LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MELLIKERI-2 (4D4A1Y2d) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Mellikeri-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 425 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 100 per cent is covered by soils and <1 per cent by habitation and water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 15 soil series and 24 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 3 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 7 per cent are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 40 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm), 50 per cent area has deep (100-150 cm) and <1per cent area has very deep (>150 cm) soils.  An area of about 12 per cent has sandy soils, 46 per cent has loamy soils and 42 per cent has clayey soils at the surface.  About 41 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 30 per cent gravelly (15-35% gravel) and 29 per cent very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  About 26 per cent are very low (<50 mm/m), 61per cent low (51-100 mm/m), 13per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and <1 per cent high (151-200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  Entire area has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands in the microwatershed.  An area of about 25 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 75 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about <1 per cent are moderately acid (pH 5.5-6.0), 6 per cent are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 64 per cent are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 19 per cent are slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8) and 11 per cent are moderately alkaline (pH pH 7.8-8.4) 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 98 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 2 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 99 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in <1 per cent area of the microwatershed.  About 35 per cent are low (<145 kg/ha), 62 per cent are medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 3 per cent soils are high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium content.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 84 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 16 per cent area.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 71 percent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 29 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 98 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in about 2 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 65 (15) 139 (33) Sapota 65 (15) 207 (49) Maize 65 (15) 139 (33) Pomegranate 65 (15) 207 (49) Bajra 78 (18) 223 (52) Musambi 65 (15) 207 (49) Groundnut 12 (3) 399 (94) Lime 65 (15) 207 (49) Sunflower 65 (15) 111 (26) Amla 103 (24) 309 (73) Red gram 65 (15) 111 (26) Cashew 44 (10) 143 (34) Bengalgram - 204 (48) Jackfruit 65 (15) 207 (49) Cotton 47 (11) 158 (37) Jamun 47 (11) 152 (36) Chilli 65 (15) 139 (33) Custard apple 103 (24) 309 (73) Tomato 65 (15) 139 (33) Tamarind 47 (11) 78 (18) Brinjal 44 (10) 272 (64) Mulberry 103 (24) 281 (66) Onion 44 (10) 272 (64) Marigold 65 (15) 139 (33) Bhendi 44 (10) 272 (64) Chrysanthemum 65 (15) 139 (33) Drumstick 91 (21) 197 (46) Jasmine 65 (15) 139 (33) Mango 47 (11) 55 (13) Crossandra 65 (15) 139 (33) Guava 18 (4) 254 (71)  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 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 96 (2.75%) men and 86 (47.25%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4, marginal farmers’ was 5.25, small farmers’ was 5.8, semi medium farmers’ was 5 and medium farmers’ was 4.5.  The data indicated that, 38 (20.88%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 72 (39.56%) were in 16-35 years of age, 53(29.12%) were in 36-60 years of age and 19 (10.44%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Mellikeri-2 had 30.22 per cent illiterates, 26.92 per cent of them had primary school education, 6.04 per cent of them had middle school education, 19.23 per cent of them had high school education, 7.14 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.55 per cent of them did ITI and 4.95 per cent of them had degree level education.  The results indicate that, 74.29 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture and 25.71 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 51.10 per cent of the household members, 21.43 per cent were agricultural labourers, 23.63 per cent were students and 1.65 per cent were housewives.  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 57.14 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 8.57 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 91.43 per cent of the households possess TV, 57.14 per cent of them possess mixer/grinder, 7.14 per cent of them possess bicycle, 37.14 per cent of them possess motor cycle and 97.14 per cent of them possess mobile phone.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 6,937, mixer grinder was Rs. 1,875, bicycle was 10,500, motor cycle was Rs. 41,000 and mobile phone was Rs. 2,050.  About 31.43 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 45.71 per cent of them possess plough and sprayer, 2.86 per cent of them possess irrigation pump and power tiller and 5.71 per cent of them possess tractor.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 20,000, plough was Rs. 2,906, irrigation pump was Rs. 5,000, power tiller was Rs. 25,000, tractor was Rs. 500,000, sprayer was Rs. 4,312, and weeder was Rs. 91.  The results indicate that, 22.86 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 11.43 per cent of the households possess local cow and crossbreed cow, 8.57 per cent possess buffalo and 5.71 per cent of them possess sheep and goat. 2  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.70, average own labour (women) available was 1.27, average hired labour (men) available was 10.82 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.91.  The results indicate that 85.71 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate and 11.43 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Mellikeri-2 micro-watershed possess 28.06 ha (61.81 %) of dry land and 17.34 ha (38.19 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 7.56 ha (89.33%) of dry land and 0.90 ha (10.67%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 8.59 ha (86.58%) of dry land and 1.33 ha (13.42%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 11.91 ha (56.12%) of dry land and 9.32 (43.88%) for irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 5.79 ha (100%) irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 459,518.32 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 547,735.76. