LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KAMANURU-2 (4D3A9B2c) MICRO WATERSHED Irakallagada Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Kamanuru-2 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 these 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 274 ha in Koppal taluk and district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought - prone with an average annual rainfall of 662 mm, of which about 424 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 161 mm during north-east and the remaining 77 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 88 per cent is covered by soils, 4 per cent water bodies, settlements and others and 7 per cent by rock lands. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 12 soil series and 20 soil phases (management units) and 4 land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is <90 days and starts from 2nd week of August to 2nd week of November.  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 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 28 major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area is suitable for agriculture.  About 2 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 22 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm), about 30 per cent are deep soils (100-150 cm) and 34 per cent area has very deep (>150 cm) soils.  About 26 per cent area has clayey soils, 37 per cent loamy soils and 26 per cent sandy soils at the surface.  About 67 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils and 21 per cent gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) soils.  About 24 per cent are very low (<50 mm/m), 25 per cent low (51-100 mm/m), 1 per cent are medium (101-150 mm/m) and 38 per cent high to very high (151->200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 66 per cent area has very gently sloping (1-3%) and 23 per cent area has gently sloping (3-5%) lands.  An area of about 26 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 63 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 21 per cent has soils that are slightly to moderately acid (pH 5.5- 6.5), 32 per cent soils are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 36 per cent are slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3 to 8.4) and 1 per cent are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils is <2 dS m-1 and as such the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon is low (<0.5%) in about 14 per cent, 44 per cent of the soils are medium (0.5-0.75%) and 30 per cent of the soils are high (>0.75%) in organic carbon.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in about 70 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 19 per cent area of the microwatershed.  About 69 per cent of the soils are medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 20 per cent of the soils are high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium content.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in about 49 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 40 per cent.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 38 per cent area, 46 per cent area is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) and high (>1.0 ppm) in about 4 per cent.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 52 per cent and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in about 36 per cent area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 68 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in about 21 per cent area.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  The land suitability for 28 major agricultural and horticultural 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 82 (30) 58 (21) Pomegranate 82 (30) 96 (35) Maize 38 (14) 72 (26) Guava 80 (29) 72 (27) Bajra 84 (31) 69 (25) Jackfruit 82 (30) 71 (26) Red gram 82 (30) 53 (19) Jamun 42 (15) 135 (49) Bengalgram 25 (9) 115 (42) Musambi 82 (30) 96 (35) Groundnut 80 (29) 91 (33) Lime 82 (30) 96 (35) Sunflower 82 (30) 53 (19) Cashew 80 (29) 88 (32) Cotton 44 (16) 95 (35) Custard apple 84 (31) 158 (58) Chilli 84 (31) 26 (9) Amla 84 (31) 158 (58) Tomato 84 (31) 26 (9) Tamarind 42 (15) 91 (33) Drumstick 82 (30) 96 (35) Marigold 80 (29) 59 (22) Mulberry 82 (30) 155 (56) Chrysanthemum 80 (29) 59 (22) Mango 42 (15) 66 (24) Jasmine 80 (29) 34 (13) Sapota 82 (30) 71 (26) Crossandra 80 (29) 29 (11) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan and drainage line treatment plan has been prepared for the 4 identified LUCs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fodder, fibre and other horticulture crops that helps in maintaining productivity and ecological balance in the microwatershed.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to 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 for 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. That would help in supplementing the farm income, provide fodder and fuel, and generate lot of biomass which in turn would help in maintaining the ecological balance and contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 73 (53.68%) men and 63 (46.32%) women among the sampled households. The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.6, marginal farmers’ was 4.33, small farmers’ was 4.25, semi medium farmers’ was 5.13 and medium farmers’ was 4.  The data indicated that, 23 (16.91%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 57 (41.91%) were in 16-35 years of age, 44 (32.35%) were in 36-60 years of age and 12 (8.82 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Kamanuru-2 had 31.62 per cent illiterates, 25.74 per cent of them had primary school education, 8.09 per cent of them had middle school education, 22.06 per cent of them had high school education, 7.35 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.74 per cent of them did ITI, and 1.47 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicate that, 60 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 26.67 per cent of the households were agricultural laborers and 13.33 per cent were general labourers.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 38.97 per cent of the household members, 21.32 per cent were agricultural laborers, 9.56 per cent were general labour, 2.21 per cent had household industry, 5.15 per cent were in private, 16.91 per cent were students, 3.68 per cent were housewives and 2.21 per cent were children.  