LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KUNIKERI TANDA-2 (4D3A1Z1b) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Kunikeri Tanda-2 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 407 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 92 per cent is covered by soil, <1 per cent by rockout crops and 8 per cent by water bodies, settlements The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 23 soil phases (management units) and 4 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 <1 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), <1 per cent by moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 10 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm), 81 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 72 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 20 per cent has clayey (clay) soils at the surface.  About 16 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 60 per cent has gravelly (15-35 % gravel) and 16 per cent has very gravelly (35-60%) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 10 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 65 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 8 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 9 per cent area is high (151-200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 4 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 89 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 39 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 53 per cent is moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about 3 per cent is strongly acid (pH 5.0 to 5.5), 7 per cent is moderately acid, (pH 5.5 to 6.0), 44 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 32 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3), 6 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8) and < 1 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are <2 dsm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is low (<0.5%) in 48 per cent and medium (0.5-0.75%) in 44 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available phosphorus is medium (<23 kg/ha) in 76 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 16 per cent area of the soils.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in 49 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 41 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 3 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in the entire area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5ppm) in 37 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 55 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  The land suitability for 31 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 23(6) 63(15) Sapota 54(13) 71(18) Maize 9(2) 76 (19) Pomegranate 54(13) 71(18) Bajra 55(13) 72(18) Guava 23(6) 103(25) Redgram 35(9) 49(12) Jackfruit 54(13) 71(18) Bengal gram - 85(21) Jamun 13(3) 112(27) Groundnut 23 (6) 336(82) Musambi 54(13) 71(18) Sunflower 35(9) 49 (12) Lime 54(13) 71(18) Cotton 26(6) 59(15) Cashew 23(6) 103(25) Chilli 35(9) 50(12) Custard apple 68(17) 305(75) Tomato 35(9) 50(12) Amla 68(17) 305(75) Brinjal 58(14) 274(67) Tamarind 13(3) 155 (38) Onion 16(4) 316(78) Marigold 23(6) 63(15) Bhendi 16(4) 316(78) Chrysanthemum 23(6) 63 (15) Drumstick 68(18) 263(65) Jasmine 23(6) 63(15) Mulberry 68(17) 304(75) Crossandra 23(6) 63(15) Mango 13(3) 71(17) - - -  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 4 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 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 88 (58.67%) men and 62 (41.33%) were women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers was 4.5, marginal farmers’ was 4.13, small farmers’ was 4.67, semi medium farmers’ was 4.70 and medium farmers’ was 4.17.  The data indicated that, 18 (12%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 72 (48%) were in 16-35 years of age, 50 (33.33%) were in 36-60 years of age and 10 (6.67%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Kunikeri tanda-2 had 37.33 per cent illiterates, 0.67 per cent functional literates, 22 per cent of them had primary school education, 6 per cent of them had middle school education, 19.33 per cent of them had high school education, 6.67 per cent of them had PUC education, 2 per cent of them did diploma, 2.67 per cent of them had degree education and 1 person was doing masters.  The results indicate that, 90.91 per cent of households practicing agriculture and 3.03 per cent were general laborers.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 76.67 per cent of the household members, 1.33 per cent were agricultural labourers, 1.33 per cent were general laborers, 0.67 per cent had household industry, 0.67 per cent were in government service, 0.67 per cent were retired, 14.67 per cent were students and 3.33 per cent were children.  The results show that 0.67 per cent of the households participated in user group, 0.67 per cent participated in raitha sangha and 98.67 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 66.67 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 33.33 per cent of the households possess semi pucca house.  The results shows that 96.97 per cent of the households possess TV, 81.82 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 6.06 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 63.64 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 90.91 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results shows that the average value of television was Rs.8531, mixer grinder was Rs.1865, motor cycle was Rs.33130, mobile phone was Rs.2081 and bicycle was Rs.2500.  About 24.24 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 39.39 per cent of them possess plough, 18.18 per cent of them possess tractor, 69.70 per cent of them posses sprayer, 6.06 per cent possess irrigation pump, 6.06 per cent possess power tiller, 9.09 per cent possess sprinkler, 3.03 per cent possess JCB/Hitachi and 72.73 per cent of them possess weeder. 2  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.17125, the average value of plough was Rs.1576, the average value of irrigation pump was Rs.60000, the average value of power tiller was Rs.22500, the average value of tractor was Rs.471428, the average value of sprayer was Rs.4256, the average value of sprinkler was Rs.13000, the average value of weeder was Rs.96 and the average value of JCB/Hitachi was Rs.800000.  The results indicate that, 15.15 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 24.24 per cent of the households possess local cow, 18.18 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow, 15.15 per cent of the households possess buffalo and 9.09 per cent of the households possess goat.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.79, average own labour (women) available was 1.55, average hired labour (men) available was 8.38 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.12.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households in the micro watershed opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Kunikeri tanda-2 micro watershed possess 27.78 ha (48.17%) of dry land and 29.89 ha (51.83%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 3.48 ha (86.62%) of dry land and 0.54 ha (13.38%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 5.17 ha (67.03%) of dry land and 2.54 ha (32.97%) of irrigated land. Semi medium possess 19.13 ha (74.47%) of dry land and 6.56 ha (25.53%) of irrigated land and medium farmers possess 20.25 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 273,484.85 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 394,664.86. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 659,814.17 for dry land and Rs. 2,042,857.12. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 348,159.75 for dry land and Rs. 786,624.21. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 182,924.25 for dry land and Rs. 426,913.59 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value Rs. 291,227.02 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 17 functioning and 4 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 48.57 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 47.46 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal farmers had irrigated area of 0.99 hectares, small farmers had 2.49 hectares, semi medium farmers had 5.03 hectares and medium farmers had 24.19 hectares.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown Bajra (10.83 ha), Banana (0.81 ha), Chilly (0.4 ha), Greengram (0.87 ha), Groundnut (4.15 ha), Maize (14.83 ha), Paddy (2.69 ha), Redgram (5.26 ha), Sugarcane (13.21), and Cowpea (0.4 ha). 3  Marginal farmers have grown bajra, groundnut, maize and paddy. Small farmers have grown bajra, greengram, maize, sugarcane and cowpea. Semi medium farmers have grown bajra, chilly, groundnut, maize, paddy, redgram and sugarcane. Medium farmers have grown banana, groundnut, maize, redgram and sugarcane.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Kunikeri tanda-2 micro watershed was found to be 83.68 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 92.21 per cent, for small farmers it was 89.90 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 87.96 per cent and medium farmers had cropping intensity of 74.84 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 47267.81. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31175.46. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. -16092.35, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.66.  The total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 40976.20. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 35863.76. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. - 5112.44. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.88.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 41034.52. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 48946.42. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 7911.89. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.19.  The total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 33799.68. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46198.15. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. 12398.47. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.37.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 50787.55. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 93527.14. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 42739.59. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.84.  The total cost of cultivation for red gram was Rs. 18383.80. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 33592. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 15208.20. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.83.  The total cost of cultivation for chilly was Rs. 48908.01. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 74100. The net income from chilly cultivation was Rs. 25191.99. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.52.  The total cost of cultivation for sugarcane was Rs. 61303.84. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 234604.72. The net income from sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 173300.88. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.83.  The total cost of cultivation for cowpea was Rs. 45586.65. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 39026. The net income from cowpea cultivation was Rs. - 6560.65. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.86.  The total cost of cultivation for banana was Rs. 74552.13. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 111150. The net income from banana cultivation was Rs. 36597.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.49.  The results indicate that, 6.06 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate. 4  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs.134000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs.46700, for small farmers it was Rs.76933, for semi medium farmers it was Rs.91900 and for medium farmers it was Rs.285182.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 9819.95. For landless households it was Rs.40000, for marginal farmers it was Rs 3043.75, for small farmers it was Rs. 7750, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 7483.33 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 14053.57.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 24 coconut and 3 mango trees in their field. Farmers have also grown 1 coconut tree in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 37 neem trees, 7 tamarind trees and 34 banyan trees.  The results indicated that, bajra, banana, chilly, cowpea, greengram, maize and paddy were marketed to the extent of 100 per cent. Groundnut was marketed to the extent of 86.84 per cent, redgram was marketed to the extent of 85.71 per cent and sugarcane was marketed to the extent of 91.27 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 60.61 per cent of the households have sold their produce to agents/traders, 21.21 per cent of the households sold their produce to local/village, another 9.09 per cent have sold their produce in cooperative marketing society, and 39.39 per cent have sold in regulated markets.  The results indicated that 51.52 per cent have used cart, 72.73 per cent have used tractor and 6.06 per cent of the farmers have used truck as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 81.82 per cent of the households, bore well was the source of drinking water for 6.06 per cent of the households, lake/tank was the source of drinking water for 3.03 per cent of the households and canal/nala was the source of drinking water for 6.06 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 93.94 percent used fire wood and 3.03 percent of the households used LPG as a source of domestic fuel.  Electricity was the major source of light for 93.94 per cent of the households and kerosene lamp was the source of light for 3.03per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 51.52 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 50 per cent of landless, 12.50 per cent of marginal, 16.67 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium and 57.14 per cent of medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 93.94 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 3.03 per cent did not possess PDS card.  The results indicated that, 42.42 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme. 5  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 90.91 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 42.42 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 27.27 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 63.64 per cent, fruits were adequate for 54.55 per cent, milk was adequate for 81.82 per cent, eggs were adequate for 51.52 per cent and meat was adequate for 51.52 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, cereals were inadequate for 3.03 per cent of the households, pulses were inadequate for 51.52 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 66.67 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 30.30 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 33.33 per cent, milk was inadequate for 12.12 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 36.36 per cent and meat was inadequate for 36.36 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 30.30 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (12.12%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (57.58%), inadequacy of irrigation water (9.09%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (93.94%), high rate of interest on credit (81.82%), low price for the agricultural commodities (33.33%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (66.67%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (84.85%), less rainfall (96.97%), inadequate extension services (3.03%) and source of agri-technology information (75.76%).