LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT HASGAL-1 (4D3A9N1d) MICRO WATERSHED Irakallagada Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Hasgal-1microwatershed 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 508 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 71 per cent is covered by soil, 24 per cent by rock outcrops and 5 per cent by habitation and water body. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 14 soil series and 34 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 12 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 7 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 22 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 30 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 17 per cent sandy (loamy sand), 44 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 10 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 29 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 34 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 8 per cent very gravelly (35-60 %) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 31 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 22 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 7 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m) and 11 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 2 per cent is nearly level (0-1%), 68 per cent is very gently sloping (1-3%) and <1 per cent is gently sloping (3-5%) lands.  An area of about 17 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 54 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 6% is strongly acid (pH 5.0-5.5), 4% is moderately acid (pH 5.5- 6.0), 12% is slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 19% is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 11% is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 14% is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) and 5% is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dSm-1 indicating that the soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 18 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 53 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in 47 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 17 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 6 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 22 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 49 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 70 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0) in 1 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 7 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 64 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 66 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 5 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 34(7) 101(20) Sapota 34(7) 77(15) Maize 34(7) 101(20) Pomegranate 34(7) 130(25) Bajra 54(11) 145(28) Musambi 34(7) 130(25) Groundnut 54(11) 155(31) Lime 34(7) 130(25) Sunflower 34(7) 73(14) Amla 54(11) 246(48) Redgram 34(7) 73(14) Cashew - 112(22) Bengal gram 54(11) 87(17) Jackfruit 34(7) 77(15) Cotton - 135(27) Jamun - 164(32) Chilli 34(7) 48(10) Custard apple 54(11) 246(48) Tomato 34(7) 48(10) Tamarind - 87(17) Brinjal 20(4) 215(42) Mulberry 34(7) 232(45) Onion 20(4) 215(42) Marigold 34(7) 101(20) Bhendi 20(4) 215(42) Chrysanthemum 34(7) 101(20) Drumstick 34(7) 140(27) Jasmine 34(7) 48(9) Mango - 34(7) Crossandra 34(7) 48(9) Guava 34(7) 77(15)  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 SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 125 (53.42%) men and 109 (46.58%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.1, marginal farmers’ was 4, small farmers’ was 5.06, semi medium farmers’ was 4.4 and medium farmers’ was 6.4.  The data indicated that, 52 (22.22%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 96 (41.03%) were in 16-35 years of age, 67 (28.63%) were in 36-60 years of age and 19 (8.12 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Hasgal-2 had 26.92 per cent illiterates, 0.85 per cent functional literates, 34.62 per cent of them had primary school education, 10.68 per cent of them had middle school education, 14.53 per cent of them had high school education, 6.41 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.85 per cent did diploma, 0.43 per cent of them did ITI, 2.14 per cent of them had degree education and 0.43 per cent were in masters.  The results indicate that, 76 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 4 per cent of the households were agricultural labourers, 20 per cent were general labourers, 2 per cent of them were housewives and 2 per cent of them were children.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 48.72 per cent of the household members, 8.12 per cent were agricultural laborers, 12.39 per cent were general labour, 2.56 per cent were in private, 23.50 per cent were students, 1.71 per cent were housewives and 2.14 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 14 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 74 per cent of the households possess Katcha house 4 per cent of them possess pucca house and 8 per cent of them possess semi pucca house.  The results show that 84 per cent of the households possess TV, 56 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 46 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 38 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 4 per cent of them possess landline and 88 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs.7571, mixer grinder was Rs.1846, bicycle was Rs. 3347, motor cycle was Rs.37315, landline phone was Rs.3333 and mobile phone was Rs.1653.  About 20 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 34 per cent of them possess plough, 2 per cent of them possess tractor, 22 per cent of them possess sprayer, 2 per cent of them possess sprinkler, 80 per cent of them possess weeder, 4 per cent of them possess harvester, 2 per cent of them possess thresher, 10 per cent of them possess chaff cutter and 2 per cent of them possess JCB/Hitachi. 2  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.21200, plough was Rs.1016, the average value of tractor was Rs.300000, the average value of sprayer was Rs.2844, the average value of sprinkler was Rs. 3300, the average value of harvester was Rs.6942, the average value of thresher was Rs.50000, the average value of chaff cutter was Rs.2800, and the average value of weeder was Rs.77.  