LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT GODADAHADAGI-1 (4D5B1N2c) MICROWATERSHED Sydhapur Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Godadahadagi-1 Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behavior and use potentials of the soils in the microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 464 ha in Yadgir taluk & district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 866 mm, of which about 652 mm is received during south-west monsoon, 138 mm during north-east and the remaining 76 mm during the rest of the year. An area of 401 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 63 ha by others (habitation and water body). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 6 soil series and 6 soil phases (management units) and four land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 1st week of June to 4th week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 320 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 26 major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 58 per cent soils in the microwatershed are very deep (>150 cm), 17 per cent is moderately deep (75-100 cm) and 11 per cent soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm).  Entire area in the microwatershed has clayey soils at the surface.  Entire area in the microwatershed is non gravelly (<15%).  About 58 per cent area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, 17 per cent is medium (101-150 mm/m) and 11 per cent is low (51-100 mm/m).  Entire area in the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  Entire area in the microwatershed is moderately (e2) eroded.  An area of about 1 per cent is moderately acid (pH 5.5-6.0) in soil reaction, 2 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 9 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 64 per cent soils is slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3-8.4) and about 11 per cent soils are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 - 9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the entire soils in the microwatershed are non saline (<2 dSm-1).  About 19 per cent of the soils are low (<0.5%) in organic carbon, 29 per cent is medium (0.5-0.75%) and 38 per cent is high (>0.75).  About 16 per cent area is low in available phosphorus, 29 per area is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and 42 per cent is high (>57 kg/ha).  About 12 per cent area is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in available potassium and 75 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha).  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 7 per cent area, medium (10 -20 ppm) in an area of about 23 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 56 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in an area of about 41 per cent, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in an area of 43 per cent and high (>1.0 ppm) in only 2 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 80 per cent area and deficient in 6 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in an area of 37 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 49 per cent area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 26 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the Microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 270(58) 131(28) Sapota - - Maize - 401(86) Guava - - Redgram - 350(75) Pomegranate - 350(75) Bajra - 401(86) Jackfruit - - Groundnut - 51(11) Jamun - 270(58) Sunflower 122(26) 223(49) Musambi 148(32) 202(44) Cotton 270(58) 131(28) Lime 148(32) 202(44) Bengal gram 270(58) 131(28) Cashew - - Chilli - 401(86) Custard apple 350(75) 51(11) Tomato - 190(41) Amla 131(28) 270(58) Drumstick - 350(75) Tamarind - 270(58) Mulberry - - Marigold - 401(86) Mango - - Chrysanthemum - 401(86)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fodder, fibre and other horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital for crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel and generate lot of biomass which would help in maintaining an ecological balance and also contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY  The data indicated that there were 91 (65.47 %) men and 48 (34.53 %) were women in the micro watershed.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 3.6, marginal farmers’ was 4.7, small farmers’ was 3.6, semi medium farmers’ was 4 and in medium farmers’ it was 4.3.  The data indicated that 25 (17.99 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 57 (41.01 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 50 (35.97 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 7 (5.04 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Godadahadagi-1 had 56.83 per cent illiterates, 16.55 per cent of them had primary school education, 2.88 per cent of them had middle school education, 14.39 per cent of them had high school education, 4.32 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.72 per cent them had Diploma education, 2.88 per cent of them had degree education and 0.72 per cent of them had other education.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of households practicing agriculture and 11.43 per cent of the household heads were general labourers and 2.86 per cent of them were housewives.  Agriculture was the major occupation for 56.12 per cent of the household members, 2.16 per cent were agricultural labours, 7.19 per cent were general labours, 0.72 percent were in government service, 22.30 per cent of them were students and 10.79 per cent were housewives. In case of landless households 55.56 per cent were general labour, 27.78 per cent were students and 16.67 per cent were housewives.  The results showed no participation of households in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 2.86 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 51.43 per cent of the households possess katcha house, 31.43 per cent of the households possess pucca house and 14.29 per cent of the households possess semi pucca house.  The results showed that 100 per cent of the households possess TV, 22.86 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 28.57 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 8.57 per cent of the households possess car/four wheeler and 97.14 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The average value of television was Rs. 9000, mixer grinder was Rs.2000, motor cycle was Rs.45100, car/four wheeler Rs.426666 and mobile phone was Rs.3326.  About 22.86 per cent of the households possess plough, 22.86 per cent of them possess bullock cart, 8.57 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 11.43 per cent of them possess tractor and 5.71 per cent of the households possess weeder.  The average value of plough was Rs.2962, the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 22500, the average value of sprayer was Rs.2000, the average value of weeder was Rs. 66 and the average value of tractor was Rs.700000. 2  The results indicated that, 22.86 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 11.43 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.86 per cent of the households possess crossbred cows, 2.86 per cent of the households possess sheep and 2.86 per cent of them possess poultry birds.  Landless and marginal farmers did not possess any livestock, small farmers possessed bullock, local cow, crossbred cow and poultry birds, semi medium farmers possessed bullock, local cow and sheep, medium farmers possessed bullock and local cow.