LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT HIRE BAGNALU-2 (4D3A1Z2b) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Hire Bagnalu-2 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 502 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 91 per cent is covered by soil, <1 per cent by rockout crops, 8 per cent by mining/ Industrial area and <1 per cent by habitation, water bodies and settlements. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 21 soil phases (management units) and 4 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 24 per cent moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 43 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm), and 23 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 58 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 33 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 31 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 56 per cent has gravelly (15-35 % gravel) and 4 per cent has very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 59 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 30 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), <1 per cent is medium (101-150 mm/m) and <1 per cent area is high (151-200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 5 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 86 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 42 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 49 per cent is moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about 14 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 30 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3), 19 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), 20 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4) and 8 per cent 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 medium (0.5-0.75%) in 4 per cent and high (>0.75 %) in 87 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-56 kg/ha) in 18 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) 73 per cent area of the soils.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in 12 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 60 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 18 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 20 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 40 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 31 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 83 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 8 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5ppm) in 28 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 63 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 27 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 64 per cent of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  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 3(<1) 48(10) Sapota 3(<1) 225(45) Maize (<1) 50(10) Pomegranate 3 (<1) 225(45) Bajra 6(1) 342(68) Guava 3(<1) 224(45) Redgram 3(<1) 10(2) Jackfruit 3(<1) 225(45) Bengal gram - 134(27) Jamun 3 (<1) 225(45) Groundnut 2(<1) 365(72) Musambi 3(<1) 225(45) Sunflower 3 (<1) 10(2) Lime 3(<1) 225(45) Cotton 2(<1) 48(10) Cashew 3(<1) 224(45) Chilli 6(1) 45(9) Custard apple 6(1) 387 (71) Tomato 6 (1) 45(9) Amla 6(1) 451(90) Brinjal 10(2) 148(30) Tamarind 2(<1) 7 (1) Onion 7(1) 151(30) Marigold 3(<1) 48(10) Bhendi 7(1) 151(30) Chrysanthemum 3(<1) 48 (10) Drumstick 3 (<1) 118(24) Jasmine 3 (<1) 48(10) Mulberry 3 (<1) 332(66) Crossandra 3 (<1) 48(10) Mango 2(<1) 7(1) - - -  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 4 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. FINDINGS OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY  The survey was conducted in Hire Bagnalu-2 is located at 15019’0.235’’ to 150 17’53.861’’ North and East 760 14’ 15.793’’ to 76012’6.35’’ covering an area of about 502.23 ha coming under Halavarthi, Kunakeri and Hirebagnala villages of Koppal taluk.  Socio-economic analysis indicated that, out of the total sample of 37 respondents, 2 (5.41%) were landless, 14 (37.84%) were marginal farmers, 8 (21.62%) were small and semi medium farmers, 4 (10.81%) were medium farmers and 1 (2.7%) were large farmers.  The population characteristics of households indicated that, there were 113 (58.25%) men and 81 (41.75%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 3.5, marginal farmers were 5.8, semi medium farmers’ was 4.1, small farmers’ was 5.25, medium farmers’ was 5.5 and large farmers were 8.  Majority of the respondents 44 (22.68%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 90 (46.39%) were in 16-35 years of age, 47 (24.23%) were in 36-60 years of age and 13 (6.7%) were above 61 years of age.  Education level of the sample households indicated that, majority there were 41.75 per cent illiterates, 23.71 per cent of them had primary school, 3.09 per cent of them had Middle school education, 13.4 per cent of them had high school, 8.25 per cent of them had PUC, 0.52 per cent of them had diploma and PhD, 1.55 per cent of them had ITI and 1.03 per cent of them had degree education.  About, 24.32 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture and 72.97 per cent of the household heads were agricultural laborers.  Agriculture was the major occupation for 21.6 per cent of the household members, 46.3 per cent were agricultural laborers, 0.52 per cent were general labour and trade and business, 1,55 per cent were private services, 20.6 per cent were student, 1.03 per cent were housewives and 5.67 per cent were children.  The households possess, 100 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  In the study area, 2.70 per cent of the households possess katcha and semi pacca house, 83.78 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 5.41 per cent of them possess pucca/ RCC.  The durable assets owned by the households showed that, 94.59 per cent of the households possess TV, 78.38 per cent of the households possess mixer/grinder, 2.7 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 27.03 per cent of the household’s possess motor cycle and 27.03 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  Farm implements owned by the households indicated that, 10.81 per cent each of the households possess bullock cart, 2.70 per cent each of the households possess 2 plough, power tiller and tractor, 8.11 per cent of the households possess sprayer and 75.68 per cent of the households possess weeder.  