LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CHANDRAGERI-1 (4D3A9F2a) MICRO WATERSHED Irakallagada Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Chandrageri-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 507 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 24 per cent is covered by soil, 76 per cent by rock out crops and less than one per cent by water bodies. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 5 soil series and 9 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 28 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 5 per cent is very shallow (<25 cm), 11 per cent is shallow (25-50 cm), 4 per cent moderately shallow (50-75 cm) and 4 per cent is moderately deep (75- 100 cm).  About 2 per cent is sandy (loamy sand) at the surface and 22 per cent is loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam)at the surface.  Entire area in the microwatershed has gravelly (15-35 % gravel) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 19 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m) and 5 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m).  Entire area in the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about <1 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 23 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 1 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 4 per cent has neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3) soils, 6 per cent slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), 9 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4) and 4 per cent strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to 9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dsm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 6 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 18 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in 6 per cent and medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 18 per cent per cent of the soils.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in 6 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 17 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 1 per cent of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 17 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 7 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 16 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 8 percent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient in the entire area of (>4.5 ppm) the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire the area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  The land suitability for 28 major agricultural and horticultural 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. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY  Results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Chandrageri-1micro watershed among them 6 (17.14%) were marginal farmers, 19 (54.29%) were small farmers, 4 (11.43%) were semi medium farmers, 1 (2.86 %) were medium farmers and 5 (14.29 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 196 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 113 (57.65%) men and 83 (42.35%) were women. The average family size of landless was 7, marginal farmers and small farmers were 5, semi medium farmer was 8 and medium farmers were 4. On an average the family size was 6.  The data indicated that 49 (25%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 83 (42.35 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 44 (22.45 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 20 (10.20%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Chandrageri-1 had 25 per cent illiterates, 41.84 per cent of them had primary school education, 8.16 per cent of them had both middle schools, 11.22 per cent of them had high school education, 4.59 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.53 per cent them had ITI education and 0.51 per cent them had degree education.  The results indicated that, 68.57 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 2.86 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and in private service respectively. 11.43 per cent of the household heads were general labour.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 56.12 per cent of the household members, 5.61 per cent were agricultural labourers,6.12 per cent were general labours, 0.51 per cent of them were in private sector, 20.92 per cent of them were students, 7.14 per cent of them were children and 3.57 per cent were doing other jobs. In case of landless households 33.33 per cent were agricultural labour, 36.36 per cent were general labourers and 27.27 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 72.41 per cent were agriculturist, 10.34 per cent were students and 13.79 per cent were children. In case of small farmers 68.69 per cent of them were agriculturist and 21.21 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 61.29 per cent of the family members were agriculturist and 25.81 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers 50 per cent of the family members were agriculturist and 50 per cent of them were children.  The results showed that 1.53 per cent of them participated in self help groups and 98.47 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. Only land less and marginal farmers have participated in one or other institutions. Small, semi medium and medium farmers have not participated in any local institutions. 2  The results indicated that 85.71 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 14.29 per cent of the households possess Pucca house and 2.86 per cent of them possess Thatched house.  The results showed that, 74.29 per cent of the households possess TV, 60 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 40 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 45.71 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.86 per cent of the households possess landline phone and 97.14 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs. 2250, mixer grinder was Rs.1119, bicycle was Rs.964, motor cycle was Rs.37187, land line phone was Rs. 2000 and mobile phone was Rs.1254.  About 5.71 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 17.14 per cent of them possess plough, 2.86 per cent of the households possess power tiller, 5.71 per cent of the households possess tractor, 22.86 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 74.29 per cent of the households possess weeder and 28.57 per cent of the households possess chaff cutter.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.12500; the average value of plough was Rs. 562, the average value of power tiller was Rs. 5000, the average value of tractor was Rs. 200000, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 1611, the average value of weeder was Rs. 27 and the average value of chaff cutter was Rs. 716.  The results indicated that, 25.71 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 20 per cent of the households possess local cow, 11.43 per cent of the households possess sheep, 5.71 per cent of the households possess goat and 8.57 per cent of the households possess poultry birds. 20 per cent of the landless farmers possess bullocks.  In case of marginal farmers, 33.33 per cent of the households possess bullock and 16.67 per cent of the households possess poultry birds. In case of small farmers, 26.32 per cent of households possess bullock, 5.26 per cent possess local cow and 10.53 per cent of the households possess sheep and poultry birds respectively. In case of semi medium farmers, 50 per cent of the households possess bullock, sheep and goat correspondingly, 75 per cent of the households possess local cow.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2.03, average own labour (women) available was 1.37, average hired labour (men) available was 7.60 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.07.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.18, average own labour (women) was also 1.17, average hired labour (men) was 7.17 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.83. In case of small 3 farmers, average own labour men available was 2.16, average own labour (women) was 1.37, average hired labour (men) was 8.32 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.79. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.75, average own labour (women) was 1.75, average hired labour (men) was 5.50 and average hired labour (women) available was 5.75. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 1, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was 5 and average hired labour (women) available was 5.