LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KEREHALLI-1 (4D3A9E2d) MICRO WATERSHED Hitnal Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Kerehalli-1 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 362 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 76 per cent is covered by soils, 4 per cent by mining and industrial, 10 per cent by rock outcrops and 10 per cent is by water bodies. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 13 soil phases (management units) and 7 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 76 per cent is suitable for agriculture.  About 4 per cent of the soils are shallow to moderately shallow (25-75 cm), 59 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm) and 14 per cent soils are very deep (>150 cm).  About 15 per cent area in the microwatershed has sandy soils, 37 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 25 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  About 31 per cent area has non-gravelly (<15% gravel) soils and 45 per cent has gravelly to very gravelly (15-60% gravel) soils.  About 54 per cent area is very low to low (<50-100 mm/m), 17 per cent area is medium (101-150 mm/m) and 5 per cent area is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 14 per cent area of the microwatershed has nearly level (0-1% slope) lands and 63 per cent area of the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  An area of about 54 per cent area is moderately (e2) eroded and about 23 per cent area is slightly (e1) eroded.  An area of about 18 per cent soils are strongly acid to slightly acid (pH 5.0-6.5), 19 per cent soils are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 39 per cent soil are slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 7.3-9.0) and 1 per cent soil 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 54 per cent area and high (>0.75%) in 22 per cent area.  An area of about 28 per cent is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and 48 per cent is high (>57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  An area of about 76 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) and <1 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 75 per cent and medium (10 -20 ppm) in 2 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 35 per cent, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 42 per cent and high (>1.0 ppm) in <1per cent area of the microwatershed.  An area of about 68 per cent is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) and 9 per cent is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in available iron content.  Entire cultivated area is sufficient (>1.0 ppm) in available manganese content.  Entire cultivated area is sufficient (>0.2 ppm) in available copper content.  Entire cultivated area 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 - 133(37) Sapota <1(<1) 168(46) Maize - 163(45) Pomegranate <1(<1) 187(52) Bajra 66(18) 154(43) Guava - 168(46) Groundnut 66(18) 180(50) Jackfruit <1(<1) 168(46) Sunflower <1(<1) 130(36) Jamun - 142(39) Cotton <1(<1) 133(37) Musambi <1(<1) 187(52) Red gram <1(<1) 130(36) Lime <1(<1) 187(52) Bengalgram 16(4) 117(32) Cashew - 123(34) Chilli <1(<1) 114(31) Custard apple 66(18) 166(45) Tomato <1(<1) 114(31) Amla 66(18) 166(45) Brinjal 66(18) 142(39) Tamarind - 19(5) Onion 66(18) 139(38) Marigold - 133(37) Bhendi 66(18) 142(39) Chrysanthemum - 133(37) Drumstick <1(<1) 172(47) Jasmine - 114(31) Mulberry <1(<1) 229(63) Crossandra - 114(31) Mango - <1(<1)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 7 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 STUDY  The data indicated that there were 114 (62.30%) men and 69 (37.70%) women in the micro watershed.  The average family size of landless was 4.8, marginal farmers were 4, small farmers were 5.37, semi medium farmer were 5.25 and medium farmers were 5.25.  The data indicated that 32 (17.49%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 84 (45.90%) were in 16-35 years of age, 57 (31.15%) were in 36-60 years of age and 10 (5.46%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Kerehalli-1 had 36.07 per cent illiterates, 39.89 per cent of them had primary school education, 3.28 per cent of them had both middle schools, 7.10 per cent of them had high school education, 7.10 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.55 per cent them had ITI and 4.92 per cent them had degree education.  The results indicated that, 84.62 per cent of households practicing agriculture and 15.38 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 21.31 per cent of the household members, 53.55 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.55 per cent were general labours, 1.64 per cent of them were in private sector, 21.31 per cent of them were students and 1.09 per cent of them were children.  The results showed that 100 per cent of population have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 12.82 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 69.23 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 7.69 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house and 10.26 per cent of them possess semi pucca house.  The results showed that, 92.31 per cent of the households possess TV, 84.62 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 25.64 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 33.33 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 94.87 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs. 4,611, mixer grinder was Rs. 1,612, bicycle was Rs. 1,881, motor cycle was Rs. 39,384 and mobile phone was Rs. 1,878.  Data indicated that, 7.69 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 12.82 per cent of them possess plough, 2.56 per cent of them possess irrigation pump, 2.56 per cent of them possess tractor, 20.51 per cent possess sprayer, 7.69 per cent possess thresher and 76.92 per cent possess weeder.  The results showed that, the average value of bullock cart was Rs.19,333, plough was Rs.5.428, irrigation pump was Rs.50,000, tractor was Rs.500,000, sprayer was Rs.2,938, weeder was Rs.21 and thresher was Rs.271. 2  The results indicated that, 25.64 per cent of the households possess both bullocks, 7.69 per cent of the households possess local cow and buffalo, 2.56 per cent of the households possess sheep and 58.97 per cent of the households did not possess any livestock.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2.03, average own labour (women) available was 1.38, average hired labour (men) available was 9.13 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.97.  The results indicated that, 10.26 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate and 89.74 per cent of the households opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Kerehalli-1 micro-watershed possess 30.17 ha (60.23%) of dry land and 19.92 ha (39.77%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 5.92 ha (90.98%) of dry land and 0.59 ha (9.02%). Small farmers possess 7.44 ha (75.15%) of dry land and 2.46 ha (24.85%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 11.14 ha (52.05%) of dry land and 10.26 ha (47.95%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 5.67 ha (46.16%) of dry land and 6.61 ha (53.84%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 274,996.65 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 421,535.96. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 675,324.67 for dry land and Rs. 2,044,137.99 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 295,486.68 for dry land Rs. 568,750.01 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 152,524.52 for dry land and Rs. 409,069.39 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 70,571.43 for dry land and Rs. 242,008.57 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 17 functioning and 16 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 43.59 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 29.78 meters.  