LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT YADGIR RF (4D2D6A1a) MICROWATERSHED Gurumitkal Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Yadgir RF 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 the 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 438 ha in Yadgir taluk & district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 866 mm, of which about 652 mm is received during south-west monsoon, 138 mm during north-east and the remaining 76 mm during the rest of the year. An area of 157 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 278 ha by forest and 3 ha by others (habitation and water body). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 3 soil series and 5 soil phases (management units) and 2 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 1st week of June to 4th week of October.  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 29 major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 36 per cent area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 7 per cent area is shallow (25-50 cm), 2 per cent area is deep (100 -150 cm) and 27 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are deep (>150 cm).  About 2 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 33 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  Entire cultivated area in the microwatershed is non gravelly (<15%).  About 7 per cent is very low (<50 mm/m) in available water capacity and 29 per cent is very high (>200 mm/m).  Entire cultivated area in the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  An area of about 29 per cent is moderately (e2) eroded and 7 per cent area is severely (e3) eroded.  Very small area of about 0.1 per cent area is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) in soil reaction, 21 per cent area is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8) and 15 per cent area is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the entire cultivated soils of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  About 3 per cent of the soils are low (<0.5%) in organic carbon content and 33 per cent area is medium (0.5-0.75%) in the microwatershed.  An area of about 9 per cent is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus and 26 per cent area is low (<23 kg/ha) in the microwatershed.  About 5 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium and 30 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in the microwatershed.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in an area of about 26 per cent and medium (0.5- 1.0 ppm) in 10 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in an area of about 27 per cent and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 9 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the cultivated soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 29 major 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 52 (12) 73 (17) Guava - - Maize - 126 (29) Sapota - - Bajra - 126 (29) Pomegranate - 126 (29) Groundnut - - Musambi 81 (18) 45 (10) Sunflower 8 (2) 118 (27) Lime 81 (18) 45 (10) Redgram - 126 (29) Amla - 126 (29) Bengal gram 126 (29) - Cashew - - Cotton 8 (2) 118 (27) Jackfruit - - Chilli - 126 (29) Jamun - 126 (29) Tomato - 81 (18) Custard apple 126 (29) - Brinjal 52 (12) 73 (17) Tamarind - 126 (29) Onion 45 (10) 73 (17) Mulberry - - Bhendi 126 (29) - Marigold - 126 (29) Drumstick - 126 (29) Chrysanthemum - 126 (29) Mango - 8 (2)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 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 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. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel and generate lot of biomass which would help in maintaining an ecological balance and also contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 89 (53.61%) men and 77 (46.39%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 3.2, marginal farmers’ was 5.27, small farmers’ was 5.77, semi medium farmers’ was 6.5, semi-medium farmers’ was 6.50 and medium farmers’ was 4.  The data indicated that, 33 (19.88%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 74 (44.58%) were in 16-35 years of age, 43 (25.90 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 16 (9.64%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Yadgir Rf had 54.82 per cent illiterates, 23.49 per cent of them had primary school education, 4.82 per cent of them had middle school education, 4.22 per cent of them had high school education, 4.82 per cent of them had PUC education, 5.42 per cent of them did degree, and 2.41 per cent did other education.  The results indicate that, 71.88 per cent of households were practicing agriculture, and 25 per cent of the households were agricultural labourers.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 14.46 per cent of the household members, 60.84 per cent were agricultural laborers, 0.60 per cent were general labourers, 0.60 per cent were in private service, 18.07 per cent were students, 1.81 per cent were housewives and 3.61 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 9.38 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 71.88 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 18.75 per cent of them possess pucca house.  The results show that 62.50 per cent of the households possess TV, 3.13 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 15.63 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 6.25 per cent of the households possess bicycle and 59.38 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 8900, mixer grinder was Rs.2000, motor cycle was Rs.42600, bicycle was Rs. 1000 and mobile phone was Rs. 2477.  About 21.88 per cent of them possess plough, 12.50 per cent of the bullock cart, 6.25 per cent of the households possess seed/fertilizer drill, 3.13 per cent of them power tiller, 21.88 per cent of them sprayer, 3.13 per cent of them sprinkler and 46.88 per cent of them possess weeder. 2  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.3571, bullock cart was Rs. 20000, seed/fertilizer drill was Rs. 2200, power tiller was Rs. 25000, Sprayer was Rs. 2971, Sprinkler was Rs. 12000 and the average value of weeder was Rs.234.  The results indicate that, 21.88 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 31.25 per cent of the households possess local cow and 3.13 per cent of the households possess goat.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.63, average own labour (women) available was 1.50, average hired labour (men) available was 7.43 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.17.  The results indicate that, 93.75 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Yadgir Rf micro-watershed possess 26.56 ha (82.81%) of dry land and 5.52 ha (17.19%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 6.43 ha (93.69%) of dry land and 0.43 ha (6.31%). Small farmers possess 16.90 ha (93.09%) of dry land and 1.25 ha (6.91%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 3.24 ha (71.05%) of dry land and 1.30 ha (28.95 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 2.51 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 349,954.30 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 507,410.13. