LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT GAJARKOT-2 (4D5B1B1c) MICROWATERSHED Gurumitkal Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Gajarkot-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 the 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 638 ha in Yadgir taluk & district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 866 mm, of which about 652 mm is received during south-west monsoon, 138 mm during north-east and the remaining 76 mm during the rest of the year. An area of 628 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils and 10 ha by others (habitation and water body). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 14 soil phases (management units) and 5 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 1st week of June to 4th week of October.  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 29 major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 67 per cent area are very shallow to shallow (<25 to 50 cm), 5 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are moderately shallow (50-75 cm) and 26 per cent area are moderately deep to very deep (100 to >150 cm).  About 8 per cent area in the microwatershed has sandy, 13 per cent area in loamy and 77 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  Maximum of 91 per cent area in the microwatershed is non gravelly (<15%) and 8 per cent is gravelly (15-35%).  About 25 per cent area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, <1 per cent area medium (101-150 mm/m), 5 per cent area low (51-100 mm/m) and 67 per cent area very low (<50 mm/m) in available water capacity.  Maximum of 84 per cent area in the microwatershed is very gently sloping (1-3% slope) and 15 per cent area is nearly level (0-1%) lands.  An area of about 14 per cent is slightly (e1) eroded, 83 per cent area in the microwatershed is moderately (e2) eroded and <1 per cent area is severely (e3) eroded lands.  An area of about 2 per cent area is slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5) in soil reaction, 93 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) and 3 per cent soils is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3- 7.8).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of entire soils of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  About 33 per cent of the soils are medium (0.5-0.75%) in organic carbon and high (>0.75%) in 66 per cent area.  <1 per cent area is high (>57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus, 17 per area is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and 80 per area is low (<23 kg/ha).  About <1 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium and 98 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha).  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in an area of about 55 per cent and medium (10 -20 ppm) in 43 per cent.  About 49 per cent area is low (<0.5 ppm) in available boron and 50 per cent is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm).  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  About 95 per cent area is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in available zinc and 4 per cent is sufficient (>0.6 ppm).  The land suitability for 29 major 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 160(25) 39(5) Guava - 12(2) Maize - 199(31) Sapota - 4(<1) Bajra - 199(31) Pomegranate - 164(26) Groundnut - 4(<1) Musambi 153(24) 12(2) Sunflower 153(24) 12(2) Lime 153(24) 12(2) Redgram - 164(26) Amla - 199(31) Bengal gram 160(25) 35(5) Cashew - - Cotton 160(25) 35(5) Jackfruit - 4(<1) Chilli - 192(30) Jamun - 160(25) Tomato - 192(30) Custard apple 157(25) 43(7) Brinjal 20(3) 179(28) Tamarind - 160(25) Onion 4(<1) 35(5) Mulberry - 4(<1) Bhendi 24(4) 176(28) Marigold - 199(31) Drumstick - 164(26) Chrysanthemum - 199(31) Mango - 20(3)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 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 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. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel and generate lot of biomass which would help in maintaining an ecological balance and also contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY  The data indicated that there were 73 (53.68%) men and 63 (46.32%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.8, marginal farmers’ was 5.78, small farmers’ was 6.07, semi medium farmers’ was 4.17 and medium farmers’ was 6.5.  The data indicated that, 14 (7.25%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 89 (46.11%) were in 16-35 years of age, 76 (39.38%) were in 36-60 years of age and 14 (7.25%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Gajarkot-2 had 51.81 per cent illiterates, 0.52 per cent functional literates, 14.51 per cent of them had primary school education, 1.55 per cent of them had middle school education, 12.44 per cent of them had high school education, 5.70 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.52 per cent of them did ITI, 1.04 per cent did masters and 9.33 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicate that, 65.71 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 5.71 per cent of the households were agricultural labourers, 11.43 per cent were general labourers, 2.86 per cent of them had household industry, 2.86 per cent of them were in private service, 2.86 per cent were in trade and business and 5.71 per cent were housewives.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 44.56 per cent of the household members, 2.07 per cent were agricultural labourers, 7.25 per cent were general labourers, 1.04 per cent had household industry, 0.52 per cent were in government service, 7.77 per cent were in private service, 1.04 per cent were in trade and business, 8.29 per cent were students and 23.32 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 2.86 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 68.57 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 28.57 per cent of them possess pucca house.  The results show that 91.43 per cent of the households possess TV, 22.86 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 31.43 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, and 94.29 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs.8000, mixer grinder was Rs.1462, motor cycle was Rs.65090, and mobile phone was Rs.2560.  About 22.86 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 20 per cent of them possess plough, and 77.14 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.22000, plough was Rs.14385, and the average value of weeder was Rs.90. 2  The results indicate that, 28.57 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 11.43 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.86 per cent of the households possess goat, and 2.86 per cent of them possess poultry birds.