LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BHIMANAHALLI-1 (4D5B1N2a) MICROWATERSHED Sydhapura Hobli , Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Bhimanahalli-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 the 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 369 ha in Yadgir taluk & district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 866 mm, of which about 652 mm is received during south-west monsoon, 138 mm during north-east and the remaining 76 mm during the rest of the year. An area of 320 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 49 ha by others (habitation and water body). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 3 soil series and 3 soil phases (management units) and 2 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 1st week of June to 4th week of October.  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 26 major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  Entire area of the microwatershed has soils that are very deep (>150 cm).  Entire area in the microwatershed has clayey soils at the surface.  Entire area in the microwatershed is non gravelly (<15%).  Entire area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  Entire area in the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  Entire area in the microwatershed is moderately (e2) eroded.  An area of about 78 per cent soils are slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3-8.4) in soil reaction and about 9 per cent soils are strongly alkaline (8.4 - 9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the microwatershed is non saline (<2 dSm-1) in 80 per cent area, low (2-4 dSm-1) in 6 per cent and medium (4-8 dSm-1) in 1 per cent.  About 1 per cent of the soils are medium (0.5-0.75%) in organic carbon and 86 per cent high (>0.75).  About 31 per cent area is low in available phosphorus, 52 per area is medium (23-57 kg/ha) and 4 per cent is high (>57 kg/ha).  About <1 per cent is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in available potassium and 86 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha).  Available sulphur is medium (10 -20 ppm) in an area of about <1 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 87 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in an area of about 4 per cent, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in an area of 36 per cent and high (>1.0 ppm) in 47 per cent area.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 83 per cent area and deficient in 3 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in an area of 13 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 74 per cent area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 26 major crops grown in the microwatershed were 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 320(87) - Sapota - - Maize - 320(87) Pomegranate - 320(87) Bajra - 320(87) Musambi 78(21) 242(66) Groundnut - - Lime 78(21) 242(66) Sunflower 78(21) 242(66) Amla 242(66) 78(21) Redgram - 204(55) Cashew - - Bengal gram 320 (87) - Jackfruit - - Cotton 320(87) - Jamun - 320(87) Chilli - 320 (87) Custard apple 320(87) - Tomato 78(21) - Tamarind - 320(87) Drumstick - 320(87) Mulberry - - Mango - - Marigold - 320(87) Guava - - Chrysanthemum - 320(87)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 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 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. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel and generate lot of biomass which would help in maintaining an ecological balance and also contribute to mitigating the climate change. SILENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY  The results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Bhimanahalli-1 microwatershed among them 7 (20%) were marginal farmers, 9 (25.71%) were small farmers, 7 (20%) were semi medium farmers, 6 (17.14%) was medium farmers and 1 (2.86%) were large farmers. Apart from these 5 landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 95 (61.69%) men and 59 (38.31%) were women among the sampled households. The average family size of marginal farmers was 4, small farmer was 4, semi medium farmer was 4, medium farmers were 5, large farmers were 5 and for landless farmers it was 4.  The data indicated that 24 (15.58%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 46 (46.10%) were in 16-35 years of age, 50 (32.47 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 9 (5.84%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Bhimanahalli-1had 43.51 per cent illiterates, 16.88 per cent of them had primary school education, 7.79 per cent of them had middle school education, 15.58 per cent of them had high school education, 7.14 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.65 per cent of them had ITI and 3.90 per cent of them had degree education. The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 11.43 per cent of the household heads were general labours labourers and 5.71 per cent were in private services.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 61.04 per cent of the household members, 6.49 per cent were general labours, 1.30 per cent of them were in private sector, 17.53 per cent of them were students and 9.09 per cent were housewives. In case of landless households 55.56 per cent were agricultural general labour, 5.56 per cent were in private service and 22.22 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 89.66 per cent were agriculturist and 3.45 percent were in private sector, students and house wife respectively. In case of small farmers, 61.54 per cent of the household members were practicing agriculture and 12.82 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 70.97 per cent of the household members were practicing agriculture and 22.58 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers, 62.50 per cent of the household members were performing agriculture and 21.88 per cent of them were students. In case of large farmers 40 per cent of the household members were performing agriculture and 60 per cent of them were students.  The result showed that 1.95 per cent of them participated in self help groups and 98.05 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. Small farmers and semi medium farmers were found to have no participation in any local institutions. Small farmers and semi medium farmers were found to participate in one or the other local institutions. 2  The results indicated that 45.71 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 20 per cent of them possess Pucca house, 28.57 per cent of them possess Semi Pacca house and 5.71 per cent of them possess thatched house.  The results showed that 100 per cent of the households possess TV, 11.43 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 11.43 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 80 per cent of the households possess mobile phones and 2.86 per cent of the households possess refrigerator and car respectively.