LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT NEREGALLU-1 (4D4A1T2e) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Naregallu-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 869 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 89 per cent is covered by soils and 11 per cent is by habitation and settlements. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 16 soil series and 29 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 31 major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  An area of about 89 per cent is suitable for agriculture.  About 17 per cent of the soils are shallow to moderately shallow (25-75 cm), 40 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm) and 32 per cent soils are very deep (>150 cm).  About 7 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 82 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  About 70 per cent area has non-gravelly (<15% gravel) soils and 19 per cent has gravelly (15-35% gravel) soils.  About 17 per cent area is very low to low (<50-100 mm/m), 37 per cent area is medium to high (101-200 mm/m) and 34 per cent area is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 19 per cent area of the microwatershed has nearly level (0-1% slope) lands and 70 per cent area of the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  An area of about 31 per cent area is moderately (e2) eroded and about 58 per cent area is slightly (e1) eroded.  An area of about 77 per cent soil are moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 7.8-9.0) and an area of about 12 per cent soil are very strongly alkaline (pH >9.0) in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1 indicating that the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon is low (0.5%) in 8 per cent area, medium (0.5-0.75%) in 70 per cent area and high (>0.75%) in 11 per cent area.  An area of about 81 per cent is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and 8 per cent is low (>23 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  An area of about 37 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 52 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 30 per cent, medium (10 -20 ppm) in 52 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 7 per cent area of the microwatershed.  An area of about 46 per cent is low (<0.5 ppm) and 43 per cent is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in available boron content.  An area of about 50 per cent is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) and 39 per cent is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in available iron content.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is sufficient (>1.0 ppm) in available manganese content.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is sufficient (>0.2 ppm) in available copper content.  An area of about 53 per cent is deficient (<0.6 ppm) and 36 per cent is sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in available zinc content.  The land suitability for 31 major 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 microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 225(26) 540(62) Sapota 116(13) 18(2) Maize 80(9) 648(75) Pomegranate 116(13) 506(58) Bajra 116(13) 622(72) Guava 116(13) 18(2) Groundnut 61(7) 129(15) Jackfruit 116(13) 18(2) Sunflower 187(22) 434(50) Jamun 61(7) 473(54) Cotton 173(20) 592(68) Musambi 187(22) 434(50) Red gram 116(13) 463(53) Lime 187(22) 434(50) Bengalgram 162(19) 603(69) Cashew 133(15) - Chilli 116(13) 128(15) Custard apple 270(31) 496(57) Tomato 116(13) 112(13) Amla 133(15) 632(73) Brinjal 97(11) 610(70) Tamarind 61(7) 474(54) Onion 97(11) 36(4) Marigold 116(13) 649(75) Bhendi 97(11) 573(66) Chrysanthemum 116(13) 649(75) Drumstick 133(15) 488(56) Jasmine 116(13) 199(23) Mulberry 133(15) 286(33) Crossandra 116(13) 249(29) Mango 61(7) 75(9)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 5 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. 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 FEATURES OF THE SURVEY  The results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Naregallu-1 micro watershed among them 11 (31.43%) were marginal farmers, 9 (25.71 %) were small and semi medium farmers, 4 (11.43 %) were medium farmers and 2 (5.71 %) large farmers.  The data indicated that there were 181 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 111 (61.33 %) men and 70 (38.67 %) were women. The average family size of marginal, small farmers and semi medium farmers were 5, medium farmer was 6 and large farmer was 7.  The data indicated that 23 (12.71%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 88 (48.62 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 50 (27.62 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 20 (11.05 %) were above 61 years of age. The results indicated that, 97.14 per cent of household’s heads were practicing agriculture and 2.86 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour.  The results indicated that the Naregallu-1had 28.18 per cent illiterates, 29.83 per cent of them had primary school education, 1.10 per cent of them had middle school, 25.41 per cent them had high school education, 6.08 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.55 per cent them had diploma education, 7.73 per cent of them had degree education and 1.10 per cent of the household members had other education.  The results indicated that agriculture was the occupation for 23.76 per cent of the household members, 59.67 per cent were agricultural labourers, 14.36 per them were students and 1.10 per cent of them were children and housewives respectively. In case of marginal farmers 26 per cent were agriculturist, 60 percent was in agricultural labour and 12 per cent of them were students. In case of small farmers 22 per cent of them were agriculturist, 60 per cent of them were agricultural labour and 16 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 23.81 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 54.76 per cent of them were agricultural labour and 19.05 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers 25 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 62.50 per cent of them were in agricultural labour and 12.50 per cent of them were students. In case of large farmers 20 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 66.67 per cent of them were in agricultural labour and 6.67 per cent of them were students.  The results showed that 100 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 97.14 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 2.86 per cent of the households possess Pucca house.  