to make any hay for the proposed fodder reserve
sanctioned last year, but a large hay barn estimated to contain 600,000 pounds
was constructed at a cost of Rs. 4,889 from a grant received from the Sir
Sassoon David Trust Fund. A new mowing machine was also purchased from
the same fund and a commencement made in clearing and levelling the hay
making area for mowing by machines.
29. The year closed with an increase of Rs. 7,720 in the valuation of the
stock and a decrease of Rs. 5,270 in the value of the grain and fodder in hand
being a net increase in the liquid assets of Rs. 2,450. The expenditure on
permanent improvements amounted to Rs. 294 only.
The buildings which had been constructed in the past by the farm were
taken over during the year by the Public Works Department.
A stallion was kept at the farm for stud purposes for nine months of the
year and his services were fully utilised.
30. The farm was visited by the Honourable Mr. Carmichael and the
Director of Agriculture in addition to the Commissioner, the Collector and other
district officers.
(2) Equines.
(i) Horse and pony stallions.
See Table X.
31. There were 41 stallions—16 horses and 25 ponies—employed at the
stud at the beginning of the year. One horse was
purchased and there were two casualties. No new
stands were opened. 27 stallions were stationed in the Deccan and 13 in
Gujarát.