LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DANAKANADODDI-2 (4D3A9E2b) MICRO WATERSHED Hitnala Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Danakkanadoddi-2microwatershedwas 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 542ha 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, 161mm during north-east and the remaining 77 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 95per cent is covered by soils, about one per cent by rock outcrops , one per cent bywater bodies and three per cent by mining/industrial. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 15soil series and 23soil phases (management units) and 7land use classes.  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 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 28major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area is suitable for agriculture.  About12per cent of the soils areshallowto moderately shallow (25-75 cm)and84 per cent soils are moderately deep to very deep(75->150 cm).  About 62 per cent areahas loamy soils, 28 per cent area has clay soils and 5 per cent area has sandy soils at the surface.  About 69 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15% gravel) soils and 26per cent gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel).  About 38 per cent area has verylow to low (<50-100 mm/m), 24per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 33per cent high (151-200 mm/m) to very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity.  Entire area has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  About 7per cent area has slightly eroded (e1) and about 89 per cent area has moderately eroded (e2) lands.  About 13 per cent area is slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 30 per cent area is slightly alkaline (pH7.3-7.8)to strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0)in soil reaction and 52 per cent area is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  Organic carbon islow (<0.5%) in about 6per cent,32 per cent of the soils are medium (0.5-0.75%) and57per cent of the soils are high (>0.75%) in organic carbon.  About 3 per cent area is low (<23 kg/ha), medium (23-57 kg/ha) in32 per cent and 61 per cent area is high (>57 kg/ha) available phosphorus.  Anarea of about 58 per centismedium (145-337 kg/ha)and about 38per cent ishigh (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 82 per cent area andmedium (10-20 ppm) in about 13per cent area.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in about 70per cent area, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 24per cent area and high (>1.0 ppm) in one per cent.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm)in46 per cent area and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in about 50 per cent area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) inan area of about 54 per cent and sufficient in 42per cent area.  Available manganeseis deficient (<1.0 ppm) in less than one per cent area and sufficient (>1.0 ppm) in about 95 per cent area.  Available copper is sufficient(>0.2 ppm) in all the soils.  The land suitability for 28 major crops grown in the microwatershedwere 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 246 (45) 104 (19) Pomegranate 185 (34) 183 (34) Maize 65 (12) 260 (48) Guava 181 (33) 138 (25) Bajra 233 (43) 118 (34) Jackfruit 185 (34) 133 (24) Groundnut 164 (30) 299 (55) Jamun 164 (30) 74 (14) Sunflower 205 (37) 131 (24) Musambi 202 (37) 166 (31) Cotton 184 (34) 191 (35) Lime 202 (37) 166 (31) Red gram 185 (34) 141 (26) Cashew 229 (42) 40 (7) Bengalgram 17 (3) 390 (63) Custard apple 275 (51) 237 (44) Chilli 233 (43) 93 (17) Amla 258 (48) 254 (47) Tomato 233 (43) 67 (12) Tamarind 164 (30) 62 (11) Drumstick 185 (34) 260 (48) Marigold 181 (33) 194 (36) Mulberry 185 (34) 270 (50) Chrysanthemum 181 (33) 194 (36) Mango 164 (30) 21 (4) Jasmine 181 (33) 144 (11) Sapota 185 (34) 133 (24) Crossandra 181 (33) 194 (36) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the7identified LUCs 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 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 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 FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 104 (56.22%) men and 81 (43.78%) were women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers was 5, marginal farmers’ was 5, small farmers’ was 5.20, semi medium farmers’ was 5.27 and medium farmers’ was 7.  The data indicated that, 42 (22.70%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 83 (44.86%) were in 16-35 years of age, 49 (26.49%) were in 36-60 years of age and 11 (5.95%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Danakanadoddi-2 had 34.59 per cent illiterates, 24.86 per cent of them had primary school education, 3.78 per cent of them had middle school education, 20 per cent of them had high school education, 7.03 per cent of them had PUC education, 2.70 per cent of them had degree education and 1 person was doing masters.  The results indicate that, 34.29 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 60 per cent of the households were agricultural laborers, 5.71 per cent were in private service, 2.86 per cent were students and 2.86 per cent of the household heads were involved in other occupation.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 25.95 per cent of the household members, 39.46 per cent were agricultural labourers, 3.78 per cent were in private service, 23.24 per cent of them were student, 1.62 per cent of them were housewife and 5.41 per cent were children.  The results show that 100 per cent of the households have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 17.14 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 54.29 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 28.57 per cent of them possess pucca house.  The results shows that 74.29 per cent of the households possess TV, 34.29 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 14.29 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 22.86 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 94.29 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results shows that the average value of television was Rs. 8,807, mixer grinder was Rs.2,000, motor cycle was Rs.30,875, mobile phone was Rs.1,673 and bicycle was Rs.2,000.  About 20 per cent of the households possess plough and 60 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.2642 and the average value of weeder Rs.50.  The results indicate that, 11.43 per cent of the households possess bullocks and 20 per cent of the households possess local cow. 2  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2, average own labour (women) available was 1.30, average hired labour (men) available was 13.52 and average hired labour (women) available was 12.71.  The results indicate that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate. About 100 per cent of the marginal farmers, 100 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium, 100 per cent of medium and large farmers have opined that hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Danakanadoddi-2 micro watershed possess 24.53 ha (56.03%) of dry land and 19.26 ha (43.97%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 4.72 ha (74.46%) of dry land and 1.62 ha (25.54%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 2.71 ha (53.60%) of dry land and 2.35 ha (46.40%) of irrigated land. Semi medium possess 12.95 ha (57.76%) of dry land and 9.47 ha (42.24%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.15 ha (41.64%) of dry land and 5.82 ha (58.36%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 358,561.53 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 477,595.63. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 847,341.34 for dry land and Rs. 1,482,000 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 368,656.71 for dry land and Rs. 596,206.89 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 231,562.50 for dry land and Rs. 411,666.67 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 192,592.59 for dry land and Rs. 257,649.51 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 15 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 42.86 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 63.66 meters.  The results indicate that, marginal farmers had irrigated area of 1.62 hectares, small farmers had 2.35 hectares, semi medium farmers had 9.47 hectares and medium farmers had 5.67 hectares.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown maize (32.45 ha), bajra (6.69 ha), paddy (2.02 ha), groundnut (1.05 ha) and cotton (0.81 ha).  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Danakanadoddi-2 micro watershed was found to be 80.39 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 99.68 per cent, for small farmers it was 88 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 84.71 per cent and medium farmers had a cropping intensity of 62.78 per cent.  The results indicate that, 40 per cent of the households possess bank account in the micro watershed. 3  The results indicate that, 45.45 per cent of marginal, 20 per cent of small, 54.55 per cent of semi medium and 66.67 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, 21.43 per cent have availed loan from commercial, 14.29 per cent have availed loan from cooperative banks and 64.29 per cent have availed loan from grameena bank.  The results indicate that, marginal, small, semi medium and medium have availed a credit of Rs.181,000, Rs.20,000, Rs. 210,833.33 and Rs.135,000 respectively.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production.  Results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan.  The results indicate that, around 7.14 per cent of the households opined that the rate of interest was higher in institutional sources and 92.86 per cent of the households opined that the loan helped them to perform timely agricultural operations.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 33796.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 32938.44. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. -858.06, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.97.  The total cost of cultivation for Bajra was Rs. 27226.73. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 25701.72. The net income from Bajra cultivation was Rs. -1525.01. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.94.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 108212.51. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 92625. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. -15587.51. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.86.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 64208.28. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 87978.31. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 23770.03. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.37.  The total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 65892.52. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49400. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. -16492.52, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.75.  The results indicate that, 14.29 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and another 14.29 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 37,400 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 46,518.18, for small farmers it was Rs. 41,600, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 87,581.82 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 155,000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 9,241.43. For landless households it was Rs. 9,900, for marginal farmers it was Rs 3,610.19, for 4 small farmers it was Rs. 7,640, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 9,609.50 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 30,111.11.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 30 coconut trees in their field and 1 coconut tree in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 70 neem trees and 29 teak trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 2,600 for land development, Rs. 885.71 for irrigation facility, Rs.1,914.29 for improved crop production, Rs.57.14 for improved livestock management and Rs.228.57 for orchard development/maintenance.  The results indicate that, loan from bank was the major source of investment for 17.14 per cent of households for land development, for 5.71 per cent of the households for irrigation facility, for 11.43 per cent for improved crop production and for 2.86 per cent for improved livestock management. Own funds were the source of additional investment for 11.43 per cent for land development, for 2.86 per cent for irrigation facility, for 11.43 per cent for improved crop production and for 2.86 per cent improved livestock management. Soft loan was the source of additional investment for 14.29 per cent for land development, 8.57 per cent for irrigation facility, for 20 per cent for improved crop production and for 5.71 per cent for orchard development/ maintenance.  The results indicated that, bajra was sold to the extent of 78.26 per cent, cotton was sold to the extent of 62.50 per cent, groundnut was sold to the extent of 62.50 per cent, maize was sold to the extent of 86.96 per cent and paddy was sold to the extent of 74.29 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 77.14 per cent of the households sold their produce to local/village, another 17.14 per cent have sold their produce in cooperative marketing society and 5.71 per cent have sold in regulated markets.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the farmers have used tractor as a mode of transport for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households are interested in soil testing.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 20 per cent of the households, bore well was the source of drinking water for 22.86 per cent of the households and lake/tank was the source of drinking water for 57.14 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 94.29 percent used fire wood, and 5.71 percent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel. 5  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 31.43 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 40 per cent of landless, 27.27 per cent of marginal, 40 per cent of small, 27.27 per cent of semi medium and 33.33 per cent of medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 51.43 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 100 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 2.86 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 5.71 per cent, fruits were adequate for 2.86 per cent, milk was adequate for 94.29 per cent, eggs were adequate for 97.14 per cent and meat was adequate for 11.43 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were inadequate for 68.57 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 40 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 48.57 per cent, milk were inadequate for 11.43 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 8.57 per cent and meat was inadequate for 22.86 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, vegetables were market surplus for 2.86 per cent, and fruits were market surplus for 5.71 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 65.71 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (62.86%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (71.43%), inadequacy of irrigation water (48.57%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (71.43%), high rate of interest on credit (48.57%), low price for the agricultural commodities (62.86%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (62.86%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (57.14%) and inadequate extension services (48.57%).