LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT NIRLIGI-1 (4D4A2Q4g) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Nirligi-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 684 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 85 per cent is covered by soils and 15 per cent by habitation and water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 12 soil series and 25 soil phases (management units) and 5 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 3 per cent of the soils are very shallow (<25 cm), 10 per cent are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 4 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm), 49 per cent area has deep (100-150 cm) and 19 per cent area has very deep (>150 cm) soils.  An area of about 12 per cent has loamy soils and 73 per cent has clayey soils at the surface.  About 50 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 30 per cent gravelly (15-35% gravel) and 4 per cent very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  About 13 per cent are very low (<50 mm/m), 36 per cent low (51-100 mm/m), 14 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 22 per cent high (151-200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 4 per cent area has nearly level (0-1%), and 80 per cent area has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands in the microwatershed.  An area of about 19 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 65 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  About <1 per cent area has slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 5 per cent are neutral (pH 6.5- 7.3), 44 per cent are slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 28 per cent are moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) and 8 per cent area are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) 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 2 per cent, 43 per cent is medium (0.5-0.75%) and 39 per cent is high (>0.75%) in soils.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in 1 per cent, medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 75 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 9 per cent area of the microwatershed.  About 26 per cent are medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 59 per cent soils are high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium content.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 57 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) is 27 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in <1 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about <1 per cent, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 84 per cent and <1 per cent is high (>1.0 ppm) in soils.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 52 percent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 32 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 48 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in about 36 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 193 (28) 78 (11) Sapota 54 (8) 41 (6) Maize 54 (8) 217 (32) Pomegranate 54 (8) 216 (32) Bajra 89 (13) 206 (30) Musambi 168 (25) 102 (15) Groundnut 68 (10) 248 (36) Lime 168 (25) 102 (15) Sunflower 168 (25) 101 (15) Amla 95 (14) 465 (68) Red gram 54 (8) 217 (32) Cashew - 27 (4) Bengalgram 139 (20) 200 (29) Jackfruit 54 (8) 41 (6) Cotton 160 (23) 111 (16) Jamun 21 (3) 226 (33) Chilli 54 (8) 41 (6) Custard apple 233 (34) 326 (48) Tomato 54 (8) 41 (6) Tamarind 21 (3) 263 (38) Brinjal 6 (1) 487 (71) Mulberry 89 (13) 327 (48) Onion - 317 (46) Marigold 54 (8) 216 (32) Bhendi - 492 (72) Chrysanthemum 54 (8) 216 (32) Drumstick 54 (8) 439 (64) Jasmine 54 (8) 41 (6) Mango 21 (3) 92 (13) Crossandra 54 (8) 156 (23) Guava 33 (5) 62 (9)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 5 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 THE STUDY  Results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Nirligi-1 micro watershed among them 4 (11.43 %) were marginal farmers, 10 (28.57 %) were small farmers, 3 (8.57 %) were semi medium farmers, 12 (34.29%) were medium farmers, 1(2.86%) was large farmer and 5 (14.29 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 170 population households in the studied micro watershed. Among them 85 (50%) men and 85(50 %) were women. The average family size of landless, marginal, small and large farmers was 5, semi medium and medium farmer was 6.  The data indicated that 39 (22.94%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 73 (42.94 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 51 (30 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 7 (4.12%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Nirligi-1 had 23.53 per cent illiterates, 32.35 per cent of them had primary school education, 11.18 per cent of them had middle school, 11.76 per cent of them had high school education, 12.94 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.18 per cent of them had diploma and ITI education, 4.12 per cent of them had degree education and 0.59 per cent them had masters.  The results indicated that, 71.43 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 20 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 2.86 per cent of them were general labour, in government service and housewives respectively.  The results indicated that agriculture was the occupation for 51.18 per cent of the household members, 10.59 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.59 per cent of them were general labour, in government service, housewives and children’s respectively. 4.71 per cent were in private service and 30 per cent were students. In case of landless farmers, 45.45 per cent were agricultural labour and students respectively. In case of marginal farmers 55 per cent were agriculturist, 10 percent was in private service and 25 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 65.79 per cent of them were agriculturist, 2.63 per cent of them were private service and 31.58 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 64.71 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 11.76 per cent were in private service and 23.53 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers 56.52 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 10.14 per cent of them were general labours, 1.14 per cent were in government service, 4.35 per cent were in private service and 26.09 per cent were students. In case of large farmers 25 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, agriculture labour and 50 per cent of them were students. 2  The results showed that 1.76 per cent of the household participated in self help group, 0.59 per cent of the households participated in user group and 97.65 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 34.29 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 42.86 per cent of the household possess thatched house and 22.86 per cent of the households possess Pucca house.  The results showed that, 94.29 per cent of the households possess TV, 91.43 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 34.29 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 42.86 per cent of the household possess motor cycle and 100 per cent of the households possess mobile.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs.4757; the average value of television was mixer grinder was Rs.1312, the average value of television was bicycle was Rs. 1333, the average value of television was motor cycle was Rs.34333 and the average value of television was mobile phone was Rs.1569.  