The results showed that, 91.43 per cent of the households possess TV, 5.71 per cent of the households possess DVD player, 74.29 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 11.43 per cent of the households possess refrigerator, 11.43 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 85.71 per cent of the households possess motor 2 cycle, 2.86 per cent of the households possess Car, 2.86 per cent of the households possess landline phone, 85.71 per cent of the households possess mobile phones and 2.86 per cent of the households possess computer/laptop.  The results showed that the average value, television was Rs.23281, DVD/VCD Player was Rs. 1600, mixer grinder was Rs.1903, refrigerator was Rs.11000, bicycle was Rs.1050, motor cycle was Rs.32882, Car was Rs. 300000, landline phone was Rs. 500, mobile phone was Rs.1507 and computer/laptop was Rs. 12500.  The results showed that, about 8.57 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 22.86 per cent of them possess plough, 2.86 per cent of the households equally possess seed/fertilizer drill, power tiller, tractor, thresher, groundnut decorticator, chaff cutter and earth remover/duster, 11.43 per cent of the households possess irrigation pump, 14.29 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 5.71 per cent of the households possess sprinkler, 51.43 per cent of the households possess weeder and 20 per cent of the households possess harvester.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.26666; the average value of plough was Rs. 2200, the average value of seed/fertilizer drill was Rs.3500, the average value of irrigation pump was Rs. 273250, the average value of power tiller was Rs. 150000, the average value of tractor was Rs. 300000, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 2600, the average value of sprinkler was Rs. 3000, the average value of weeder was Rs. 42, the average value of harvester was Rs. 74, the average value of thresher was Rs. 25, the average value of groundnut decorticator was Rs. 18000, the average value of chaff cutter was Rs. 2100 and the average value of Earth remover/Duster was Rs. 20000.  The results indicated that, 14.29 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 8.57 per cent of the households possess local cow, 14.29 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow and 5.71 per cent of the households possess buffalo.  In case of marginal farmers, 9.09 per cent of the households possess both bullock and local cow respectively and 18.18 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow. In case of small farmers, 22.22 per cent of households possess equally bullock and buffalo and 11.11 per cent possess local cow. In case of semi medium farmers, 11.11per cent of the households possess bullock and 22.22 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow. In medium farmers, 25 per cent of the households possess local cow. 50 per cent of the large farmers possess bullock and crossbred cow respectively.  The data regarding the average labour availability in Naregallu-1 micro watershed is presented in Table 14. The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.91, average own labour (women) available was 1.18, average hired labour (men) available was 17.86 and average hired labour (women) available was 19.37. 3  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 2.09, average own labour (women) was also 1.18, average hired labour (men) was 9.18 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.18. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 2.22, average own labour (women) was 1.22, average hired labour (men) was 15.22 and average hired labour (women) available was 15.89. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.44, average own labour (women) was 1.11, average hired labour (men) was 22.22 and average hired labour (women) available was also 22.22. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 1.75, average own labour (women) was 1.50, average hired labour (men) was 29.25 and average hired labour (women) available was 33. In large farmers average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 0, average hired labour (men) was 35 and average hired labour (women) available was 40.  The results indicated that, 5.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate and 94.29 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Naregallu-1 micro watershed possess 1.80 ha (3.75 %) of dry land and 46.27 ha (96.25 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 1.80 ha (36.95 %) of dry land and 3.08 ha (63.05%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 7.17 ha (100 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 12.87 ha (100 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 10.07 ha (100%) of irrigated land and large farmers possess 13.07 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 443049.32 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 490456.62. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 443049.32 for dry land and Rs. 1655321.93 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 1004178.43 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 473656.08 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 297709.93 for irrigated land. In large farmers the average land value was Rs. 99411.77 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 23 functioning and 3 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 65.71 per cent of the farmers and 5.71 per cent of the farmers were using canal for irrigation.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 68.88 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 3.08 ha of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 7.17 ha of irrigated land, semi medium farmers were having 12.88 ha of irrigated land, medium farmers were having 10.06 4 ha of irrigated land and large farmers having 13.08 ha irrigated land. On an average there were 46.26 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown coriander (0.40 ha), cotton (1.21 ha), cowpea (0.88 ha), groundnut (0.50ha), Sorghum (1.24 ha), maize (38.21 ha), paddy (0.81 ha), bajra (0.81 ha), red gram (1.62ha) and sunflower (2.98 ha) in kharif season. Also grown 2.27 ha of cowpea and 3.33 ha sunflower in Rabi season. Marginal farmers have grown coriander, groundnut, Maize, Bajra, cowpea and sunflower. Small farmers have grown cowpea and maize. Semi medium farmers have grown sorghum, maize, paddy, cowpea and sunflower. Medium farmers have grown cotton, maize and red gram. Large farmers have grown only maize.