LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KEREHALLI-3 (4D3A9E2c) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Kerehalli-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 601 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 51 per cent is covered by soil, 40 per cent by rock out crops, eight per cent by quarry and one per cent by water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 13 soil series and 18 soil phases (management units) and 7 land use classes.  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 28 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 13 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 19 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 10 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 8 per cent is deep (100-150cm) soils.  About 10 per cent is sandy (loamy sand), 19 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 22 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 31 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils and 20 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel).  With respect to available water capacity 23 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 21 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 4 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 2 per cent area has high (151-200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  Entire area in the microwatershed has very gently sloping lands (1-3%).  An area of about 5 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 45 per cent is moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about <1 per cent is strongly acid (pH 5.0 to 5.5), 4 per cent is moderately acid (pH 5.5 to 6.0), 11 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5),22 per cent has neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3) soils, 12 per cent slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8) and 1 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dsm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 24 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 27 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in 6 per cent, medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 24 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 20 per cent of the soils.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in 4 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 38 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 8 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 48 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 3 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 50 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in <1 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient in 30 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 21 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 44 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 7 per cent of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  The land suitability for 28 major agricultural and horticultural crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (class S1) and moderately suitable (class 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 15(2) 149(25) Pomegranate 40(7) 15(2) Maize 15 (2) 149 (25) Guava 40(7) 15(2) Bajra 15(2) 155(26) Jackfruit 40(7) 15(2) Redgram 15(2) 35 (6) Jamun - 46(8) Bengal gram - 163(27) Musambi 40(7) 15(2) Groundnut 15(2) 61 (10) Lime 40(7) 15(2) Sunflower 15 (2) 35 (6) Cashew 40(7) 54(9) Cotton - 163(27) Custard apple 40(7) 183(30) Chilli 15(2) 49(8) Amla 40(7) 183 (30) Tomato 15(2) 49(8) Tamarind - 40(7) Drumstick 15(2) 41(7) Marigold 15(2) 149(25) Mulberry 15(2) 95(16) Chrysanthemum 15(2) 149 (25) Mango - 40(7) Jasmine 15(2) 149(25) Sapota 40(7) 15(2) Crossandra 15(2) 49(8)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 7 identified LMU’s 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 to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation and drainage line treatment plans have 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 118 (60.20%) men and 78 (39.80%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of marginal farmers’ was 5.75, small farmers’ was 4.83, semi medium farmers’ was 5.67, medium farmers’ was 3 and large farmers’ was 10.  The data indicated that, 35 (17.86%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 88 (44.90%) were in 16-35 years of age, 53 (27.04%) were in 36-60 years of age and 20 (10.20%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Kerehalli-3 had 33.67 per cent illiterates, 1.02 per cent functional literate, 21.43 per cent of them had primary school education, 4.08 per cent of them had middle school education, 18.88 per cent of them had high school education, 14.29 per cent of them had PUC education, 3.06 per cent of them had degree education and 0.51 per cent of them did diploma.  The results indicate that, 50 per cent of households were practicing agriculture and 50 per cent of the households were agricultural labourers.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 39.29 per cent of the household members, 33.67 per cent were agricultural laborers, 0.51 per cent were general labourers, 2.55 per cent were in private service, 20.41 per cent were students, 0.51 per cent were housewives and 3.06 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 97.22 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 2.78 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 86.11 per cent of the households possess TV, 36.11 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 5.56 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 44.44 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.78 per cent possess landline phone and 83.33 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 8838, mixer grinder was Rs. 2038, bicycle was Rs. 2000, motor cycle was Rs. 50312, landline phone was Rs. 2000 and mobile phone was Rs. 1694.  About 11.11 per cent of the households possess plough, 2.78 per cent of them possess sprayer and 66.67 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.1,500, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 3,000 and the average value of weeder was Rs.51.  The results indicate that, 11.11 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 2.78 per cent possess buffalo and 11.11 per cent of the households possess local cow.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.78, average own labour (women) available was 1.22, average hired labour (men) available was 17.97 and average hired labour (women) available was 16.08. 