LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ODDARAHATTI (4D4A1R2d) MICROWATERSHED Irakallagada Hobli, Koppal Taluk & District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Oddarahatti 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 546 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 95 per cent is covered by soils , 1 per cent by rock outcrops and 4 per cent by habitation and water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 15 soil series and 30 soil phases (management units) and 6 land management units.  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 320 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 31 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 33 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 30 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm) and 33 per cent area has deep (100-150 cm) soils.  About 10 per cent has sandy soils, 41 per cent has loamy soils at the surface and 45 per cent has clayey soils at the surface.  About 16 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 74 per cent gravelly (15-35% gravel) and 6 per cent has very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  About 44 per cent are very low (<50 mm/m), 24 per cent low (51-100 mm/m), 21 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m), <1 per cent high (151-200 mm/m) and 6 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 6 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 89 per cent area has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 15 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 80 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 29 per cent are moderately acid (pH 5.5-6.0), 25 per cent are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5) and 42 per cent are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils is <2 dS m-1 and as such the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 30 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 66 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is high (>57 kg/ha) in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium content is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 78 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 17 per cent soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in about 49 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 46 per cent and high (>320 ppm) in the 1 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 89 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 6 per cent area.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 25 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 70 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  The land suitability for 31 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 53 (10) 200 (37) Sapota 16 (3) 180 (33) Maize 37 (7) 217 (40) Pomegranate 16 (3) 229 (42) Bajra 122 (22) 300 (55) Musambi 32 (6) 213 (39) Groundnut 22 (4) 323 (59) Lime 32 (6) 213 (39) Sunflower 28 (5) 156 (28) Amla 97 (18) 423 (78) Red gram 12 (2) 154 (28) Cashew 5 (1) 179 (33) Bengalgram 48 (9) 294 (54) Jackfruit 16 (3) 180 (33) Cotton 28 (5) 225 (41) Jamun - 190 (35) Chilli 18 (3) 187 (34) Custard apple 119 (22) 401 (74) Tomato 50 (9) 155 (29) Tamarind - 101 (18) Brinjal 87 (16) 215 (39) Mulberry 70 (13) 273 (50) Onion 22 (4) 232 (42) Marigold 1 (<1) 253 (46) Bhendi 22 (4) 280 (51) Chrysanthemum 1 (<1) 253 (46) Drumstick 70 (13) 192 (35) Jasmine 1 (<1) 204 (38) Mango - 85 (16) Crossandra 1 (<1) 222 (41) Guava - 195 (36)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 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 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 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. SILENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY  The results indicated that among 35 farmers, 17 (48.57%) were marginal farmers, 10 (28.57 %) were small farmers, 2 (5.71 %) were semi medium farmers, 1 (2.86%) medium farmers and 5 (14.29 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 128 population households were there in the studied micro-watershed. Among them 64 (50 %) men and 64 (50 %) were women. The average family size of marginal farmers was 4, small farmer was 4, semi medium farmer was 4 and for landless farmers it was 4.  The data indicated that 22 (17.19 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 49 (38.28 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 40 (31.25 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 17 (13.28 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Oddarahatti had 27.34 per cent illiterates, 35.16 per cent of them had primary school education, 10.16 per cent of them had both middle school and high school education, 6.25 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.78 per cent them had Diploma education, 7.81 per cent of them had degree education and 0.78 per cent of them had masters education.  The results indicated with reference to occupation of the household showed that, 54.29 per cent of households practicing agriculture and 2.86 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labourers, general labour, in Government service and in private service respectively. 8.57 per cent of the households were doing trade and business and 11.43 per cent of them were housewives.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 50.78 per cent of the household members, 1.56 per cent were agricultural labourers, 3.13 per cent were general labours, 1.56 percent were in government service, 1.56 per cent of them were in private sector, 4.69 per cent of them were trade and business, 19.53 per cent of them were students and 9.38 per cent were housewives.  In case of landless households 10.53 per cent were agricultural labourers, 15.79 per cent were general labour, 5.26 per cent in government service, 15.79 per cent were in trade& business, 21.05 per cent ware housewife and 26.32 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 60.94 per cent were agriculturist, 1.56 percent was in government service, 3.13 per cent were in trade and business and 18.75 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 55.88 per cent of them were agriculturist and 20.59 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 50 per cent of the family members were agriculturist and 12.50 per cent of them were students.  The results showed that 3.13 per cent of them participated in self help groups, 0.78 per cent of them participated in cooperative bank. Landless, semi medium farmers and medium farmers were found to have no participation in any local institutions. 