LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT RAISABAD HOSALLI-1 (4D5B1J1c) MICROWATERSHED Yadgir & Hattakuni Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Raisabad Hosalli-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 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 887 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 817 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 6 ha by rock outcrops and about 64 ha by others (habitation and water bodies). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 14 soil series and 22 soil phases (management units) and 9 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.  Entire area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 67 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are moderately deep to very deep (75 - >150 cm) and 25 per cent soils are very shallow to moderately shallow (<25 - 75 cm).  About 3 per cent area in the microwatershed has sandy soils, 52 per cent soils are loamy and 37 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  About 64 per cent of the microwatershed area is non gravelly (<15%) and 28 per cent of the microwatershed area is gravelly (15 – 35%).  About 25 per cent area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, 39 per cent is low (51-100 mm/m) and 28 per cent is very low (<50 mm/m).  About <1 per cent area in the microwatershed has nearly level (0-1% slope) lands, 92 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands and <1 per cent area is gently sloping (3.5% slope).  An area of about <1 is severely (e3) eroded, 92 per cent is moderately (e2) eroded and <1 per cent area is slightly (e1) eroded.  An area of about 4 per cent soils are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5) in soil reaction, an area of 51 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 21 per cent soils are slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 15 per cent soils are moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) and <1 per cent is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the entire area of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  Available organic carbon is high (>0.75) in an area of 24 per cent and medium (0.5-0.75%) in an area of 68 per cent.  About 20 per cent is low (<23 kg/ha) in available phosphorus, 70 per cent is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and high (>57 kg/ha) in an area of one per cent.  About 8 per cent is low (145 kg/ha) in available potassium, 82 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 2 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha).  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in an area of about 14 per cent and medium (10 -20 ppm) in 78 per cent.  Available boron content is low (<0.5 ppm) in an area of about 63 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 29 per cent.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc 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 243(27) 106(12) Guava - 223(25) Maize <1 (<1) 348(39) Sapota - 223(25) Bajra <1 (<1) 674(76) Pomegranate - 465(52) Groundnut - 367(41) Musambi 303(34) 162(18) Sunflower 225(25) 33(4) Lime 303(34) 162(18) Red gram - 407(46) Amla 74(8) 392(44) Bengal gram 243(27) 106(12) Cashew - 15(2) Cotton 219(25) 127(14) Jackfruit - 15(2) Chilli - 556(63) Jamun - 450(51) Tomato <1 (<1) 408(46) Custard apple 192(22) 274(31) Brinjal 217(24) 456(51) Tamarind - 450(51) Onion 89(13) 216(32) Mulberry - 133(15) Bhendi 217(24) 456(51) Marigold - 557(63) Drumstick - 584(66) Chrysanthemum - 557(63) Mango - 160(18)  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 horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to 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 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 sub marginal 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. The land resource inventory of Raisabad Hosalli-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 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 887 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 817 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 6 ha by rock outcrops and about 64 ha by others (habitation and water bodies). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 14 soil series and 22 soil phases (management units) and 9 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.  Entire area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 67 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are moderately deep to very deep (75 - >150 cm) and 25 per cent soils are very shallow to moderately shallow (<25 - 75 cm).  About 3 per cent area in the microwatershed has sandy soils, 52 per cent soils are loamy and 37 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  About 64 per cent of the microwatershed area is non gravelly (<15%) and 28 per cent of the microwatershed area is gravelly (15 – 35%).  About 25 per cent area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, 39 per cent is low (51-100 mm/m) and 28 per cent is very low (<50 mm/m).  About <1 per cent area in the microwatershed has nearly level (0-1% slope) lands, 92 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands and <1 per cent area is gently sloping (3.5% slope).  An area of about <1 is severely (e3) eroded, 92 per cent is moderately (e2) eroded and <1 per cent area is slightly (e1) eroded.  An area of about 4 per cent soils are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5) in soil reaction, an area of 51 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 21 per cent soils are slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 15 per cent soils are moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) and <1 per cent is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the entire area of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  Available organic carbon is high (>0.75) in an area of 24 per cent and medium (0.5-0.75%) in an area of 68 per cent.  