LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MAGLAPUR (4D4A1X2a) MICROWATERSHED Kasaba Hobli, Koppal Taluk & District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Maglapur 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 546 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, 34 per cent by rock outcrops, 7 per cent by habitation and water body and 1 per cent by national highway. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 12 soil series and 19 soil phases (management units) and 6 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 11 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 3 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 7 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 38 per cent is deep to very deep (100 to >150 cm) soils.  About 2 per cent sandy (loamy sand), 21 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 36 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 50 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils and 9 per cent has gravelly (15-35 %) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 21 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 12 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 2 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m), 6 per cent high (151-200 mm/m) and 17 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 17 per cent is nearly level (0-1%) and 42 per cent is very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 24 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 35 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 3 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 14 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 15 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4), 17 per cent is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) and 10 per cent is very strongly alkaline (pH >9.0) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are <2 dSm-1 indicating that the soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is low (<0.5%) in 8 per cent, medium (0.5-0.75%) in 49 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 1 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 25 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 34 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 54 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 4 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 28 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0) in 31 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 55 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 4 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (>0.6 ppm) in 17 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 42 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are 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 101(19) 120(22) Sapota 111(20) 27(5) Maize 80(15) 142(26) Pomegranate 111(20) 123(22) Bajra 111(20) 135(25) Musambi 113(21) 121(22) Groundnut - 105(19) Lime 113(21) 121(22) Sunflower 102(19) 106(19) Amla 111(20) 148(27) Redgram 100(18) 108(19) Cashew - 149(27) Bengal gram 2(<1) 220(40) Jackfruit 111(20) 27(5) Cotton 102(19) 120(22) Jamun 100(18) 135(24) Chilli 80(15) 75(14) Custard apple 113(21) 146(27) Tomato 80(15) 32(6) Tamarind 100(18) 108(19) Brinjal 12(2) 233(42) Mulberry 91(17) 85(16) Onion - 135(24) Marigold 80(15) 142(26) Bhendi - 245(45) Chrysanthemum 80(15) 142(26) Drumstick 111(20) 96(17) Jasmine 80(15) 46(9) Mango 100(18) 39(7) Crossandra 100(18) 14(2) Guava 34(6) 105(19)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 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 113 (62.78%) men and 67 (37.22%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.5, marginal farmers’ was 5.5, small farmers’ was 4.3, semi medium farmers’ was 4.7 and medium farmers’ was 6.75.  The data indicated that, 17 (9.44%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 86 (47.78%) were in 16-35 years of age, 58 (32.22%) were in 36-60 years of age and 19 (10.56%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Maglapur had 37.78 per cent illiterates, 1.11 per cent functional literate, 24.44 per cent of them had primary school education, 2.22 per cent of them had middle school education, 17.78 per cent of them had high school education, 10 per cent of them had PUC education, 5 per cent had degree education and 0.56 per cent of them had degree level education.  The results indicate that, 61.11 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 36.11 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 2.78 per cent of the household heads were housewives.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 30.56 per cent of the household members, 0.56 per cent were agricultural labourers, 1.67 per cent were trade and business, 12.22 per cent were students, 3.89 per cent were housewives and 2.22 per cent were children.  The results show that, 1.11 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has participated in sthree shakthi sangha, self help group, user group and NGOs and 95.56 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 2.78 per cent of the households possess thatched house and 97.22 per cent of the households possess katcha house.  The results show that 88.89 per cent of the households possess TV and mobile phones, 44.44 per cent of them possess mixer/grinder, 36.11 per cent of them possess motor cycle and 2.78 per cent of them possess landline phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 7,343, mixer grinder was Rs. 1,987, motor cycle was Rs. 44,769, landline phones was 2,000 and mobile phones was Rs. 1,925.  About 2.78 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, power tiller and sprinkler, 11.11 per cent of them possess plough and tractor, 8.33 per cent of them possess sprayer, 50 per cent of them possess weeder and 5.56 of them possess harvester.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 30,000, plough was Rs. 1,425, power tiller was Rs. 100,000, tractor was Rs.500,000, sprayer was Rs. 3,000, sprinkler was Rs. 2,000, weeder was Rs.40 and harvester was Rs. 1,100. 2  The results indicate that, 13.89 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 16.67 per cent of the households possess local cow, 8.33 per cent possess crossbreed cow and 2.78 per cent of them possess sheep and goat.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.93, average own labour (women) available was 1.21, average hired labour (men) available was 25.61 and average hired labour (women) available was 16.55.  