was acquired and distributed amongst the peasants. Following land reforms land ownership pattern has undergone transformation. In 2013–14, persons engaged in agriculture in Nandakumar CD Block could be classified as follows: bargadars 5.31%, patta (document) holders 6.96%, small farmers (possessing land between 1 and 2 hectares) 1.71%, marginal farmers (possessing land up to 1 hectare) 34.23% and agricultural labourers 51.79%. In 2013–14, Nandakumar CD Block produced 1,505 tonnes of Aman paddy, the main winter crop, from 2,441 hectares, 32,707 tonnes of Boro paddy, the spring crop, from 9,327 hectares and 2,126 tonnes of potatoes from 72 hectares. It also produced pulses and oil seeds. 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 Nandakumar CD Block in 2013–14 was 712.50 hectares. 3,880 persons were engaged in the profession and approximate annual production was 27,146 quintals. Banking In 2013–14, Nandakumar CD Block had offices of 7 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 Nandakumar CD Block has 1 ferry services and 10 originating/ terminating bus routes. Nandakumar railway station is situated on the Tamluk-Digha line, constructed in 2003–04. NH 116, from Kolaghat to Haldia, passes through this block. Education In 2013–14, Nandakumar CD Block had 163 primary schools with 12,345 students, 19 middle schools with 847 students, 8 high schools with 6,378 students and 20 higher secondary schools with 23,115 students. Nandakumar CD Block had 1 general college with 1,068 students, 379institutions for special and non-formal education with 16,703 students. As per the 2011 census, in Nandakumar CD block, amongst the 100 inhabited villages, 1 village did not have a school, 56 villages had two