LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT HOSAKANAKAPURA (4D4A9C3c) MICROWATERSHED Kasaba Hobli, Koppal Taluk & District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Hosakanakapura 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 511 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 39 per cent is covered by soil, 19 per cent by Mining/Industrial area, 38 per cent by rock out crops and 4 per cent by water bodies,. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 7 soil series and 12 soil phases (management units) and 3 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 4 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50cm), 14 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 20 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and <1 per cent is deep (100-150cm) soils.  About 37 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 2 per cent has clayey (sandy clay) soils at the surface.  About 3 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%), 13 per cent gravelly (15- 35%) soils, 18 per cent has very gravelly soils (35-60 % gravel) and 5 per cent has extremely gravelly (60-80%) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 38 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m) and <1 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 6 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) and 33 per cent has gently sloping (3-5%) lands.  An area of about 4 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 34 per cent is moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about <1 per cent is moderately acid (pH 5.5 to 6.0), 3 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 11 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3), 12 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8) and 18 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are <2 dsm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 34 per cent and 10 per cent is high (>0.75%).  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in <1 per cent, medium (<23 kg/ha) in 20 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 24 per cent area of the soils.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in the entire area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 15 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 3 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 26 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 36 per cent, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 8 per cent and high (>1.0 ppm) in <1 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5ppm) in <1 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 44 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 16 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 29 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 - 45(9) Sapota - 16(3) Maize - 45(9) Pomegranate - 16(3) Bajra - 61(12) Guava - 16(3) Redgram - - Jackfruit - 16(3) Bengal gram - 45(9) Jamun - 16(3) Groundnut - 64(13) Musambi - 16(3) Sunflower - - Lime - 16(3) Cotton - 45(9) Cashew - 102(20) Chilli - 45(9) Custard apple - 151(29) Tomato - 49(9) Amla - 151(29) Brinjal - 90(18) Tamarind - - Onion - 90(18) Marigold - 45(9) Bhendi - 90(18) Chrysanthemum - 45 (9) Drumstick - 3(<1) Jasmine 45(9) Mulberry - 106(21) Crossandra 45(9) Mango - - - - -  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 3 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 110 (57.89%) men and 80 (42.11%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.6, marginal farmers’ was 2.1, small farmers’ was 3.3, semi medium farmers’ was 11.5 and medium farmers’ was 0.60.  The data indicated that, 35 (18.42%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 81 (42.63%) were in 16-35 years of age, 57 (30%) were in 36-60 years of age and 17 (8.95%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Hosakanakapura had 36.53 per cent illiterates, 0.53 per cent them had functional literate, 13.68 per cent of them had primary school education, 2.63 per cent of them had middle school education, 10.53 per cent of them had high school education, 6.32 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.58 per cent had diploma 2.11 per cent them had ITI, 4.21 per cent of them had degree and 7.89 per cent of them had others education.  The results indicate that, 23.68 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 73.68 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labourers and 2.63 per cent of households head were private service.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 13.68 per cent of the household members, 53.68 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.53 per cent were household industry, 3.68 per cent were private service 0.53 per cent were trade & business, 17.37 per cent were student, 3.68 per cent were housewife and 6.84 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 5.26 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 76.32 per cent of the households posses Katcha house, 10.53 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house and 7.89 per cent of the households possess semi Pucca houses.  The results show that 86.84 per cent of the households possess TV, 60.53 per cent of them possess mixer/grinder, 18.42 per cent of them possess motor cycle and 92.11 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 8,696, mixer grinder was Rs. 1,847, motor cycle was Rs.45, 714, and mobile phone was Rs.2, 308.  About 71.05 per cent of the households possess weeder. The results show that the average value of weeder was Rs. 56.  The results indicate that, 2.63 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 21.05 per cent of the households possess local cow 7.89 per cent possess buffalo. 2  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.83, average own labour (women) available was 1.42, average hired labour (men) available was 8.08 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.53.  The results indicate that 94.74 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Hosakanakapura micro-watershed possess 20.24 ha (54.21%) of dry land and 17.10 ha (45.79%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 6.04 ha (86.14%) of dry land and 0.97 ha (13.86%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 7.60 ha (54.26%) of dry land and 6.41 ha (45.57%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 6.60 ha (54.44%) of dry land and 5.52 ha (45.56%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.20ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 503,779.24 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 643,076.93. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 927,077.74 for dry land and Rs. 1,234,999.95 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 368,068.13 for dry land and Rs. 826,452.02 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 272,760.73 for dry land and Rs. 543,255.14 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 357,280.62 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 16 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 42.11 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 44.92 meters.  The results indicate that marginal, small semi medium and medium farmers had an irrigated area of 0.97 ha, 6.41ha, 5.52ha and 2.17 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown maize (15.16 ha), bajra (13.53ha), groundnut (4.05 ha), paddy (2.26 ha), sesamum (0.81ha), sugarcane (0.81 ha) and navane (0.4 ha). Marginal farmers have grown maize, groundnut, navane and bajra, while small farmers have grown maize, bajra, paddy, sesamum and sugarcane. Semi medium farmers have grown maize, bajra and groundnut. Medium farmers have grown maize.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Hosakanakapura micro-watershed was found to be 99.75 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 34602.67. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 62407.45. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 27804.78. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.8.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Bajra was Rs. 42894.24. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 27481.15. The net income from Bajra cultivation was Rs. -15413.09. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.64.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Sesamum was Rs. 20830.19. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 13183.63. The net income from 3 Sesamum cultivation was Rs. -7646.57. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.63.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Groundnut was Rs. 26857.23. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 17569.93. The net income from Groundnut cultivation was Rs. -9287.30. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.65.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Sugarcane was Rs. 31054.09. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 247000.00. The net income from Sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 215945.91. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:7.95.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 55327.92. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 131419.02. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 76091.10. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.38.  The results indicate that, 18.42 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate, green fodder was adequate for 18.42 per cent of the households  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 32,600 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 53,727.27, for small farmers it was Rs. 67,776.92, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 91,714.29and for medium farmers it was Rs. 121,312.50.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 8,322.43. For landless households it was Rs. 4,000, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 7,812.99, for small farmers it was Rs. 4,935.90, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 9,448.98 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 40,000  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 17coconut trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 55 neem, 2 tamarind and 12 banyan trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households average additional investment capacity of Rs, 5,026.32 for land development, Rs, 2,605.26 for irrigation facility, Rs, 2,868.42 for improved crop production, Rs, 657.89 for improved livestock management and Rs.736.84 for orchard development/ maintenance.  The results indicate that, Loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 65.79 per cent for land development, 50 per cent for irrigation facility, 44.74 per cent for improved crop production and 13.16 improved livestock management. Own funds were the source of additional investment for 5.26 per cent of the households for land development, 2.63 per cent for improved crop production and improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, bajra, groundnut, paddy, sesamum and sugarcane were sold to the extent 100 per cent and maize was sold to the extent of 94.37 per cent. 4  The results indicated that, about 2.63 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to Agent/Traders, 68.42 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchant and 21.05 per cent of them sold their produce through regulated market.  The results indicated that, 76.32 per cent of the households used tractor and 15.79 per cent of them used cart as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 20 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 67.50 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 97.37 per cent of the households used firewood and 2.63 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 89.47 per cent of the households, bore well was the source of drinking water for 7.89 per cent of the households and canal/nala was the source of drinking water for 2.63 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 55.26 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility. The results indicated that, 97.37 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 2.63 per cent of the sampled households not possessed card.  The results indicated that, 47.37 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 86.84 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 23.68 per cent, fruits were adequate for 13.16 per cent, milk and egg were adequate for 94.74 per cent and meat were adequate for 92.11 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 13.16 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 100 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 76.32 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 86.84 per cent, milk was inadequate for 5.26 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 5.26 per cent and meat was inadequate for 7.89 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 76.32 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (65.79%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (78.95%), inadequacy of irrigation water (71.05%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (76.32%), high rate of interest on credit and lack of marketing facilities in the area (76.32%), low price for the agricultural commodities (15.79%), inadequate extension services (5.26%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (15.79%), less rainfall (15.79%) and Source of Agri-technology information (5.26%).