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 635,029.46 for dry land and Rs. 1,550,672.63 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 488,648.14 for dry land and Rs. 975,987.85 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 327,207.88 for dry land and Rs. 536,490 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 310,909.09 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 13 functioning and 6 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 37.14 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 37.14 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that marginal, small, semi medium and medium farmers had an irrigated area of 0.9 ha, 1.33 ha, 9.30 ha and 5.79 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown banana (1.01 ha), chilly (1.21 ha), groundnut (2.02 ha), maize (26.04 ha), onion (0.46 ha), paddy (1.28 ha), bajra (3.45 ha), red gram (2.09 ha) and sugar cane (3.80 ha). Marginal farmers had grown maize, onion, bajra, red gram and sugarcane. Small farmers had groundnut, maize and sugarcane. Semi medium farmers had grown banana, chilly, maize, paddy, bajra, red gram and sugarcane. Medium farmers had grown chilly and maize.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Mellikeri-2 micro-watershed was found to be 74.84 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Banana was Rs. 117418.65. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 652080. The net 3 income from Banana cultivation was Rs. 534661.35. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:5.55.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Chilly was Rs. 56447.30. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 98800.00. The net income from Chilly cultivation was Rs. 42352.70. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.75.  The total cost of cultivation for Groundnut was Rs. 50662.48. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 80522. The net income from Groundnut cultivation was Rs. 29859.52. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.59.  The total cost of cultivation for Maize was Rs. 31581.74. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 45219.56. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. 13637.82. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.43.  The total cost of cultivation for Onion was Rs. 55469.44. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 91805.31. The net income from Onion cultivation was Rs. 36335.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.66.  The total cost of cultivation for Paddy was Rs. 89717.17. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 59750.47. The net income from Paddy cultivation was Rs. - 29966.70. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.67.  The total cost of cultivation for Bajra was Rs. 25921.12. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 38959.21. The net income from Bajra cultivation was Rs. 13038.08. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.5.  The total cost of cultivation for Red gram was Rs. 33598.13. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49485.17. The net income from Red gram cultivation was Rs. 15887.04. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.47.  The total cost of cultivation for Sugarcane was Rs. 63150.14. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 765490.94. The net income from Sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 702340.80. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:12.12.  The results indicate that, 37.14 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder, 45.71 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate and 11.43 per cent of the households opined dry fodder was inadequate.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 11,000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 62,926.67, for small farmers it was Rs. 96,875, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 215,893.64 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 210,500.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 14,692.53. For landless households it was Rs. 2,750, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 6,687.50, for small farmers it was Rs. 17,265.63, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 12,396.69 and for medium farmers it was Rs 77,000.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 6 mango and coconut trees in their field. 4  The results indicate that, households have planted 58 neem, 4 tamarind and 5 banyan trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 3,285.71 for land development and Rs. 3,285.71 for improved crop production.  The results indicated that loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 28.57 per cent for land development and for improved crop production.  The results indicated that, bajra, banana, chilly, groundnut, maize, onion, paddy, red gram and sugarcane was sold to the extent of 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 34.29 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to agents/traders, 57.14 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants and 22.86 per cent of them sold their produce to regulated market.  The results indicated that, 108.57 per cent of the households used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 28.57 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 31.43 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 97.14 per cent of the households used firewood and 2.86per 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 40 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 60 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, 51.43 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 5.71 per cent of the sampled households possessed APL, 88.57 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 2.86 per cent of the households did not possess any PDS card.  The results indicated that, 34.29 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 51.43 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 37.14 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 48.57 per cent, fruits were adequate for 5.71 per cent, milk were adequate for 82.86 per cent, egg were adequate for 57.14 per cent and meat were adequate for 48.57 per cent..  The results indicated that, pulses and oil seeds were inadequate for 45.71 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 40 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 34.29 per cent, milk were inadequate for 14.29 per cent, egg were inadequate for 8.57 per cent and meat were inadequate for 5.71 per cent of the households. 5  The results indicated that, oilseeds were market surplus for 17.14 per cent, vegetables were market surplus for 11.43 per cent and meat were market surplus for 18.60 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil, inadequacy of irrigation water and Source of Agri-technology information was the constraint experienced by 31.43 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (68.57%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (65.71%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (37.14%), high rate of interest on credit (57.14%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (42.86%), low price for the agricultural commodities, inadequate extension services and lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (2.86%) and less rainfall (60%).