Data showed that 25.71 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 31.43 per cent of them possess plough, 2.86 per cent of the households possess power tiller and tractor, 17.14 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 100 per cent of the households possess weeder, 2.86 per cent of them possess thresher and 11.43 per cent of them possess chaff cutter.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.18222; the average value of plough was Rs. 970, the average value of power tiller was Rs. 25000, the average value of tractor was Rs. 600000, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 4666, the average value of weeder was Rs.30, the average value of thresher was Rs.15000 and the average value of chaff cutter was Rs. 3000.  The results indicated that, 34.29 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 20 per cent of the households possess local cow and 2.86 per cent of the household possess cross bread cow and buffalo respectively.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.67, average own labour (women) available was 1.47, average hired labour (men) available was 10.87 and average hired labour (women) available was 10.77.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.75, average own labour (women) was also 1.25, average hired labour (men) was 9.50 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.50. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 1.20, average own labour (women) was 1.40, average hired labour (men) was 15.40 and average hired labour (women) available was 14.40. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.67, average own labour (women) was 1.33, average hired labour (men) was 14 and average hired labour (women) available was also 14. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2.08, average own labour 3 (women) was 1.67, average hired labour (men) was 7.08 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.92. In large farmers average own labour men available was 1, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was 7 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.  The data showed that, in case of landless farmers 20 per cent of the household possess bullock and local cow. In case of marginal farmers, 25 per cent of the households possess bullock. In case of small farmers, 50 per cent of households possess bullock. In case of semi medium farmers, 33.33 per cent of the households possess cross bread cow. In medium farmers, 41.67 per cent of the households possess bullock, 50 per cent of the household possess local cow and 8.33 per cent of the household possess buffalo.  The results indicated that, 88.57 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Nirligi-1 micro watershed possess 29.29 ha (43.12%) of dry land and 38.64 ha (56.88%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 2.65 ha (84.52 %) of dry land and 0.49ha (15.48%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 12.90 ha (94.10 %) of dry land and 0.81 ha (5.90%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 0.41 ha (11.31%) of dry land and 3.24 ha (88.69%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.48 ha (12.55%) of dry land and 31.21 ha (87.45%) of irrigated land and large farmers possess 8.85 ha (75.33%) of dry land and 2.90 ha (24.67 %) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 225,259.29 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 408,356.92. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 527,938.93 for dry land and Rs. 1,029,166.63 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 186,005.65 for dry land and Rs. 741,000 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 1,937,254.94 for dry land and was Rs. 586,625 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 178,501.79 for dry land and was Rs. 371,573.08 for irrigated land. In large farmers the average land value was Rs. 135,590.12 for dry land and Rs. 172,486.04 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 10 functioning and 3 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 28.57 per cent of the farmers, 5.71 per cent of households were using canal as a source of irrigation and 2.86 per cent of the farmers were using tank for irrigation.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 0.49 ha of irrigated land and semi medium farmers were having 1.21 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers having 28.57 ha irrigated land. On an average there were 30.57 ha of irrigated land. 4  The results indicated that, farmers have grown bajra (4.20 ha), cotton (6.88 ha), groundnut (5.75 ha), maize (30.73 ha), navane (2.43 ha), onion (3.32 ha), red gram (1.34 ha) and sunflower (0.81 ha) in kharif season. Marginal and small farmers have grown groundnut, maize, onion and sunflower. Semi medium farmers have grown bajra, cotton and onion. Medium farmers have grown bajra, cotton, groundnut, maize and onion. Large farmers have grown bajra and navane.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Nirligi-1 micro watershed was found to be 72.63 per cent. In case of marginal and small farmers cropping intensity was 100 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 99.56 per cent, in medium farmers it was 61.06 per cent and in case of large farmers it was 74.53 per cent.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have bank account and 42.86 per cent of having savings. Among land less farmers 100 per cent of the household possess bank account; marginal farmers 100 percent of them possess both bank account and 75 per cent of the household possess savings. 100 per cent of small, farmers possess per cent of bank account and 90 per cent possess savings, in semi medium farmers 100 per cent of the farmers possess bank account and 66.67 per cent savings, in case of medium farmers 100 per cent of the farmers possess bank account and 8.33 per cent of them possess savings and large category of farmers possess 100 per cent of bank account.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of marginal, small, semi medium and large farmers and 66.67 per cent of the medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 23.08 per cent have availed loan in commercial bank, 3.85 per cent have availed loan from Cooperative Bank, money lender and SHGs/CBOs respectively. 38.46 per cent have availed loan from Grameena bank and 15.38 per cent of the household’s availed loan from friends/relatives.  The results indicated that, marginal, small, semi medium, medium and large farmers have availed Rs. 130000, Rs. 79000, Rs. 178333.33, Rs. 66,250 and Rs.50000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 94807.69.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  The results indicated that, 85.71per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production and 14.29 per cent of the household barrowed money for household consumption.  . Results indicated that 82.35 percent of the households have unpaid their institutional loan and 17.65 per cent of them fully paid their institutional loan. 5  Results indicated that 14.29 percent of the households have partially paid their private credit and 85.71 per cent of the households have unpaid their private credit.  The results indicated that 23.53 per cent of the households were opined that they were helped to perform timely agricultural operations and 11.76 per cent opined that higher rate of interest.  The results indicated that 14.29 per cent of the households were opined that loan amount was adequate to fulfill the requirement and 28.57 per cent opined that higher rate of interest.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 34996.06. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 26639.98. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -8356.08. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.76.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 27652.39. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 94691.73. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 67039.34. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.42.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 30764.01. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 50101.70. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 19337.69. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.63.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 161340.12. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 30924.25. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. -130415.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.19.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for navane was Rs. 11505.44. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 22230. The net income from navane cultivation was Rs. 10724.56. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.93.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for red gram was Rs. 19733.93. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 38835.54. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 19101.62. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.97.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for onion was Rs. 37429.69. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 104434.69. The net income from onion cultivation was Rs. 67005. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.79.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sunflower was Rs. 26987.81. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 50388. The net 6 income from sunflower cultivation was Rs. 23400.19. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.87.  The results indicated that, 57.14 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 8.57 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The table indicated that the in case of landless farmers the average annual income from wage was Rs.28000 and dairy farm was Rs.600, in marginal farmers, average income from service/salary was Rs.3750, business was Rs.60000, wage was Rs.27500 and agriculture Rs. 46950. In case of small farmers the average income from wage was Rs. 81700 and agriculture was Rs.47610. In semi medium farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.33333.33, wage was Rs.6000 and agriculture was Rs.97666.67. Medium farmer’s average income from service/salary was Rs.5000, business was Rs.1666.67, wage was Rs.15666.67, agriculture was Rs.99166.67 and dairy farm was Rs.4416.67. Similarly in large farmers the average income from wage was Rs.20000 and agriculture was Rs.110000.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal, the average annual expenditure from business was Rs. 170000 and agriculture was Rs.26750. In case of small farmers the average annual expenditure from agriculture was Rs. 25300. In case of semi medium farmers the average expenditure from agriculture was Rs.55666.67 and dairy farm was Rs. 17000. In medium farmers the average annual expenditure from business was Rs.12000 and agriculture was Rs.45818.18.In large farmers the average expenditure from agriculture was Rs. 50000.  The results indicate that, households have an average additional investment capacity of Rs. 3285.71 for land development and Rs. 1600 in irrigation facility, Rs.1742.86 for improved crop production and Rs.142.86 for improved livestock management. Marginal farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs. 2500 for land development and Rs. 2000 in improved crop production. Medium farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs.7500 for land development, Rs.4000 for irrigation facility, Rs. 4416.67 for improved crop production and Rs. 416.67 for improved livestock management. Large farmers have an average additional investment of Rs.15000 for land development and have an investment capacity of Rs. 8000 for irrigation facility.  The results indicated that for 5.71 per cent and 20 per cent of the households were dependent on loan from the bank and soft loan for land development respectively. For irrigation facility 14.29 per cent of household were dependent on loan from the bank and 5.71 per cent of the household were dependent on soft loan. 11.43 per cent of the household were depending on loan from bank and soft loan for 7 improved crop production respectively. 2.86 per cent of the household were dependent on loan from bank for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, bajra, cotton, groundnut, navane, onion, red gram and sunflower crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Only maize was sold to the extent of 93.79 per cent.  The results indicated that, 88.57 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant and 22.86 percent of the households have sold their produce to regulated market.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of households used tractor as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 42.86 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 25 percent of marginal farmers, 33.33 per cent of semi medium farmers, 100 percent of medium farmers and 100 per cent of the large farmers.  The results indicated that, 91.43 percent of the household used fire wood as a source of fuel, 2.86 per cent of the household used kerosene and 25.71 per cent of the household used LPG as source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 60 per cent of the households and 40 per cent of the household were using bore well as a source of drinking water.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 45.71 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 40 per cent of the landless, 100 per cent of marginal, 50 per cent of small, 66.67 per cent of semi medium, 8.33 per cent of medium and 100 per cent of large farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled household’s possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 91.43 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 20 per cent of the landless and 100 percent of the marginal, small, semi medium, medium farmers and large farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals and pulses were adequate for 97.14 per cent of the household respectively. Oilseed were adequate for 2.86 per cent of the households, vegetables were adequate for 77.14 per cent of the households, milk were adequate for 88.57 per cent of the households, egg were adequate for 57.14 per cent of the households and meat were adequate for 25.71 per cent of the household. 8  The results indicated that, cereals and pulses were inadequate for 2.86 per cent of the household. Oilseed, vegetables, fruits, milk, egg and meat were inadequate for 57.14 per cent, 22.86 per cent, 74.29 per cent, 5.71 per cent, 42.86 per cent and 71.43 per cent of the household respectively.  . The results indicated that, oilseed and fruits were inadequate for 40 per cent and 25.71 per cent of the household respectively.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 82.86 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (68.57%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (54.29%), inadequacy of irrigation water (57.14%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (48.57%), high rate of interest on credit (48.57%), low price for the agricultural commodities (77.14%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (62.86%), inadequate extension services (57.14 %), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (48.57%) and less rain fall (11.43%) .