LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KODADAHALU (4D4A1R1f) MICROWATERSHED Irakallagada Hobli, Koppal Taluk & District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Kodadahalu 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 358 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 97 per cent is covered by soils and 3 per cent by mining/industrial, habitation and water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 16 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 4 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 10 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 36 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm), 42 per cent area has deep (100-150 cm) and 5 per cent has very deep (>150 cm) soils.  About 29 per cent sandy soils at the surface, 28 per cent has loamy soils at the surface and 39 per cent has clayey soils at the surface.  About 40 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 50 per cent gravelly (15-35% gravel) and 6 per cent has very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  About 34 per cent are very low (<50 mm/m), 25 per cent low (51-100 mm/m), 15 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 22 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 5 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 91 per cent area has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 24 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 73 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 4 per cent are moderately acid (pH 5.5-6.0), 11 per cent are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 26 per cent are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 29 per cent are slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 26 per cent are moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) and <1 per cent are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils is <2 dS m-1 and as such the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in <1 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 97 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 2 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 94 per cent area in the microwatershed.  Available potassium content is low (<145 kg/ha) in 17 per cent and medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 79 per cent area in the microwatershed.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in about 48 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 9 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in the area of about 39 per cent soils.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in the entire cultivated area of about 97 per cent in the microwatershed.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in an area of about 55 per cent and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 42 per cent in the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in an area of about <1 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 97 per cent in the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  The land suitability for 31 major agricultural and horticultural 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 60 (17) 111 (31) Sapota - 73 (21) Maize - 170 (47) Pomegranate - 208 (58) Bajra - 243 (68) Musambi 60 (17) 148 (41) Groundnut - 198 (55) Lime 60 (17) 148 (41) Sunflower 60 (17) 75 (21) Amla - 333 (93) Red gram - 94 (26) Cashew - 73 (21) Bengalgram 79 (22) 90 (25) Jackfruit - 73 (21) Cotton 60 (17) 111 (31) Jamun - 153 (43) Chilli - 36 (10) Custard apple 60 (17) 273 (76) Tomato - 36 (10) Tamarind - 80 (22) Brinjal - 225 (63) Mulberry - 297 (83) Onion - 110 (31) Marigold - 171 (47) Bhendi - 225 (63) Chrysanthemum - 171 (47) Drumstick - 224 (62) Jasmine - 36 (10) Mango - - Crossandra - 77 (21) Guava - 73 (21)  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 that helps in maintaining productivity and ecological balance in the microwatershed.  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. 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 94 (49.74%) men and 95 (50.26%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4, marginal farmers’ was 4.09, small farmers’ was 4.6, semi medium farmers’ was 5 and medium farmers’ was 6.28.  The data indicated that, 35 (18.52%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 91 (48.15%) were in 16-35 years of age, 48 (25.40%) were in 36-60 years of age and 15 (7.94%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Kodadahalu had 31.75 per cent illiterates, 34.39 per cent of them had primary school education, 10.05 per cent of them had middle school education, 15.87 per cent of them had high school education, 3.17 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.59 per cent of them had degree education and 0.53 per cent of them did masters.  The results indicate that, 51.52 per cent of households were practicing agriculture, 42.42 per cent of the households were agricultural labourers and 9.09 per cent were general labourers.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 28.04 per cent of the household members, 38.62 per cent were agricultural laborers, 8.99 per cent were general labour, 0.53 per cent were in government service, 20.63 per cent were students, 1.06 per cent were housewives and 2.12 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 39.39 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 39.39 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 21.21 per cent of them possess pucca house.  The results show that 90.91 per cent of the households possess TV, 69.70 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 36.36 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 24.24 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 100 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs.8866, mixer grinder was Rs.1695, bicycle was Rs. 2083, motor cycle was Rs.34375 and mobile phone was Rs.2175.  About 18.18 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 24.24 per cent of them possess plough, 27.27 per cent of them possess sprayer, 96.97 per cent of them possess weeder and 3.03 per cent of them possess chaff cutter.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.18333, plough was Rs.1250, the average value of sprayer was Rs.3333, the average value of chaff cutter was Rs.2000, and the average value of weeder was Rs.100. 2  The results indicate that, 21.21 per cent of the households possess bullocks, and 21.21 per cent of the households possess local cow.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2.10, average own labour (women) available was 1.93, average hired labour (men) available was 9.40 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.30.  The results indicate that, 90.91 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Kodadahalu micro watershed possess 26.12 ha (55.25%) of dry land and 21.15 ha (44.75%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 7.98 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 11.25 ha (86.72%) of dry land and 1.72 ha (13.28%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.02 ha (62.50%) of dry land and 1.21 ha (37.50%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.86 ha (21.05%) of dry land and 18.21 ha (78.95%) of the farmers possess irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 313,869.52 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 444,278.61. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 438,387.42 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 275,332.61 for dry land and Rs. 811,737.09 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 296,400 for dry land and Rs. 658,666.67 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 205,833.33 for dry land and Rs. 395,200 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 11 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 33.33 per cent of the farmers in micro watershed.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 31.87 meters.  The results indicate that, small, semi medium and medium farmers had irrigated area of 1.72 ha, 1.21 ha and 16.60 ha respectively.  