LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT HATTI-1 (4D4A1S2c) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Hatti-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 387 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 88 per cent is covered by soil, two per cent by rock out crops and 10 per cent by water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 10 soil series and 23 soil phases (management units) and 2 land 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 28 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 36 per cent is moderately deep (75- 100 cm), 52 per cent is deep (100-150cm) and < 1 per cent is very deep soils (>150 cm).  About 23 per cent is sandy at the surface, 33 per cent is loamy and 32 per cent has clayey soils at the surface.  About 88 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils and <1 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 29 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 40 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 6 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m) and 12 per cent area has very high (>200mm/m).  An area of about 11 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) lands and 77 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 26 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 62 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 7 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 53 per cent has neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3) soils, 11 per cent slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), 5 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4) ,7 per cent strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to 9.0) and 4 per cent soils very strongly alkaline (pH>9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dsm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in 50 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 38 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in 10 per cent, medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 44 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 34 per cent of the soils.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 69 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 19 per cent of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 60 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 17 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 11 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in entire area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient in 13 per cent of the area and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 75 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in entire the area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  The land suitability for 28 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 54 (14) 55(14) Pomegranate 35(9) 151(39) Maize 36(9) 73(19) Guava - 114(29) Bajra 36(9) 150(39) Jackfruit 35(9) 79(20) Redgram 35(9) 50 (13) Jamun 35(9) 126(32) Bengal gram 18(5) 91 (24) Musambi 53 (14) 133 (34) Groundnut - 231(60) Lime 53 (14) 133 (34) Sunflower 53(14) 56 (15) Cashew 1(<1) 149(39) Cotton 53 (14) 56(15) Custard apple 54(14) 287(74) Chilli 36(9) 1(<1) Amla 36(9) 305 (79) Tomato 36(9) 1(<1) Tamarind 35(9) 49(13) Drumstick 35(9) 192 (50) Marigold 35(9) 74(19) Mulbery 35(9) 306(79) Chrysanthemum 35(9) 74(19) Mango 35(9) 31(8) Jasmine 35(9) 2(<1) Sapota 35(9) 79(20) Crossandra 35(9) 26(7) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 2 identified 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 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. 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 126 (55.75%) men and 100 (44.25%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.8, marginal farmers’ was 8, small farmers’ was 6.75, semi medium farmers’ was 5.9 and medium farmers’ was 6.4.  The data indicated that, 46 (20.35%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 108 (47.79%) were in 16-35 years of age, 54 (23.89%) were in 36-60 years of age and 18 (7.96%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Hatti-1 had 40.27 per cent illiterates, 0.44 per cent functional literate and masters, 27.43 per cent of them had primary school education, 3.54 per cent of them had middle school education, 12.39 per cent of them had high school education, 4.42 per cent of them had PUC education and 4.87 per cent had diploma education.  The results indicate that, 58.33 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 33.33 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture labour and 2.78 per cent of the household heads were private service.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 31.86 per cent of the household members, 34.51 per cent were agricultural labourers, 0.44 per cent were in government service, 2.21 per cent were in private service, 19.47 per cent were in students, 3.98 per cent were housewives and 4.42 per cent were in children.  The results show that, 100 per cent of of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 2.78 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 61.11 per cent of the households possess katcha house, 19.44 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house and 16.67 per cent of them possess semi pacca house.  The results show that 86.11 per cent of the households possess TV, 75 per cent of them possess mixer/grinder player, 5.56 per cent of them possess bicycle, 41.67 per cent o f the households possess motor cycle, 8.33 per cent of the households possess landline phone and 86.11 per cent of them possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 8,193, mixer grinder was Rs. 2,100, bicycle was 1,750, motor cycle was Rs. 44,722, landline was 4,000 and mobile phone was Rs. 2,769.  About 16.67 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 11.11 per cent of them possess plough, 2.78 per cent of them possess seed/fertilizer drill ,transplanter/grinder and tractor, 5.56 per cent of them possess irrigation pump 2 and harvester, 22.22 per cent of them possess sprayer, 13.89 per cent of them possess sprinkler and 66.67 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 20,333, plough was Rs. 1,770, seed/ fertilizer drill was Rs. 3,000, transplanter/grinder was Rs. 5,000, irrigation pump was Rs. 10,000, tractor was Rs. 600,000, sprayer was Rs. 1,800, sprinkler was Rs. 3,500, weeder was Rs.57, and the average value of harvester was Rs. 80.  The results indicate that, 38.89 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 44.44 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.78 per cent possess crossbreed cow and buffalo, 11.11 per cent possess sheep, 5.56 per cent possess goat and 8.33 per cent possess poultry birds.