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Naregallu-1 micro watershed was found to be 85.70 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, in small farmers it was 88.19, in semi medium farmers it was 87.80, in medium farmers it was 64.04 per cent and in large farmers it was 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 36122.49. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46683. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 10560.51, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.29.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 41582.91. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 62427.57. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 20844.65. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.5.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 42196.36. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 42237.00. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 40.64. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.0.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Cowpea was Rs. 33136.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 22466.85. The net income from Cowpea cultivation was Rs. -10669.65. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.68.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 54187.89. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 96239.63. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 42051.74. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.78.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 32861.40. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 51830.19. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. 18968.79. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.58.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sorghum was Rs. 20210.43. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31377.85. The net income from Sorghum cultivation was Rs. 11167.42. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.55. 5  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 60504.72. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 23053.33. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. -37451.39. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.38.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for coriander was Rs. 71385.06. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 111150. The net income from coriander cultivation was Rs. 39764.94. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.56.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Red gram was Rs. 24308.69. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46312.50. The net income from Red gram cultivation was Rs. 22003.81. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.91.  The results indicated that, 83 tons of dry fodder was available for 44 days and 46 tons of green fodder was available for 26 days in studied micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 2.86 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 22.86 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate. Similarly 22.86 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate and 2.86 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was inadequate.  The table indicated that the average income from service/salary was Rs. 72,685.71, business Rs. 2,857.14, wage Rs. 285.71, agriculture Rs. 102,091.43, non farm income Rs. 428.57 and dairy farm Rs.857.14.  The results indicated that the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs. 2,428.57, business Rs. 1,714.29, agriculture Rs. 33,114.29 and dairy farm Rs. 171.43. On an average the expenditure was Rs. 11,005.24.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 13 coconut trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have planted 25 Neem trees, 8 tamarind tress, 2 banyan trees and 2 peeple trees in their field and also grown 2 Neem trees in the backyard.  The results indicated that, bajra, coriander, cotton, cowpea, sorghum, paddy, Red gram and sunflower crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent and maize was sold to the extent of 56.32 per cent.  The results indicated that, 5.71 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant, 85.71 percent of the households have sold their produce to regulated market, 34.29 percent of the households have sold their produce to cooperative marketing society and 5.71 percent of the households sold their produce in contract marketing arrangement. 6  The results indicated that, 2.86 per cent of them have used cart, 128.57 per cent of the households used tractor and 2.86 per cent have used truck as a mode of transport.  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 11.43 per cent of the households and 88.57 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, 37.14 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 27.27 per cent of marginal, 55.56 per cent of small, 22.22 per cent of semi medium, 25 per cent of medium and 100 per cent of large farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 25.71 per cent of the sampled household’s possessed APL card, 60 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 14.29 per cent of the sampled households have not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 57.14 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 36.36 percent of the marginal, 100 per cent of the small, 55.56 per cent of the semi medium, 25 percent of the medium farmers and 50 per cent of the large farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses and milk were adequate for 100 per cent, 11.43 per cent and 22.86 respectively. Oilseed, vegetables and fruits were adequate for 2.86 per cent of the households correspondingly.  The results indicated that, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, milk and egg were inadequate for 88.57 per cent, 11.43 per cent, 8.57 per cent, 11.43 per cent, 57.14 per cent and 54.29 per cent of the household.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 8.57 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (31.43%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (65.71%), inadequacy of irrigation water (8.57%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (51.43%), high rate of interest on credit (2.86%), low price for the agricultural commodities (5.71%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (20%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (25.71%), less rain fall (100%) and source of agri. Technology information (Newspaper/TV/Mobile) (85.71%).