2 Marginal farmers and small farmers were found to participate in one or the other local institutions.  The results indicated that 97.14 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 2.86 per cent of them possess Thatched house. 100 percent of the landless, marginal and small farmers possess Katcha house.  The results showed that 88.57 per cent of the households possess TV, 54.29 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 5.71 per cent of the households possess refrigerator, 28.57 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 45.71 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 85.71 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs. 2112, mixer grinder was Rs.1121, refrigerator Rs.13500, bicycle Rs.1000, motor cycle was Rs.29250 and mobile phone was Rs.800.  The results indicated that about 22.86 per cent of the households possess plough, 14.29 per cent of them possess bullock cart, 14.29 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 5.71 per cent of them possess chaff cutter and 62.86 per cent of the households possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.660; the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 22000, the average value of sprayer Rs.2480, the average value of weeder Rs. 39 and the average value of chaff cutter Rs.3000.  The results indicated that, 22.86 per cent of the households possess bullocks and 5.71 per cent of the households possess local cow. In case of marginal farmers, 29.41 per cent of the households possess bullock and 5.88 per cent of the households possess local cow. In case of small farmers, 20 per cent of households possess bullock. In case of semi medium farmers, 50 per cent of the households possess bullock and local low respectively.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro-watershed was 1.23, average own labour (women) available was 1.03, average hired labour (men) available was 7.53 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.37.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.24, average own labour (women) was 1.12, average hired labour (men) was 4.94 and average hired labour (women) available was 5.82. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 1.10, average own labour (women) was 0.90, average hired labour (men) was 10.70 and average hired labour (women) available was 12.20. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.50, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was 12.50 and average hired labour (women) available was 10. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was 10 and average hired labour (women) available was 10. 3  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate About 100 per cent of the marginal farmers, 100 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, households of the Oddarahatti micro-watershed possess 21.17 ha (71.84 %) of dry land and 8.26 ha (28.06 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 8.45 ha (91.25 %) of dry land and 0.81 ha (8.75%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 10.70 ha (86.01%) of dry land and 1.74 ha (13.99 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.02 ha (66.67%) of dry land and 1.01 ha (33.33%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.69 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 318724.91 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 363235.29. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 408313.36 for dry land and Rs. 494000 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 261573.37 for dry land Rs. 746744.19 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 247000 for dry land and Rs. 494000 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 170344.82 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 6 functioning and 7 defunctioning bore wells in the micro-watershed. The results indicated that, there were 2 functioning open wells in the micro-watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the irrigation source for 17.14 per cent of the farmers and open well was the source for 5.71 per cent of the farmers. The results indicated that, in case of semi medium farmers there was 1.01 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown bajra (3.94ha), cotton (1.77ha), crossandra (0.81ha), horse gram (1.32ha), maize (9.72 ha), navane (1.21 ha), papaya (0.91 ha),red gram (3.78 ha), sorghum(0.45 ha) and sugarcane (1.01 ha). Marginal farmers have grown Maize, Bajra, sorghum, crossandra and Redgram. Small farmers have grown Maize, cotton, horse gram, navane and red gram. Semi medium farmers have grown Maize, bajra, and red gram.. Medium farmers have grown papaya.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Oddarahatti 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, 85.71 per cent of the households have bank account and savings respectively. Among marginal farmers 60 percent of them possess both bank account and savings. 88.24 per cent of small farmers possess both bank account and savings correspondingly. Semi medium farmers possess 50 per cent of both bank account and savings respectively and medium category of farmers possess 100 per cent of bank account and also savings. 4  The results indicated that, 60 per cent of landless, 88.24 per cent of marginal, 100 per cent of small, 50 per cent semi medium and 100 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 56.67 per cent have availed loan in Grameena bank, 16.67 per cent have availed loan from money lender and 3.33 per cent have availed loan from commercial bank, input dealers/ suppliers and SHGs/CBOs respectively.  The results indicated that,, marginal, small, semi medium and medium have availed Rs.62666.67, Rs. 80500, Rs50,000, and Rs. 100000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro-watershed is 63166.67.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production. The results indicated that, agriculture production, Construction-house, Construction-cattle shed and other reasons were the main purpose for which marginal, small farmers, semi medium farmers borrowed loan. About 71.43 percent of loan was taken for agriculture production and 14.29 per cent of the farmers taken loan for construction-house, Construction-cattle shed and other purpose respectively.  Results indicated that 38.89 per cent of the households have repaid their institutional credit partially and 55.56 percent of the households have unpaid their loan and 5.56 per cent of the households were fully paid their loan.  Results indicated that 28.57 per cent of the households have repaid their private credit partially, 57.14 percent of the households have unpaid their loan and 14.29 per cent of them fully paid their loan.