LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CHIKKABAGNALU (4D4A1Z1f) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Chikkabagnalu 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 680 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 82 per cent is covered by soils, 6 per cent area is covered by mining/industrial, 1 per cent area is covered by rock lands and 11 per cent is covered by habitation and settlements. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11 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 82 per cent is suitable for agriculture.  An area of about 9 per cent of the soils are shallow to moderately shallow (25-75 cm), 72 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm) and <1 per cent soils are very deep (100->150 cm).  An area of about 73 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 9 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  An area of about 33 per cent area has non-gravelly (<15% gravel) soils and 48 per cent has gravelly to very gravelly (15-60% gravel) soils.  An area of about 70 per cent area is very low to low (<50-100 mm/m) and 12 per cent area is medium to high (101-200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 12 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 54 per cent area is moderately (e2) eroded and about 28 per cent area is slightly (e1) eroded.  An area of about 1 per cent soils are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 42 per cent soils are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) and 38 per cent soil are slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 7.3-9.0) in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is <2 dsm-1 indicating that the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon is high (>0.75%) in 76 per cent area and medium (0.5-0.75%) in 6 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is high (>57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is high (>20 ppm) in 1 per cent area, medium (10 -20 ppm) in 31 per cent area and low (<10 ppm) in 50 per cent area of the microwatershed.  An area of about 49 per cent is low (<0.5ppm) and 33 per cent is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in available boron content.  An area of about 68 per cent is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) and 13 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 16 per cent is deficient (<0.6 ppm) and 66 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 90(13) 275(40) Sapota 84(12) 317(47) Maize 75(11) 291(43) Pomegranate 84(12) 317(47) Bajra 286(42) 171(25) Guava 1(<1) 400(59) Groundnut 131(19) 419(62) Jackfruit 84(12) 317(47) Sunflower 66(10) 243(36) Jamun 37(5) 301(44) Cotton 66(10) 275(40) Musambi 84(12) 293(43) Red gram 66(10) 219(32) Lime 84(12) 293(43) Bengalgram - 318(47) Cashew 40(6) 361(53) Chilli 120(18) 246(36) Custard apple 286(42) 264(39) Tomato 120(18) 246(36) Amla 286(42) 264(39) Brinjal 243(36) 197(29) Tamarind 37(5) 82(12) Onion 154(23) 287(42) Marigold 65(10) 301(44) Bhendi 154(23) 287(42) Chrysanthemum 65(10) 301(44) Drumstick 84(12) 318(47) Jasmine 65(10) 301(44) Mulberry 84(12) 410(60) Crossandra 65(10) 277(41) Mango 37(5) 47(7)  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 data on households sampled for socio economic survey in Chikkabagnalu micro indicated that 30 farmers were sampled in Chikkabagnalu micro watershed among them 6 (20%) were marginal farmers, 8 (26.67%) were small farmers, 9(30%) were semi medium farmers, 6(20%) were medium farmers and 1(3.33%) landless farmer was also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 150 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 92 (61.33%) men and 58 (38.67 %) were women. The average family size of landless was 5, marginal farmers were 5, small farmers were 7, semi medium farmers were 4 and medium farmers were 4. On an average the family size was 5.  The data indicated that 26(17.33%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 69 (46%) were in 16-35 years of age, 45 (30 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 10 (6.67%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Chikkabagnalu had 34 per cent illiterates, 26 per cent of them had primary school education, 9.33 per cent of them had both middle school, 13.33 per cent them had high school education, 7.33 per cent of them had PUC education, 2 per cent them had ITI education, 4.67 per cent of them had degree education and 3.33 per cent them had others.  The results indicated that, 93.33 per cent of households practicing agriculture and 3.33 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 50.67 per cent of the household members, 17.33 per cent were agricultural labourers, 2.67 per cent were general labours, 0.67 per cent household industry, 1.33 percent were in government service, 0.67 per cent of them were in private sector, 22 per cent of them were students, 3.33 per cent of them were children and 1.33 per cent were housewives. In case of landless households 20 per cent were agricultural labourers, 60 per cent were general labourers and 20 per cent were household industry. In case of marginal farmers 42.86 per cent were agriculturist, 21.43 percent was in agricultural labour and 25 per cent of them were students. In case of small farmers 54.72 per cent of them were agriculturist, 20.75 percent was in agricultural labour and 18.87 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 43.24 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 21.62 per cent were agricultural labourers and 24.32 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers 70.37 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 25.93 per cent of them were students and 3.70 per cent were housewives.  The results showed that 0.67 per cent of them participated in user groups and 99.33 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. Landless, marginal, semi medium and medium farmers were found to have no participation 2 in any local institutions. Small farmers were found to participate in one or the other local institutions.  The results indicated that 43.33 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 20 per cent of the households possess Pucca house, 33.33 per cent of the households possess Semi Pacca house and 3.33 per cent of them possess Thatched house. 100 percent of the landless farmers possess Katcha house.  The results showed that, 86.67 per cent of the households possess TV, 3.33 per cent of the households possess DVD/VCD Player, 63.33 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 10 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 36.67 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 3.33 per cent of the households possess Auto and 96.67 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs.5673; DVD/VCD Player was Rs. 2000, mixer grinder was Rs.1647, bicycle was Rs.3000, motor cycle was Rs.44545, Auto was Rs. 300000 and mobile phone was Rs.2022.  