LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DANAKANADODDI-1 (4D3A9E2a) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Danakkanadoddi-1microwatershed 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 delineated physiographic boundaries 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 631 ha in Koppaltaluk 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 86 per cent is covered by soils, 13 per cent by rock outcrops and one per cent by settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 13 soil series and 27 soil phases (management units) and 5 land use classes.  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 250 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 6per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 30 per cent moderately shallow (50-75 cm). 12 per cent moderately deep(75-100 cm) and about 38 per cent are deep to very deep soils (100->150 cm).  About 6 per cent of the area is having sandy soils at the surface,62 per cent loamy and 18 per cent of the area has clayey soils at the surface.  About 26 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15 %) soils, 49 per cent gravelly (15-35%), <1 per cent very gravelly (35-60%) and 10 per cent has extremely gravelly soils (60-80 %).  With respect to available water capacity 39 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 38 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 5 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m) and 4 per cent area is very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 72 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) and 13per cent has gently sloping lands.  An area of about 10 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 76 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about <1 per cent has soils that are slightlyacid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 45 per cent neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3), 12 per cent slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), about 17 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4), 12 per cent strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to 9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 82per cent and high (>0.75%) in 3 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in <1 per cent, medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 15 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 70 per cent of the soils.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in 36 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 37 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 13 per cent of the soils.  Available sulphur is low(<10 ppm) in 74 per cent and medium (10-20 ppm) in 12 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 41 per cent area and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 45 per cent area.  Available iron is deficient in 10 per cent of the area and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 76 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 73 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 12 per cent of the soils.  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 (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 29(5) 138 (22) Pomegranate 29(5) 83(13) Maize - 167 (26) Guava 29(5) 59(9) Bajra 63 (10) 179 (28) Jackfruit 29(5) 58(9) Redgram 29(5) 79 (12) Jamun 29(5) 83(13 ) Bengalgram - 235 (37) Musambi 29(5) 83(13 ) Groundnut 63 (10) 289 (46) Lime 29(5) 83(13 ) Sunflower 29 (5) 79 (12) Cashew 29(5) 76 (12) Cotton 29(5) 138(22) Custard apple 82(13) 361 (57) Chilli 29(5) 113(18) Amla 63(10) 381(60) Tomato 29(5) 113 (18) Tamarind 29(5) 59(9) Drumstick 29 (5) 263(42) Marigold 29(5) 138(22) Mulbery 29(5) 286(45 ) Chrysanthemum 29(5) 138(22) Mango 29(5) 25 (4) Jasmine 29(5) 113(18) Sapota 29(5) 58 (9) Crossandra 29(5) 113(18) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the fiveidentified LUCs 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 and drainage line 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 SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 104 (57.14%) men and 78 (42.86%) were women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers was 3.8, marginal farmers’ was 3.6, small farmers’ was 5.75, semi medium farmers’ was 6, medium farmers’ was 5.17 and large farmers’ was 8. The data indicated that, 28 (15.38%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 90 (49.45%) were in 16-35 years of age, 51 (28.02%) were in 36-60 years of age and 13 (7.14 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Danakanadoddi-1 had 32.42 per cent illiterates, 0.55 per cent functional literates, 28.02 per cent of them had primary school education, 10.44 per cent of them had middle school education, 12.09 per cent of them had high school education, 6.59 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.10 per cent of them did diploma, 5.49 per cent of them had degree education and 3 persons were doing masters.  The results indicate that, 65.71 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 20 per cent of the households were agricultural laborers, 5.71 per cent were general laborers, 2.86 per cent were housewives and 5.71 per cent of the household heads were involved in other occupation.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 44.51 per cent of the household members, 18.68 per cent were agricultural labourers, 3.85 per cent were general laborers, 22.53 per cent of them were student, 4.40 per cent of them were housewife, 1.10 per cent of them were in private services, 1.10 per cent government service and 1.10 per cent were involved in trade and business.  The results show that 0.55 per cent of the households participated in self help group and 99.45 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 17.14 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 42.86 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 40 per cent of them possess pucca house.  