LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT GABBUR-3(4D3A9D1g) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Gabbur-3 microwatershedwas 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 536ha in Koppaltalukand 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, 161mm during north-east and the remaining 77 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 96per cent is covered by soils, 3 per cent byrock outcrops and one per cent by water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 13soil series and 24soil phases (management units) and 6land 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 28major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area is suitable for agriculture.  About12 per cent of the soils are shallow (50-75 cm), 26 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 25per cent of the soils aremoderately deep(75-100 cm), about 11per cent are deep soils (100-150 cm) and 23per cent area has very deep (>150 cm) soils.  About 10 per cent area has clayey soils at the surface, 73 per cent loamy soils and 13 per cent sandy soils.  About 58per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils and38per cent gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel)soils.  About 31 per cent arevery low (<50 mm/m),16 per cent low (51-100 mm/m), 27 per cent are medium (101-150 mm/m) and 23 per cent high to very high (151->200 mm/m)in available water capacity.  About 92 per cent area has very gently sloping (1-3%) and 4 per cent area has nearly level (0-1%)lands.  An area of about 28 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and68 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 12per cent has soils that are slightly to moderately acid (pH 5.5- 6.5), 2 per cent soils are strongly acid (pH 5.0-5.5), 25 per cent soils are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3),54 per cent are slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3 to 8.4)and3 per cent are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are <2 dSm-1(non-saline) in the entire area.  Organic carbon islow (<0.5%) in about 12per cent,34 per cent of the soils are medium (0.5-0.75%) and 51 per cent of the soils are high (>0.75%) in organic carbon.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha)in about 2per cent, medium (23-57 kg/ha) in about 47per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in47 per cent area of the microwatershed.  About 68 per cent of the soils are medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 28 per cent of the soils are high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium content.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in about 76 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 20per cent and about 1per cent area is high (>20 ppm).  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 64 per cent area,26per cent area is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) and high (>1.0 ppm) in about 6 per cent.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm)in 36 per cent and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in about 60 per cent area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 64 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in about 33 per cent area.  Available manganeseand copper are sufficient in all the soils.  The land suitability for 28major agricultural and horticultural crops grown in the microwatershedwere 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 256 (48) 87 (16) Pomegranate 53 (10) 226 (42) Maize 37 (7) 179 (34) Guava 53 (10) 101 (19) Bajra 154 (29) 162 (30) Jackfruit 52(10) 100 (19) Red gram 53 (10) 226 (42) Jamun 29 (5) 204 (38) Bengalgram 102 (19) 280 (52) Musambi 122 (23) 157 (29) Groundnut 29 (5) 262 (49) Lime 122 (23) 157 (29) Sunflower 122 (23) 157 (29) Cashew 67 (12) 87 (16) Cotton 132 (25) 212 (40) Custard apple 256 (48) 196 (37) Chilli 154 (29) 63 (12) Amla 154 (29) 298 (56) Tomato 154 (29) 87 (16) Tamarind 29 (5) 117 (22) Drumstick 53 (10) 260 (49) Marigold 67 (12) 276 (52) Mulberry 53 (10) 236 (44) Chrysanthemum 67 (12) 276 (52) Mango 29 (5) 24 (4) Jasmine 67 (12) 174 (33) Sapota 53 (10) 100 (19) Crossandra 67 (12) 243 (45) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the6 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 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 for these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation and drainage line treatment plans have 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 inturn 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 110 (55.28%) men and 89 (44.72%) were women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers was 4.2, marginal farmers’ was 4.46, small farmers’ was 4.63, semi medium farmers’ was 4.3 and medium farmers’ was 5.  The data indicated that, 39 (19.6 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 82 (41.21 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 60 (30.15 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 18 (9.05%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Gabbur-3 had 43.72 per cent illiterates, 32.66 per cent of them had primary school education, 2.51 per cent of them had middle school education, 7.54 per cent of them had high school education, 7.54 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.50 per cent of them had diploma and 2.01 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicate that, 88.64 per cent of households practicing agriculture and 13.64 per cent of the households were agricultural laborers.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 20.10 per cent of the household members, 59.30 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.50 per cent was in private service, 16.08 per cent of them were student and 4.02 per cent were children.  The results show that only 1.01 per cent of the household members have participated in NGOs and 98.99 per cent of the households have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 11.36 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 68.18 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 18.18 per cent of them possess pucca/RCC house.  The results shows that 77.27 per cent of the households possess TV, 61.36 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 11.36 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 43.18 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 79.55 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results shows that the average value of television was Rs. 5075, mixer grinder was Rs.1903, motor cycle was Rs.47473, mobile phone was Rs.2108 and bicycle was Rs.1600.  About 45.45 per cent of the households possess plough, 18.18 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 4.55 per cent of the households possess irrigation pump, 4.55 per cent of the households possess tractor, 20.45 per cent of the households possess sprayer and 56.82 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.1550, the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 15625, the average value of irrigation pump was Rs. 1571, 2 the average value of tractor was Rs. 250600, the average value of sprayer was Rs.1758 and the average value of weeder Rs.80.  The results indicate that, 31.82 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 31.82 per cent of the households possess local cow and 2.27 per cent of the households possess sheep.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.93, average own labour (women) available was 1.49, average hired labour (men) available was 13.52 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.89.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Gabbur-3 micro watershed possess 23.38 ha (40.61%) of dry land and 34.19 ha (59.39%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 7.02 ha (86.97%) of dry land and 1.05 ha (13.03%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 7.14 ha (78.55%) of dry land and 1.95 ha (21.45%) of irrigated land. Semi medium possess 2.14 ha (15.03%) of dry land and 12.13 ha (84.97%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 7.07 ha (27.07%) of dry land and 19.06 ha (72.93%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 299238.49 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 358119.30. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 526743.52 for dry land and Rs. 1709999.98 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 237903.69 for dry land and Rs. 819917.0 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 186415.09 for dry land and Rs. 424441.11 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 169.565.22 for dry land and Rs. 194033.97 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 30 functioning bore wells and 24 defunctioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 72.73 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 53.06 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal farmers had irrigated area of 2.58 hectares, small farmers had 2.76 hectares, semi medium farmers had 12.13 hectares and medium farmers had 18.62 hectares.