LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT HANDRAHALU-3 (4D4A1V2b) MICRO WATERSHED Alavandi Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Handrahalu-3 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 442 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 99 per cent is covered by soils and 1 per cent by others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 10 soil series and 16 soil phases (management units) and 3 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 very shallow (<25 cm), 6 per cent of the soils are shallow (50-75 cm), 24 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 23 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm), 25 per cent soils are deep (100-150 cm) and 22 per cent area has very deep (>150 cm) soils.  Entire area of about 99 per cent area has clayey soils at the surface at the surface.  About 78 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 14 per cent gravelly (15-35 % gravel) and 6 per cent very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  About <1 per cent are very low (<50 mm/m), 30 per cent low (51-100 mm/m), 23 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 46 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 18 per cent has nearly level sloping (0-1%) and 81 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 68 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 31 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 3 per cent are moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4), 63 per cent strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) and 33 per cent are very strongly alkaline (pH>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 low (<0.5%) in about 58 per cent and medium (0.5-0.75%) in about 41 per cent of the soils.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in about 94 per cent and medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 5 per cent in the microwatershed.  About 99 per cent of the soils are high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium content.  Available sulphur is medium (10-20 ppm) in 14 per cent and 85 per cent are high (>20 ppm) in the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 96 per cent area, 3 per cent area is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in soils.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in entire area of about 99 per cent.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 97 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 174 (39) 229 (52) Sapota - - Maize - 392 (89) Pomegranate - 305(69) Bajra - 392 (89) Musambi 122 (27) 183 (42) Groundnut - - Lime 122 (27) 183 (42) Sunflower 122 (27) 177 (40) Amla - 408 (93) Red gram - 251 (57) Cashew - - Bengalgram 174 (39) 229 (52) Jackfruit - - Cotton 174 (39) 12 (3) Jamun - 199 (45) Chilli - - Custard apple 174 (39) 235 (53) Tomato - - Tamarind - 205 (46) Brinjal - 409 (93) Mulberry - 162 (37) Onion - - Marigold - 403 (91) Bhendi - 409 (93) Chrysanthemum - 290 (66) Drumstick - 305 (69) Jasmine - 104 (24) Mango - - Crossandra - 177 (40) Guava - -  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 3 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 STUDY  Results indicated that 32 farmers were sampled in Handrahalu-3 micro watershed among them 2 (6.25%) were landless, 8 (25%) were marginal farmers, 9 (28.13%) were small farmers, 10 (31.25%) were semi medium farmers and 3(9.38%) were medium farmers.  The data indicated that there were 74 (54.81%) men and 61 (45.19%) were women among the sampled households. The average family size of landless farmers was 4, marginal farmers were 4, small farmers were 3.33, semi medium farmers were 4.80 and medium farmers were 5.67.  The data indicated that, 28 (20.74%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 59 (43.70%) were in 16-35 years of age, 34 (25.19%) were in 36-60 years of age and 14 (10.37%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Handrahalu-3 had 25.93 per cent illiterates, 1.48 per cent functional literates, 32.59 per cent of them had primary school education, 17.78 per cent of them had middle school education, 10.37 per cent of them had high school education, 3.70 per cent of them had PUC education, 2.22 per cent of them did ITI, 1.48 per cent of them had degree education and 0.74 persons were doing masters.  The results indicate that, 81.25 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 6.25 per cent of the households were agricultural laborers and 3.13 per cent of the households were students.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 22.22 per cent of the household members, 14.63 per cent were agricultural labourers, 2.96 per cent were general laborers, 20 per cent of them were student and 2.96 per cent of them were children’s. In case of landless farmers, 25 per cent were agricultural labour, 50 per cent of them were general laborers and 12.50 per cent were in private service and were housewives respectively. In case of marginal farmers 25 per cent were agriculturists, 50 agricultural labours and 12.50 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 30 per cent were agriculturists, 43.33 agricultural labours and 26.67 per cent were students. In case of semi medium farmers 58.33 per cent were agriculturists, 20.83 per cent of them were doing agriculture, 54.17 per cent were agriculture labours and 25 per cent were students. In case of medium farmers 17.65 per cent were agriculturists, 58.52 per cent were agricultural labours and 17.65 per cent were students.  The results show that 100 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 3.13 per cent of the households possess thatched house and Pucca house respectively and 93.75 per cent of the households possess Katcha house.  The results shows that 87.50 per cent of the households possess TV, 9.38 per cent of them possess DVD/VCD player, 71.88 per cent of the households possess Mixer 2 grinder, 6.25 per cent of the households possess refrigerator, 68.75 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 28.13 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 6.25 per cent of the households possess auto and 87.50 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results shows that the average value of television was Rs.2533, that the average value of DVD/VCD Player was Rs.933, the average value of mixer grinder was Rs.473, the average value of refrigerator 9000, the average value of bicycle was Rs. 669, the average value of motor cycle was Rs.24755, the average value of Auto was Rs.58500 and the average value of mobile phone was Rs.1354.  