LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KALAKERI (4D4A1S2d) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Kalakeri 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 497 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 99 per cent is covered by soils, <1 per cent by mining/industrial area and 1 per cent is by habitation and settlements. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 33 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.  An area of about 99 per cent is suitable for agriculture.  About 93 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm) and 6 per cent soils are very deep (>150 cm).  About 2 per cent area in the microwatershed has sandy soils, 65 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 31 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  About 80 per cent area has non-gravelly (<15% gravel) soils and 19 per cent has gravelly to very gravelly (15-60% gravel) soils.  About 82 per cent area is very low to low (<50-100 mm/m), 6 per cent area is medium (101-150 mm/m) and 11 per cent area is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 4 per cent area of the microwatershed has nearly level (0-1% slope) lands and 95 per cent area of the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  An area of about 53 per cent area is moderately (e2) eroded and about 46 per cent area is slightly (e1) eroded.  An area of about 10 per cent soils are moderately acid to slightly acid (pH 5.5-6.5), 12 per cent soils are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 68 per cent soil are slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 7.3-9.0) and 8 per cent soils are very strongly alkaline (pH >9.0) in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1 indicating that the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 39 per cent area and high (>0.75%) in 59 per cent area.  An area of about 52 per cent is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and 47 per cent is high (>57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  An area of about 34 per cent is low (<145 kg/ha), 63 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 2 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 47 per cent, medium (10 -20 ppm) in 27 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 24 per cent area of the microwatershed.  An area of 66 per cent is low (<0.5 ppm) and 32 per cent is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in available boron content.  An area of about 41 per cent is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) and 58 per cent is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in available iron content.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is sufficient (>1.0 ppm) in available manganese content.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is sufficient (>0.2 ppm) in available copper content.  An area of about 24 per cent is deficient (<0.6 ppm) and 75 per cent is sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in available zinc content.  The land suitability for 31 major crops grown in the microwatershed was 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 58(12) 81(16) Sapota 56(11) 112(23) Maize 56(11) 99(20) Pomegranate 56(11) 170(34) Bajra 56(11) 186(37) Guava - 168(34) Groundnut - 380(77) Jackfruit 56(11) 112(23) Sunflower 58(12) 81(16) Jamun 56(11) 154(31) Cotton 58(12) 82(16) Musambi 58(12) 168(34) Red gram 56(11) 77(16) Lime 58(12) 168(34) Bengalgram 2(<1) 137(38) Cashew - 195(39) Chilli 56(11) 25(5) Custard apple 58(12) 417(84) Tomato 56(11) 25(5) Amla 56(11) 419(84) Brinjal 15(3) 389(78) Tamarind 56(11) 76(15) Onion 15(3) 330(66) Marigold 56(11) 84(17) Bhendi 15(3) 389(78) Chrysanthemum 56(11) 84(17) Drumstick 56(11) 294(59) Jasmine 56(11) 25(5) Mulberry 56(11) 419(84) Crossandra 56(11) 56(6) Mango 56(11) 75(13)  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.  Maintaining soil-health is vital for crop production and conserves 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  Results indicated that, 49 farmers were sampled in Kalakeri micro watershed among them 17 (34.69%) were marginal farmers, 19 (38.78 %) were small farmers, 6(12.24 %) were semi medium farmers, 2 (4.08 %) were medium farmers and 5 (10.20 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 228 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 135 (59.21%) men and 93 (40.79 %) were women. The average family size of landless was 3, marginal farmers and medium farmers were 4, small farmer was 5 and semi medium farmer was 7. On an average the family size was 5.  The data indicated that 35 (15.35%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 110 (48.25 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 58 (25.44 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 25 (10.96 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Kalakeri had 35.53 per cent illiterates, 27.19 per cent of them had primary school education, 2.63 per cent of them had both middle school, 14.91 per cent them had high school education, 8.77 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.44 per cent them had Diploma education, 2.63 per cent of them had degree education, 1.75 per cent of them had masters education and 6.14 per cent them had others.  The results indicated that, 89.79 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 2.04 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 8.16 per cent of the household heads were general labour.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 52.63 per cent of the household members, 12.72 per cent were agricultural labourers, 5.70 per cent were general labours, 0.44 percent were in government service, 4.39 per cent of them were in private sector, 1.32 per cent of them were trade and business, 17.54 per cent of them were students, 4.82 per cent of them were children and 0.44 per cent were housewives. In case of landless households 76.47 per cent were general labourers and 11.76 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 59.70 per cent were agriculturist, 8.96 percent was in agricultural labour, 2.99 per cent of both were in private and trade and business and 20.90 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 58.06 per cent of them were agriculturist and 15.05 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 48.84 per cent of the family members were agriculturist and 23.26 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers 62.50 per cent of the family members were agriculturist and 25 per cent of them were in private service.  The results showed that 0.88 per cent of them participated in self help groups and 99.12 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. Small, semi medium and medium farmers were found to have no participation in any local 2 institutions. Land less and marginal farmers were found to participate in one or the other local institutions.  The results indicated that 65.31 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 2.04 per cent of the households possess Pucca house, 30.61 per cent of the households possess Semi Pacca house and 2.04 per cent of them possess Thatched house. 100 percent of the landless and medium farmers possess Katcha house.  