crops from the land that they tilled, it was not implemented fully. Large tracts, beyond the prescribed limit of land ceiling, remained with the rich landlords. From 1977 onwards major land reforms took place in West Bengal. Land in excess of land ceiling was acquired and distributed amongst the peasants. Following land reforms land ownership pattern has undergone transformation. In 2013-14, persons engaged in agriculture in Patashpur I CD Block could be classified as follows: bargadars 6.98%, patta (document) holders 11.56%, small farmers (possessing land between 1 and 2 hectares) 1.90%, marginal farmers (possessing land up to 1 hectare) 33.71% and agricultural labourers 45.86%. In 2013-14, Patashpur I CD Block produced 31,032 tonnes of Aman paddy, the main winter crop, from 17,281 hectares, 47,540 tonnes of Boro paddy, the spring crop, from 10,565 hectares, 11,875 tonnes of Aus paddy, the summer cop, from 4,682 hectares and 3,424 toones of potatoes, from 114 hectares. It also produced pulses and oilseeds. Betelvine is a major source of livelihood in Purba Medinipur district, particularly in Tamluk and Contai subdivisions. Betelvine production in 2008-09 was the highest amongst all the districts and was around a third of the total state production. In 2008-09, Purba Mednipur produced 2,789 tonnes of cashew nuts from 3,340 hectares of land. Pisciculture Purba Medinipur's net district domestic product derives one fifth of its earnings from fisheries, the highest amongst all the districts of West Bengal. The nett area available for effective pisciculture in Patashpur I CD Block in 2013-14 was 1,845.53 hectares. 8,530 persons were engaged in the profession and approximate annual production was 70,315 quintals. Banking In 2013-14, Patashpur I CD Block had offices of 6 commercial banks and 1 gramin bank. Backward Regions Grant Fund Medinipur East 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 Patashpur I CD Block has 3 ferry service and 7 originating/ terminating bus routes. The nearest railway station is 32 km from the block headquarters. Education In 2013-14, Patashpur I CD Block had 124 primary schools with 7,368 students, 9 middle schools with 2,317 students, 11 high schools with 6,043 students and 11 higher secondary