LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BELUR-1 (4D3A2R2f) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Belur-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 514 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 86 per cent is covered by soil and 14 per cent by habitation and water body. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 18 soil phases (management units) and 7 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 5 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 14 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 22 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 45 per cent is deep (100-150cm) soils.  About 9 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 77per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 20 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 62 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 4 per cent very gravelly (35-60 %) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 28 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 22 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 9 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m) and 27 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  Entire area in the microwatershed is very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 11 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 75 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 6% is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4), 76 per cent is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) and 4% is very strongly alkaline (pH >9.0) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dSm-1 indicating that the soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is low (<0.5%) in 1 per cent and medium (0.5-0.75%) in 85 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 79 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 7 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 68 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 18 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 26 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 60 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 80 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0) in 6 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 65 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 21 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 75 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 11 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper is sufficient in the entire area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 31 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 96(19) 165(32) Sapota 15(3) 143(28) Maize 15(3) 246(48) Pomegranate 47(9) 251(49) Bajra 125(24) 247(48) Musambi 96(19) 202(39) Groundnut - 237(46) Lime 96(19) 202(39) Sunflower 96(19) 91(17) Amla 47(9) 371(72) Redgram 15(3) 170(33) Cashew 47(9) 111(22) Bengal gram 81(16) 180(34) Jackfruit 15(3) 143(28) Cotton 81(16) 180(34) Jamun - 218(43) Chilli 15(3) 143(27) Custard apple 128(25) 290(56) Tomato 15(3) 65(12) Tamarind - 208(41) Brinjal 47(9) 227(44) Mulberry 47(9) 174(34) Onion 47(9) 46(9) Marigold 15(3) 246(47) Bhendi 47(9) 227(44) Chrysanthemum 15(3) 246(47) Drumstick 47(9) 186(36) Jasmine 15(3) 106(20) Mango - 59(11) Crossandra 15(3) 67(12) Guava 15(3) 143(28)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 7 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 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 STUDY  Results indicated that, 35 farmers were sampled in Belur-1 micro watershed among them 8 (22.86%) were marginal farmers, 6 (17.14 %) were small farmers, 7 (20 %) were semi medium farmers, 8 (22.86%) were medium farmers, large farmers 1(2.86%) and 5 (10.20 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 194 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 100 (51.55%) men and 94 (48.45%) were women. The average family size of landless farmers was 4, marginal and medium farmers were 5, small and semi medium farmer was 6 and large farmer was 11. On an average the family size was 5.  The data indicated that 49 (25.26%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 76 (39.18 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 54 (27.84 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 15 (7.73%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Belur-1 had 28.35 per cent illiterates, 30.41 per cent of them had primary school education, 14.43 per cent of them had middle school, 11.86 per cent them had high school education, 5.15 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.03 per cent them had Diploma education, 0.52 had ITI education, 3.61 per cent of them had degree education, 1.03 per cent of them had masters education and 3.61 per cent them had others.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 11.43 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 2.86 per cent of the household heads were general labour.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 59.79 per cent of the household members, 6.70 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.52 per cent were general labours, 1.03 percent were in private sector, 24.74 per cent of them were students, 3.61 per cent of them were children and 3.09 per cent were housewives. In case of landless households 5 per cent were agriculture, 50 per cent were agriculture labour, 5 per cent were general labour and 15 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 76.74 per cent were agriculturist, 2.33 percent were in private service and 16.28 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 57.14 per cent of them were agriculturist and 40 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 62.12 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 2.33 per cent were in private service, 20.93 per cent of them were students, 4.65 per cent were housewives and 6.98 per cent were children. In case of medium farmers 59.52 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 4.76 per cent were agriculture labour, 2.38 per cent were children and 33.33 per cent of them were students. In case of large farmers 81.82 per cent were doing agriculture, 9.09 per cent were both agriculture labour and students respectively. 2  The results showed that 0.52 per cent of them participated in cooperative bank and 99.48 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. Only small farmers were found to participate in one or the other local institutions.  The results indicated that 57.14 per cent of the households possess thatched house and 45.71 per cent of the households possess Pucca house. 100 per cent of the land less farmers possess thatched house and 100 per cent of the large farmers possess Pucca house.  The results showed that, 100 per cent of the households possess TV and Mixer grinder respectively. 8.57 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 34.29 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 97.14 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value television was Rs. 6257, mixer grinder was Rs.1485, bicycle was Rs.3000, motor cycle was Rs.34583 and mobile phone was Rs.1376.  