LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BANDEHALLI-3 (4D2D6O2c) MICROWATERSHED Sydhapur Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Bandehalli-3 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, behaviour and use potentials of the soils in the microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 697 ha in Bandehalli-3 microwatershed in Yadgir taluk and district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as droughtprone 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 about 96 per cent is covered by soils and 4 per cent by habitation and water bodies. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 13 soil series and 16 soil phases (management units) and 8 land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is 120-150 days starting from the 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 26 major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire land area of the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 11 per cent soils are very shallow (<25 cm), 19 per cent soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 15 per cent soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 48 per cent soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm) and 3 per cent soils are deep (100-150 cm) soils.  About 14 per cent of the area has clayey soils, 56 per cent loamy soils and 27 per cent has sandy soils at the surface.  An area of about 94 per cent has non-gravelly and 2 per cent gravelly (15- 35%) soils.  About <1 per cent of the area has soils that are very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, 32 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m), 33 per cent low (51-100 mm/m) and about 30 per cent very low (<50 mm/m) in available water capacity.  Entire area of the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  About 94 per cent has soils that are moderately eroded (e2) and 2 per cent has severely eroded (e3) soils.  An area of about 33 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 37 per cent soils are moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4) and about 10 per cent soils are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 – 9.0) in soil reaction.An area of 16 per cent is under neutral reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are <2 dS m-1 indicating that the soils are non-saline.  About 38 per cent is low (<0.5%), 39 per cent medium (0.5-0.75%) and 19 per cent high (>0.75%) in organic carbon.  An area of 38 per cent has soils that are low (<23 kg/ha), 47 per cent medium (23-57 kg/ha) and 11 per cent high (>57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  About 13 per cent low (<145 kg/ha) and 83 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in about 24 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 66 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in about 6 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 33 per cent and about 63 per cent area is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in the microwatershed.  About 23 per cent area has soils that are deficient (<4.5 ppm) in available iron and 73 per cent sufficient (>4.5 ppm).  Available manganese is sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  About 1 per cent area has soils that are deficient (<0.2 ppm) in available copper and 95 per cent sufficient (>0.2 ppm).  Almost area of the microwatershed is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in available zinc, except for a small area of 4 ha (1%) that are sufficient.  The land suitability for 26 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. Land suitability for various crops in the Bandehalli-3 microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 5 (<1) 456 (65) Sapota - 153 (22) Maize - 341 (49) Guava - 153 (22) Red gram - 358 (51) Pomegranate - 358 (51) Bajra 91 (13) 364 (52) Jackfruit - 153 (22) Ground nut - 175 (25) Jamun - 21(3) Sunflower 5 (<1) 353 (51) Musambi 5 (<1) 353 (51) Cotton 5 (<1) 340 (49) Lime 5 (<1) 353 (51) Bengalgram 5 (<1) 341 (49) Cashew - 22 (3) Chilli - 455 (65) Custard apple 243 (35) 216 (31) Tomato - 251 (36) Amla 42 (6) 418 (60) Drumstick - 358 (51) Tamarind - 21 (3) Mulberry - 153 (22) Marigold - 460 (66) Mango - 16 (2) Chrysanthemum - 460 (66) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 8 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 the 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. This 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  The results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Bandehalli-3 microwatershed among them 7 (20%) were marginal farmers, 13 (37.14 %) were small farmers, 7 (20 %) were semi medium farmers, 3 (8.57 %) medium farmers and 5 (14.29 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 91 (57.96 %) men and 66 (42.04 %) were women in the micro watershed. The average family size of landless farmers was 3.6, marginal farmers were 4.0, small farmers were 4.6, semi medium farmer was 5.3 and in medium farmers it was 4.7.  The data indicated that 31 (19.75 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 38 (43.31 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 52 (33.12 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 6 (3.82 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Bandehalli-3 had 43.95 per cent illiterates, 12.10 per cent of them had primary school education, 11.46 per cent of them had middle school education, 19.11 per cent of them had high school education, 3.82 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.64 per cent them had Diploma education, 5.73 per cent of them had degree education, 0.64 per cent had masters and 1.91 per cent of them had other education.  The results indicated that, 77.14 per cent of households practicing agriculture followed by the 11.43 per cent of the household heads were general labourers, 2.86 per cent of the households head were general labour and 2.86 per cent of them were agriculture labour, government service, retired and student each.