LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT HIREBAGNALU-1 (4D4A1Z2c) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Hire Bagnalu-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 755 ha in Koppal taluk and district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought - prone with an average annual rainfall of 662 mm, of which about 424 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 161 mm during north-east and the remaining 77 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 76 per cent is covered by soil, 18 per cent by Mining/Industrial area, 4 per cent by rock out crops and 2 per cent by water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 13 soil series and 29 soil phases (management units) and 6 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.  Entire area is suitable for agriculture.  About <1 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50cm), 3 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 35 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm), 38 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 45 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 31 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 34 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%), 42 per cent gravelly (15- 35%) soils and <1 per cent has very gravelly soils (35-60 % gravel).  With respect to available water capacity 34 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m),35 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 4 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 3 per cent area is high to very high (151->200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 5 per cent has nearly level (0-1%), 69 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands and 1 per cent by gently sloping lands (3-5%).  An area of about 16 per cent is slightly eroded (e1), 59 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) and <1 per cent is severely eroded (e3).  An area of about 5 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 10 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3), 8 per cent slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), 22 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4), 30 per cent strongly to very strongly alkaline (pH 8.4- >9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are <2 dsm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is 7 per cent medium (0.5-0.75%) and 69 per cent high (>0.75%).  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in <1 per cent, medium (<23 kg/ha) in 7 per cent and high(>57 kg/ha) in 68 per cent area of the soils.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in entire area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 61 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 9 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 6 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 23 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 53 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5ppm) in 58 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 18 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 8 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 68 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  The land suitability for 31 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 128(17) 79(11) Sapota 128(17) 136(18) Maize 127(17) 80 (11) Pomegranate 128(17) 158(21) Bajra 155(21) 155(21) Guava 1(<1) 263(35) Redgram 128(17) 57(8) Jackfruit 128(17) 136(18) Bengal gram 22(3) 187(25) Jamun 128(17) 158(21) Groundnut 1(<1) 398(53) Musambi 128(17) 158(21) Sunflower 128 (17) 57(8) Lime 128(17) 158(21) Cotton 128(17) 79(20) Cashew 1(<1) 396(52) Chilli 155(21) 30(4) Custard apple 155(21) 416(55) Tomato 155(21) 30(4) Amla 155(21) 416(55) Brinjal 35(5) 416(55) Tamarind 128(17) 54(7) Onion 8(1) 443(59) Marigold 128(17) 79(11) Bhendi 8(1) 443(59) Chrysanthemum 128(17) 79 (11) Drumstick 128(17) 184(24) Jasmine 128(17) 57(8) Mulberry 128(17) 418(55) Crossandra 128(17) 57(8) Mango 128(17) 8(1) - - -  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 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 to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation and drainage line treatment plans have 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 100 (53.76%) men and 86(46.24%) were women among the sampled households. The average family size of landless farmer was 5.75, marginal farmer was 6, a small farmer was 4.2, semi medium farmer was 4.5, medium farmer was 5.5 and for large farmer it was 8.5.  There were 48 (25.81%) between 0-15 years of age, 74 (39.78%) were in 16-35 years of age, 54 (29.03 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 10 (5.38%) were above 61 years of age.  The Hire baganalu-1had 37.10 per cent illiterates, 21.51 per cent of them had primary school education, 11.83 per cent of them had middle school education, 13.98 per cent of them had high school education, 3.23 per cent of them had PUC education, 2.69 per cent of them had diploma, 1.08 per cent of them had ITI, 2.18per cent of them had degree education and 6.45 per cent of them had other education.  The results indicate that, 97.14 per cent of households practicing agriculture and 2.86 per cent of the household heads were other.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 61.29 per cent of the household members, 5.91 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.54 per cent were general labours, 5.38 per cent of them were in children and 26.34 per cent of them were students.  The results shows that 2.69 per cent of them participated in user groups and 97.31 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. About 9.09 per cent of marginal farmers have participated in user groups and 90.91 per cent have not participated in any local institutions. Small farmers participated in user group (12 %).  The results indicate that 2.86 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 54.29 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 22.86 per cent of them possess pucca house and 20.00 per cent of them posse’s semi pacca house.  The results shows that 2.86 per cent of the households possess radio, 94.29 per cent of the households possess TV, 82.86 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 8.57 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 48.57 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 94.29per cent of the households possess mobile phones. The average value of radio was Rs.600, television was Rs.7000, mixer grinder was Rs.2137, bicycle was Rs.3000, motor cycle was Rs.36000 and mobile phone was Rs.2132.  About 40 per cent of the households possess plough, 11.43 per cent of them possess tractor, 60.0 per cent of the households possess sprayer, and 8.57 per cent of the households possess Irrigation Pump 17.14 per cent of them posses bullock cart irrigation pump. The average value of plough was Rs.1664, the average value of tractor was Rs. 600000 and the average value of sprayer was Rs.4228. the average value of irrigation pump was Rs.53333 and the average value of bullock cart was 18666. 2  The results indicate that, 11.43 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 31.43 per cent of the households possess local cow, 11.43 per cent of the households possess crossbred cows, 34.29 per cent of the households possess buffalo, 2.86 per cent of the households possess sheep and 5.71 per cent of the households possess goat.  Average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.77, average own labour (women) available was 1.51, average hired labour (men) available was 9.5 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.21.  The results indicate that, 82.86per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate and 0 per cent of the households opined that hired labour was inadequate.  Households of the Hire baganalu-1 micro-watershed possess 7.2 ha (4.68%) of dry land and 146.61 ha (95.32%) of irrigated land.  