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 622,166.26 for dry land and Rs. 923,364.44 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 289,822.80 for dry land and Rs. 956,129.06. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 123,500.00 for dry land and Rs 454,601.23 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs 239,032.27 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 6 functioning and 6 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 18.75 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 11.43 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal, small farmers, semi-medium farmers and medium farmers had irrigated area of 0.40 ha, 2.47 ha, 1.36 ha and 2.51 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown cotton (5.52 ha), greengram (2.87 ha), groundnut (1.36 ha), paddy (1.21 ha), red gram (19.79 ha), paddy (1.21 ha) and jowar (0.41 ha). Marginal farmers have grown red gram, cotton greengram, paddy and jowar. Small farmers have grown red gram, cotton and paddy. Semi medium farmers have grown red gram, green gram and groundnut. Medium farmers have grown cotton and paddy.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Yadgir Rf micro-watershed was found to be 80.22 per cent. 3  The results indicate that, the possession of bank account in Yadgir Rf microwatershed was represented to be 84.38 per cent and bank saving account was 84.38 per cent of the households.  The results indicate that, borrowing status was 84.38 per cent of the households in Yadgir Rf Micro-watershed  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 29861.37. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46398.39. The net income from Redgram cultivation was Rs. 16537.02, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.55.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for jowar was Rs. 46247.26. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 110423.53. The net income from Jowar cultivation was Rs. 64176.27. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.39.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 39915.62. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 104386.91. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 64471.28. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.62.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 35939.71. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 96214.57. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 60274.85. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.68.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 59670.85. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 97702.22. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 38031.37. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.64.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for greengram was Rs. 27738.06. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49264.05. The net income from greengram cultivation was Rs. 21525.98. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.78.  The results indicate that, 31.25 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and another 12.50 per cent opined that dry fodder was inadequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 60,000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 153,728.18, for small farmers it was Rs. 142,161.54, for semi-medium farmers it was Rs. 219,000 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 341,600.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 16,653.27. For landless households it was Rs. 4,000, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 17,454.46, for small farmers it was Rs. 5,454.28, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 52,500 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 85,555.56.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 84 custard apple and 11 mango trees in their field and 2 mango trees in their back yard. 4  The results indicate that, households have planted 84 neem trees, 14 tamarind tree, 3 teak tree and 5 acacia in their field and 3 neem trees in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have average addition investment capacity was Rs 12062. In Yadgir Rf micro-watershed.  The results indicate that, households of the share of government subsidy were 12.5 per cent and 15.63 per cent of soft loan.  The results indicated that, cotton was sold to the extent of 100 per cent, greengram was sold to the extent of 71.4 per cent, groundnut was 64.3 per cent, jowar was 37.5 per cent, paddy was 53.8 per cent and red gram was sold to be extent of 73.8 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 96.88 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to regulated markets and 3.13 per cent sold in agent/traders.  The results indicated that, 96.88 per cent of the households have used tractor and 3.13 per cent of track as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 18.75 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm i.e., 18.18 per cent of the marginal farmers, and 30.77 per cent of the small farmers have experienced soil and water erosion problems.  The results indicated that, 81.25 per cent have shown interest in soil test which accounts for 100 per cent of marginal farmers, 100 per cent small farmers and 100 per cent of semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 93.75 per cent of the households used firewood and 6.25 per cent used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 50 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 20 per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  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 i.e. 100 per cent of the landless, 100 per cent of the marginal, 100 per cent of the small and 100 per cent of the semi medium farmers and 100 per cent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 96.88 per cent of the sampled household’s possessed BPL card and 3.12 per cent of the households not possessed.  The results indicated that, 37.50 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 96.88 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 53.13 per 5 cent, fruits were adequate for 53.13 per cent, milk was adequate for 28.13 per cent, eggs were adequate for 31.25 per cent and oil seeds were adequate for 25 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 31.13 per cent, oil seeds were inadequate for 68.75 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 28.13 per cent, milk was inadequate for 31.25 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 68.75 per cent of the households and vegetables were inadequate for 43.75 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 93.75 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (78.13%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (53.13%), inadequacy of irrigation water (12.50%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (37.50%), high rate of interest on credit (15.63%), low price for the agricultural commodities (25 %), lack of marketing facilities in the area (6.25%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agril produce to the market (40.63 %), Less rainfall (71.88 %) and Source of Agri-technology information(Newspaper/TV/Mobile) (6.25 %).