The results indicated that about 23.33 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 43.33 per cent of them possess plough, 13.33 per cent of the households possess tractor, 40 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 3.33 per cent of the households possess sprinkler, 56.67 per cent of the households possess weeder and 3.33 per cent of the households possess harvester.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 14921; the average value of plough was Rs. 1573, the average value of tractor was Rs. 351250, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 3958, the average value of sprinkler was Rs. 200, the average value of weeder was Rs. 213 and the average value of harvester was Rs. 100.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.83, average own labour (women) available was 1.13, average hired labour (men) available was 7.87 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.97.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.67, average own labour (women) was also 1.17, average hired labour (men) was 8.83 and average hired labour (women) available was 16.83. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 2.88, average own labour (women) was 1.25, average hired labour (men) was 10.38 and average hired labour (women) available was 10.75. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.11, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was 7.78 and average hired labour (women) available was 13.56. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 1.33, average hired labour (men) was 5 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.33. 3  The results indicated that, 73.33 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate and 26.67 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Chikkabagnalu micro watershed possess 11.59 ha (27.32 %) of dry land and 30.82 ha (72.68%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 2.08 ha (67.41%) of dry land and 1.01 ha (32.59%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 4.65 ha (55.41 %) of dry land and 3.74 ha (44.59 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.83 ha (19.85 %) of dry land and 11.44 ha (80.15 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 2.02 ha (12.15 %) of dry land and 14.63 (87.85%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 345,092.56 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 387,934.60. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 623,495.16 for dry land and Rs. 1,289,558.23 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 322,735.19 for dry land Rs. 657,597.40 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 247,000 for dry land and Rs. 401,910.16 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 247,000 for dry land and was Rs. 245,975.65 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 30 functioning and 8 defunctioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 96.66 per cent of the farmers and 3.33 per cent of the households were using tank as a source of irrigation.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 68.15 meters and tank was 2.54 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 1.01 ha of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 54.25 ha of irrigated land, semi medium farmers were having 11.12 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 6.88 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown banana (0.40ha), groundnut (4.05ha), maize (19.14ha), paddy (1.62ha), bajra (0.81ha), red gram (1.31ha) in kharif season and also grown red gram (0.44 ha) in Rabi season. Marginal farmers have grown banana, groundnut and maize. Small farmers have grown groundnut, maize and red gram. Semi medium farmers have grown groundnut, maize, paddy and red gram and medium farmers grown groundnut, paddy and maize.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Chikkabagnalu micro watershed was found to be 75.56 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, in small farmers it was 83.55, in semi medium farmers it was 88.05 and in medium farmers it was 60.77 per cent. 4  The results indicated that, 93.33 per cent of the households have both bank account and savings respectively. Among marginal farmers 100 percent of them possess both bank account and savings. 87.50 per cent of small farmers possess both bank account and savings correspondingly. Semi medium farmers possess 100 per cent of both bank account and savings respectively and medium category of farmers also possess 100 per cent of bank account and also savings correspondingly.  The results indicated that, 50 per cent of marginal, 12.50 per cent of small, 22.22 per cent of the semi medium and 66.67 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 40 per cent have availed loan in commercial bank, 20 per cent have availed loan from Cooperative Bank and Grameena Bank, and 10 per cent have availed loan from Friends/Relatives and money lender respectively.  The results indicated that the average amount availed from marginal, small, semi medium and medium farmer were Rs.74250, Rs. 24750, Rs. 28400 and Rs. 71250 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 54,235.29.  The results indicated that, 90 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production and 10 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for land purchase.  The results indicated that, agriculture production and household consumption were the purpose for which marginal and small farmers borrowed loan from private credit. About 25 percent of loan was taken for agriculture production and 75 per cent of the farmers taken loan for household consumption.  Results indicated that 40 per cent of the households have repaid their institutional credit partially, 50 percent of the households have unpaid their loan and 10 percent of the households have fully paid their loan.  . Results indicated that 100 per cent of the households have repaid their private credit partially.  The results indicated that 30 per cent of the households were opined that they were helped to perform timely agricultural operations, 10 households were opined that easy accessibility of credit and 60 per cent of the farmers did not give any opinion on credit.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 56355.49. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 40014.00. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -16341.49, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.71.