The results indicated that, marginal farmers had 0.42 ha of irrigated land, small farmers had 1.62 ha, semi medium farmers had 9.85 ha and medium farmers had 10.60 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown maize (28.22 ha), bajra (10.09 ha), groundnut (6.88 ha), paddy (2.62 ha), Bengal gram (1.33 ha), pearl millet (0.61 ha) and tomato (0.16 ha). Marginal farmers have grown maize, bajra, peralmillet and tomato. Small farmers had grown maize, bajra and groundnut. Semi medium farmers had grown maize, bajra, Bengal gram, paddy and groundnut. Medium farmers had grown maize, groundnut and paddy. 3  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Kerehalli-1 micro-watershed was found to be 73.83 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, in case small farmers it was 83.61 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 70.70 per cent and in case of medium farmers it was 63.57 per cent.  The results indicated that, 76.92 per cent of the households have bank account and savings.  The results indicated that, 81.82 per cent of marginal, 100 per cent of small, 81.82 per cent of the semi medium and 100 per cent of the medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 29561.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 28434.50. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -1126.84, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.96.  The total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 31339.67. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41126.68. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 9787.02. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.31.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 50686.81. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 114685.30. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 63998.48. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.26.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 45998.93. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 50527.97. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 4529.03. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.1.  The total cost of cultivation for Bengalgram was Rs. 36913.84. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 118680.49. The net income from Bengalgram cultivation was Rs. 81766.65. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.22.  The total cost of cultivation for Tomato was Rs. 191338.70. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 222300. The net income from Tomato cultivation was Rs. 30961.29. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.16.  The results indicated that, 10.26 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 2.56 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate. The results also showed that 20.51 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate and 2.56 per cent opined that green fodder was inadequate.  The table indicated that, the average annual income for landless farmers was Rs. 33,000, marginal farmers was Rs.36304.64, small farmers was Rs.62,700, semi medium farmers was Rs.129,754.55 and medium farmers was Rs.129,950.  The results indicated that, in case of landless farmers the average annual expenditure was Rs.5900, for marginal farmers the average annual expenditure was Rs.2433.88, for small farmers it was Rs.4062.50, for semi medium farmers it was Rs.7409.90 and in case of medium farmers was Rs.13,375. 4  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 32 coconut trees and 1 mango trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have planted 67 neem trees and 2 tamarind tress trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 4,487.18 for land development, Rs.666.67 for irrigation facility and Rs.743.59 for improved crop production.  The results indicated that government subsidy was the source of additional investment for 10.25 per cent for land development, for 7.69 per cent for irrigation facility, for 10.26 per cent for improved crop production. Own funds was the source of additional investment for 33.33 per cent for land development, for 2.56 per cent for irrigation facility, for 2.56 per cent for improved crop production. Soft loan was the source of additional investment for 33.33 per cent for land development, 2.56 per cent for irrigation facility and 2.56 per cent improved crop production.  The results indicated that, bajra was sold to the extent of 82.69 per cent, tomato to the extent of 100 per cent, groundnut to the extent of 79.57 per cent, maize to the extent of 79.64 per cent, paddy to the extent of 64.86 per cent and tomato was sold to the extent of 95.56 percent.  The results indicated that, 12.82 per cent of the households have sold their produce to agents/traders, 45.71 percent have sold to local/village merchant and 42.86 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets.  The results indicated that, 2.56 per cent of the households have carried head loads, 5.13 per cent of the households have used cart and100 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transport for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 35.90 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 45.45 percent of marginal farmers, 62.50 per cent of small farmers, 27.27 per cent of semi medium farmers and 25 per cent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 76.92 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 94.87 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel and 5.13 percent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 38.46 per cent and 64.10 per cent of them were using bore well.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 51.28 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of landless, 18.18 per cent of marginal, 100 per cent of the small, 9.09 per cent of the semi medium farmers and 100 per cent of the medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility. 5  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 53.85 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 100 per cent of the landless, 9.09 per cent of the marginal farmers, 100 per cent of the small farmers, 27.27 per cent of the semi medium farmers and 100 per cent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that cereals were adequate for 97.44 per cent, pulses were adequate for 87.18 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 33.33 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 41.03 per cent, fruits were adequate for 23.08, milk was adequate for 41.03 per cent, eggs were adequate for 35.90 and meat was adequate for 10.26 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, milk and eggs were inadequate for 15.38 per cent, 64.10 per cent, 53.85 per cent, 43.59 per cent, 15.38 per cent and 61.54 per cent of the households respectively.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 76.92 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (79.49%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (56.41%), inadequacy of irrigation water (5.13%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (23.08%), high rate of interest on credit (7.69%), low price for the agricultural commodities (25.64%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (10.26%), inadequate extension services (5.13%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market were (20.51%), less rainfall (48.72%) and Source of Agri-technology information(Newspaper/TV/Mobile) (23.08%).