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2.47, average own labour (women) available was 1.83, average hired labour (men) available was 11.83 and average hired labour (women) available was 10.30.  The results indicate that, 85.71 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Gajarkot-2 micro watershed possess 28.59 ha (70.45%) of dry land and 12 ha (29.55%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 6.56 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 15.39 ha (95%) of dry land and 0.81 ha (5%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 6.64 ha (60.22%) of dry land and 4.39 ha (39.78%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 6.80 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 388067 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 283333. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 578668 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 370305 for dry land and Rs. 494000 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 240828 for dry land and Rs. 410147 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 176428 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 4 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 11.43 per cent of the farmers, and canal formed the source of irrigation for 5.71 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the average depth of bore well in the micro watershed was found to be 12.19 meters.  The results indicate that, semi medium and medium farmers had an irrigated area of 2.69 ha and 6.80 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown cotton (9.52 ha), greengram (5 ha), groundnut (13.38 ha), paddy (3.24 ha), and redgram (9.46 ha). Marginal and small farmers have grown cotton, Greengram, groundnut and redgram. Semi medium farmers have grown Greengram, groundnut and redgram. Medium farmers have grown cotton and paddy.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Gajarkot-2 micro watershed was found to be 100.06 per cent.  The results indicate that, 91.43 per cent of the households have bank account and savings. 3  The results indicate that, 88.57 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, 3.23 per cent of the household availed loan from grameena bank in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, the average amount of credit borrowed in micro watershed by medium farmers was Rs.11250.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Redgram was Rs. 34615.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55667.92. The net income from Redgram cultivation was Rs. 21052.58, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.61.  The total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 31406.67. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 64958.25. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 33551.58. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.07.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 52599.60. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 65137.64. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 12538.05. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.24.  The total cost of cultivation for greengram was Rs. 24014.67. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 60741.53. The net income from greengram cultivation was Rs. 36726.86. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.53.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 42268.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 95712.50. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 53444.16. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.26.  The results indicate that, 25.71 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 11.43 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs.60000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs.184055, for small farmers it was Rs.150269, for semi medium farmers it was Rs.213333, and for medium farmers it was Rs.450000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 17,954.82. For landless households it was Rs. 5,750, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 10,253.09, for small farmers it was Rs. 11,440.34, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 24,777.78, and for medium farmers it was Rs. 105,000.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 3 coconuts, 1 guava and 7 mango trees in their fields.  The results indicate that, households have planted 5 banyan trees, 52 neem trees and 2 peepul trees in their field. 4  The results indicated that, cotton, greengram, paddy and redgram were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Groundnut was sold to the extent of 99.49 per cent.  About 100 per cent of the marginal, small, semi medium and medium famers have sold their produce to local/village merchants.  About 82.86 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce, and 2.86 per cent have used truck as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 100 per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  Around 91.43 per cent used fire wood, 2.86 per cent used biogas and 5.71 per cent of the households used LPG as a source of domestic fuel.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  About 42.86 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 60 per cent of the landless, 55.56 per cent of the marginal, 23.08 per cent of the small, 33.33 per cent of the semi medium and 100 per cent of the medium farmers.  100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  Around 85.71 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 74.29 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 37.14 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 28.57 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 60 per cent, fruits were adequate for 51.43 per cent, milk was adequate for 100 per cent, eggs were adequate for 100 per cent and meat was adequate for 60 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, cereals were inadequate for 25.71 per cent, pulses were inadequate for 65.71 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 71.43 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 40 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 45.71 per cent and meat was inadequate for 40 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 85.71 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (65.71%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (14.29%), inadequacy of irrigation water (22.86%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (80%), high rate of interest on credit (74.29%), low price for the agricultural commodities (62.86%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (74.29%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (80%), less rainfall (14.29%) inadequate extension services (60%), and source of agritechnology information (newspaper/TV/mobile) (2.86%).