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Chandrageri-1 micro watershed possess 32.25 ha (80.75 %) of dry land and 7.69 ha (19.25%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 4.61 ha (100 %) of dry land. Small farmers possess 25.29 ha (95.42 %) of dry land and 1.21 ha (4.58 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.35 ha (34.52 %) of dry land and 4.45 ha (65.48 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 2.02 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 241,731.49 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 533,000. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 433,333.33 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 209,456 for dry land Rs. 1,070,333.33 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 212,931.03 for dry land and Rs. 471,545.45 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 345,800.00 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 1 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 2.86 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 2.26 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of small farmers there was 0.40 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown bajra (11.74 ha), Bengal gram (1.42 ha), groundnut (5.34 ha), maize (14.17 ha), marigold (1.62 ha), paddy (3.24 ha) and sunflower (2.02 ha) in kharif season and also grown bajra (0.81 ha), maize (2.83 ha) and paddy (0.40 ha) in Rabi season. Marginal farmers had grown bajra, groundnut and maize. Small farmers had grown bajra, Bengal gram, groundnut, maize, marigold, paddy and sunflower. Semi medium farmers had grown groundnut, maize and paddy. Medium farmers had grown bajra and maize. 4  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Chandrageri-1 micro watershed was found to be 85 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, in small farmers it was 90.48, in semi medium farmers it was 77.99 and in medium farmers it was 50 per cent.  The results indicated that, 94.29 per cent of the households have bank account including 80 per cent of the landless, 100 per cent of the marginal, semi medium, medium farmers and 94.74 per cent of the small farmers respectively.  The results indicated that, 60 per cent of the landless, 83.33 per cent of marginal, 63.16 per cent of small, 50 per cent of the semi medium and 100 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 26.09 per cent have availed loan from friends/ relatives, 13.04 per cent have availed loan from Grameena bank, 4.35 per cent have availed loan from money lender and 27.74 per cent have availed loan from SHGs/CBOs.  The results indicated that, landless, marginal, small and semi medium have availed Rs.200000, Rs. 56000, Rs. 52916.67 and Rs. 100000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 74565.22.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  The results indicated that, about 50 percent of loan was taken for agriculture production and 25 per cent of the loan was taken for household consumption and social functions like marriage respectively.  Results indicated that 100 per cent of the households have unpaid their institutional credit.  Results indicated that 66.67 per cent of the households have repaid their private credit partially and 33.33 percent of the households have unpaid their loan.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 24146.04. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 39356.18. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 15210.14, 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. 32651.11. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 54099.73. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 21448.62. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.66.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 40611.14. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 95195.63. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 54584.49. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.34.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 44527.28. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 45562.07. The net 5 income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 1034.79. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.02.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 23037.56. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 34518.25. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs.11480.69. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.5.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Bengal gram was Rs. 36881.18. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 43577.86. The net income from Bengal gram cultivation was Rs. 6696.68. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.18.  The results indicated that, 28.57 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate.  The table indicated that, in landless farmers, the average income from wage was Rs. 87000. In case of marginal farmers, the average income from wage was Rs.23333.33 and agriculture was Rs.63166.67. In small farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs. 4736.84, wage was Rs.23421.05, agriculture was Rs.102578.95, dairy farm was Rs.263.16 and goat farming was Rs.526.32. In semi medium farmers, the average income from wage, dairy farming and goat farming was Rs.25000 respectively and agriculture was Rs.225000. In case of medium farmers the average income from agriculture was Rs.300000.  The results indicated that, in case of landless farmers, the annual average expenditure from wage was Rs. 20000. In marginal farmers the annual average expenditure from agriculture was Rs.33000. In small farmers, the annual average expenditure from wage was Rs. 1538.46, agriculture was Rs.48789.47, dairy farm Was Rs.2000 and Goat farming was Rs.1000. In semi medium farmers, the annual average expenditure from wage was Rs. 50000, agriculture was Rs.100000, dairy farm Was Rs.50000 and Goat farming was Rs.20000. In case of medium farmers, the annual average expenditure from agriculture was Rs.150000.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 55coconut trees and 13 mango tree in their field and also planted 6 coconut trees in their backyard.  The results indicated that, households have planted 3 Eucalyptus tree, 18 teak trees, 200 neem trees, 1tamarind tress and 1 pongamia trees in their field and also grown 4 Neem tree in the backyard.  The results indicated that, groundnut, paddy and sunflower crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Bajra, Bengal gram and maize crops were sold to the extent of 93.39 per cent, 92.31 per cent and 91.13per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, 85.71 percent of the households have sold their produce local/village merchant and 22.86 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets. 6  The results indicated that 91.43 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transport and 17.14 per cent have used truck.  The results indicated that, 40 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 50 percent of marginal farmers, 47.37 per cent of small farmers and 50 per cent of semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 65.71 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel and 34.29 percent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 71.43 per cent and 31.43 per cent of them were using bore well for drinking water.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 80 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 20 per cent of landless, 100 per cent of marginal, small and medium farmers and 25 per cent of the semi medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 97.14 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 2.86 per cent of the sampled households have not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 42.86 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 100 per cent of the landless, marginal and medium farmers and 25 per cent of the semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits , milk, egg and meat were adequate for 100 per cent, 97.14 per cent, 34.29 per cent, 17.14 per cent, 2.86 per cent, 88.57 per cent, 57.14 per cent and 2.86 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, milk, egg and meat were inadequate for 45.71 per cent, 48.57 per cent, 60 per cent, 8.57 per cent, 42.86 per cent and 68.57 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 60 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (71.43%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (71.43%), inadequacy of irrigation water (25.71%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (82.86%), high rate of interest on credit (25.71%), low price for the agricultural commodities (60%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (60%), inadequate extension services (25.71%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (77.14%) and less rainfall (17.14%).