About 46.88 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 46.88 per cent of them possess plough, 3.13 per cent of them possess tractor, 43.75 per cent of them posses sprayer, 56.25 per cent of them possess weeder, 37.50 per cent of them possess chaff cutter and 3.13 per cent of them possess earth remover/duster.  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.2046, bullock cart was Rs.12400, tractor was Rs.250000, sprayer was Rs.2342, weeder was Rs.19, chaff cutter was Rs.1441 and earth remover/duster was Rs.8000.  The results indicate that, 43.75 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 15.63 per cent of the households possess local cow, 12.50 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow and 9.38 per cent of the households possess buffalo.  Results showed that in case of landless 50 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow, in marginal households, 50 per cent possess bullocks, 12.50 per cent possess local cow and 25 per cent possess buffalo. In case of small farmers, 22 per cent of the households possess bullock and 11.11 per cent possess local cow, cross bread cow and buffalo respectively. In case of semi medium farmers, 60 per cent of households possess bullock, 30 per cent of households possess local cow, 20 per cent possess cross bread cow. In case of medium farmers, 66.67 per cent of the households possess bullocks.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 6.74, average own labour (women) available was 6.52, average hired labour (men) available was 24.85 and average hired labour (women) available was 27.57.  The data indicated that in case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.50, average own labour (women) was 1.38, average hired labour (men) was 3.25 and average hired labour (women) available was 3.25. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 1.44, average own labour (women) was 1.11, average hired labour (men) was 6 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.22. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.80, average own labour (women) was 1.70, average hired labour (men) was 6.60 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.10. In case of medium farmers, average own labour men available was 2, average own labour 3 (women) was 2.33, average hired labour (men) was 9 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.  The results indicate that, 93.75 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was inadequate which includes 100 per cent of the marginal, small, semi medium and medium farmers respectively.  The results indicate that, households of the Handrahalu-3 micro watershed possess 51.68 ha (88.08%) of dry land and 7 ha (11.92%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 5.01 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 14.17 ha (100%) of dry land. Semi medium possess 19.28 ha (81.54%) of dry land and 4.37 ha (18.46%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 13.21 ha (83.40 %) of irrigated land, 2.63 ha (16.60%) of dry land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 183,750.98 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 357,142.86. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 458,514.94 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 190,488.43 for dry land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 186,610.70 for dry land and Rs. 457,831.33 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 68,085.76 for dry land and Rs. 190,000 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 4 functioning and 4 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 12.50 per cent of the farmers. The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 54.36 meters.  The results indicate that, small farmers had irrigated area of 4.37 hectares and medium farmers had 2.63 hectares. On an average there were 7 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown maize (26.19 ha), greengram (11.42 ha), sunflower (9.31ha), sorghum (6.01ha), wheat (2.63 ha), Bengal gram (1.78 ha) and bajra (1.37 ha) in kharif season. Farmers also grown onion (2.51 ha), sunflower (2.14 ha), sorghum (8.42 ha), maize (5.64 ha), Bengal gram (5.56 ha) and cotton (2.93 ha) in Rabi season. Marginal farmers have grown maize, sunflower, Bengal gram, sorghum and bajra. Small farmers have grown maize, green gram, sunflower, Bengal gram, sorghum and cotton. Semi medium farmers have grown maize, green gram, sunflower, sunflower and bajra. Medium farmers have grown maize, green gram, wheat, Bengal gram and cotton.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Handrahalu-3 micro watershed was found to be 87.64 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 106.14 per cent, for small farmers it was 91.03 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 90.89 per cent and medium farmers had cropping intensity of 72.10 per cent.  The results indicate that, 43.75 per cent of the households possess both bank account and savings correspondingly. 4  The results indicate that, 50 per cent of landless, 25 per cent of marginal, 33.33 per cent of small, 70 per cent of semi medium and 33.33 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 7.14 per cent have availed loan from friends/ relatives. The results indicated that, land less farmers have availed Rs. 10000.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 30366.42. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31685.56. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. 1319.14, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.04.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 40775.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 27194.66. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -13580.68. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.67.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for onion was Rs. 13154.87. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 18405.48. The net income from onion cultivation was Rs. 5250.62. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.4.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for bengalgram was Rs. 35865.29. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 63438.51. The net income from bengalgram cultivation was Rs. 27573.21. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.77.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Sorghum was Rs. 27463.69. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31779.38. The net income from Sorghum cultivation was Rs. 4315.69. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.16.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 20733.75. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 60315.65. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 39581.90. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.91.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for sunflower was Rs. 30122.88. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 53332.44. The net income from sunflower cultivation was Rs. 23209.57. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.77.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 16713.31. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 50605.60. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. 33892.29. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.03.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for wheat was Rs. 18954.91. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 42560.00. The net income from wheat cultivation was Rs. 23605.09. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.25.  The results indicate that, 15.63 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 34.38 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate.50 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate. 5  The data regarding the average annual gross income in Handrahalu-3 micro watershed is indicated that in case of landless the average income from wage was Rs.37500 and from dairy farm was Rs.17500. In case of marginal farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.24000, business was Rs.15375, wage was Rs.4000, agriculture was Rs.44325, non farm income was Rs.1500 and dairy farm was Rs.8640.In small farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.23866.67, business was Rs.17222.22, wage was Rs.2666.67, agriculture was Rs.114900 and non farm income was Rs.6777.78. In case of semi medium farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.22200, business was Rs.14500, wage was Rs.11340, agriculture was Rs.114900, non farm income was Rs.600 and dairy farm was Rs.3276. in medium farmers the average income from wage was Rs.2000, agriculture was Rs.177566.67 and non farm income was Rs.5333.33.  The results indicate that in case of landless, the average annual expenditure from wage and dairy farm was Rs.25000 respectively.  In case of marginal farmers the average annual expenditure from business was Rs.26500, agriculture was Rs.16664.29 and dairy farm was Rs.7500. In case of small farmers, the average annual expenditure from service/salary was Rs.22500; business was Rs.18000 and agriculture was Rs.46750. In semi medium farmers the average annual expenditure from business was Rs.20000, wage was Rs.2500, agriculture was Rs.58800 and dairy farm was Rs.8000. In case of medium farmers the average annual expenditure from agriculture was Rs.100000.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 14 coconut and 1 mango trees in their field. Farmers have also grown 7 coconut trees in their backyard. The results indicate that, households have planted 29 neem trees, 4 tamarind trees and 8 banyan trees.  The results indicated that, bajra, Bengal gram, cotton, green gram, onion, sunflower and wheat were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Sorghum and Maize was sold to the extent of 60.98 per cent and 98.15 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, about 65.62 per cent of the households sold their produce to regulated market and another 28.13 per cent have sold their produce in cooperative marketing society.  The results indicated that 28.57 per cent have used cart, 71.43 per cent have used tractor and 22.86 per cent of the farmers have used truck as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, 40.63 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems. The results indicated that, 40.63 per cent of the households are interested in soil testing.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major source of drinking water for 93.75 per cent of the households and 3.13 per cent of the households were dependent on open well and canal/nala for drinking water. 6  The results indicated that, 90.63 percent used fire wood, and another 9.38 percent of the households used LPG.  The results indicated that, Electricity was the major source of light for 96.88 per cent of the households in micro watershed and 3.13 per cent of the households were using kerosene lamp as a source of light.  The results indicated that, 53.13 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of landless, 62.50 per cent of marginal, 33.33 per cent of small, 40 per cent of semi medium and 100 per cent of medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 84.38 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card, 9.38 per cent did not possess BPL card and 3.13 per cent of the sampled households possessed APL card. The results indicated that, 40.63 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs and meat was adequate for 90.63 per cent, 15.63 per cent, 6.25 per cent, 12.50 per cent, 3.13 per cent, 12.50 per cent, 9.38 per cent and 3.13 per cent of the households respectively.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseed, vegetables and fruits were inadequate for 6.25 per cent, 84.38 per cent, 68.75 per cent, 50 per cent and 90.63 per cent of the households. Milk and egg were inadequate for 68.75 per cent of the households respectively.  The results indicated that, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, milk and egg were market surplus for 25 per cent, 34.38 per cent, 9.38 per cent, 3.13 per cent and 6.25 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 31 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (50%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (69%), inadequacy of irrigation water (25%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (31%), high rate of interest on credit (13%), low price for the agricultural commodities (19%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (9%), Inadequate extension services (9%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (88%), less rainfall (94%) and inadequate extension services (91%).