The results indicated that about 20 per cent of the households possess both bullock cart and plough, 2.86 per cent of the households possess both power tiller and tractor respectively. 17.14 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 88.57 per cent of the households possess weeder and 2.86 per cent of the households possess thresher.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.18000; the average value of plough was Rs. 1500, the average value of power tiller was Rs. 25000, the average value of tractor was Rs. 500000, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 5000, the average value of weeder was Rs. 26 and the average value of thresher was Rs. 20000.  The results indicated that, 17.14 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 37.14 per cent of the households possess local cow, 8.57 per cent of the households possess buffalo and 5.71 per cent of the households possess.  In case of marginal farmers, 12.50 per cent of the households possess bullock and 25 per cent of the household possess local cow, 12.50 per cent household possess buffalo and sheep respectively. In case of small farmers, 33.33 per cent of households possess bullock, 66.67 per cent possess local cow and 16.67 per cent of the households possess sheep. In case of semi medium farmers, 14.29 per cent of the households possess bullock, 28.57 per cent of the household possess local cow and 16.67 per cent of the households possess sheep. In case of medium farmers 12.50 per cent of the household possess bullock and 50 per cent of the household possess local cow. In large farmers 100 per cent of the household possess bullock, local cow and sheep respectively.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2, average own labour (women) available was 1.84, average hired 3 labour (men) available was 7.30 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.20.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.88, average own labour (women) was also 2.13, average hired labour (men) was 7.38 and average hired labour (women) available was 7. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 1.67, average own labour (women) was 1.50, average hired labour (men) was 7 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.17. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 2.43, average own labour (women) was 1.86, average hired labour (men) was 7.29 and average hired labour (women) available was 7. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 1.63, average own labour (women) was 1.63, average hired labour (men) was 7.50 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.50. In case of large farmers, average own labour men available was 5, average own labour (women) was 4, average hired labour (men) was 7 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Belur-1 micro watershed possess 24.79 ha (42.06 %) of dry land and 34.15 ha (57.94 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 2.74 ha (62.59 %) of dry land and 1.63ha (37.14%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 6.05 ha (78.65 %) of dry land and 1.64 ha (21.35 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 3.38 ha (26.89 %) of dry land and 9.17 ha (73.11%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 12.63 ha (45.34%) of dry land and 15.22 ha (54.66%) of irrigated land. Large farmers possess 6.48 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 318325.99 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 494643.91. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 949999.98 for dry land and Rs. 2690098.94 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 396256.68 for dry land Rs. 1216748.79 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 294682.25 for dry land and Rs. 610145.56 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 150416.67 for dry land and Rs. 256060.61 for irrigated land. In case of large farmers the average land value was Rs.154375 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 15 functioning and 3 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 42.86 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 36.66 meters. 4  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 1.88 ha of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 1.62 ha of irrigated land, semi medium farmers were having 8.10 ha of irrigated land, medium farmers were having 8.10 ha of irrigated land and large farmers having 3.24 ha of irrigated land. On an average there was 22.93 ha irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown bajra (4.57 ha), brinjal (0.40 ha), chilly (1.21 ha), cotton (4.13 ha), groundnut (1.38 ha), maize (23.32 ha), onion (1.21 ha) and sugar cane (1.21 ha) in kharif season. Marginal farmers have grown bajra, cotton, groundnut and maize. Small farmers have grown bajra, maize and onion. Semi medium farmers have grown brinjal, cotton, maize and onion. Medium farmers have grown bajra, chilly, cotton, maize, onion and sugar cane. Large farmers have grown cotton, maize and onion.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Belur-1 micro watershed was found to be 55.74 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 99.63 per cent, in small farmers it was 99.70, in semi medium farmers it was 62.75, in medium farmers it was 39.99 per cent and in case of large farmers the cropping intensity was 53.33 per cent.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have bank account and 2.86 per cent possess savings. Among marginal farmers 100 percent of them possess bank account. 100 per cent of small farmers possess bank account and 12.50 per cent of them possess savings. Semi medium, medium and large category of farmers possesses 100 per cent of bank account.  The results indicated that, 20 per cent of the landless, 62.50 per cent of marginal, 66.67 per cent of small, 42.86 per cent of the semi medium and 62.50 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 44.44 per cent have availed loan from Grameena bank.  The results indicated that, marginal, small, semi medium and medium have availed Rs. 25400, Rs. 42500, Rs. 16666.67 and Rs. 110000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 49833.33.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  Results indicated that 100 percent of the households have unpaid their loan.  The results indicated that 9.09 per cent of the households were opined that they were helped to perform timely agricultural operations, higher rate of interest and forced to sell the produce at low price to repay loan in time respectively.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 26836.07. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 30613.70. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 3777.63, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.14. 5  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 23553.87. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 35161.80. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 11607.92. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.49.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Chilly was Rs. 19910.02. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 276640. The net income from Chilly cultivation was Rs. 256729.98. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:13.89.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 104680.63. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 109091.66. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 4411.03. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.04.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for brinjal was Rs. 54847.38. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 111150. The net income from brinjal cultivation was Rs. 56302.62. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.03.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 44525.95. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 104092.86. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 59566.91. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.34.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for onion was Rs. 48293.62. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 126793.33. The net income from onion cultivation was Rs. 78499.71. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.63.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sugar cane was Rs. 28816.35. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 98800. The net income from sugar cane cultivation was Rs. 69983.65. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.43.  The results indicated that, 65.71 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 2.86 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicated that, in land less farmers, the average income from wage was Rs.29000. In case of marginal farmers the average income from wage was Rs.15250, agriculture was Rs.41625, dairy farm was Rs.2250 and goat farming was Rs.3750. In case of small farmers the average income from wage was Rs.20000, agriculture was Rs.47500 and dairy farm was Rs.2833.33. In semi medium farmers the average income from business was Rs.12857.14, wage was Rs.17142.86, agriculture was Rs.113000 and dairy farm was Rs.1000. In medium farmers the average annual income from wage was Rs.17142.86, agriculture was 6 Rs.46000 and dairy farm was Rs.9375. In large farmers the average annual income from wage was Rs.35000, agriculture was Rs.170000 and was Rs.8000.  The results indicated that, in marginal, small, semi medium and large farmers the average expenditure from agriculture was Rs.14000, Rs.14166.67, Rs.38142.86 and Rs.56000 respectively. In medium farmers the average expenditure from agriculture was rs.21714.29 and dairy farm was Rs.7000.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 21 coconut trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have planted 8 teak trees, 60 neem trees and 1 Peeple trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have an average additional investment capacity of Rs. 9371.43 for land development, Rs.2857.14 for irrigation facility, Rs.5514.29 for improved crop production, Rs.457.14 for improved livestock management and Rs.85.71 for orchard development and maintenance. Marginal farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs. 9500 for land development, Rs.2750 for irrigation facility, Rs. 5625 in improved crop production and Rs.750 for improved live stock management. Small farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs.9666.67 for land development, Rs.3333.33 for irrigation facility, Rs.5833.33 for improved crop production, Rs.833.33 for livestock management and Rs.500 for orchard development/maintenance. Semi medium farmers have additional investment capacity of Rs.11571.41 for land development, 3428.57 for irrigation facility and Rs.7285.71 for improved crop production. Medium farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs.11250 for land development, Rs.3000 for irrigation facility, Rs.6250 for improved crop production and Rs.625 for improved livestock management. Large farmers have an additional investment capacity of Rs.23000 for land development, Rs.10000 for irrigation facility and Rs.12000 for improved crop production.  The results indicated that for 74.29 per cent and 14.29 per cent of the households were dependent on loan from the bank and soft loan for land development respectively. For irrigation facility 28.57 per cent of household were dependent on loan from the bank and 8.57 per cent of the household were dependent on soft loan. 62.86 per cent and 14.29 of the household were depending on loan from bank and soft loan for improved crop production respectively. 8.57 per cent of the household were dependent on loan from bank for improved livestock management.2.86 per cent of the household were dependent on loan from bank for orchard development/maintenance.  The results indicated that, brinjal, chilly; cotton and onion crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Bajra, groundnut and maize crops were sold to the extent of 82.50per cent, 96 per cent and 96.92 per cent. 7  The results indicated that, 100 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of households used tractor as a mode of transport and 25.71 per cent of the household used truck.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 82.86 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 100 percent of marginal, small, semi medium farmers and large farmers and 87.50 percent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 percent of the household used fire wood as a source of fuel and 20 per cent of the household used LPG as source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 51.43 per cent of the households and 42.86 per cent of the household were using bore well as a source of drinking water.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 45.71 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 40 per cent of the landless, 100 per cent of marginal, 50 per cent of small, 66.67 per cent of semi medium, 8.33 per cent of medium and 100 per cent of large farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled household’s possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 31.43 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 100 per cent of the landless, 25 per cent of the marginal farmers, 16.67 per cent of the small farmers, 12.50 per cent of the medium farmers and 100 percent of the large farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals and pulses were adequate for 100 per cent of the household respectively. Vegetables, milk, egg and meat were adequate for 97.14 per cent, 80 per cent, 37.14 per cent and 14.29 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Oilseed, vegetables, fruits, milk, egg and meat were inadequate for 25.71 per cent, 2.86 per cent, 62.86 per cent, 5.71 per cent, 62.86 per cent and 80 per cent of the household respectively.  The results indicated that, oilseed and fruits were inadequate for 62.86 per cent and 14.29 per cent of the household respectively.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 80 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (74.29%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (68.57%), inadequacy of irrigation water (22.86%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (54.29%), high rate of interest on credit (25.71%), low price for the agricultural commodities (71.43%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (68.57%), 8 inadequate extension services (48.57 %), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (74.29%) and less rain fall (14.29%)