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro-watershed was 1.70, average own labour (women) available was 1.13, average hired labour (men) available was 17.80 and average hired labour (women) available was 17.23.  About 82.86 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate. About 100 per cent of the marginal farmers, 87.50 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium and medium farmers have opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, 54.29 per cent of the households have bank account and 42.86 savings respectively.  The results indicated that, 40 per cent of landless, 33.33 per cent of marginal, 50 per cent of small, 15.38 per cent semi medium and 33.33 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, households of the Godadahadagi-1 micro-watershed possess 35.56 ha (59.60%) of dry land and 24.10 ha (40.40%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 2.31 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 10.04 ha (94.30%) of dry land and 0.61 ha (5.70%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 23.21 ha (77.37%) of dry land and 6.79 ha (22.63%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 16.71 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The average value of dry land was Rs. 314828.72 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 284074.88. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 736666.66 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 457775.98 for dry land Rs. 1317333.33 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 211037.49 for dry land and Rs. 324031 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 230310 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, canal was the major irrigation source for 17.14 per cent of the farmers in the micro watershed.  In case of semi medium farmers there were 5.13 ha of irrigated land and in case of medium farmers there was 5.67 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown cotton (17.73 ha), paddy (20.19 ha), redgram (8.1 ha), sorghum (8.96 ha). Marginal farmers have grown cotton and redgram. 3  Small farmers have grown cotton, paddy and sorghum. Semi medium farmers have grown cotton, paddy, redgram and sorghum. Medium farmers have grown cotton and paddy. The cropping intensity in Godadahadagi-1 micro-watershed was found to be 100 per cent in marginal farmers, small farmers, semi medium farmers and medium farmers respectively.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 32112.29. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 52291.19. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 20178.90, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.63.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 38250.46. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 143796.34. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 105545.88. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.76.  The total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 25741.08. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 33826.84. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. 8085.77. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.31.  The total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 32067.20. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 56986.43. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. 24919.22. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.78.  The results indicate that, 14.29 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate which includes 12.50 per cent of small farmers, 23.08 per cent of semi medium farmers and 16.67 per cent of medium farmers. Around 22.86 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The table indicated that the average income from business Rs. 14285.71, wage Rs. 45428.57, agriculture Rs. 100342.86 and dairy farm Rs. 1714.29.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 14601.02. For landless farmers it was Rs.4800, marginal farmers it was Rs 8666.67, for small farmers it was Rs. 9535.71, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 23.378.21 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 13472.22.  The results indicate that, households have planted 68 neem trees, 11 tamarind trees, 9 banyan trees and 1 acacia tree in their field. Households have also planted 2 neem trees in their backyard.  The results indicate that, the average additional investment capacity for land development was Rs.3333 for marginal farmers, Rs.5000 for small farmers, Rs.1538.46 for semi medium farmers and Rs. 5000 for medium farmers. Around 27.78 per cent of the households were dependent on loan from bank for land development.  The results indicated that, cotton and redgram were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Paddy was sold to the extent of 94.74 per cent and sorghum 85 per cent. 4  Around 8.57 per cent of the households sold their produce to agent/traders, 74.29 per cent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchants and 2.86 per cent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets.  Around 75.51 per cent of the households have used cart as a mode of transport and 28.57 per cent have used tractor.  The results indicated that, 12.5 per cent small farmers and 16.67 per cent of medium farmers faced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  Around 85.71 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  Around 20 per cent of the households have adopted field bunding which includes 12.50 per cent of small, and 46.15 per cent of semi medium farmers. Summer ploughing was adopted by 2.86 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 91.43 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel, and 8.57 percent of the households used LPG.  Piped supply was the major source for drinking water for 97.14 per cent which includes 100 per cent of landless, 94.12 per cent of marginal, 100 per cent of small farmers, semi medium and medium farmers respectively.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the population.  The results indicated that, 40 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 20 per cent of landless, 33.33 per cent of marginal, 75 per cent of small, 23.08 per cent of semi medium and 50 per cent of medium famers had sanitary toilet facility.  Around 8.57 per cent of the sampled households possessed APL card and 91.43 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  About 88.57 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 80 per cent of the landless, 100 per cent of the marginal, 62.50 per cent of the small, 100 per cent of the semi medium and 100 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, vegetables, milk, egg and meat were adequate for 82.86 per cent of the households. Pulses were adequate for 77.14 per cent of the households; oilseeds were adequate for 65.71 per cent and fruits for 51.43 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 85.71 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (82.86%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (48.57%), inadequacy of irrigation water (37.14%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals and high rate of interest on credit (85.71%), low price for the agricultural commodities (71.43%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (68.57%), inadequate extension services (28.57%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (80%) and less rainfall (37.14%).