The results indicate that 50 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate and 33.33 per cent of the households hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Maglapur micro-watershed possess 20.02 ha (45.90 %) of dry land and 23.6 ha (54.1 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 1.44 ha (50.28%) of dry land and 1.42 ha (49.72%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 6.04 ha (68.88%) of dry land and 2.73 ha (31.12%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 6.07 ha (34.35%) of dry land and 11.6 (65.65%) for irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 6.48 ha (45.22%) for dry land and 7.84 ha (23.60 %) for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 269,563.46 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 563,385.36. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 763,202.23 for dry land and Rs. 982,386.51 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 364,209.12 for dry land and Rs. 1,465,875.34 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 247,000.00 for dry land and Rs. 542,762.47 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 92,625.00 for dry land and Rs. 203,921.57 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 19 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 52.78 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 115.99 meters.  The results indicate that marginal, small, semi medium and medium farmers had an irrigated area of 1.10 ha, 5 ha, 2.73 ha, 11 ha and 6.23 ha respectively. The results indicate that, farmers have grown bajra (4.14 ha), cotton (0.47 ha), groundnut (6.88 ha), maize (28.38 ha) and onion (1.21 ha). Marginal farmers had grown cotton, groundnut and maize. Small farmers had bajra, groundnut and maize. Semi medium farmers had grown bajra, groundnut, maize and onion. Medium farmers had grown groundnut and maize.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Maglapur micro-watershed was found to be 87.53 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 21215.72. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 27626.41. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 6410.70. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.3. 3  The total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 41720.51. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 57491.38. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 15770.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.38.  The total cost of cultivation for Groundnut was Rs. 43681.09. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 95286.97. The net income from Groundnut cultivation was Rs. 51605.88. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.18.  The total cost of cultivation for Maize was Rs. 61898.06. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 50396.03. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. - 11502.03. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.81.  The total cost of cultivation for Onion was Rs. 17897.26. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49400.00. The net income from Onion cultivation was Rs. 31502.74. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.76.  The total cost of cultivation for Horse gram was Rs. 21428.49. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 148200.00. The net income from Horse gram cultivation was Rs. 126771.51. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:6.92.  The results indicate that, 11.11 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate, 30.56 green fodders was adequate and 19.44 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 13,500 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 29,000, for small farmers it was Rs.43,875, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 90,727.27 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 90,727.27.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 8,265.67. For landless households it was Rs. 1,083.33, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 2,744.90, for small farmers it was Rs. 5,031.25, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 6,622.73 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 39,687.50.  The results indicate that, households have planted 17 coconut and 2 mango trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 1 teak and tamarind, 53 neem, 3 pongamia and peepul tree, 2 acacia and and 4 banyan trees in their field and also 1 banyan trees in their backyard.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 1,388.89 for land development and Rs. 527.78 for improved crop production.  The results indicated that loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 11.11 per cent for land development and improved crop production.  The results indicated that, bajra, cotton, horse gram and onion was sold to the extent of 100 per cent, ground nut was sold to the extent of 70.42 per cent and maize was sold to the extent of 76.03 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 33.33 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants and 58.33 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to regulated market. 4  The results indicated that, 91.67 per cent of the households used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 22.22 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 47.22 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 94.44 per cent of the households used firewood and 5.56 per cent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 69.44 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 30.56 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 38.89 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 72.22 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 80.56 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 11.11 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 30.56 per cent, milk were adequate for 83.33 per cent, egg were adequate for 61.11 per cent and meat were adequate for 66.67 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 13.89 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 61.11 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 41.67 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 63.89 per cent, milk were inadequate for 8.33 per cent, egg were inadequate were 22.22 per cent and meat were inadequate were 2.78 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were market surplus for 16.67 per cent, vegetables were market surplus for 22.22 per cent, fruits were market surplus for 2.78 per cent and meat were market surplus for 11.11 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil, wild animal menace on farm field, frequent incidence of pest and diseases and inadequacy of irrigation water was the constraint experienced by 50 per cent of the households, high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (69.44 %), high rate of interest on credit (52.78%), low price for the agricultural commodities(5.56%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (8.33%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (2.78%), less rainfall and Source of Agri-technology information (33.33%).