LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT JABBALGUDDA-1 (4D3A9I1b) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Jabbalgudda-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 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 449 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 58 per cent is covered by soil, 40 per cent by rock out crops and 2 per cent by water bodies, settlements. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 7 soil series and 9 soil phases (management units) and 5 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 320 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 15 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 32 per cent moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 6 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 5 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 3 per cent loamy (sandy loam) and 55 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 11 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 41 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 6 per cent very gravelly (35-60 %) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 44 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 3 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 6 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m) and 5 per cent area has very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 4 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 54 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 11 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 47 per cent is moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about <1 per cent is moderately acid (pH 5.5 to 6.0), 6 per cent has slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 17 per cent neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3) soils, 14 per cent slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), 15 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4) and 5 per cent is strongly alkaline(pH 8.4 to 9.0)  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are <2 dsm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is high (>0.75%) in entire area of the microwatershed.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in 11 per cent, medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 33 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 14 per cent of the soils.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 25 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 33 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 55 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 3 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5ppm) in 20 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 38 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  The land suitability for 28 major agricultural and horticultural crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (class S1) and moderately suitable (class 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 - 177 (39) Pomegranate - 48(11) Maize - 159 (36) Guava - 27(6) Bajra - 192(43) Jackfruit - 27(6) Redgram - 47(11) Jamun - 20(5) Bengal gram - 193(43) Musambi - 48(11) Groundnut - 156 (35) Lime - 48(11) Sunflower - 48 (11) Cashew - - Cotton - 177(39) Custard apple - 193(43) Chilli - 156(35) Amla - 192 (43) Tomato - 173(39) Tamarind - 20(5) Drumstick - 48(11) Marigold - 177(39) Mulberry - 30(7) Chrysanthemum - 177 (39) Mango - 3(<1) Jasmine - 173(39) Sapota - 27(6) Crossandra - 173(39)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 5 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 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 in turn would help in maintaining the ecological balance and contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY  Results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Jabbalgudda-1 micro watershed among them 6(17.14%) were marginal farmers, 18 (51.43 %) were small farmers, 5 (14.29%) were semi medium farmers and 1 (2.86%) were medium farmers and 5 (14.29 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 162 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 96 (59.26%) men and 66 (40.74 %) were women. The average family size of landless was 4, marginal and medium farmers were 6, small and semi medium farmers were 5.  The data indicated that 31 (19.14%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 68 (41.98%) were in 16-35 years of age, 51 (31.48 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 12 (7.41%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Jabbalgudda-1 had 34.57 per cent illiterates, 0.62 per cent were functional literates, 33.95 per cent of them had primary school education, 1.85 per cent of them had middle school, 11.73 per cent them had high school education, 7.41 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.62 per cent of them had diploma, ITI and masters, 3.09 per cent of them had degree education and 4.94 per cent them had others.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 2.86 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 11.43 per cent of the household heads were general labour.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 65.43 per cent of the household members, 3.09 per cent were agricultural labourers, 8.64 per cent were general labours, 1.85 percent were in private sector, 16.67 per cent of them were students and 3.09 per cent of them were children. In case of landless households 4.76 per cent were agricultural labours, 66.67 per cent were general labourers, 4.76 per cent were in private service and 19.05 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 71.43 per cent were both agriculturist and 3.57 per cent were agricultural labour and 14.29 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 81.48 per cent of them were agriculturist, 2.47 per cent of them were agriculture labour, 1.23 per cent was in private service and 11.11 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 61.54 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 3.85 per cent were agriculture labour and in private service and 26.92 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers 50 per cent of the family members were agriculturist and 50 per cent of them were students.  The results showed 100 per cent of the farmers have not participated in any local institutions. 2  The results indicated that 91.43 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 2.86 per cent of the households possess Pucca house and 5.71 per cent of them possess Thatched house.  The results showed that, 2.86 per cent of the households possess radio, 71.43 per cent of the households possess TV, 22.86 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder and bicycle, 11.43 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 80 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of radio was Rs.500, television was Rs. 9000, mixer grinder was Rs.1875, bicycle was Rs.6125, motor cycle was Rs.26250 and mobile phone was Rs.1682.  About 11.43 per cent of the households possess plough, 2.86 per cent of the households possess sprayer and 51.43 per cent of the households possess weeder.  The results showed that the average value of plough was Rs. 650, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 4000 and the average value of weeder was Rs. 50.  The results indicated that, 5.71 per cent of the households possess bullocks and 11.43 per cent of the households possess local cow. In case of small farmers, 5.56 per cent of households possess bullock and 16.67 per cent possess local cow. In case of semi medium farmers, 20 per cent of the households possess bullock and local cow respectively.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.97, average own labour (women) available was 1.33, average hired labour (men) available was 8.19 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.90.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was also 1.17, average hired labour (men) was 8.50 and average hired labour (women) available was also 4.33. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 2.06, average own labour (women) was 1.39, average hired labour (men) was 7.47 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.95. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.80, average own labour (women) was 1.40, average hired labour (men) was 12.20 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.20. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 1, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was10 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.  The results indicated that, 88.57 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Jabbalgudda-1 micro watershed possess 24.25 ha (66.34 %) of dry land and 12.31 ha (33.66%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 3.36 ha (89.25%) of dry land and 0.40 ha (10.75%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 17.97 ha (79.23%) of dry land and 4.71 ha 3 (20.77%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.92 ha (38.57%) of dry land and 4.65 ha (61.43%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 2.54 (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 350,325.38 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 633,541.60. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 565,421.69 for dry land and Rs. 988,000.00 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 339,270.43 for dry land Rs. 870,017.18 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 171,052.64 for dry land and Rs. 536,956.52 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 315,151.52 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 12 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 34.29 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 32.22 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 0.40 ha of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 4.71 ha of irrigated land, in case of semi medium farmers there was 4.66 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 1.21 ha of irrigated land. On an average there were 10.99 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown bajra (6.19 ha), maize (18.24 ha), paddy (8.51 ha) and groundnut (0.45 ha) in kharif season. Marginal farmers have grown Maize, Bajra and paddy. Small farmers have grown bajra, maize, paddy and groundnut. Semi medium farmers have grown Maize and paddy. Medium farmers have grown only paddy.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Jabbalgudda-1 micro watershed was found to be 92.10 per cent. In case of marginal and medium farmers it was 100 per cent, in case of small farmers cropping intensity was 89.99 per cent and in semi medium farmers it was 93.48 per cent.  The results indicated that, 14.29 per cent of the households have both bank account and savings. Among small farmers 16.67 percent of them possess bank account and savings respectively. 40 per cent of semi medium farmers possess bank account and savings correspondingly.  The results indicated that, 16.67 per cent of small and 40 per cent of semi medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 20 per cent have availed loan in commercial bank and 80 per cent have availed loan from Grameena bank. 4  The results indicated that, small and semi medium, farmers have availed Rs. 110,000 and Rs. 115,000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 112,000.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  Results indicated that100 percent of the households have unpaid their institutional credit.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households were opined that institutional source of credit was helped to perform timely agricultural operations.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 34882.89. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 37944.06. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 3061.16, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.09.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 35091.96. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41594.39. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 6502.43. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.19.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 128045.13. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 130222.80. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 2177.67. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.02.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 110872.93. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 276772.32. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 165899.39. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.5.  The results indicated that, 14.29 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder and green fodder were adequate respectively.  The table indicated that, in case of landless, the average income from wage Rs. 124000. In case marginal farmers the average income from wage was Rs.28333.33 and agriculture was Rs.67666.67. In small farmers, the average income from wage was Rs. 29,166.67 and agriculture was Rs. 119,652.78. In semi medium farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.27000, wage was Rs.2000 and agriculture was Rs.152040. In medium farmers the average income from agriculture was Rs.120000.  The results indicated that, in case of land less, the average expenditure from wage Rs. 85200. In marginal farmers, the average expenditure from wage was Rs.37333.33 and agriculture was Rs.39000 In small farmers, the average expenditure from wage was Rs.36777.78 and agriculture was Rs.59666.67. In semi medium farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.50000, 5 wage was Rs.6000 and agriculture was Rs.75600. In medium farmers the average expenditure from agriculture was Rs.60000.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 8 coconut trees in their field and also planted 1 coconut trees in their back yard.  The results indicated that, households have planted 29 neem trees in their field and 1 neem tree in their back yard.  The results indicated that, bajra, groundnut, maize and paddy crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, 45.71 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant and 48.57 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets.  The results indicated that 94.29 per cent of them have used tractor as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, 57.14 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 66.67 percent of marginal farmers, 72.22 per cent of small farmers, 40 per cent of semi medium farmers and 100 percent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 80 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 77.14 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel and 22.86 per cent of the households have used LPG.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 31.43 per cent households, 45.71 per cent of them were using bore well for drinking water and 22.86 per cent of them were using lake/tank.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 48.57 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of landless, 16.67 per cent of marginal, 44.44 per cent of the small, 40 per cent of the semi medium and 100 medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 94.29 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 8.57 per cent of the sampled households have not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 48.57 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 100 per cent of the landless, 50 percent of the marginal, 38.89 per cent of the small, 20 per cent of the semi medium and 100 per cent of the medium farmers respectively.  The results indicated that, cereals, milk and egg were adequate for 100 per cent of the household correspondingly. Vegetables and fruits were adequate for 11.43 per 6 cent of the household respectively. Pulses, oilseed and meat were adequate for 91.43 per cent, 2.86 per cent and 8.57 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, fruits and meat were inadequate for 8.57 per cent, 97.14 per cent, 88.57 per cent, 82.86 per cent and 91.43 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households experienced by lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint, wild animal menace on farm field (62.86%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (48.57%), inadequacy of irrigation water (42.86%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (42.86%), high rate of interest on credit (45.71%), low price for the agricultural commodities (85.71%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (71.43%), inadequate extension services (71.43%) and lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (65.71%).