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown maize (29.14 ha), bajra (14.49 ha), paddy (2.83 ha), sugarcane (2.23 ha), bengalgram (2.11 ha), cotton (1.71 ha), redgram (1.62 ha), sunflower (1.62 ha) and sapota (0.91 ha).  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Gabbur-3 micro watershed was found to be 88.60 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, for small farmers it was 100 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 83 per cent and medium farmers had a cropping intensity of 71.43 per cent. 3  The results indicate that, 65.91 per cent of the households possess bank account and savings in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, 69.23 per cent of marginal, 75 per cent of small, 60.0 per cent of semi medium and 100 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that 3.45 per cent have availed loan from grameena bank.  The results indicate that, semi medium have availed a credit of Rs.12500.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production.  Results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan borrowed from institutional sources.  The results indicate that, around 100 per cent of the households opined that the loan helped them to perform timely agricultural operations.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for sugarcane was Rs. 63406.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 162690.67. The net income from sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 99284.17, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.57.  The total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 27366.09. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 39524.14. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. 12158.052, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.44.  The total cost of cultivation for Bajra was Rs. 30365.39. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 30642.85. The net income from Bajra cultivation was Rs. 277.47. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.01.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 38588.45. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55008.96. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 16420.51. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.43.  The total cost of cultivation for Sapota was Rs. 29035.29. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 262300.89. The net income from Sapota cultivation was Rs. 233265.60. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:9.03.  The total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 41171.24. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 45975.22. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 2409.43, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.12.  The total cost of cultivation for Paddy was Rs. 38588.45. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55008.96. The net income from Paddy cultivation was Rs. 16420.51, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.43.  The total cost of cultivation for sunflower was Rs. 31812.67. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 53105. The net income from sunflower cultivation was Rs. 21292.33, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.67. 4  The total cost of cultivation for bengalgram was Rs. 38703.46. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 137289.48. The net income from bengalgram cultivation was Rs. 98586.02, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.55.  The total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 17728.95. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41496. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. 23767.05, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.34.  The results indicate that, 18.18 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and another 2.27 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate. Also, 31.82 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 32,000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 60,307.85, for small farmers it was Rs. 69,750, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 120,000 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 117,125.38.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 5,656.59. For landless households it was Rs. 2,400, for marginal farmers it was Rs 5,847.63, for small farmers it was Rs. 5,468.75, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 6,583.33 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 6,410.94.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 33 coconut trees, 5 guava trees, 31 mango trees and 3 orange trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 85 neem trees, 19 teak trees, 5 tamarind trees, 4 acacia trees, 12 banyan and 3 peepul trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs.4,022.73 for land development, Rs.454.55 for irrigation facility and Rs.545.45 for improved crop production.  The results indicate that, government subsidy was the source of additional investment for 2.27 per cent for irrigation facility and for 4.55 per cent for improved crop production. Loan from bank was the major source of investment for 2.27 per cent of households for land development and for 2.27 per cent for improved crop production. Own funds were the source of additional investment for 25 per cent for land development, for 2.27 per cent for irrigation facility and for 4.55 per cent for improved crop production. Soft loan was the source of additional investment for 11.36 per cent for land development.  The results indicated that, bajra was sold to the extent of 95.22 per cent, bengalgram was sold to the extent of 80.39 per cent, maize was sold to the extent of 96.22 per cent, paddy and redgram were sold to the extent of 50 per cent. Cotton, sapota, sugarcane and sunflower were sold to the extent of 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 93.18 per cent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets and 9.09 per cent have sold their produce to cooperative marketing society. 5  The results indicated that 95.45 per cent of the farmers have used tractor and 2.27 per cent have used truck as a mode of transport for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 22.73 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems.  The results indicated that, 65.91 per cent of the households are interested in soil testing.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 47.73 per cent of the households, bore well was the source of drinking water for 52.27 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 86.36 percent used fire wood and 13.64 percent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 90.91 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card, 6.82 per cent possessed APL card and 2.27 per cent did not possess any PDS card.  The results indicated that, 43.18 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 97.73 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 79.55 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 20.45 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 31.82 per cent, fruits were adequate for 29.55 per cent, milk was adequate for 15.91 per cent and eggs were adequate for 20.45 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, cereals were inadequate for 2.27 percent, pulses were inadequate for 18.18 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 59.09 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 47.73 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 40.91 per cent, milk were inadequate for 40.91 per cent and eggs were inadequate for 54.55 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were market surplus for 13.64 per cent, vegetables were market surplus for 18.18 per cent and fruits were market surplus for 4.55 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 63.64 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (68.18%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (43.18%), inadequacy of irrigation water (13.64%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (38.64%), high rate of interest on credit (18.18%), low price for the agricultural commodities (13.64%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (13.64%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (13.64%),