at securing tenancy rights for the peasants. In Patharpratima CD block, 14,660.14 acres of land was acquired and vested. Out of this 8,604.22 acres or 56.89% of the vested land was distributed among the peasants. The total number of patta (document) holders was 13,264. According to the District Human Development Report, agriculture is an important source of livelihood in South Twentyfour Parganas district. The amount of cultivable land per agricultural worker is only 0.41 hectare in the district. Moreover, the irrigation facilities have not been extended to a satisfactory scale. Agriculture mostly remains a mono-cropped activity. As per the District Census Handbook, the saline soil of the district is unfit for cultivation, but the non-salty lands are very fertile. While rice is the main food crop, jute is the main cash crop. In 2013-14, there were 156 fertiliser depots, 15 seed stores and 7 fair price shops in Patharpratima CD block. In 2013–14, Patharpratima CD block produced 77,077 tonnes of Aman paddy, the main winter crop, from 3,372 hectares, 3,772 tonnes of Boro paddy (spring crop) from 1,223 hectares, 4,214 tonnes of wheat and 1,276 tonnes of potatoes from 38 hectares. It also produced pulses and oilseeds. Pisciculture In Patharpratima CD block, in 2013-14, net area under effective pisciculture was 5,805 hectares, engaging 41,452 persons in the profession, and with an approximate annual production of 109,125 quintals. Pisciculture is an important source of employment in South 24 Parganas district. As of 2001, more than 4.5 lakh people were engaged in Pisciculture. Out of this 2.57 lakhs were from the 13 blocks in the Sundarbans. Banking In 2013-14, Patharpratima CD block had offices of 6 commercial banks and 6 gramin banks. Backward Regions Grant Fund South 24 Parganas district is listed as a backward region and receives financial support from the Backward Regions Grant Fund. The fund, created by the Government of India, is designed to redress regional imbalances in development. As of 2012, 272 districts across the country were listed under this scheme. The list includes 11 districts of West Bengal. Transport Patharpratima CD block has 43 ferry services and 2 originating/ terminating bus routes. The nearest railway station is 44 (forty-four) km from the block headquarters. Education In 2013-14, Patharpratima had 218 primary schools with 17,360 students, 20 middle schools with 2,875 students, 14 high schools with 5,920 students and 25 higher secondary schools with 18,281 students. Patharpratima CD