The results showed that, 2.04 per cent of the households possess radio, 83.67 per cent of the households possess TV, 53.06 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 2.04 per cent of the households possess refrigerator, 32.65 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 30.61 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.04 per cent of the households possess Auto, 89.80 per cent of the households possess mobile phones and 4.08 per cent of the households possess computer/laptop.  The results showed that the average value of radio was Rs.800, television was Rs. 5024, mixer grinder was Rs.1892, refrigerator was Rs.15000, bicycle was Rs.7437, motor cycle was Rs.42866, Auto was Rs. 100000, mobile phone was Rs.1723 and computer/laptop was Rs. 2000.  Results showed that 12.24 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 20.41 per cent of them possess plough, 6.12 per cent of the households possess seed/fertilizer drill, 10.20 per cent of the households possess irrigation pump, 4.08 per cent of the households possess tractor, 16.33 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 2.04 per cent of the households possess sprinkler, 67.35 per cent of the households possess weeder, 12.24 per cent of the households possess harvester, 4.08 per cent of the households possess chaff cutter and 2.04 per cent of the households possess JCB/Hitachi.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.20833; the average value of plough was Rs. 1040, the average value of seed/fertilizer drill was Rs. 1925, the average value of irrigation pump was Rs. 20750, the average value of tractor was Rs. 301500, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 4825, the average value of sprinkler was Rs. 500, the average value of weeder was Rs. 73, the average value of harvester was Rs. 80, the average value of chaff cutter was Rs. 3000 and the average value of JCB/Hitachi was Rs. 300000.  The results indicated that, 28.57 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 20.41 per cent of the households possess local cow, 6.12 per cent of the households possess buffalo, 2.04 per cent of the households possess sheep and 4.08 per cent of the households possess poultry birds respectively.  In case of marginal farmers, 17.65 per cent of the households possess bullock and local cow respectively and 5.88 per cent of the households possess poultry birds. In case of small farmers, 42.11 per cent of households possess bullock, 21.05 per cent possess local cow, 10.53 per cent of the households possess buffalo and 5.26 per cent possess sheep and poultry birds respectively. In case of semi medium farmers, 50 per 3 cent of the households possess both bullock and local cow correspondingly, 16.67 per cent of the households possess buffalo.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.56, average own labour (women) available was 1.33, average hired labour (men) available was 22.16 and average hired labour (women) available was 21.63.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.18, average own labour (women) was also 1.18, average hired labour (men) was 11.65 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.18. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 1.72, average own labour (women) was 1.28, average hired labour (men) was 30.28 and average hired labour (women) available was 30.28. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 2, average hired labour (men) was 25 and average hired labour (women) available was 21.67. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was 30 and average hired labour (women) available was 32.50.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate which includes 94.12 per cent of the marginal farmers, 94.74 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium and medium farmers and 2.04 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Kalakeri micro watershed possess 28.05 ha (62.87 %) of dry land and 16.57 ha (37.13 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 10.26 ha (98.07 %) of dry land and 0.20 ha (1.93%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 15.25 ha (70.99 %) of dry land and 6.23 ha (29.01 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.54 ha (29.46 %) of dry land and 6.09 ha (70.54 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.05 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 495354.20 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 633488.03. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 682051.27 for dry land and Rs. 1482000 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 419532.91 for dry land Rs. 737792.21 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 196656.04 for dry land and Rs. 706183.51 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 321100 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 7 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 39.13 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 39.76 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 0. 20 ha of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 9.06 ha of irrigated land, semi medium farmers were having 8.05 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 8.10 ha of irrigated land. On an average there were 25.41 ha of irrigated land. 4  The results indicated that, farmers have grown bajra (12.09 ha), maize (83.02 ha), paddy (1.82 ha) and sesamum (0.81ha) in kharif season. Also grown chilly (1.21 ha), cow pea (2.24 ha), groundnut (3.63 ha), paddy (0.40 ha), sunflower (3.04ha) and tomato (0.08 ha) in Rabi season. Marginal farmers have grown Maize, Bajra, sesamum, cowpea and groundnut. Small farmers have grown bajra, maize, paddy, cowpea, groundnut and tomato. Semi medium farmers have grown Maize, bajra, chilly, cowpea, groundnut and sunflower. Medium farmers have grown bajra, maize and sunflower.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Kalakeri micro watershed was found to be 177.17 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 527.38 per cent, in small farmers it was 92.17, in semi medium farmers it was 79.59 and in medium farmers it was 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, 41.30 per cent of the households have bank account and savings respectively. Among marginal farmers 58.82 percent of them possess both bank account and savings. 36.84 per cent of small farmers possess both bank account and savings correspondingly. Semi medium farmers possess 16.67 per cent of both bank account and savings respectively and medium category of farmers possess 50 per cent of bank account and also savings correspondingly.  The results indicated that, 58.82 per cent of marginal, 31.58 per cent of small and 50 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 11.76 per cent have availed loan in commercial bank and friends/ relatives correspondingly, 52.94 per cent have availed loan from Grameena bank, 23.52 per cent have availed loan from money lender and 29.41 per cent have availed loan from SHGs/CBOs.  The results indicated that, marginal, small and medium have availed Rs.37500, Rs. 90166.67 and Rs. 200000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 62000.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  The results indicated that, agriculture production, purchase–agricultural implements/ farm machinery, purchase-vehicle, household consumption and social functions like marriage reasons were the purpose for which marginal and small farmers borrowed loan from private credit. About 54.55 percent of loan was taken for agriculture production, 9.09 per cent of the loan was taken for purchase–agricultural implements/ farm machinery, purchase-vehicle, household consumption respectively and 18.18 per cent of the farmers taken loan for social functions like marriage.  