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.59, average own labour (women) available was 1.30, average hired labour (men) available was 12.15 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.52. The results indicate that, 72.22 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Hatti-1 micro-watershed possess 26.24 ha (48.12%) of dry land and 28.29 ha (51.88%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 2.92 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 7.49 ha (11.78%) of dry land and 2.31 ha (23.55%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 11.78 ha (56.18%) of dry land and 9.19 ha (43.82%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 4.05 ha (19.42%) of dry land and 16.79 ha (80.58%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 327,656.95 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 438,168.81. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 685,159.50 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 387,189.19 for dry land and Rs. 866,666.66 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 254,464.29 for dry land and Rs. 413,298.11 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 172,900 for dry land and Rs. 392,913.96 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 41.67 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 50.65 meters.  The results indicate that small, semi medium and medium farmers had an irrigated area of 2.31 ha, 9.19 ha and 16.36 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown bajra (10.95 ha), groundnut (7.53 ha), lemon (0.51ha), maize (34.26 ha), sunflower (9.72 ha), sorghum (10.16 ha), 3 green gram (4.53 ha), Bengal gram (3.03 ha) and sajje (6.17 ha). Marginal farmers have grown bajra and maize. Small farmers have grown bajra, maize and sajje. Semi medium farmers have grown bajra, lemon, maize, sajje and groundnut. Medium farmers have grown bajra, groundnut, maize, sajje and maize.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Hatti-1 micro-watershed was found to be 79.37 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 27094.51. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 22929.65. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -4164.85. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.85.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 53213.11. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 67512.18. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 14299.07. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.27.  The total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 34426.29. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 42187.75. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 7761.46. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.23.  The total cost of cultivation for lime was Rs. 56737.36. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 291732.29. The net income from lime cultivation was Rs. 234994.93. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:5.14.  The results indicate that, 50 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder and green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 27,400 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 61,250, for small farmers it was Rs. 91,062.50, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 106,825 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 228,857.14.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 12,642.66. For landless households it was Rs. 3,320, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 10,375, for small farmers it was Rs. 23,218.75, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 5,250 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 21,183.67.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 37 coconut, 261 lemon and 7 mango trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 2 eucalyptus and acacia, 108 neem, 3 tamarind and banyan trees in their field.  The results indicated that, bajra was sold to the extent of 128.14 per cent, ground nut was sold to the extent of 98.59 per cent, lime was sold to the extent of 100 per cent and maize was sold to the extent of 102.25 per cent.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 1,500 for land development, Rs. 1,166.67 for irrigation facility, Rs. 944.44 for improved crop production, Rs.222.22 for improved livestock management and Rs.83.33 for orchard development/ maintenance. 4  The results indicated that loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 11.11 per cent for land development and improved crop production, 8.33 per cent for irrigation facility and 5.56 per cent for improved livestock management. Soft loan was the source of additional investment for 2.78 per cent of the households for land development, improved crop production and orchard development/ maintenance and 5.56 per cent for irrigation facility.  The results indicated that, about 44.44 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to agent/traders. 58.33 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchant and 16.67 per cent of them sold their produce through regulated market.  The results indicated that, 2.78 per cent of the households used head load, 25 per cent of the households used cart and 91.67 per cent of them used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 8.57 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 25 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 77.78 per cent of the households used firewood and 22.22 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 58.33 per cent of the households; bore well was the source of drinking water for 36.11 per cent of the households and 2.78 per cent of the households used lake/tank in micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 47.22 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 41.67 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 72.22 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 25 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 41.67 per cent, milk and egg was adequate for 75 per cent and meat was adequate for 61.11 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 27.78 per cent of the households, oilseeds were inadequate for 58.33 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 55.56 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 63.89 per cent, milk and egg was inadequate for 25 per cent and meat were inadequate for 33.33 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were market surplus for 11.11 per cent of the households. 5  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 27.78 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (50%),frequent incidence of pest and diseases (36.11%), inadequacy of irrigation water (33.33%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (36.11%), high rate of interest on credit and lack of marketing facilities in the area (41.67%), low price for the agricultural commodities (22.22%),inadequate extension services (5.56%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (16.67%), less rainfall (58.33%) and source of Agritechnology information (25%) .