LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CHINTALAPALLI (4D5B6A1b) MICROWATERSHED Gurumitkal Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Chintalapalli 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 the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behavior and use potentials of the soils in the microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 397 ha in Yadgir taluk & district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 866 mm, of which about 652 mm is received during south-west monsoon, 138 mm during north-east and the remaining 76 mm during the rest of the year. An area of 134 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 263 ha by forest and 0.40 ha by others (habitation and water body). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 3 soil series and 5 soil phases (management units) and 2 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 1st week of June to 4th week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 320 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 29 major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 134 ha area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 24 per cent are shallow (25-50 cm) soils and 10 per cent area is very deep (>150 cm) in the microwatershed.  About 3 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 30 per cent soil clayey at the surface.  Entire cultivated area in the microwatershed is non gravelly (<15%).  About 10 per cent area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity and 24 per cent is very low (<50 mm/m).  Entire cultivated area in the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  An area of about 21 per cent is moderately (e2) eroded and 13 per cent area is severely (e3) eroded.  An area of about 29 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) in soil reaction and 5 per cent area is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 - 7.8).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of entire soils of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  About 18 per cent of the soils are low (<0.5%) and 16 per cent of the soils are high (>0.75%) in organic carbon content.  About 3 per cent area is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus and 30 per cent is low (<23 kg/ha).  Entire cultivated area is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in available potassium content of the soil.  Available sulphur content is low (<10 ppm) in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in an area of about 25 per cent and 8 per cent is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm).  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in an area of about 8 per cent and 25 per cent area of of the microwatershed is deficient (<4.5 ppm).  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc content is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 29 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the Microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum - 40 (10) Guava - - Maize - 40 (10) Sapota - - Bajra - 40 (10) Pomegranate - - Groundnut - - Musambi - - Sunflower - - Lime - - Redgram - 40 (10) Amla - - Bengal gram - - Cashew - - Cotton - - Jackfruit - - Chilli - - Jamun - - Tomato - - Custard apple - - Brinjal - - Tamarind - - Onion - - Mulberry - - Bhendi - - Marigold - - Drumstick - - Chrysanthemum - - Mango - -  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fodder, fibre and other horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital for crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested for these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel and generate lot of biomass which would help in maintaining an ecological balance and also contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 100 (58.48 %) men and 71 (41.52 %) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.14, marginal farmers’ was 5.09, small farmers’ was 5.0, and semi medium farmers’ was 5.0.  The data indicated that, 40 (23.39 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 76 (44.44 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 42 (24.56 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 13 (7.60 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Chintalapalli had 49.71 per cent illiterates, 1.75 per cent of them had functional literate, 18.13 per cent of them had primary school education, 5.85 per cent of them had middle school education, 11.11 per cent of them had high school education, 5.26 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.17 per cent did ITI, 2.34 per cent of them had degree education and 4.68 per cent of the population had Others.  The results indicate that, 74.29 per cent of households were practicing agriculture, 20 per cent of the households were agricultural labourers, 2.86 per cent of the households were general labour and 2.86 per cent of the households were private service.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 43.27 per cent of the household members, 8.19 per cent were agricultural laborers, 1.17 per cent were in general labour, 1.17 per cent were private service, 0.58 per cent were trade &Business, 29.82 per cent were students, 11.70 per cent were housewives and 4.09 per cent were children.  The results show that, 100 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 20 per cent of the households possess Thatched house, 65.71 per cent of the households possess katch house and 14.29 per cent of them possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 80 per cent of the households possess TV, 22.86 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 22.86 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 5.71 per cent of the households possess Bicycle, 5.71 per cent of the households possess auto and 91.43 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs.9000, mixer grinder was Rs.1937, motor cycle was Rs.42500, Auto was Rs.57500, bicycle was Rs. 2000 and mobile phone was Rs.3214.  About 5.71 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 14.29 per cent of them possess plough, and 17.14 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.17500, plough was Rs.1500, and the average value of weeder was Rs.50. 2  The results indicate that, 11.43 per cent of the households possess bullocks, and 8.57 per cent of the households possess local cow.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.76, average own labour (women) available was 1.39, average hired labour (men) available was 7.38 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.48.  The results indicate that, 82.86 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Chintalapalli micro-watershed possess 16.06 ha (72.83%) of dry land and 5.99 ha (27.17%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 11.61 ha (85.8%) of dry land and 1.92 ha (14.20 %) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 4.45 ha (84.62 %) of dry land and 0.81 ha (15.38 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 3.26ha (100 %) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 771,680.51 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 1,050,708.99. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 860,927.13 for dry land and the average land value was Rs. 1,976,000.02 of irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 538,909.09 for dry land and the average value of Rs. 741,000.00 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 582,258.07 of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 7 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 20.00 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 19.59 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal, small and semi-medium farmers had an irrigated area of 1.45 ha, 0.81 ha and 3.26 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown red gram (3.39 ha), green gram (2.96 ha), sorghum (3.61 ha), paddy (3.39 ha), cotton (8.32 ha) and groundnut (1.36 ha). Marginal farmers have grown redgram, greengram, cotton, paddy, groundnut and sorghum. Small farmers have grown cotton and greeng ram. Semi medium farmers have grown redgram.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Chintalapalli micro-watershed was found to be 100.00 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 88033.19. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 84631.00. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. -3402.18, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.96.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for red gram was Rs. 53570.61. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49805.00. The net 3 income from red gram cultivation was Rs. -3765.61. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.93.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 27917.20. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 56612.28. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. 28695.09. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.03.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 179323.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 520991.54. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 83547.92. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.91.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 38407.95. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 139287.42. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. 100879.47. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.63.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 45383.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 94761.00. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 49377.66. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.09.  The results indicate that, 11.43 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 11.43 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 69,571.43 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 115,750.00, for small farmers it was Rs. 148,000.00 and for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 273,000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 10,192.80. For landless households it was Rs. 7,061.22, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 3,366.78, for small farmers it was Rs. 25,812.50 and for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 65,000.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 14 coconut and 8 mango trees in their fields.  The results indicate that, households have planted 10 teak tress, 2 Tamarind and 25 neem trees in their fields.  The results indicated that, cotton was sold to the extent of 100 per cent, green gram was sold to the extent of 62.96 per cent, groundnut to the extent of 64.29 per cent, paddy to the extent of 75.61 per cent, red gram to be extent 66.67 per cent and sorghum to the extent of 38.27 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 80 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants.  The results indicated that, 80 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce. 4  The results indicated that, 37.14 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 62.86 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 80 per cent of the households used firewood, 14.29 per cent of them used LPG as a source of fuel and 2.86 per cent of them used dung cake.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 94.29 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 2.86 per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 80 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 97.14 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL and only 3.89 per cent of the sampled households not possessed ration cards.  The results indicated that, 97.14 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 97.14 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 97.14 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 14.29 per cent, fruits were adequate for 28.57 per cent, milk was adequate for 94.29 per cent, eggs were adequate for 94.29 per cent and meat was inadequate for 80 per cent.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were inadequate for 100 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 82.86 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 68.57 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 2.86 per cent and meat was inadequate for 17.14 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 80 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (80%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (80%), inadequacy of irrigation water (80%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (77.14%), low price for the agricultural commodities (74.29%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (5.71%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (2.86%) and inadequate extension services (2.86%).