The farmers have grown bajra (4.17 ha), cotton (0.91 ha), groundnut (5.47 ha), maize (24.31 ha), mango (2.02 ha), navane (0.81 ha), paddy (1.21 ha), sunflower (1.42 ha), tomato (2.02 ha), and water melon (0.81 ha). Marginal farmers have grown bajra, groundnut, maize, navane. Small farmers have grown bajra, cotton, groundnut, maize, paddy, sunflower and tomato. Semi medium farmers have grown maize and groundnut. Medium farmers have grown groundnut, maize, mango, tomato and water melon.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 19 coconut and 363 mango trees in their fields. They have also grown 2 coconut tree in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 85neem trees, 6 tamarind trees, 10 eucalyptus trees and 1 teak tree in their field. 3  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Kodadahalu micro watershed was found to be 98.92 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, small farmers it was 96.38 per cent, in case of semi medium and medium farmers it was 100 per cent.  84.85 per cent of the households have bank account and 39.39 per cent of the households have savings.  54.55 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, 5.56 per cent of the households availed loan from commercial bank, 5.56 per cent availed loan from cooperative bank, 77.78 per cent availed loan from grameena bank, 11.11 per cent have borrowed from friends/relatives, 16.67 per cent availed loan from money lenders, 11.11 per cent have borrowed from SHGs/CBOs and 11.11 per cent have borrowed from traders.  The results indicate that, marginal, small and medium farmers have availed Rs. 90,000, Rs. 75800, and Rs. 308333 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 88.89 per cent of those who borrowed credit. Another 11.11 per cent of the households borrowed for the purchase of vehicle.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan borrowed from institutional sources.  Results indicated that 77.78 per cent of the households partially paid their loan and 22.22 per cent of the households did not repay their loans borrowed from private sources.  The results indicate that, around 56.25 per cent of the households opined that the rate of interest was higher in institutional sources; another 43.75 per cent opined that the loan amount helped to perform timely agricultural operations.  The results indicate that, around 22.22 per cent of the households opined that credit was easily accessible in non institutional sources, 11.11 per cent of the households opined that the credit helped to perform timely agricultural operations, 55.56 per cent of the households opined that loan amount was adequate to fulfil the requirements and 11.11 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 maize was Rs. 23921.43. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 26170.24. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. 2248.81, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.09.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 47999.48. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 62443.95. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 14444.47. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.3. 4  The total cost of cultivation for tomato was Rs. 59019.05. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 77187.50. The net income from tomato cultivation was Rs. 18168.45. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.31.  The total cost of cultivation for water melon was Rs. 32930.96. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 59280. The net income from water melon cultivation was Rs. 26349.04. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.8.  The total cost of cultivation for mango was Rs. 26359.74. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 395200. The net income from mango cultivation was Rs. 368840.26. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:14.99.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 56579.37. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 54340. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. - 2239.37. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.96.  The total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 65694.93. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 92625. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 26930.07. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.41.  The total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 22105.04. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41284.29. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. 19179.25. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.87.  The results indicate that, 30.30 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 30.30 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 86,666.67 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 72,383, for small farmers it was Rs. 94,235, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 78,000, and for medium farmers it was Rs. 83,750.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 11,661.36. For landless households it was Rs. 23,888.89, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 6,383.33, for small farmers it was Rs. 12,420, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 30,750, and for medium farmers it was Rs. 7,953.13.  The results indicate that, the average additional investment capacity with the households for land development was Rs. 4,818.18, for irrigation facility Rs. 2,181.82, for improved crop production Rs. 2,939.39 and for improved livestock management Rs. 606.06.  The results indicate that, loan from bank was the source of additional investment capacity for 45.45 per cent of the households for land development, 33.33 per cent for irrigation facility, 51.52 per cent for improved crop production and 6 per cent for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, bajra, cotton, groundnut, maize, mango, navane, paddy, sunflower, tomato and water melon were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. 5  The results indicated that, about 45.45 per cent of the famers have sold their produce in regulated markets and 63.64 per cent of the farmers have sold their produce in cooperative marketing society.  The results indicated that, 12.12 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce, 63.64 per cent have used truck and 33.33 per cent have used cart as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 36.36 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm i.e., 10 per cent of the marginal farmers, 10 per cent of the small farmers, 100 per cent of the semi medium farmers and 100 per cent of medium farmers have experienced soil and water erosion problems.  The results indicated that, 90.91 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households used fire wood.  Piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 100 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, 36.36 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of the landless, 10 per cent of the marginal, 40 per cent of the small, 100 per cent of the semi medium and 25 per cent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 27.27 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 96.97 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 12.12 per cent, fruits were adequate for 24.24 per cent, milk was adequate for 100 per cent, eggs were adequate for 100 per cent and meat was adequate for 75.76 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were inadequate for 100 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 87.88 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 75.76 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 3.03 per cent and meat was inadequate for 21.21 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 90.91 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (87.88%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (54.55%), inadequacy of irrigation water (48.48%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (48.48%), high rate of interest on credit (51.52%), low price for the agricultural commodities (66.67%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (81.82%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (81.82%), and inadequate extension services (81.82%).