Page 483 - PERSIAN 2C 1890_1899_Neat

ADMINISTRATION REPORT

ON THB
PERSIAN GULP POLITICAL RESIDENCE

AND
MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY
poa
1897-98.

Part I.—GENERAL SUMMARY.

1.—GENERAL.
Rainfall and harvest.—The harvest in 1896-97 was a failure, only 7’98
inches of rain being registered in Busliire during that period. Instead,
therefore, of grain being exported, there was not sufficient to meet the
requirements of the countries bordering on the Gulf, and large importations of
food-stuHs have taken place during the year under report. The famine in
India prevented much grain coming from there, and Burma has been the
chief source of supply, quantities of rice being imported from that country.
In spite of heavy importations, prices went very high, and the comparative
Famine Time; 1S71-72. statement given in the margin, will
WLcat Kr*. 17 to 21 per Hacbim maund of 121D). sllOW that food-stuffs have COSt much
»• jg" " " more during the past twelve months
Dato« )*, 10 * 12 " than they did in the famine years of
Luring 1S97-99. 1871-72. It is a proof of the increase
Wheat Kra. 21 to 29 per Hasbim maund of 1241b. in prosperity of Bush ire during the past
Harlcj „ 18 „ 24 „ „
Rice „ 40 H to 25 years, that in spite of these high rates
Date* „ 16 „ 23 there has not been actual famine, and
that it has not been necessary to provide public relief. At one time, however,
things looked very bad; the rains did not come as early as usual, and, though
there was a fall of some 2*25 inches in December and early part of January,
it ceased entirely after the 16th of the latter month. The rain held off, and
the crops were getting yellow and burnt up, while there was no prospect of
fodder for cattle, horses, and mules. Early in March the outlook was exceed­
ingly gloomy; but good falls of rain, which have, I am glad to say, been
general, on the 9th and again on the 21st March and subsequent days, revived
the dying crops, and brought up the grass, sufficiently to ensure a fairly good
harvest throughout the south of Persia. Less land bad been sown than in
ordinary years, and I am doubtful if there will be much grain for export; but
there will, I am informed, be sufficient to meet local requirements. The rain
was too late to do much good in Persian Baluchistan, and there will certainly
he much suffering there, as it is the third bad harvest in succession. The fail­
ing of the. crops during the past three years, has undoubtedly affected trade.
^Vhen grain was largely exported, imports rose proportionately, and they have
languished during the recent bad years. It is to be hoped, however, that the
worst is now over, and that a period of prosperity is about to commence. If the
rainfall during the coming year is normal, it is probable that there will be
surplus grain for exportation, and that the money thus obtained will be
employed to increase imports.