The results indicate that, 36 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 16 per cent of the households possess local cow, 6 per cent of the households possess buffalo, 4 per cent of them possess sheep, 2 per cent of the households possess goat and 2 per cent of them possess poultry birds.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 8.85, average own labour (women) available was 5.55, average hired labour (men) available was 11.40 and average hired labour (women) available was 10.79.  The results indicate that, 80 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Hasgal-2 micro watershed possess 42.85 ha (64.97%) of dry land and 23.11 ha (35.03%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 4.80 ha (84.35%) of dry land and 0.89 ha (15.65%). Small farmers possess 18.34 ha (91.39%) of dry land and 1.73 ha (8.61%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 8.38 ha (37.95%) of dry land and 13.70 ha (62.05%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 11.33 ha (62.53%) of dry land and 6.79 ha (37.47%) of the farmers possess irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 293003 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 514763. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 470674 for dry land and Rs.1347272 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 414210 for dry land and Rs. 925526 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 155120 for dry land and Rs. 474298 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 123500 for dry land and Rs.382717 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 14 functioning and 2 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, there was 1 functioning open well in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 28 per cent of the farmers, and open well was the source of irrigation for 2 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 24.14 meters and the depth of open well was found to be 1.83 meters. 3  The results indicate that, marginal, small, semi medium and medium farmers had irrigated area of 0.81 ha, 3.72 ha, 13.91 ha and 5.51 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown bajra (11.62 ha), cotton (1.78 ha), groundnut (5.15 ha), horsegram (1.21 ha), maize (21.74 ha), navane (1.70 ha), paddy (2.83 ha), redgram (1.62 ha), sorghum (2.18 ha), tomato (0.89 ha), and watermelon (2.91 ha).  Marginal farmers have grown bajra, maize, watermelon and groundnut. Small farmers have grown bajra, cotton, groundnut, maize, navane, paddy and watermelon. Semi medium farmers have grown bajra, cotton, maize, paddy, sorghum, tomato, watermelon and groundnut. Medium farmers have grown bajra, groundnut, horsegram, paddy, redgram sorghum and maize.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Hasgal-2 micro watershed was found to be 98.20 per cent. In case of marginal and semi medium farmers it was 100 per cent, in case of small farmers it was 101.67 per cent, and medium farmers had cropping intensity of 87.23 per cent.  The results indicate that, 62 per cent of the households have bank account and 40 per cent of the households have savings.  The results indicate that, 44 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, 31.82 per cent of the households availed loan from commercial bank, 13.64 per cent availed loan from cooperative bank, 22.73 per cent availed loan from grameena bank, 13.64 per cent availed loan from money lenders and 36.36 per cent of the households obtained loan from SHGs/CBOs.  The results indicate that, marginal, small, semi medium and medium farmers have availed Rs.19285, Rs.90714, Rs.104285, and Rs.50000 respectively.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production.  The results indicate that, the main purpose of borrowing credit from private sources was agricultural production which accounted for 63.64 per cent of those who borrowed credit. Another 18.18 per cent of the households borrowed for social functions, 9.09 per cent of the households borrowed for the purpose of construction of house or cattle shed and 9.09 per cent borrowed for household consumption.  The results indicated that 80 per cent of the households did not repay their loan borrowed from institutional sources, 13.33 per cent of the households partially paid and 6.67 per cent of the households fully repaid their loan.  Results indicated that 81.82 per cent of the households partially paid their loan borrowed from private sources, 9.09 per cent of the households did not repay their loan and 9.09 per cent of the households fully paid their loans. 4  The results indicate that, around 46.67 per cent of the households opined that the rate of interest was higher in institutional sources; another 40 per cent opined that the loan amount helped to perform timely agricultural operations.  The results indicate that, around 9.09 per cent of the households opined that credit was easily accessible, 18.18 per cent of the households opined that the credit helped to perform timely agricultural operations and 27.27 per cent opined that the rate of interest was high in non institutional source of credits.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 37771.28. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 70523.07. The net income from Sorghum cultivation was Rs. 32751.80, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.87.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 46621.42. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 67059.85. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 20438.43. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.44.  The total cost of cultivation for navane was Rs. 16260.02. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 23523.81. The net income from navane cultivation was Rs. 7263.79. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.45.  The total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 32823.70. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 38634.10. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 5810.40. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.18.  The total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 22880. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 20415.02. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. - 2464.98. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.89.  The total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 18070.78. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46930. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. 28859.22. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.6.  The total cost of cultivation for horsegram was Rs. 19107.60. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 29640. The net income from horsegram cultivation was Rs. 10532.40. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.55.  The total cost of cultivation for watermelon was Rs. 53952.66. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 1264061.94. The net income from watermelon cultivation was Rs. 1210109.29. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:23.43.  The total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 29826.92. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 84288.75. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 54461.83. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.83.  the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 41184.13. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 71007.93. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 29823.79. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.72. 5  the total cost of cultivation for tomato was Rs. 24868.79. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 158304.54. The net income from tomato cultivation was Rs. 133435.75. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:6.37.  The results indicate that, 40 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 34 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 88,100 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 113,218.75, for small farmers it was Rs. 107,086.67, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 167,966.67, and for medium farmers it was Rs. 134,600.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 7,539.89. For landless households it was Rs. 7,100, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 7,000, for small farmers it was Rs. 4,611.85, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 8,368.06, and for medium farmers it was Rs. 16,080.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 19 coconuts and 27 mangoes in their fields. They have also grown 5 coconut and 1 mango tree in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 23 teak trees, 79 neem trees, 4 tamarind trees, 2 acacia trees and 1 peepul tree in their field.  The results indicate that, the average additional investment capacity with the households for land development was Rs. 1,280, for irrigation facility Rs. 260, for improved crop production Rs. 720 and for improved livestock management Rs. 420.  The results indicate that, loan from bank was the source of additional investment capacity for 16 per cent of the households for land development, 4 per cent for irrigation facility, 12 per cent for improved crop production and 14 per cent for improved livestock management. Soft loan was the source of funds for 2 per cent of the households for improved crop production.  The results indicated that, bajra, cotton, horsegram, maize, navane, paddy, redgram, tomato and watermelon were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Groundnut was sold to the extent of 77.37 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 30 per cent of the famers have sold their produce in regulated markets, 38 per cent have sold their produce to local/village merchants, 24 per cent of the farmers have sold through agents/traders and 8 per cent of the farmers have sold their produce in cooperative marketing society.  The results indicated that, 84 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce, 2 per cent have used truck and 12 per cent have used cart as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 20 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm i.e., 12.50 per cent of marginal farmers, 33.33 6 per cent of small farmers, 8.33 per cent of semi medium farmers and 60 per cent of medium farmers have experienced soil and water erosion problems.  The results indicated that, 58 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 96 per cent used fire wood and 8 per cent of the households used LPG.  Piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 86 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 12 per cent of the households.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 42 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 50 per cent of the landless, 50 per cent of the marginal, 26.67 per cent of the small, 25 per cent of the semi medium and 100 per cent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 96 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card, 2 per cent of the sampled households possessed APL card and 2 per cent did not possess PDS card.  The results indicated that, 54 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 96 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 56 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 16 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 56 per cent, fruits were adequate for 52 per cent, milk was adequate for 90 per cent, eggs were adequate for 84 per cent and meat was adequate for 66 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, cereals were inadequate for 4 per cent, pulses were inadequate for 46 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 80 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 42 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 40 per cent, milk was inadequate for 6 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 6 per cent and meat was inadequate for 24 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 58 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (72%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (48%), inadequacy of irrigation water (42%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (50%), high rate of interest on credit (54%), low price for the agricultural commodities (52%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (50%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (56%), less rainfall (20%), inadequate extension services (44%), and source of agri-technology information (newspaper/TV/mobile) (12%).