Regarding livestock possession by the households, 16.22 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 37.84 per cent of the households possess local cow, 5.41 per cent of the households possess crossbreed cow, 10.81 per cent of the households possess buffalo and sheep and 2.70 per cent of the households possess goat.  The average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2, average own labour (women) available was 1.54, average hired labour (men) available was 6.94 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.41.  Out of the total land holding of the sample respondents 31.2 ha (55.4%) of dry land and 25.12 ha (44.5%) of irrigated land.  Marginal farmers possess 6.2 ha (91.8%) of dry land and 0.55 ha (8.11%) of irrigated land.  Small farmers possess 5.7 ha (67.1%) of dry land and 2.84 ha (32.88%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 9.5 ha (55.9%) of dry land and 7.49 ha (44.08 %) of irrigated land.  Medium farmers possess 4.86 ha (33.5%) of dry land and 9.6 ha (66.41 %) of irrigated land.  Large farmers possess 4.8 ha (51%) of dry land and 4.65 ha (48.91%) of irrigated land.  There were 15 functioning and 2 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  Bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 40.54 per cent of the farmers.  The major crops have grown maize (28.15 ha), Bajra (11.41 ha), sunflower (8.95 ha), sugarcane (5.04 ha), cotton (1.74 ha), groundnut (0.81 ha), navane (0.15 ha) and horsegram (0.08 ha).  The cropping intensity in Hire Bagnalu-2 Micro watershed was found to be 91.88 per cent.  The per hectare cost of cultivation for Maize, Horse gram, bajra, cotton, navane, sunflower, sugarcane and groundnut was Rs. 39460.71, 160264.81, 73788.04, 31694.73, 165623.34, 39873.08, 213786.99 and 40243.12 with benefit cost ratio of 1:1.61, 1:0.99, 1:0.69, 1:2.72, 1:0.44, 1:1.1, 1:1.23 and 1:0.99 respectively.  Further, 56.76 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder and green fodder was adequate.  The average annual gross income was Rs. 10,000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 64,667.86, for small farmers it was Rs. 83,000, semi medium farmers it was Rs. 80,250, medium farmers it was Rs. 185,040 and large farmers it was Rs.300,000.  The average annual expenditure is Rs. 26,280.57. For landless farmers it was Rs. 2,500, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 20,934.95, for small farmers it was Rs. 3 30,828.13, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 7,281.25, medium farmers it was Rs. 40,854.17 and large farmers it was Rs.206,000.  Sampled households have planted 56 coconut, 10 mango trees in their field and 1 guava trees in their backyard.  Households have planted 82 neem and 2 banyan trees in their field and also 22 neem and 1 tamarind trees in their backyard.  Households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 3,918.92 for land development, Rs. 1,702.70 for irrigation facility and Rs. 2,648.65 for improved crop production. Source of funds for additional investment is concerned; loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 59.46 per cent for land development and 29.73 per cent for irrigation facility and improved crop production.  Own funds were the source of additional investment for 2.7 per cent for land development, irrigation facility and improved crop production.  Soft loan were the source of additional investment for 2.7 per cent for land development, irrigation facility and improved crop production.  Regarding marketing channels, 8.11 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to agent/traders, 102.7 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchant and 5.41 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to regulated market. Further, 2.70 per cent of the households have used head load, 29.73 per cent of the households used cart and 83.78 per cent of the households used tractor as a mode of transportation.  Majority of the households 64.86 per cent have incidence of soil and water erosion problems. The household possess, (64.86%) were interested towards soil testing.  The households posssess, 97.3 per cent of the households used fire wood and 5.41 per cent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  Piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 83.78 per cent and 16.22 per cent of the households used bore well in the micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households. In the study area, 45.95 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility. Regarding possession of PDS card, 100 per cent of the sample households possess BPL cards.  Cereals were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 89.19 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 8.11 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 72.97 per cent, fruits were adequate for 2.7 per cent, milk and egg were adequate for 78.38 per cent and meat were adequate for 64.86 per cent of the households.  Pulses were inadequate for 13.51 per cent of the households, oilseed were inadequate for 67.57 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 27.03 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 91.89 per cent, milk were inadequate for 13.51 per cent, egg 4 were inadequate for 16.22 per cent and meat were inadequate for 27.03 per cent of the households.  Farming constraints experienced by households in the micro watersheds were lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 8.11 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (70.27%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (24.32%), Inadequacy of irrigation water (45.95%), high cost of fertilizer and plant protection chemicals (54.05%), high rate of interest on credit (45.95%), Low price for the agricultural commodities (70.27%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (64.86%), Lack of transport for safe transport of the Agril produce to the market (21.62%).