2  The results indicate that, 97.22 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate and 2.78 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Kerehalli-3 micro-watershed possess 18.81 ha (34.24%) of dry land and 36.13 ha (65.76%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 2.59 ha (86.47%) of dry land and 0.40 ha (13.53%). Small farmers possess 13.80 ha (89.50%) of dry land and 1.62 ha (10.50%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.43 ha (8.87%) of dry land and 24.96 ha (91.13%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 2.67 ha (100%) and large farmers possess 6.48 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 366,594.97 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 301,556.90. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 541,158.07 for dry land and Rs. 1,235,000 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 354,926.69 for dry land and was Rs. 555,750 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 247,000 for dry land and Rs. 336,381.32 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 224,545.46 for irrigated land and in case of large farmers it was Rs. 77,187.50.  The results indicate that, there were 22 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 61.11 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 82.55 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal, small, semi medium, medium and large farmers had irrigated area of 0.40 ha, 1.62 ha, 24.36 ha, 2.67 and 6.48 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown maize (46.55 ha), groundnut (3.24 ha), paddy (2.96 ha) and chilly (1.3 ha). Marginal farmers have grown maize. Small farmers have grown maize and paddy. Semi medium farmers have grown maize, paddy and chilly. Medium farmers have grown maize. Large farmers have grown maize and groundnut.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Kerehalli-3 micro-watershed was found to be 88.82 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, small farmers it was 100 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 98.79, medium farmers it was 60.67 per cent and large farmers had a cropping intensity of 50 per cent.  The results indicate that, 2.78 per cent of the households have bank account.  The results indicate that, 2.78 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Paddy was Rs. 68869.77. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 57237.62. The net income from 3 Paddy cultivation was Rs. -11632.15. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.83.  The total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 29260.14. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 51031.25. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 21771.11. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.74.  The total cost of cultivation for Chilly was Rs. 30609.48. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46312.50. The net income from Chilly cultivation was Rs. 15703.02. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.51.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 54395.13. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 75829. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 21433.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.39.  The results indicate that, 8.33 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 8.33 per cent opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 68,125 for marginal farmers, for small farmers it was Rs. 67,500, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 76,888.89, for medium farmers it was Rs. 18,000 and for large farmers it was Rs. 468,500.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 11,085.65. For marginal farmers it was Rs. 15,562.50, for small farmers it was Rs. 5,013.89, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 2,759.26, for medium farmers it was Rs. 12,000 and for large farmers it was Rs. 215,000.  The results indicate that, households have planted 15 coconut trees and 9 mango trees in the field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 71 neem trees, 2 tamarind trees and 2 acacia trees in their fields.  The results indicate that, the average additional investment capacity with the households for land development was Rs. 1,916.67, for improved crop production Rs. 555.56 and for irrigation facility Rs. 277.78.  The results indicate that, loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 16.67 per cent for land development, for 5.56 per cent for irrigation facility and for 11.11 per cent for improved crop production.  The results indicated that, chilly was sold to the extent of 75 per cent, groundnut 71.43 per cent, maize 97.88 per cent and paddy 72.22 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 5.56 per cent of the famers have sold their produce in regulated market and 97.22 per cent of the farmers have sold to local/village merchants.  The results indicated that, 105.88 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm. 4  The results indicated that, 97.22 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 94.44 per cent of the households used firewood and 5.56 per cent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major source of drinking water for 13.89 per cent of the households, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 66.67 per cent of the households and lake/tank was the major source of drinking water for 13.89 per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 97.22 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 50 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet.  The results indicated that, 97.22 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 44.44 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 97.22 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 13.89 per cent, fruits were adequate for 16.67 per cent, milk was adequate for 88.89 per cent, eggs were adequate for 97.22 per cent and meat was adequate for 13.89 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 2.78 per cent of the households, oilseeds were inadequate for 97.22 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 83.33 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 77.78 per cent, milk were inadequate for 8.33 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 2.78 per cent and meat was inadequate for 83.33 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 86.11 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (97.22%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (86.11%), inadequacy of irrigation water (55.56%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (50%), high rate of interest on credit (50%), low price for the agricultural commodities (86.11%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (91.67%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (88.89%), inadequate extension services (88.89%), less rainfall (2.78%) and source of agri-technology information (2.78%).