LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT TATALGERI-2 (4D5B6A1c) MICROWATERSHED Gurumitkal Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Tatalageri-2 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 573 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 444 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, 103 ha by forest and about 27 ha by others (habitation and water bodies). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 13 soil phases (management units) and 6 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 29 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.  About 62 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are deep to very deep (100 - >150 cm) and 16 per cent soils are shallow to moderately shallow (25-75 cm).  About 11 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 66 per cent clayey soils.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed has non gravelly (<15%) soils.  About 49 per cent area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, 23 per cent area low (51-100 mm/m) and 5 per cent area very low (<50 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of 73 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands and 5 per cent nearly level (0-1% slope) lands of the microwatershed.  An area of about 5 per cent is slightly (e1) eroded, 72 per cent is moderately (e2) eroded and <1 per cent area is severely (e3) eroded.  An entire cultivated area of microwatershed has soils which are slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3-8.4) in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1indicating that the soils are non-saline.  An area of about 44 per cent of the microwatershed is medium (0.50-0.75%) and 34 per cent is low (<0.50%) in organic carbon content.  About 2 per cent area is low (<23kg/ha) and 75 per area is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  About an area of 64 per cent medium (145-337 kg/ha) and 13 per cent is high (>337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in entire cultivated area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 61 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 17 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 34 per cent and deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 44 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 29 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 269(47) 74(13) Guava - - Maize - 344(60) Sapota - - Bajra - 343(60) Pomegranate - 282(49) Groundnut - 60(10) Musambi 178(31) 104(18) Sunflower 165(29) 116(20) Lime 178(31) 104(18) Redgram - 281(49) Amla - 344(60) Bengal gram 282(49) 62(11) Cashew - - Cotton 176(31) 168(29) Jackfruit - - Chilli - 333(58) Jamun - 282(49) Tomato - 229(40) Custard apple 282(49) 62(11) Brinjal 109(19) 234(41) Tamarind - 282(49) Onion 104(18) 64(11) Mulberry - - Bhendi 111(19) 232(41) Marigold - 344(60) Drumstick - 282(49) Chrysanthemum - 344(60) Mango - 5(1)  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 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 sub marginal 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. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 107 (57.84%) men and 78 (42.16%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 4.3, marginal farmers’ was 4.9, small farmers’ was 6.5, semi medium farmers’ was 5.8 and medium farmers’ was 5.  The data indicated that, 23 (12.43%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 86 (46.49%) were in 16-35 years of age, 55 (29.73%) were in 36-60 years of age and 21 (11.35%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Tatalageri-2 had 64.32 per cent illiterates, 12.43 per cent of them had primary school education, 4.32 per cent of them had middle school education, 10.27 per cent of them had high school education, 3.78 per cent of them had PUC and degree, education and 0.54per cent of them had ITI and masters education.  The results indicate that, 88.24 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 5.88 per cent of the household heads were general laborers and 2.94 per cent were retired and housewives.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 62.16 per cent of the household members, 6.49 per cent were general laborers, 1.62 per cent were government service, 5.41 per cent were private service,0.54 per cent were trade and business and retired, 16.22 per cent were students and 7.03 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 8.82 per cent of the households possess Thatched house, 55.88 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 35.29 per cent of them possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 85.29 per cent of the households possess TV, 20.59 per cent of the households possess mixer/grinder, 11.76 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 35.29 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.94 per cent of the households possess tempo and 100 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs. 4,948, mixer/grinder was Rs.680, bicycle was Rs. 1,125, motor cycle was Rs. 51,833, tempo was Rs.150,000 and mobile phone was Rs.2,078.  About 8.82 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 44.12 per cent of them possess plough, 26.47 per cent possess seed/fertilizer drill, 8.82 per cent of them possess tractor, 35.29 per cent of them possess sprayer, 38.24 per cent of them possess weeder and 11.43 per cent of them possess chaff cutter.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 13,666, plough was Rs.2,710, seed/fertilizer drill was Rs.2,966, tractor was Rs. 600,000, sprayer was Rs. 2,691, weeder was Rs.37 and the average value of chaff cutter was was Rs.3,000. 2  The results indicate that, 44.12 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 35.29 per cent of the households possess local cow, 17.65 per cent of the households possess buffalo, 2.95 per cent of the possess sheep, 11.76 per cent of them possess goat and 14.71 per cent of the households possess goat.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.97, average own labour (women) available was 1.81, average hired labour (men) available was 9.03 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.47.  The results indicate that, 94.12 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Tatalageri-2 micro-watershed possess 21.42 ha (64.69%) of dry land and 11.69 ha (35.31%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 11.06 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 7.12 ha (75.85%) of dry land and 2.27 ha (24.15%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 3.24 ha (33.09%) of dry land and 6.55 ha (66.91%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 2.87 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 546,088.44 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 641,447.37. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 736,571.53 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 400,198.98 for dry land and Rs. 1,058,571.42 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 216,125 for dry land and the average land value was Rs 656,427.69 of irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 278,309.86 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 6 functioning bore well in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, there were 1 functioning bore well in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, 17.65 per cent bore well and 2.94 per cent open well was the major irrigation source in the micro watershed for per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 10.53 meters and depth of the open well was found to be 0.27 meters.  The results indicate that small and semi-medium farmers had an irrigated area of 2.27 ha and 5.34 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown red gram (9.75 ha), sorghum (9.57 ha), paddy (6.65 ha), cotton (5.1 ha) and green gram (0.87 ha). Marginal farmers have grown red gram, cotton, green gram, sunflower and sorghum. Small farmers possess red gram, green gram, paddy, cotton and sorghum. Semi medium farmers have grown red gram, sorghum, cotton and paddy. Medium farmers have grown only paddy.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Tatalageri-2 micro-watershed was found to be 68.21 per cent.  The results indicate that, 67.65 per cent of the households have bank account.  The results indicate that, 67.65 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources. 3  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for red gram was Rs. 31131.18. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49674.77. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 18543.59. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.6.  The total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 36909.86. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 52794.64. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. 15884.78. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.43.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 37360.96. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 74998.63. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 37637.67. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.01.  The total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 27263.75. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 26815.79. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. - 447.95. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.98.  The total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 41351.67. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 76165.91. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 34814.24. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.84.  The total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 29326.58. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 28393.46. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. -933.13. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.97.  The results indicate that, 50 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 2.94 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 151,666.67 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 108,076.25, for small farmers it was Rs. 151,942.50, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 206,950 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 330,000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 18,020.50. For landless households it was Rs. 42,777.78, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 4,861.15, for small farmers it was Rs. 19,625, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 14,930.72 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 160,001.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 13 mango and 1 coconut trees in their field and 1 coconut tree in their backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 55 neem and 3 tamarind trees in their field and 2 teak trees in their backyard.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 1,147.06 for land development, Rs.1,264.71 for irrigation facility, Rs. 294.12 for improved crop production, Rs.117.65 for improved livestock management and Rs.58.82 for subsidiary enterprises.  The results indicated that government subsidy was the source of additional investment for 2.95 per cent for land development and irrigation facility. Loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 14.71 per cent for land development, 2.94 per cent for irrigation facility, improved livestock management and subsidiary enterprises and 8.82 per cent for improved crop production. Own funds was the source of additional 4 investment for 2.94 per cent for improved crop production. Soft loan was the source of additional investment for 2.94 per cent of the households for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, cotton was sold to the extent of 92.78 per cent, green gram was sold to the extent of 88.46 per cent, paddy was sold to the extent of 94.93 per cent, red gram to the extent of 92.11 per cent, sorghum to the extent of 25 per cent and sunflower to the extent of 100 per cent. The results indicated that, about 88.24 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants and 14.71 per cent of them sold in regulated markets.  The results indicated that, 5.88 per cent of the households have used cart and 94.12 per cent have used tractor as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 94.12 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 91.18 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 79.41 per cent of the households used firewood and 23.53 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 100 per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 61.76 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, 85.29 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals and pulses were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, oilseeds were adequate for 23.53 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 76.47 per cent, milk was adequate for 91.18 per cent and eggs were adequate for 14.71 per cent.  The results indicated that oilseeds were inadequate for 76.47 per cent of the households, vegetables were inadequate for 20.59 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 100 per cent, milk was inadequate for 8.82 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 85.29 per cent and meat was inadequate for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 94.12 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field and frequent incidence of pest and diseases (91.18%), inadequacy of irrigation water (8.82%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals and high rate of interest on credit (88.24%), low price for the agricultural commodities (82.35%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (91.18%) and lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (35.29%).