LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BAMASHETTIHALLI-1 (4D5B2M2b) MICROWATERSHED Yadgir Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Bamasettihalli-1Microwatershed 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 573 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 527 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 5 ha by railway, 9 ha by rock outcrops and 31 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 16 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 13 per cent of area is shallow (25-50 cm), 7 per cent of area of the microwatershed has soils that are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 11 per cent of area is moderately deep (75-100 cm), 35 per cent of area is deep (100 - 150 cm) and 26 per cent of area is very deep (>150 cm).  About 36 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 56 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  About 88 per cent of area in the microwatershed is non gravelly (<15%) and 4 per cent area is gravelly (15-35%).  About 61 per cent of area is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, 8 per cent is low (51-100 mm/m), 10 per cent of area is medium (101-150 mm/m) and 13 per cent of area is very low (<50 mm/m).  Maximum area of about 58 per cent in the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands and 35 per cent of area is nearly level (0-1%) lands.  Maximum area of about 57 per cent is moderately (e2) eroded and 35 per cent of area is slightly (e1) eroded.  Entire area of the microwatershed is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) is dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline in the entire area of the microwatershed.  An area of 1 per cent is high (>0.75%), 34 per cent area is medium (0.5-0.75%) and 57 per cent area is low (<0.50%) in organic carbon content.  An area of about 66 per cent is medium (23-57 kg/ha), 26 per cent of area is high (>57 kg/ha) and <1 per cent of area is low (<23 kg/ha) in available phosphorus content in the microwatershed.  An area of about 45 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 47 per cent of area is 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 an area of 44 per cent and medium (0.5-0.1 ppm) in an area of 48 per cent of the microwatershed.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in an area of 56 per cent and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in an area of 36 per cent of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  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 224 (39) 227 (39) Guava - 66 (11) Maize 66 (11) 385 (67) Sapota - 66 (11) Bajra 66 (11) 385 (67) Pomegranate - 226 (39) Groundnut - 104 (18) Musambi 158 (28) 68 (12) Sunflower 158 (28) 68 (12) Lime 158 (28) 68 (12) Redgram - 413(72) Amla 66 (11) 196 (34) Bengal gram 158 (28) 2 (<1) Cashew - 10 (2) Cotton 158 (28) 68 (12) Jackfruit - 66 (11) Chilli 66 (11) 198 (34) Jamun - 158 (28) Tomato 66 (11) 38 (7) Custard apple 168 (29) 96 (17) Brinjal 66 (11) 38 (7) Tamarind - 158 (28) Onion 66 (11) 38 (7) Mulberry - 66 (11) Bhendi 66 (11) 198 (34) Marigold 66 (11) 198 (34) Drumstick - 224 (39) Chrysanthemum 66 (11) 198 (34) Mango - -  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 SURVEY  The data on households sampled for socio economic survey indicated that 34 farmers were sampled in Bamashettihalli-1 micro-watershed among them 5 (14.71 %) were landless, 13 (38.24 %) were marginal farmers, 11 (32.35 %) were small farmers, 4 (11.76 %) were semi medium farmers and 1 (2.94 %) were medium farmers.  The data indicated that there were 98 (57.99 %) men and 71 (42.01 %) women among the sampled households. The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.6, marginal farmers’ was 4.76, small farmers’ was 5.45, semi medium farmers’ was 4.75 and medium farmers’ was 5.  The data indicated that, 32 (18.93 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 81 (47.93 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 40 (23.67 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 16 (9.47 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Bamashettihalli-1 had 49.11 per cent illiterates, 13.61 per cent of them had Primary School, 5.92 per cent of them had Middle School, 16.57 per cent of them had High School, 1.78 per cent of them had PUC education and ITI and 7.10 per cent of them had Degree education.  The results indicate that, 47.06 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 44.12 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labourers and 8.82 per cent of the household heads were housewives.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 33.73 per cent of the household members, 27.22 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.59 per cent were in Government Service, 1.78 per cent were private service, 20.12 per cent were students, 13.61 per cent were housewives and 2.96 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 79.41 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 20.59 per cent of them possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 97.06 per cent of the households possess TV, 41.18 per cent of the households possess mixer/grinder, 29.41 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.94 per cent of the households possess Computer/Laptop and 97.06 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 9,090, mixer/grinder was Rs.2000, Computer/Laptop was Rs. 35,000, motor cycle was Rs. 124,300 and mobile phone was Rs. 2,058.  About 14.71 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 14.71 per cent of them possess plough, 2.94 per cent of them possess seed/fertilizer drill and Power Tiller, 32.35 per cent of them possess Weeder and 20.59 per cent of them possess Harvester. 2  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 17,285, plough was Rs. 1,500, seed/fertilizer drill was Rs. 18,000, Power Tiller was Rs. 20,000, Harvester was Rs. 333 and the average value of weeder was Rs. 73.  The results indicate that, 29.41 per cent each of the households possess bullocks and local cow.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.62, average own labour (women) available was 1.52, average hired labour (men) available was 7.72 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.28.  