LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KUNIKERI TANDA-1 (4D3A1Z1a) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

Rajendra Hegde, Ramesh Kumar, S.C., K.V. Niranjana, S. Srinivas, M.Lalitha, B.A. Dhanorkar, R.S. Reddy and S.K. Singh (2019). “Land resource inventory and socioeconomic status of farm households for watershed planning and development of Kunikeri Tanda-1 (4D3A1Z1a) Microwatershed, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka ICAR-NBSS&LUP Sujala MWS Publ.452, ICAR – NBSS & LUP, RC, Bangalore. p.145 & 39. The land resource inventory of Kunikeri Tanda-1 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 451 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 90 per cent is covered by soils and 10 per cent by rock outcrops, habitation and water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 14 soil series and 25 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 1 per cent of the soils are 1 shallow (25-50 cm), 11 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 21 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm), 34 per cent area has deep (100-150 cm) and 24 per cent has very deep (>150 cm) soils.  About 1 per cent has sandy soil, 66 per cent has loamy soils and 24 per cent has clayey soils at the surface.  About 27 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 59 per cent gravelly (15-35% gravel) and 4 per cent has very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  About 28 per cent are very low (<50 mm/m), 35 per cent low (51-100 mm/m), <1 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m), 23 per cent has high (151-200mm/m) and 4 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 4 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 86 per cent area has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 23 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 67 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 16 per cent are strongly acid (pH 5.0-5.5), 19 per cent are moderately acid (pH 5.5-6.0), 41 per cent are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 12 per cent has neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) and 3 per cent are slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8) 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 low (<0.5%) in 1 per cent, medium (0.5-0.75%) in 77 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 13 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 85 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 6 per cent area in the microwatershed.  About 66 per cent of the soils are low (<145 kg/ha), 18 per cent are medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 6 per cent soils are high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium content.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in about 79 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in about 11 per cent soils.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 76 per cent area and 14 per cent are medium (0.5-1.0 ppm).  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 52 per cent and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in about 39 per cent area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 90 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in about 1 per cent area.  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 121 (27) 118 (26) Sapota 115 (25) 139 (31) Maize 47 (10) 192 (42) Pomegranate 115 (25) 156 (35) Bajra 133 (29) 188 (42) Musambi 131 (29) 139 (31) Groundnut 102 (23) 253 (56) Lime 131 (29) 139 (31) Sunflower 121 (27) 77 (17) Amla 153 (34) 250 (55) Red gram 110 (24) 82 (18) Cashew 81 (18) 172 (38) Bengalgram 11 (2) 229 (51) Jackfruit 115 (25) 139 (31) Cotton 105 (23) 127 (28) Jamun 95 (21) 177 (39) Chilli 110 (24) 112 (25) Custard apple 169 (37) 233 (52) Tomato 110 (24) 112 (25) Tamarind 95 (21) 121 (27) Brinjal 87 (19) 194 (43) Mulberry 132 (29) 221 (49) Onion 49 (11) 215 (48) Marigold 110 (24) 128 (28) Bhendi 49 (11) 231 (51) Chrysanthemum 110 (24) 128 (28) Drumstick 132 (29) 147 (33) Jasmine 110 (24) 111 (25) Mango 95 (21) 66 (15) Crossandra 110 (24) 122 (27) Guava 81 (18) 172 (38)  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 91 (56.88%) men and 69 (43.13%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of marginal farmers’ was 5.5, small farmers’ was 4.83, semi medium farmers’ was 4.7 and medium farmers’ was 4.4.  The data indicated that, 40 (25%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 63 (39.38%) were in 16-35 years of age, 48 (30%) were in 36-60 years of age and 9 (5.63%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Kunikeri Tanda-1 had 40 per cent illiterates, 20.63 per cent of them had primary school education, 9.38 per cent of them had middle school education, 15.63 per cent of them had high school education, 4.38 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.63 per cent had diploma, 1.25 per cent did ITI, 5 per cent of them had degree education and 0.63 per cent did masters.  The results indicate that, 82.35 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 11.76 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labourers and 2.94 per cent were involved in trade and business.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 60 per cent of the household members, 5.63 per cent were agricultural laborers, 0.63 per cent were in private service, 0.63 per cent were in trade and business, 30 per cent were students, 1.88 per cent were children and 0.63 per cent were housewives.  The results show that, 1.25 per cent of the households participated in user group and 98.75 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 94.12 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 5.88 per cent of them possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 100 per cent of the households possess TV, 91.18 per cent of them possess mixer/grinder, 20.59 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. 8,411, mixer grinder was Rs. 1,583, motor cycle was Rs. 44,285 and mobile phone was Rs. 1,925.  About 5.88 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 2.94 per cent of them possess plough, 2.94 per cent possess harvester, 20.59 per cent of them possess sprayer and 61.76 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 24,000, plough was Rs. 1,500, sprayer was Rs. 5,000 and the average value of weeder was Rs.34.  The results indicate that, 14.71 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 20.59 per cent of the households possess local cow, 5.88 per cent possess crossbred cow and 5.88 per cent of the households possess sheep. 2  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.62, average own labour (women) available was 1.35, average hired labour (men) available was 6.71 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.09.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Kunikeri Tanda-1 micro-watershed possess 34.12 ha (61.18%) of dry land and 21.65 ha (38.82%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 4.24 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 11.74 ha (77.80%) of dry land and 3.35 ha (22.20%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 13.28 ha (60%) of dry land and 8.85 ha (40%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.86 ha (33.95%) of dry land and 9.45 ha (66.05%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 364,786.48 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 526,317.76. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 648,758.36 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 468,125.43 for dry land and Rs. 1,044,082.11 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 278,543.13 for dry land and Rs. 530,818.47 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 102,916.67 for dry land and Rs. 338,501.07 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 32.35 per cent of the farmers and canal was the major source of irrigation for 2.94 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 20.93 meters.  