Results indicated that 9.09 per cent of the households have repaid their institutional credit partially and 90.91 percent of the households have unpaid their loan. 5  Results indicated that 27.27 per cent of the households have repaid their private credit partially, 54.55 percent of the households have unpaid their loan and 18.18 per cent of them fully paid their loan.  The results indicated that 9.09 per cent of the households were opined that they were helped to perform timely agricultural operations, higher rate of interest and forced to sell the produce at low price to repay loan in time respectively.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 32955.96. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 29877.63. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -3078.33, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.91.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 48488.33. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 94802.50. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 46314.17. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.96.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 42321.23. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 60771.15. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 18449.91. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.44.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sesamum was Rs. 11003.14. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 20748.00. The net income from Sesamum cultivation was Rs. 9744.86. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.89.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Chilly was Rs. 18128.02. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 75746.67. The net income from Chilly cultivation was Rs. 57618.64. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:4.18.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Cowpea was Rs. 32618.68. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 16444.98. The net income from Cowpea cultivation was Rs. -16173.70. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.5.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 75670.65. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 82435.19. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 6764.53. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.09.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 21608.43. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 19142.50. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. -2465.93. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.89.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Tomato was Rs. 148312.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 493999.99. The net income from Tomato cultivation was Rs. 345687.50. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.33.  The results indicated that, 32.65 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 2.04 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate. 6 Similarly 28.57 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate and 2.04 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was inadequate.  The results indicated that the average income from service/salary was Rs. 3,918.37, business Rs. 1,530.61, wage Rs. 38,653.06, agriculture Rs. 61,736.73, dairy farm Rs. 612.24 and goat framing Rs. 1,020.41.  The results indicated that the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs. 816.33, business Rs. 979.59, wage Rs. 8,326.53, agriculture Rs. 33,040.82, dairy farm Rs. 204.08 and goat farming Rs. 510.20.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 105 coconut trees and 21 mango tree in their field.  The results indicated that, households have planted 1 Eucalyptus tree, 4 teak trees, 97 neem trees, 16 tamarind tress and 4 banyan trees in their field and also grown 2 Neem tree in the backyard.  The results indicated that for 2.04 per cent of the households were dependent on government subsidy for land development, irrigation facility and improved crop production respectively.  The results indicated that, Bajra, Chilly, Cowpea, Paddy, Sesamum and Tomato crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Groundnut, maize and sunflower were sold to the extent of 56.32 per cent, 75.89 per cent and 75 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, 75.51 percent of the households have sold their produce to agent/traders, 18.37 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant and 26.53 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets.  The results indicated that 24.49 per cent of the households have used head load as a mode of transport, 32.65 per cent of them have used cart and 63.27 per cent have used tractor.  The results indicated that, 36.73 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 14.29 per cent of the households have adopted field bunding which includes 23.53 per cent of marginal, 10.53 per cent of small farmers and 16.67 per cent of semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households who adopted field bunding opined that full replacement is required for the bunds.  The results indicated that 10.20 per cent of soil conservation structure is constructed by the government and 4.08 per cent is constructed by others.  The results indicated that, 71.43 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel, 24.49 percent of the households used LPG and 4.08 per cent of the households used dung cake as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 51.02 per cent, 36.73 per cent of them were using bore well and 10.20 per cents of the households were using lake/tank for drinking water. 7  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 48.98 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 20 per cent of landless, 47.06 per cent of marginal, 42.11 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium and 50 per cent of medium had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 95.92 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 4.08 per cent of the sampled households have not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 32.65 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 60 per cent of the landless, 17.65 percent of the marginal, 15.79 per cent of the small, 100 per cent of the semi medium and 50 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits , milk, egg and meat were adequate for 100 per cent, 83.67 per cent, 57.14 per cent, 69.39 per cent, 20.41 per cent, 91.84 per cent, 81.63 per cent and 63.27 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, vegetables, fruits and meat were inadequate for 26.53 per cent of the households. Pulses, oilseed, milk and egg were inadequate for 16.33 per cent, 42.86 per cent, 6.12 per cent and 10.20 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 38.78 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (67.35%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (57.14%), inadequacy of irrigation water (30.61%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (44.90%), high rate of interest on credit (53.06%), low price for the agricultural commodities (34.69%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (46.94%), inadequate extension services (26.53%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (38.78%), less rain fall (48.98%) and Source of Agri-technology information(Newspaper/TV/Mobile) (18.37 %).