The results shows that 97.14 per cent of the households possess TV, 88.57 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 31.43 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 62.86 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.86 per cent of the households possess tempo, 2.86 per cent of the households possess auto, and 97.14 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results shows that the average value of television was Rs.5617, mixer grinder was Rs.1629, motor cycle was Rs.29000, mobile phone was Rs.1147, Auto was Rs.50000, tempo was Rs.100000, mobile phone was Rs.1147 and bicycle was Rs.1545.  About 34.29 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 40 per cent of them possess plough, 14.29 per cent of them possess tractor, 20 per cent of them posses 2 sprayer, 20 per cent of them possess chaff cutter and 94.29 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.892, the average value of tractor was Rs. 420000 and the average value of sprayer was Rs.4000, the average value of bullock cart Rs.19416, and the average value of weeder Rs.56.  The results indicate that, 48.57 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 45.71 per cent of the households possess local cow, 8.57 per cent of the households possess local cow and buffalo, 11.43 per cent of the households possess poultry birds.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2.10, average own labour (women) available was 1.50, average hired labour (men) available was 10.13 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.70.  The results indicate that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate. About 100 per cent of the marginal farmers, 100 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium, 100 per cent of medium and large farmers have opined that hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Danakanadoddi-1 micro watershed possess 22.29 ha (38.40%) of dry land and 35.76 ha (61.60%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 4.37 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 8.20 ha (76.02%) of dry land and 2.59 ha (23.98%) of irrigated land. Semi medium possess 6.07 ha (38.95%) of dry land and 9.51 ha (61.05%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 19.21 ha (100%) of irrigated land, large farmers possess 3.64 ha (45%) of dry land and 4.45 ha (55%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 339,989.27 and average value of irrigated was Rs.509,201.  The results indicate that, there were 17 functioning and 4 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  Bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 48.57 per cent of the farmers. The depth of bore well was found to be 47.46 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal farmers had irrigated area of 1.21 hectares, small farmers had 1.62 hectares, semi medium farmers had 10.81 hectares and medium farmers had 12.15 hectares.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown Bajra (6.88 ha), chilly (0.40 ha), groundnut (10.57 ha), ladies finger (0.81 ha), maize (25.13 ha), mango (0.81 ha), paddy (5.75 ha) and tomato (1.21 ha).  Marginal farmers have grown groundnut and maize. Small farmers have grown bajra, groundnut, maize and mango.  Semi medium farmers have grown bajra, groundnut, maize and paddy.  Medium farmers have grown bajra, chilly, ladies finger, maize, paddy, tomato and bajra.  Large farmers have grown groundnut and maize. 3  The cropping intensity in Danakanadoddi-1 micro watershed was found to be 54.50 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, for small farmers it was 100 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 93.66 per cent, medium farmers had cropping intensity of 28.38 per cent and for large farmers it was 45.45 per cent.  The results indicate that, 94.29 per cent of the households possess bank account and 48.57 per cent of the households possess savings.  The results indicate that, 20 per cent of landless, 100 per cent of marginal, 62.50 per cent of small, 10 per cent of semi medium, 50 per cent of medium and 100 per cent of large farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, 13.04 per cent have availed loan from commercial, 4.35 per cent have availed loan from cooperative banks, 13.04 per cent of have availed loan from friends and relatives, 4.35 per cent have availed loan from SHGs/CBOs and 69.57 per cent have availed loan from grameena bank.  The results indicate that, marginal, small, semi medium, medium and large farmers have availed Rs.66000, Rs.93000, Rs.166428, Rs.85000 and Rs.100652 respectively.  The results indicate that, 95 per cent of the households have borrowed loan from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production and 5 per cent have borrowed for animal husbandry.  The results indicate that, the main purpose of borrowing credit from private sources was agricultural production.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 23568.38. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 25247.75. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. 1679.36, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.07.  The total cost of cultivation for mango was Rs. 63221.62. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 44460. The net income from mango cultivation was Rs. - 18761.62. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.7.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 24133.01. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 32595.49. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 8462.47. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.35.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 42148.93. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 58198.83. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 16049.90. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.38.  The total cost of cultivation for ladies finger was Rs. 15822.57. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 200070. The net income from ladies finger cultivation was Rs. 184247.43, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:12.64.  The total cost of cultivation for chilly was Rs. 67264.06. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49400. The net income from chilly cultivation was Rs. -17864.06. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.73. 4  The total cost of cultivation for tomato was Rs. 71430.86. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 67925. The net income from tomato cultivation was Rs. - 3505.86. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.95.  The results indicate that, 51.43 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 60 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs.120800 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs.96510, for small farmers it was Rs.76403, for semi medium farmers it was Rs.120400, for medium farmers it was Rs.79000 and large farmers it was Rs.118000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 11425.24. For landless households it was Rs.15333.33, for marginal farmers it was Rs 15,500, for small farmers it was Rs. 4520.83, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 13590, for medium farmers it was Rs. 5608.33 and for large farmers it was Rs.40000.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 19 coconut, and 167 mango trees in their field. Farmers have also grown 3 coconut trees in their backyard.  Households have planted 115 neem trees, 11 tamarind trees, 3 pongamia trees and 9 banyan trees.  The results indicate that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 5628.57 for land development, Rs. 2600 for irrigation facility, Rs. 2514.29 for improved crop production and Rs. 1142.86 for improved livestock management.  The results indicate that, loan from bank is the major source of investment for 42.86 per cent of households and soft loan were the source of investment for 2.86 per cent for land development. For irrigation facility 22.86 per cent of the households depend on loan from bank, 17.14 per cent depend on own funds and 2.86 per cent depend on soft loan. For improved crop production 17.14 per cent of the households depend on bank loan, 8.57 per cent depend on own funds, 17.14 per cent depend on soft loans. For improved livestock management 11.43 per cent of households depend on loan from bank, 17.14 per cent depend on own funds, and 2.86 per cent depend on soft loan.  The results indicated that, bajra, chilly, groundnut, ladies finger, mango, paddy, tomato were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Maize was sold to the extent of 93.38 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 74.29 per cent of the households sold their produce to local/village, another 22.86 per cent have sold their produce in cooperative marketing society, and 25.71 per cent have sold in regulated markets.  The results indicated that 28.57 per cent have used cart, 71.43 per cent have used tractor and 22.86 per cent of the farmers have used truck as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, 45.71 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems. 5  Around 85.71 per cent of the households are interested in soil testing.  The results indicated that, only 8.57 per cent have adopted field bunding.  The results indicated that 33.33 per cent of the structures were in good condition and 66.67 per cent of the soil conversation structures needed full replacement required.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 68.57 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 31.43 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 85.71 percent used fire wood, and another 17.14 percent of the households used LPG.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 45.71 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 40 per cent of landless, 20 per cent of marginal, 100 per cent of small, 10 per cent of semi medium, 50 per cent of medium farmers and 100 per cent of large 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 did not possess PDS card.  The results indicated that, 51.43 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 91.43 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 88.57 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 22.86 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 45.71 per cent, fruits were adequate for 34.29 per cent, milk was adequate for 77.14 per cent, eggs were adequate for 82.86 per cent and meat was adequate for 65.71 per cent of the households.  Oilseeds were inadequate for 68.57 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 40 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 48.57 per cent, milk were inadequate for 11.43 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 8.57 per cent and meat was inadequate for 22.86 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, vegetables were market surplus for 2.86 per cent, and fruits were market surplus for 5.71 per cent of the households.  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 (82.86%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (62.86%), inadequacy of irrigation water (34.29%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (60%), high rate of interest on credit (62.86%), low price for the agricultural commodities (68.57%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (74.29%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (57.14%), less rainfall (2.86%) and inadequate extension services (51.43%).