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 16072.05. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 21880.63. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 5808.58, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.36. The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 18362.79. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 35368.63. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 17005.84. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.93.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for navane was Rs. 10533.31. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31122. The net income from navane cultivation was Rs. 20588.69. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.95. The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 18020.16. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 26596.61. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. 8576.44. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.48.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 17906.59. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31578.54. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. 13671.95. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.76. The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Horse gram was Rs. 12039.19. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31271.56. The net income 5 from Horse gram cultivation was Rs. 19232.37. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.60.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sugarcane was Rs. 220236.14. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 978120.00. The net income from Sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 757883.86. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:4.44. The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 20286.97. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 48946.79. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 28659.82. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.41. The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for crossandra was Rs. 41401.74. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 97330.35. The net income from crossandra cultivation was Rs. 55928.61. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.35.  The results indicated that, 22.86 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate. Among overall households 23.56 per cent of the marginal farmers, 30 per cent of small farmers and 50 per cent of semi medium farmers were opined that dry fodder was adequate.  The results indicated that the average income from service/salary was Rs. 16514.29, business Rs. 17571.43, wage Rs. 23971.43, agriculture Rs. 81182.86, farm income Rs. 3,800 and dairy farm Rs. 414.  The results indicated that, 74.29 per cent of the households are interested in growing horticultural crops which include 76.47 per cent marginal farmers, 100 per cent small farmers, semi medium farmers and medium farmers respectively. The results indicated that for 68.57 per cent of the households were dependent on government subsidy for land development. Similarly for the dependency was for irrigation facility was 77.14 percent and 20 percent for improved crop production.  The results indicated that, chilly, cotton, Horse gram, Kanakambara flower, maize, navane, papaya, red gram, sorghum and sugar cane crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Only bajra was sold to the extent of 98.15 per cent.  The results indicated that, 11.43 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchants and 77.14 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets. The results indicated that 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, 85.71 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing. The results indicated that, 25.71 per cent of the households have adopted field bunding which includes 11.76 per cent of marginal, 60 per cent of small farmers, and 50 per cent of semi medium farmers.  Results showed that summer ploughing was adopted by 82.86 per cent of the households i.e. 94.12 per cent of the marginal farmers and 100 per cent of the small and semi medium farmers respectively. Form pond was adopted by the farmers was 2.86 per cent. 6  The results indicated that 14.29 per cent of soil conservation structure is constructed by the government, 2.86 per cent of soil conservation structure is constructed by the farmer’s organization and another 5.71 per cent is constructed by others.  The results indicated that, 74.29 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel, and 25.71 percent of the households used LPG. The results indicated that, 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.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light which was found to be 97.14 per cent and 2.86 per cent of the households were used kerosene lamp as a source of light.  The results indicated that, 48.57 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 40 per cent of landless, 41.18 per cent of marginal, 50 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium and 100 per cent of medium had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 88.57 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 11.43 per cent of the sampled households not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 51.43 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 8 per cent of the landless, 47.06 percent of the marginal, 30 per cent of the small, 100 per cent of the semi medium and 100 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of cereals, pulses, milk and egg were adequate for the households. Vegetables and fruits were adequate only for 5.71 per cent and meat was adequate for only 2.86 per cent for the households respectively.  The results indicated that, both vegetables and fruits were inadequate for 94.29 per cent, of the households. Oilseed was inadequate for 5.71 per cent. Meat was inadequate for 97.14 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 60 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field and frequent incidence of pest and diseases (77.14%), inadequacy of irrigation water (74.29%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals and high rate of interest on credit (85.71%), low price for the agricultural commodities (82.86 %), lack of marketing facilities in the area (85.71%), inadequate extension services and lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (82.86%) and Source of Agri-technology information(Newspaper/TV/Mobile) (2.86).