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs.9142, mixer grinder was Rs.2250, refrigerator Rs.9000, motor cycle was Rs.60750, Car Rs.400000 and mobile phone was Rs.2006.  Results showed 22.86 per cent of the households possess plough and bullock cart respectively, 2.86 per cent of them possess power tiller, 8.57 per cent of the households possess sprayer and tractor correspondingly and 5.71 per cent of the households possess weeder.  The results showed that the average value of plough was Rs.4625; the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 23625, the average value of power tiller Rs. 25000, the average value of tractor Rs. 800000, the average value of Sprayer Rs.4666 and the average value of weeder Rs. 75.  The results indicated that, 22.86 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 11.43 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.86 per cent of the households possess sheep and 8.57 per cent of the households possess poultry birds. In case of small farmers, 11.11 per cent of households possess bullock. In case of semi medium farmers, 28.57 per cent of the households possess bullock, 14.29 per cent possess both local cow and sheep and 28.57 per cent of the households possess poultry birds. In case of medium farmers 50 of the households possess bullocks, 16.67 of the households possess local cow and 16.67 of the households possess poultry birds.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.78, average own labour (women) available was 1.28, average hired labour (men) available was 12.69 and average hired labour (women) available was 13.50. In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men and women available was 1.86, average hired labour (men) was 6.43 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.57. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 1.89, average own labour (women) was 1.22, average hired labour (men) was 9.56 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.22. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.71, average own labour (women) was 1.29, average hired labour (men) was 19.29 and average hired labour (women) available was 20. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2.33, average own labour (women) was 1.17, average hired labour (men) was 15 and average hired labour (women) 3 available was 15.83. In large farmers average own labour men and women available was 1, average hired labour (men) and hired (women) was 50 respectively.  The results indicated that, 65.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate and 20 per cent of the farmers have opined that the hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicated that, 2 person was migrated from micro watershed that belonged to marginal farmer category. Total migration in the micro watershed was only 1.30 per cent.  The results indicated that, people have migrated on an average of 1200 Kms and average duration was 6 months. Marginal farmers have migrated 1200 kms and on an average for 6 months.  The results indicated that, job/work was the only reason for migration for all the migrants.  The results indicated that, households of the Bhimanahalli-1 micro-watershed possess 24.91 ha (49.53%) of dry land and 25.38 ha (50.47%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 4.46 ha (97.52 %) of dry land and 0.11 ha (2.48%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 11.70 ha (92.69%) of dry land and 0.92 ha (7.31 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 8.74 ha (62.85 %) of dry land and 5.17ha (37.15 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 13.92 ha (100%) of irrigated land and large farmer possess 5.26 ha (100 %) irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 367248.95 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 378061.23. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 537931.04 for dry land and Rs. 1764285.71 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 409958.51 for dry land Rs. 650000.01 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 222986.11 for dry land and Rs. 464213.00 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs.344751.38for irrigated land and in case of large farmers Rs. 304000 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 2 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed. The results indicated that, canal was the major irrigation source for 28.57 per cent of the farmers and bore well was the source for irrigation which was found to be 5.71 per cent.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 6.53 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 0.11 ha of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 0.92 ha of irrigated land, semi medium farmers were having 5.17 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 6.88 ha of irrigated land. 4  The results indicated that, farmers have grown cotton (11.65 ha), groundnut (1.62 ha), Paddy (19.57 ha), Red gram (5.71 ha) and Sorghum (4.57 ha) in kharif season. Farmers have grown 6.11 ha of cotton and 0.97 ha of sorghum in Rabi season.  Marginal farmers have grown cotton, paddy and sorghum. Small farmers have grown cotton, Paddy, Red gram and Sorghum. Similarly semi medium farmers have grown cotton, groundnut, paddy, redgram and sorghum. Medium farmers have grown cotton and paddy and large farmers grown only paddy.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Bhimanahalli-1 microwatershed was found to be 99.81 per cent. In case of Marginal farmers, small farmers, semi medium farmers and large farmers it was 100 per cent and in case of medium farmers it was 99.33 per cent.  The results indicated that, 31.43 per cent of the households have bank account and 11.43 per cent of savings. Among marginal farmers 42.86 percent of them possess bank account and 28.57 per cent of them possess savings. 33.33 per cent of small farmers possess bank account and 11.11 per cent of savings. Semi medium farmers possess 57.14 per cent of bank account and 14.29 per cent of savings accounts and large farmers possess 100 per cent of bank account.  The results indicated that, 20 per cent of landless, 14.29 per cent of marginal, 22.22 per cent of small, 14.29 per cent semi medium, 33 per cent of medium farmers and 100 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 18.18 per cent have availed loan in cooperative bank, 45.45 per cent have availed loan in Grameena bank and 9.09 per cent have availed loan in SHGs/CBOs.  The results indicated that, landless, marginal, small, semi medium, medium and large have availed Rs.100000, Rs. 300000, Rs.50000, Rs.53333.33, Rs.100000 and Rs. 200000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 123636.36.