The results indicate that, 82.35 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Bamashettihalli-1 micro-watershed possess 36.34 ha (93.35 %) of dry land and 2.59 ha (6.65 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 9.48 ha (100 %) of dry land. Small farmers possess 12.73 ha (90.64 %) of dry land and 1.32 ha (9.36 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 7.86 ha (86.04 %) of dry land and 1.27 ha (13.96 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 6.27 ha (100 %) of dry land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 478,596.89 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 849,062.49. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 801,537.15 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 486,776.86 for dry land and Rs. 912,000 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 343,408.86 for dry land and Rs. 784,126.96 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 143,419.35 for dry land.  The results indicate that, there were 3 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 8.82 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 9.41 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal, small farmers and semi medium had an irrigated area of 1.32 ha, 1.28 ha and 1.28 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown red gram (16.34 ha), Cotton (10.61 ha), Sorghum (9.12 ha) and green gram (1.21 ha). Marginal farmers have grown red gram, paddy and green gram. Small farmers have grown red gram, groundnut and paddy. Semi medium farmers have grown red gram and groundnut.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Bamashettihalli-1 microwatershed was found to be 95.61 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for red gram was Rs. 34950.32. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 79460.19. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 44509.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 2.27. 3  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 43382.74. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41578.33. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. -1804.40. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.96.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Sorghum was Rs. 27827.26. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 45945.91. The net income from Sorghum cultivation was Rs. 18118.65. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.65.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 40965.93. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 62597.68. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 21631.74. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.53.  The results indicate that, 38.24 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 54,000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 103,307.69, for small farmers it was Rs. 111,409.09, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 157,250 and medium farmers it was Rs. 115,000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 14,331.63. For landless households it was Rs. 9,750, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 12,268.74, for small farmers it was Rs. 7,889.26, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 28,062.50 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 80,000.  The results indicate that, households have planted 12 Coconut trees in their field and also 9 Coconut trees in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 59 neem trees in their field and also 7 neem trees in their backyard.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 3,882.35 for land development, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 1,352.94 for Improved crop production, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 117.65 for Improved livestock management, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 852.94 for Orchard development/ maintenance and households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 264.71 for Subsidiary enterprises.  The results indicated that Loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 14.71 per cent each for land development, for 2.94 per cent each for improved crop production and orchard development or maintenance. Own funds was the source of additional investment for 23.53 per cent each for land development, 8.82 per cent for improved crop production, 2.94 per cent for improved livestock management and 5.88 per cent for orchard development or maintenance. Soft loan was the source of additional investment for 8.82 per cent each for land 4 development, 2.94 per cent each for improved crop production and orchard development or maintenance.  The results indicated that, Cotton was sold to the extent of 97.5 per cent, Green gram was sold to the extent of 88.89 per cent, Red gram was sold to the extent of 77.59 per cent and Sorghum to the extent of 91.16 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 79.41 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants and 5.88 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to regulated markets.  The results indicated that, 85.29 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 23.53 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 76.47 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 97.06 per cent of the households used firewood and 2.94 per cent of them used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 100 per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 58.82 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 97.06 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL cards and 2.94 per cent of the sampled households not possessed.  The results indicated that, 52.94 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals, milk, egg and meat were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 91.18 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 2.94 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 50 per cent and fruits were adequate for 14.71 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 8.82 per cent of the households, oilseeds were inadequate for 97.06 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 50 per cent and fruits were inadequate for 85.29 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil, Wild animal menace on farm field, high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals and high rate of interest on credit were the constraints experienced by 85.29 per cent of the households, Frequent incidence of pest and diseases and Inadequacy of irrigation water (82.35 %) and low price for the agricultural commodities (2.94 %).