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 52.23 per cent of the household members, 5.10 per cent were agricultural labourers, 8.28 per cent were general labours, 0.64 percent were in government service, 1.27 per cent of them were students and 10.79 per cent were housewives. In case of landless households 55.56 per cent were general labour, 27.78 per cent were students and 16.67 per cent were housewives. In case of marginal households 35.71 per cent were practicing agriculture, 21.02 per cent of them were students and 8.92 per cent were housewives. In case of small farm households 57.14 per cent were practicing agriculture, 3.57 per cent were agriculture labours, 3.57 per cent were in government service, 14.29 per cent were students, and 10.71 per cent were housewives and children. In case of semi medium farmers 61.67 per cent were practicing agriculture, 23.33 per cent were students and 13.33 per cent of them were housewives. In case of semi-medium farmers 62.16 per cent were practicing agriculture, 13.51 per cent were agriculture labour, 21.62 per cent were student and 2.70 per cent were housewives. In case of medium farmers 42.86 per cent were practicing agriculture, 14.29 per cent were agriculture labour, 7.14 per cent 2 were government service, 14.29 per cent were private service and 21.43 per cent were student.  The results showed no participation of households in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 60 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, and 40 per cent of the households possess Pucca house.  The results showed that 91.43 per cent of the households possess TV, 20 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 17.14 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 5.71 per cent of the households possess car/four wheeler, 2.86 per cent possess refrigerator, 2.86 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 2.86 per cent of the households possess landline phone and 88.57 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs. 8693, mixer grinder was Rs.2285, refrigerator was Rs. 10000, bicycle was Rs. 2000, motor cycle was Rs.54500, car/four wheeler Rs. 665000, landline was Rs.2000 and mobile phone was Rs.2166.  The results indicated that about 22.86 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 28.57 per cent of them possess plough, 2.86 per cent of the households possess irrigation pump, 5.71 per cent of them possess weeder and 8.57 per cent of the households possess power tiller, tractor and sprayer respectively.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.18750, the average value of Plough was Rs. 3600, the average value of sprayer was Rs.13333, the average value of weeder was Rs. 125, the average value of tractor was Rs.666666 and the average value of irrigation pump and power tiller were Rs. 50000 respectively.  The results indicated that, 22.86 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 17.14 per cent of the households possess local cow, 5.71 per cent of the households possess sheep and 2.86 per cent of them possess goat.  Results indicated that in case of marginal farmers 14.29 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 28.57 per cent of the households possess local cow and 14.29 per cent of the households possess sheep. In small farmers, 23.08 per cent of the households possess bullocks and 7.69 per cent of the households possess local cow and goat respectively. In case of semi medium farmers 28.57 per cent of the households possess bullock and 42.86 per cent of the households possess local cow and 66.67 per cent and 33.33 per cent of the medium farmers possess bullock and sheep respectively.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the microwatershed was 1.70, average own labour (women) available was 1.13, average hired labour (men) available was 13.67 and average hired labour (women) available was 12.53. 3  Results showed that, in case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.29, average own labour (women) was 1.14, average hired labour (men) was 6.29 and average hired labour (women) available was 6. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 2.08, average own labour (women) was 0.92, average hired labour (men) was 10.08 and average hired labour (women) available was 8. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.57, average own labour (women) was 1.43, average hired labour (men) was 19.29 and average hired labour (women) available was 18.57. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 1.33, average own labour (women) was 1.33, average hired labour (men) was 33.33 and average hired labour (women) available was also 33.33.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate. About 100 per cent of the marginal farmers, small, semi medium and medium farmers have opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Bandehalli-3 micro-watershed possess 55.54 ha (97.74%) of dry land and 1.29 ha (2.26%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 4.84 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 17.18 ha (100%) of dry land. Semi medium farmers possess 19.05 ha (93.67%) of dry land and 1.29 ha (6.33%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 13.84 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 300,561.06 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 466,037.73. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 764,130.44 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 409,702.34 for dry land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 194,157.63 for dry land and Rs. 466,037.73 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 144,444.45 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 1 functioning bore well in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, canal was the irrigation source for 2.86 per cent of the farmers in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 3.74 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of semi medium farmers there were 11 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown cotton (27.14 ha), paddy (1.29 ha), redgram (17.32 ha), sorghum (5.67 ha) and groundnut (5.11ha). Marginal and small farmers have grown cotton, groundnut and redgram. Semi medium farmers have grown cotton, paddy, redgram and sorghum. Medium farmers have grown cotton and red gram. 4  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Bandehalli-3 micro-watershed was found to be 100 per cent in marginal farmers, small farmers, semi medium farmers and medium farmers respectively.  The results indicated that, 48.57 per cent of the households have bank account and 40 per cent of them having savings. Among landless farmers 40 per cent of them possess bank account and 20 per cent of them possess savings. Among marginal farmers 57.14 percent of them possess both bank account and savings. Around 30.77 per cent of small farmers possess bank account and 23.08 per cent of them have savings correspondingly. Semi medium farmers possess 71.43 per cent of them possess bank account and 57.14 per cent possess savings respectively and medium category of farmers possess 66.67 per cent of bank account and also savings.  