The average value of dry land was Rs. 444544.44 and average value of irrigated was 126131.72  There were 28 live bore wells and 14 dry bore wells among the sampled households in Hire baganalu-1 micro-watershed and one defunct open well reported among the sampled households in the micro watershed.  Bore well was the major irrigation source 50 per cent of the marginal farmers, 60 per cent of the small farmers, 100 per cent of the semi medium farmers, 100 per cent of medium farmers and 100 per cent of large farmers. The results revealed that bore well was major irrigation source for 80 per cent of the households and 2.86 per cent of tank source.  Marginal farmers had irrigated area of 0.11 hectares, small farmers had 1.68 hectares, semi medium farmers had 15.03 hectares of irrigated land and medium farmers had 26.26 hectares of irrigated land and large farmer had 9.64 hectares of irrigated land.  Farmers have grown bengalgram (2.83 ha), cotton (0.81 ha), cowpea (1.21ha), ground nut (1.21ha), maize (13.99 ha), onion (3.23 ha), paddy (2.94 ha), red gram (3.23 ha), sugarcane (15.43 ha), sunflower (2.02 ha), tomato (0.4 ha) and green gram (0.4 ha). Marginal farmers have grown paddy (0.11 ha) and bajra (0.47 ha). Small farmers have grown maize (0.81ha), red gram (1.21ha), and sugarcane (1.68 ha). Semi medium farmers have grown groundnut (0.81 ha), maize (5.08 ha), onion (0.81ha), paddy (1.62ha) red gram (0.81ha) and sunflower (0.81ha) (2.31ha). Medium farmers have grown bengalgram (2.83 ha), cowpea (1.21ha), groundnut (0.81 ha), maize (6.48 ha), onion (2.42 ha), paddy (1.62 ha), red gram (0.81ha), sugarcane (7.03h a) tomato and green gram (0.4 ha) respectively. Large farmers have grown cotton (0.81ha), maize (1.62 ha), sugarcane (1.62 ha) and sunflower (1.21ha).  The cropping intensity in Hire baganalu-1 micro-watershed was found to be 99.2 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 100 per cent, medium farmers had cropping intensity of 98.34 per cent and large farmers had 100 per cent. 3  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 42335. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 59280. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 16924, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01.01.4.  The total cost of cultivation for bengalgram was Rs. 31107. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 63514. The net income from bengalgram cultivation was Rs. 32407. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:02.0.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation cowpea was Rs. 31991. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 26346. The net income from cowpea cultivation was Rs. -5645, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:00.8.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 60954. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 69654. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 8699. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:01.1.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 30869. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 27793. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. -3075. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:00.9.  The total cost of cultivation for onion was Rs. 31010. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46312. The net income from onion cultivation was Rs. 15301. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:01.5.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs.107760. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs.90647. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. -17112. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:00.8.  The total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 29252. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs.14708. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -14543. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:00.5.  The total cost of cultivation for red gram was Rs. 29949. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 44670. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 14721. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:01.5.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for sugarcane was Rs. 2605592. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 580381. The net income from sugarcane cultivation was Rs. -2025210. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:00.2.  The total cost of cultivation for sunflower was Rs. 31499. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 40137. The net income from sunflower cultivation was Rs. 8637. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 01:01.3.  The total cost of cultivation for tomato was Rs. 77009. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55575. The net income from tomato cultivation was Rs. -21434. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.72.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 20371. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 74100. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. 53728. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.64. 4  The results indicate that, 40 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate which includes 100 per cent of marginal, 20 per cent of small, 30per cent of semi medium and 63.64 per cent of medium and 33.33 per cent of large farmers. The data revealed that only 51.43 per cent of the households have opined that the green fodder is adequate which includes 50 per cent of marginal and 40 per cent of small farmers 70 per cent of semi medium farmer, 63.64 per cent of medium farmer and 33.33 per cent of large farmer.  The results indicate that, households have planted teak, 78 neem trees, 1 tamarind, 2 Banyan trees. Small farmers have planted 11 neem tree. Small farmers have planted 4 tamarinds. Semi medium farmers have planted 25 neem trees. Medium farmers have planted 33 neem tree, teak and tamarinds. Large farmers have planted 4 neem and 2 banyan trees.  Bengalgram, cotton, ground nut, horse gram and red gram was sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Maize was sold 88.26 per cent and green gram 66.3of total production.  The results indicated that, 17.14 per cent of the households have sold agricultural produce to agents/traders includes 100 per cent of marginal farmers. About 85.71 per cent of the households have sold agricultural produce to the local/village merchants includes 100 per cent of the marginal farmers, 100 per cent of the semi medium farmers and 72.73 per cent of the medium farmers and100 per cent large farmer. About 22.86 per cent of the households have sold in regulated markets includes 20 per cent of small farmers, 30 per cent of semi medium farmers, 36.36 per cent of the medium farmers. About 2.86 per cent of the households have sold the agricultural produce to contract markets, which includes 9.09 per cent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that Cent per cent of the households have use tractor load as mode of transport, 11.43 per cent have used truck  Bore well was the major source for drinking water for 85.71 per cent includes 100 per cent of marginal, 80 per cent of small farmers, 100 per cent of semi medium and 100 per cent of medium and large farmers.  Electricity was the major source of light for 94.29 per cent of households in micro watershed. Kerosene was major source of light for 2.86 per cent of the households  The results indicated that,28.5 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 50 per cent of landless, 100 per cent of marginal, 20 per cent of small, 10 per cent of semi medium and 9.09 per cent of medium and large farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 97.14 per cent of the households sampled possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, Wild animal menace on farm field was the constraint experienced by 40 per cent of the households, Frequent incidence of pest and diseases (37.14%), High cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (11.43 %), High rate of interest on credit (40 %), Low price for the agricultural commodities (20 %), Lack of marketing facilities in the area (60%), Less rainfall (82.86 %) and Source of Agritechnology information(Newspaper/TV/Mobile) (20%).