About 20 per cent is low (<23 kg/ha) in available phosphorus, 70 per cent is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and high (>57 kg/ha) in an area of one per cent.  About 8 per cent is low (145 kg/ha) in available potassium, 82 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 2 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha).  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in an area of about 14 per cent and medium (10 -20 ppm) in 78 per cent.  Available boron content is low (<0.5 ppm) in an area of about 63 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 29 per cent.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc 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 243(27) 106(12) Guava - 223(25) Maize <1 (<1) 348(39) Sapota - 223(25) Bajra <1 (<1) 674(76) Pomegranate - 465(52) Groundnut - 367(41) Musambi 303(34) 162(18) Sunflower 225(25) 33(4) Lime 303(34) 162(18) Red gram - 407(46) Amla 74(8) 392(44) Bengal gram 243(27) 106(12) Cashew - 15(2) Cotton 219(25) 127(14) Jackfruit - 15(2) Chilli - 556(63) Jamun - 450(51) Tomato <1 (<1) 408(46) Custard apple 192(22) 274(31) Brinjal 217(24) 456(51) Tamarind - 450(51) Onion 89(13) 216(32) Mulberry - 133(15) Bhendi 217(24) 456(51) Marigold - 557(63) Drumstick - 584(66) Chrysanthemum - 557(63) Mango - 160(18)  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 horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to 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 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 sub marginal 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 125 (63.45%) men and 72 (36.55%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 3.5, marginal farmers’ was 4.5, small farmers’ was 6, semi medium farmers’ was 5.1, medium farmers were 4.3 and large farmers was 3.  The data indicated that, 37 (18.78%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 75 (38.07%) were in 16-35 years of age, 69 (35.03%) were in 36-60 years of age and 16 (8.12%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Raisabad Hosalli-1 had 59.90 per cent illiterates, 1.02 per cent of them functional literate, 15.74 per cent of them had primary school, 3.55 per cent of them had Middle school and PUC education, 11.17 per cent of them had high school and 3.05 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicate that, 85 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 10 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labourers and 5 cent of the household heads was housewives.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 58.88 per cent of the household members, 6.09 per cent were agricultural labourers, 1.52 per cent were private service, 22.34 per cent student, 9.14 per cent were housewives and 2.03 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 7.5 per cent of the households possess thatched, 67.5 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 25 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 45 per cent of the households possess TV,2.50 per cent of the households possess radio and landline phone, 7.50 per cent of the households possess mixer/grinder, 5 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 20 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 95 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 6,393, mixer/grinder was Rs. 1,642, motor cycle was Rs. 56,333, auto was Rs. 160,000 and mobile phone was Rs. 2,474.  About 10 per cent each of the households possess bullock cart, 30 per cent each of the households possess plough, 7.50 per cent of the households possess sprayer and sprinkler and 65 per cent of the households possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 16,500, plough was Rs. 1,575, sprayer was Rs. 2,166, sprinkler was Rs.2,333 and the average value of weeder was Rs. 57. 2  The results indicate that, 35 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 22.5 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.5 per cent of the households possess crossbreed cow, 17.5 per cent of the households possess buffalo and 7.50 per cent of the households possess goat.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2.18, average own labour (women) available was 1.45, average hired labour (men) available was 10 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.05.  The results indicate that, 95 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Raisabad Hosalli-1 micro-watershed possess 23.63 ha (46.73%) of dry land, 25.80 ha (51.03%) of irrigated land and 1.13 ha (2.24%) of permanent fallow land. Marginal farmers possess 5.4 ha (73.64%) of dry land, 1.7 ha (23.06%) of irrigated land and 0.2 ha (3.29%) of permanent fallow land. Small farmers possess 5.16 ha (49.3%) of dry land and 5.29 ha (50.6%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 6.16 ha (38.1%) of dry land and 9.11 ha (56.3%) of irrigated land and 0.89 ha (5.51 %) of permanent fallow land. Medium farmers possess 6.88 ha (62.96%) of dry land and 4.05 ha (37.04%) of irrigated land. Large farmers possess 5.67 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 340,587.53, the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 604,328.73 and the average value of permanent fallow land was Rs. 573,392.85. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 690,715.90 for dry land, the average land value was Rs. 1,587,857.12 and the average land value was Rs.1,646,666.60. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 407,142.86 for dry land and the average land value was Rs. 832,159.27 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 227,051.87 for dry land, the average land value was Rs. 636,711.11 for irrigated land and the average land value was Rs. 280,681.82 for permanent fallow land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 116,235.29 for dry land and the average land value was Rs. 469,300 for irrigated land. In case of large famers, the average land value was Rs. 141,142.86 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 20 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 50 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 52.96 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal, small, semi medium, medium and large farmers had an irrigated area of 1.70 ha, 5.29 ha, 9.19 ha, 4.05 ha and 5.67 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown cotton (20.11%), green gram (15.35 ha), groundnut (3.62 ha) and red gram (4.20 ha). Marginal farmers have grown 3 cotton, green gram and red gram. Small farmers have grown cotton, groundnut and red gram. Semi medium farmers have grown cotton, green gram and groundnut. Medium farmers have grown cotton, green gram and red gram. Large farmers have grown cotton.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Raisabad Hosalli-1 microwatershed was found to be 96.78 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 37968.84. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 124061.50. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 86092.66. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.27.  The total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 27795.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 54874.85. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. 27079.35. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.97.  The total cost of cultivation for Red gram was Rs. 65271.49. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 149815.42. The net income from Red gram cultivation was Rs. 84543.93. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.3.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 31661.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 72163.14. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 40501.81. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.28.  The results indicate that, 47.50 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder and green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 50,000 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 124,764.29, for small farmers it was Rs. 139,500, semi medium farmers it was Rs. 192,400, for medium farmers it was Rs. 376,500 and large farmers it was Rs. 636,000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 37,494.69. For landless farmers it was Rs. 37,500, marginal farmers it was Rs. 16,490.78, for small farmers it was Rs. 11,750, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 25,241.67, for medium farmers it was Rs. 120,666.67 and for large farmers it was Rs. 462,000.  The results indicate that, households have planted 31 mango and 1 sapota trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 83 neem, 6 tamarind and 1 banyan trees in their field and also 22 neem trees in their backyard.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 200 for land development.  The results indicated that loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 2.44 per cent for land development. Own funds was the source of additional investment for 7.32 per cent for land development. 4  The results indicated that, cotton was sold to the extent of 99.54 per cent, green gram and red gram was sold to the extent of 93.75 per cent and groundnut was sold to the extent of 98.25 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 90 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchant and 7.50 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to regulated market.  The results indicated that, 97.5 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 50 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 80 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 90 per cent of the households used fire wood and 10 per cent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 92.5 per cent and 7.50 per cent of the households used bore well in the micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 57.5 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL cards.  The results indicated that, 87.5 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals milk and egg were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 80 per cent, oilseed were adequate for 5 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 85 per cent, fruits were adequate for 22.50 per cent and meat were adequate for 90 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulse were inadequate for 20 per cent of the households, oilseed were inadequate for 95 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 15 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 77.50 per cent and meat were inadequate for 10 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil in the area was the constraint experienced by 82.5 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (22.5%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (87.5%), Inadequacy of irrigation water (12.5%), high cost of fertilizer and plant protection chemicals (85%), high rate of interest on credit (27.5%), low price for the agricultural commodities (65%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (25%), inadequate extension service (2.5%), Lack of transport for safe transport of the Agril produce to the market (12.5%), less rainfall and Source of Agri-technology information (10%).