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  The results indicated that, 100 percent of loan was taken from private credit was for construction-house, construction-cattle shed.  Results indicated that 28.57 per cent of the households have partially paid their institutional loan and 71.43 per cent of the households have unpaid their institutional loan.  Results indicated that 100 percent of the households have unpaid their private credit loan.  Results indicated that 28.57 per cent of the farmers opined that the credit, which was taken from various institutes was helped them to perform timely agricultural 5 operations and also opined that institutes, they were forced to sell the produce at low price to repay loan in time respectively.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 122743.07. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 135947.83. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 13204.76. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.11.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 26995.54. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46808.77. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. 19813.23. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.73.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 69047.79. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 62367.50. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. -6680.29. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.9.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 16037.01. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41055.29. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. 25018.28. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.56.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 35099.26. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 69232.72. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 34133.46. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.97.  The results indicated that, 17.14 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder and green fodder was adequate respectively.  The results indicated that the average income from wage Rs.51714.29, agriculture Rs. 110028.57, non farm income Rs. 42.86 and goat farming was Rs. 1428.57.  The results indicated that the average expenditure from wage was Rs. 8171.43 and agriculture was Rs. 25728.57. On an average the expenditure was found Rs.5434.57.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 3 coconut trees and 3 Mango trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have planted 2 Eucalyptus, 109 Neem tree and 4 Banyan tree in the field.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs.3285.17 for land development. Small farmers have an average investment capacity of Rs.1111.11 for land development. Semi medium households have an average investment capacity Rs.15000 for land development.  The results indicated that for 8.57 per cent of the households were dependent on loan from bank for land development. 6  The results indicated that, cotton, Groundnut, Red Gram, and sorghum were sold to the extent of 100 per cent and Paddy was sold to the extent of 82.93 per cent.  The results indicated that, 28.57 percent of the households have sold their produce to agents/ traders, 54.29 percent of the households sold their produce in local/village merchant and 2.86 per cent of the households sold their produce to regulated market.  The results indicated that 11.43 per cent of the households have used cart as a mode of transport and 74.29 per cent have used tractor.  The results indicated that, 11.43 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 22.22 percent of small farmers, 14.29 percent semi medium farmers and 16.67 per cent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing i.e. 100 per cent of marginal farmers, small farmers, semi medium farmers and medium farmers have showed interest in soil testing respectively.  The results indicated that, 8.57 per cent of the households have adopted field bunding, i.e. 28.57 per cent of marginal farmers, 14.29 per cent of semi medium farmers have adopted field bunding.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households who adopted field bunding opined that bunds are good.  The results indicated that 8.57 per cent of the soil conservation structures are constructed by their own.  The results indicated that, 94.29 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel and 11.43 percent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source for drinking water for 85.71 per cent of the households, 8.57 per cent of the households were using bore well and 5.71 per cent of the households were using lake/tank as a source of drinking water.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light which was found to be 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, 54.29 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 80 per cent of landless, 28.57 per cent of marginal, 66.67 per cent of small, 28.57 per cent of semi medium, 66.67 per cent of medium and 100 per cent of the large farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 91.43 per cent of the sampled household’s possessed BPL card, 5.71 per cent of the sampled household’s possessed APL card and 2.86 per cent of the sampled households not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 82.86 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 80 per cent of the landless, 71.43 percent of the marginal, 88.89 per cent of the small, 71.43 per cent of the semi medium, 100 percent of the medium farmers and 100 per cent of large farmers. 7  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, milk, and meat were adequate for 97.14 per cent, 80 per cent, 71.43 per cent, 57.14 per cent, 94.29 per cent and 97.14 per cent of the households respectively. Fruits and eggs were adequate for 100 per cent of the households correspondingly.  The results indicated that, cereals were inadequate for 2.86, pulses were inadequate for 20 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 28.57 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 2.86 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 42.86 per cent, milk was inadequate 5.71 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 2.86 per cent and meat was inadequate for 5.71 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 91.43 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (80%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (62.86%), inadequacy of irrigation water (57.14%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (80%), high rate of interest on credit (82.86%), low price for the agricultural commodities (88.57%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (85.71%), inadequate extension services (40%) and lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (77.14%).