The results show that 100 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 10 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 63.33 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 26.67 per cent of them possess pucca house.  The results show that 100 per cent of the households possess TV, 80 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 40 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 43.33 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, and 100 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs.6333, mixer grinder was Rs.1666, bicycle was Rs. 1916, motor cycle was Rs.34384, auto was Rs.100000 and mobile phone was Rs.1435.  About 3.33 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 13.33 per cent of them possess plough, 36.67 per cent of them posses sprayer, 93.33 per cent of them possess weeder, and 13.33 per cent of them possess chaff cutter.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.20000, plough was Rs.416, the average value of sprayer was Rs.2579, the average value of chaff cutter was Rs.2000, and the average value of weeder was Rs.63. 2  The results indicate that, 13.33 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 16.67 per cent of the households possess local cow, 3.33 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow, 3.23 per cent of the households possess buffalo and 3.33 per cent of them possess sheep.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.84, average own labour (women) available was 1.36, average hired labour (men) available was 7.28 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.60.  The results indicate that, 83.33 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  16. The results indicate that, households of the Kamanuru-2 micro watershed possess 16.54 ha (46.93%) of dry land and 18.70 ha (53.07%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 3.63 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 10.88 ha (92.76%) of dry land and 0.85 ha (7.24%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.02 ha (15.91%) of dry land and 10.70 ha (84.09%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 7.15 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 356656 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 459783. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 633333 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 275567 for dry land and Rs. 940952 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 296400 for dry land and Rs. 504653 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 335483 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 6 functioning and 4 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, there was 1 functioning and 1 defunctioning open well in the school.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 20 per cent of the farmers, open well and tank each formed the source of irrigation for 3.33 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 29.36 meters and the depth of open well was found to be 3.56 meters.  The results indicate that, small, semi medium and medium farmers had irrigated area of 0.85 ha, 8.86 ha and 5.80 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown bajra (1 ha), bengalgram (1.62 ha), cotton (0.85 ha), groundnut (7.12 ha), maize (11.21 ha), mango (6.11 ha), navane (2.11 ha), paddy (1.82 ha), redgram (1.73 ha) and sugarcane (1.21 ha).  Marginal farmers have grown bajra, groundnut, maize, navane, paddy. Small farmers have grown Bengalgram, cotton, maize, groundnut, navane and redgram. 3 Semi medium farmers have grown groundnut, maize, mango and paddy. Medium farmers have grown maize, mango and sugarcane.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Kamanuru-2 micro watershed was found to be 85.27 per cent. In case of marginal and small farmers it was 100 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 99.36 per cent, and medium farmers had cropping intensity of 53.73 per cent.  The results indicate that, 86.67 per cent of the households have bank account and 53.33 per cent of the households have savings.  The results indicate that, 46.67 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, 31.25 per cent of the households availed loan from commercial bank, 12.50 per cent availed loan from friends/relatives, 87.50 per cent availed loan from money lender and 6.25 per cent of the households obtained loan from SHGs/CBOs.  The results indicate that, landless, marginal, small, and semi medium farmers have availed Rs.60000, Rs.87000, Rs.155714, and Rs.243333 respectively.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production.  The results indicate that, the main purpose of borrowing credit from private sources was agricultural production which accounted for 57.14 per cent of those who borrowed credit. Another 28.57 per cent of the households borrowed for social functions and 14.29 per cent of the households borrowed for the purpose of construction of house or cattle shed.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan.  Results indicated that 75 per cent of the households partially paid their loan and 25 per cent of the households did not repay their loan.  The results indicate that, around 31.58 per cent of the households opined that the rate of interest was higher in institutional sources; another 52.63 per cent opined that the loan amount helped to perform timely agricultural operations and 15.79 per cent of the households said that they were forced to sell the produce at low price to repay the loan in time.  The results indicate that, around 12.50 per cent of the households opined that credit was easily accessible, 25 per cent of the households opined that loan amount was adequate to fulfill the requirements, 37.50 per cent of the households opined that the credit helped to perform timely agricultural operations and 12.50 per cent opined that they were forced to sell the produce at low price to repay loan in time.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 22649.48. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 26066.86. The net income from 4 Maize cultivation was Rs. 3417.39, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.15.  The total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 28310.12. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 28904.72. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 594.59. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.02.  The total cost of cultivation for mango was Rs. 36079.54. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 35197.50. The net income from mango cultivation was Rs. -882.04. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.98.  The total cost of cultivation for bengalgram was Rs. 44731.17. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 61379.50. The net income from bengalgram cultivation was Rs. 16648.33. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.37.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 41425.25. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 45304.12. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 8671.21. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.24.  The total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 32163.01. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 68571.91. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 36408.90. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.13.  The total cost of cultivation for tomato was Rs. 36338.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 111921.87. The net income from tomato cultivation was Rs. 75583.53. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.08.  The total cost of cultivation for navane was Rs. 17541.23. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 29078.64. The net income from navane cultivation was Rs. 11537.41. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.66.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 50986.93. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 110091.43. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 59104.50. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.16.  The total cost of cultivation for sugarcane was Rs. 35639.63. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 177840. The net income from sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 142200.37. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:4.99.  The results indicate that, 23.33 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 6.67 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate. Around 6.67 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs.123600 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs.69908, for small farmers it was Rs.120494, for semi medium farmers it was Rs.101725, and for medium farmers it was Rs.68833.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 14,600. For landless households it was Rs. 4,566.67, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 7,427.08, 5 for small farmers it was Rs. 9,156.25, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 12,111.11, and for medium farmers it was Rs. 8,980.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 48 coconut, 80 custard apple, 1748 mango, 2 lemon and 1 sapota tree in their fields.  The results indicate that, households have planted 1 teak trees, 45 neem trees and 5 tamarind trees in their field.  The results indicate that, the average additional investment capacity with the households for land development was Rs.1733, for irrigation facility Rs.966, for improved crop production Rs.1000 and for improved livestock management Rs.700.  The results indicate that, loan from bank was the source of additional investment capacity for 10 per cent of the households for land development, 3.33 per cent for irrigation facility and 3.33 per cent for improved livestock management. Own funds was the source of investment for 10 per cent for irrigation facility, 6.67 per cent for improved crop production and 3.33 per cent for improved livestock management. Soft loans was the source of funds for 6.67 per cent for land development, 3.33 per cent for irrigation facility, 10 per cent for improved crop production and 6.67 per cent for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, Bengalgram, cotton, maize, mango, navane and paddy were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Bajra was sold to the extent of 94.44 per cent, groundnut to the extent of 83.33 per cent and sugarcane to the extent of 44.44 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 50 per cent of the famers have sold their produce in regulated markets and 40 per cent have sold their produce to local/village merchants.  The results indicated that, 70 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce, 13.33 per cent have used truck and 6.67 per cent have used cart as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 30 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm i.e., 16.67 per cent of marginal farmers, 12.50 per cent of small farmers, 62.50 per cent of semi medium farmers and 66.67 per cent of medium farmers have experienced soil and water erosion problems.  The results indicated that, 90.32 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 96.67 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 3.33 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 87.10 per cent used fire wood and 12.90 per cent of the households used LPG.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed. 6  The results indicated that, 70 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 20 per cent of the landless, 16.67 per cent of the marginal, 100 per cent of the small, 100 per cent of the semi medium and 100 per cent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 93.33 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card, and 6.67 per cent did not possess PDS card.  The results indicated that, 43.33 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 53.33 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 13.33 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 56.67 per cent, fruits were adequate for 56.67 per cent, milk was adequate for 86.67 per cent, eggs were adequate for 83.33 per cent and meat was adequate for 56.67 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 46.67per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 86.67 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 46.67 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 40 per cent, milk was inadequate for 13.33 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 16.67 per cent and meat was inadequate for 43.33 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 83.33 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (83.33%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (70%), inadequacy of irrigation water (70%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (80%), high rate of interest on credit (86.67%), low price for the agricultural commodities (86.67%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (80%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (86.67%), less rainfall (13.33%) and inadequate extension services (63.33%).