The results indicate that small, semi medium and medium farmers had an irrigated area of 1.62 ha, 7.60 ha and 8.58 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown bajra (4.17 ha), cotton (5.02 ha), cowpea (0.81 ha), groundnut (1.26 ha), maize (30.74 ha), paddy (0.81 ha), pearl millet (2.12 ha), redgram (5.85 ha), sugarcane (2.83 ha) and sunflower (1.72 ha). Marginal farmers have grown bajra, maize, pearl millet, redgram and sunflower. Small farmers have grown bajra, maize, redgram and sunflower. Semi medium farmers have grown bajra, cotton, cowpea, groundnut, maize, pearl millet, redgram and sugarcane. Medium farmers have grown cotton, groundnut, maize, paddy, pearl millet and sugarcane.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Kunikeri Tanda-1 microwatershed was found to be 83.52 per cent.  The results indicate that, 41.18 per cent of the households have bank account. 3  The results indicate that, 44.12 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for sugarcane was Rs. 33487.09. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 177840. The net income from sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 144352.91. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:5.31.  The total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 50918.04. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 37050. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. -13868.04. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.73.  The total cost of cultivation for cow pea was Rs. 40347.44. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 44504.50. The net income from cow pea cultivation was Rs. 4157.06. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.1.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 41421.69. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55822. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 14400.31. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.35.  The total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 23698.19. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 34978.93. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 11280.74. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.48.  The total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 27701.11. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 30803.52. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 3102.41. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.11.  The total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 28889.04. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 53149.32. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. 24260.27. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.84.  the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 28994.66. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 56539.60. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 27544.94. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.95.  The results indicate that, 61.76 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and green fodder was adequate for 11.76 per cent of the households.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 42,625 for marginal farmers, for small farmers it was Rs. 55,466.67, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 94,000 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 184,820.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 4,061.97. For marginal farmers it was Rs. 2,222.22, for small farmers it was Rs. 1,229.17, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 3,259.74 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 14,833.33.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 35 coconut trees and 1 mango tree in their field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 79 neem trees, 2 tamarind trees and 4 banyan trees in their field. Also, 16 neem trees, 1 tamarind tree and 3 banyan trees in their backyard. 4  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 3,588.24 for land development, Rs. 1,235.29 for irrigation facility, Rs. 2,117.65 for improved crop production and Rs. 88.24 for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 52.94 per cent for land development, for 20.59 per cent for irrigation facility and for 41.18 per cent for improved crop production. Soft loans were the source of funds for additional investment for 2.94 per cent for land development, 2.94 per cent for irrigation facility, for 8.82 per cent for improved crop production and for 2.94 per cent for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, all crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent except bajra and redgram which were sold to the extent of 99.02 per cent and 89.13 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 91.18 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants, 32.35 per cent of the farmers sold in regulated markets and 2.94 per cent of them sold their produce through contract marketing arrangement.  The results indicated that, 23.53 per cent of the households used cart, 97.06 per cent of the households used tractor and 5.88 per cent of them used truck as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 67.65 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 70.59 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households used firewood as a source of fuel and 5.88 per cent have also used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 52.94 per cent of the households, bore well was the source of drinking water for 29.41 per cent and canal/nala was the major source of drinking water for 11.76 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 97.06 per cent of the households and kerosene lamp was the source of light for 2.94 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 35.29 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 91.18 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 8.82 per cent of the households did not possess PDS card.  The results indicated that, 61.76 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 97.06 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 91.18 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 41.18 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 58.82 per cent, fruits were adequate for 5 2.94 per cent, milk was adequate for 79.41 per cent, eggs were adequate for 17.65 per cent and meat was adequate for 2.94 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, cereals were inadequate for 2.94 per cent of the households, pulses were inadequate for 8.82 per cent of the households, oilseeds were inadequate for 47.06 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 38.24 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 82.35 per cent, milk was inadequate for 23.53 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 73.53 per cent and meat was inadequate for 88.24 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were market surplus for 11.76 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 76.47 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (67.65%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (73.53%), inadequacy of irrigation water (17.65%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (88.24%), high rate of interest on credit (79.41%), low price for the agricultural commodities (70.59%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (82.35%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (64.71%), inadequate extension services (8.82%), less rainfall (44.12%) and source of agri-technology information (32.35%).