The results indicated that, 40 per cent of landless, 14.29 per cent of marginal, 15.38 per cent of small, 14.29 per cent semi medium and 33.33 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent have availed loan in Grameena bank.  The results indicated that, marginal, small, semi medium and medium farmers have availed Rs.50000, Rs. 75000, Rs. 200000 and 200000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 525000.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  Results indicated that 100 per cent of them were unpaid their loan.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households were opined that institutional credit was helped to perform timely agricultural operations.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 41514.15. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 94251.54. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 52737.39, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.27.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 49039.59. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 93207.55. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 44167.95. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.9.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 24576.19. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 45561.21. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. 20985.02. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.85.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 25433.63. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49900.24. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 24466.61. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.96. 5  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 28763.94. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 65783.82. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 37019.88. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.29.  The results indicate that, 34.29 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 37.14 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The table indicated that, in case of landless farmers the average income from wage Rs. 70000. In marginal farmers the average income from wage was Rs.37142.86 and agriculture was Rs.72142.86. In small farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs. 4615.38, wage was Rs.30769.23 and agriculture was Rs.78461.54. In semi medium farmers the average income from wage was Rs.31428.57 and agriculture was Rs.137857.14. In case of medium farmers the average income from wage was Rs. 16666.67, agriculture was Rs. 340000 and goat farming was Rs.100000.  The results indicate that in case of landless farmers the average annual expenditure from wage was Rs.42000. In marginal farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs.4833.33 and agriculture was Rs. 24000. In case of small farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.30000, wage was Rs.10090.91 and agriculture was Rs.28307.69. In semi medium farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs.6400 and agriculture was Rs.62114.29. In case of medium farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs. 15000 and agriculture was Rs.116666.67.  The results indicate that, households have planted 20 mango and 2 Sapota trees in their field. Households have also planted 1 mango trees in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 76 neem trees, 8 tamarind trees and 1 teak tree in their field.  The results indicate that, the average additional investment capacity for land development was Rs.5714.29 for marginal farmers, Rs.3076.92 for small farmers, Rs.5714.29 for semi medium farmers and Rs. 6666.67 for medium farmers. On an average the additional investment capacity for land development was Rs.4000.  The results indicated that for 34.29 per cent of the households were dependent on loan from bank for land development and 5.71 per cent were dependent on their own funds.  The results indicated that, cotton, groundnut, paddy, sorghum and redgram were sold to the extent of 100 per cent.  The results indicated that 82.86 per cent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchants and 2.86 per cent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets. 6  The results indicated that 8.57 per cent of the households have used cart as a mode of transport and 77.14 per cent have used tractor.  The results indicated that, 14.29 per cent of marginal and 7.69 per cent of small farmers faced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 88.57 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel, and 11.43 percent of the households used LPG.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source for drinking water for 94.29 per cent and bore well was the drinking source for 5.71 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the population.  The results indicated that, 51.43 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of landless, 42.86 per cent of marginal, 46.15 per cent of small, 42.86 per cent of semi medium and 33.33 per cent of medium famers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 5.71 per cent of the sampled households possessed APL card and 94.29 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 80 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 60 per cent of the landless, 85.71 percent of the marginal, 76.92 per cent of the small, 85.71 per cent of the semi medium and 100 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, milk, egg and meat were adequate for 94.29 per cent, 82.86 per cent, 80 per cent, 88.57 per cent, 22.86 per cent, 91.43 per cent, 94.29 per cent and 85.71 per cent of the households respectively.  The results indicated that, cereals, vegetables, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, and meat were inadequate for 5.71 per cent, 17.14 per cent, 20 per cent, 11.43 per cent, 77.17 per cent and 11.43 per cent of the households and milk and egg were inadequate for 8.57 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 (85.71%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (57.14%), inadequacy of irrigation water (42.86%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals , high rate of interest on credit (74.29%), low price for the agricultural commodities (80 %), lack of marketing facilities in the area (74.29%), inadequate extension services (54.29%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (80%) and less rainfall (2.86%).