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 44337.39. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 40198.74. The net income from 5 maize cultivation was Rs. -4138.65. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.91.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 58309.08. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55266.25. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. -3042.83. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.95.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 60025.95. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 91159.47. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 31133.51. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.52.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Banana was Rs. 288143.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 247000. The net income from Banana cultivation was Rs. -41143.50. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.86.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for red gram was Rs. 34365.65. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 58404.41. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 24038.76. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.7.  The results indicated that, 33.33 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and inadequate respectively. Similarly 60 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate and 6.67 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was inadequate.  The results indicated that, in case of landless farmers, the average income from wage was Rs. 120000, in marginal farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.61666.67, wage was Rs.15500, agriculture was Rs.32100 and dairy farm was Rs. 8400. In case of small farmers average income from service/salary was Rs. 25000, Wage Rs.12500, agriculture was Rs. 62375 and goat farming was Rs.3750. In semi medium farmers the average income from wage was Rs. 13444.44, agriculture was Rs. 84888.89 and dairy farming was Rs.5222.22. In medium farmers the average income from wage was Rs. 17166.67, agriculture was Rs. 137583.33 and dairy farming was Rs. 11333.33. Over all, the average income from the salary was Rs.19000, wage was Rs.17900, agriculture was Rs.76036.67, dairy farm was Rs.5513.33 and goat farming was Rs.1000.  The results indicated that, in case of landless, the average expenditure from wage Rs. 50,000. In case of marginal farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.140000, wage was Rs.14750, agriculture was Rs.19666.67 and dairy farm was Rs. 30000. In case of small farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.37500, wage was Rs.11000, agriculture was Rs.38125 and goat farming was Rs.5000. In semi medium farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs.7125, agriculture was Rs.50000 and dairy farm was 6 Rs.8333.33. Similarly in medium farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs. 12000, agriculture was Rs.80000 and dairy farm was Rs.7875.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 57 coconut trees, 12 mango trees and 3 Sapota trees in their field.  The results indicated that, 3.33 per cent of the households are interested in growing horticultural crops which include 16.67 per cent medium farmers.  The results indicated that, households have planted 77 neem trees, 2 tamarind tress, 6 acacia trees and 5 banyan trees in their field.  The results indicated that, Bajra, coriander, cotton, cowpea, groundnut, sorghum, paddy, red gram and sunflower crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Only maize was sold to the extent of 56.32 per cent.  The results indicated that, 30 percent of the households have sold their produce to agent/traders, 50 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant, 30 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets and 3.33 percent of the households sold their produce to cooperative marketing society.  The results indicated that 3.33 per cent of the households have used head load as a mode of transport, 6.67 per cent of them have used cart, 90 per cent have used tractor and 10 per cent of them have used truck.  The results indicated that, 66.67 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 66.67 percent of marginal farmers, 75 per cent of small farmers, 55.56 per cent semi medium farmers and 83.33 percent medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 60 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing i.e. 66.67 per cent of marginal, 62.50 per cent of small, 44.44 per cent of semi medium and 83.33 per cent of medium farmers have shown interest towards soil testing.  The results indicated that, 83.33 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel and 23.33 percent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 6.67 per cent, 76.67 per cent of them were using bore well and 16.67 per cents of the households were using lake/tank for drinking water.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 93.33 per cent of the households and 3.33 per cent of the households were using kerosene lamp.  The results indicated that, 20 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of landless, 16.67 per cent of marginal, 12.50 per cent of small, 22.22 per cent of semi medium and 16.67 per cent of medium had sanitary toilet facility. 7  The results indicated that, 90 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 6.67 per cent of the sampled households have not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 46.67 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 100 per cent of the landless, 16.67 percent of the marginal, 100 per cent of the small, 33.33 per cent of the semi medium and 16.67 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, milk, egg and meat were adequate for 96.67 per cent, 46.67 per cent, 53.33 per cent, 43.33 per cent, 73.33 per cent, 36.67 per cent, and 23.33 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and milk were inadequate for 3.33 per cent, 53.33 per cent, 26.67 per cent, 40 per cent and 13.33 of the households. Fruits, egg and meat were inadequate for 23.33 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 3.33 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (40%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (13.33%), inadequacy of irrigation water (6.67%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (6.67%), high rate of interest on credit (60%), low price for the agricultural commodities (6.67%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (60%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (26.67%), less rainfall (93.33%) and Source of Agri-technology information(Newspaper /TV/Mobile) (63.33 %).