LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT VADEGENHALU (4D3A1U2a) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Vadagenhalu 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 546 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 95 per cent is covered by soil, 4 per cent by water bodies, settlements and others and <less than one per cent by railways. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 19 soil series and 32 soil phases (management units) and 7 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 320 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 2 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 24 per cent is moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 33 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 37 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 6 per cent is loamy (sandy loam) and 90 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 51 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 45 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and <1 per cent very gravelly (35-60 %) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 6 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 26 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 38 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 26 per cent area has high to very high (151->200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 11 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 86 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 51 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 46 per cent is moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about 6 per cent has neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3) soils, 9 per cent slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), 44 per cent moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4) and 37 per cent strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to 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 entire area of the microwatershed.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in 50 per cent and medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 46 per cent of the soils.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 69 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 28 per cent of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 30 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 16 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 51 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 16 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0) in 80 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient in 52 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 44 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 62 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 34 per cent of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  The land suitability for 28 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 199(36) 319 (58) Pomegranate 96(18) 288(53) Maize 61 (11) 457 (83) Guava 96(18) 54(10) Bajra 143(26) 375(68) Jackfruit 96(18) 54(10) Redgram 96(18) 196 (36) Jamun 35(6) 222(41) Bengal gram 83(15) 434(82) Musambi 151(28) 232(43) Groundnut 14(2) 190 (35) Lime 151(28) 232(43) Sunflower 144 (26) 240 (44) Cashew 58(11) 89(16) Cotton 118(22) 400(73) Custard apple 241(44) 277(51) Chilli 98(18) 165(30) Amla 150(27) 368 (67) Tomato 98(18) 165(30) Tamarind 35(6) 168(31) Drumstick 96(18) 287(53) Marigold 61(11) 457(83) Mulberry 61(11) 335(61) Chrysanthemum 61(11) 457 (83) Mango 35(6) 76(14) Jasmine 61(11) 222(41) Sapota 96(18) 54(10) Crossandra 96(18) 288(53)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 7 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 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 99 (51.03 %) men and 95 (48.97 %) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers’ was 3.8, marginal farmers’ was 5.45, small farmers’ was 5.9, semi medium farmers’ was 6.33 and medium farmers’ was 6.  The data indicated that, 44 (22.68 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 84 (43.30 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 46 (23.71 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 20 (10.31 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Vadagenhalu had 29.38 per cent illiterates, 36.60 per cent of them had primary school education, 6.70 per cent of them had middle school education, 10.31 per cent of them had high school education, 8.76 per cent of them had PUC education, 2.06 per cent had diploma education, 1.03 per cent of them did ITI, 3.61 per cent of them had degree level education.  The results indicate that, 79.41 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture and 20.59 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 38.66 per cent of the household members, 30.41 per cent were agricultural laborers, 1.03 per cent were General Labour, 1.30 per cent were in private service, 23.20 per cent were students, 1.03 per cent were housewives and 2.58 per cent were children.  The results show that, per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 88.24 per cent of the households possess katcha house, 8.82 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house and 2.94 per cent of the households possess semi pacca and thatched house.  The results show that 82.35 per cent of the households possess TV and mobile phones, 64.71 per cent of them possess mixer/grinder, 35.29 per cent of them possess bicycle, 2.94 per cent of them possess radio and auto and 32.35 per cent of them possess motor cycle .  The results show that the average value of radio was Rs. 1,000, television was Rs. 4,375, mixer grinder was Rs. 1,226, bicycle was 646, motor cycle was Rs. 42,272, auto was 50,000 and mobile phone was Rs. 1,738.  About 17.65 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 11.76 per cent of them possess plough, 5.88 per cent of them possess seed/fertilizer drill, 17.65 per cent of them possess sprayer, 8.82 per cent of them possess tractor, 38.24 per cent of them possess weeder, 2.94 per cent of them possess harvester and 20.59 per cent of them possess thresher. 2  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 34,666, plough was Rs. 3,200, seed/ fertilizer drill was Rs. 6,000, tractor was Rs. 533,333, sprayer was Rs. 2,333, Harvester was Rs. 2,000, weeder was Rs. 61and thresher was Rs. 111.  The results indicate that, 20.59 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 29.41 per cent of the households possess local cow, 8.82 per cent of the households possess Buffalo and 5.88 per cent possess crossbreed cow.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.77, average own labour (women) available was 1.65, average hired labour (men) available was 9.55 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.45.  The results indicate that 47.06 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate and 44.12 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Vadagenhalu micro-watershed possess 33.89 ha (85.54 %) of dry land and 5.73 ha (14.46 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 5.34 ha (100 %) of dry land. Small farmers possess 13.42 ha (88.38 %) of dry land and 1.76 ha (11.62 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 9.05 ha (69.54%) of dry land and 3.97 (30.46%) for irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 6.07 ha (100%) dry land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 281,700 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 593,079. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 561,363.62 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 297,895.44 for dry land and Rs. 963,073.39 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 264,997.77 for dry land and Rs. 428,469.39 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 24,700.00 for dry land.  The results indicate that, there were 8 functioning and 6 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 23.53 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 18.83 meters.  The results indicate that small and semi medium farmers had an irrigated area of 3.38 ha and 3.97 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown maize (12.63 ha), cotton (1.62 ha), bajra (5.06 ha), sorghum (1.86 ha), groundnut (3.64 ha), green gram (2.56 ha), Bengal gram (0.4 ha), Onion (3.16 ha) and Sugarcane (0.51ha). Marginal farmers had grown maize, bajra, jowar, and green gram. Small farmers had maize, groundnut, Sugarcane, bajra, sorghum and green gram. Semi medium farmers had grown maize, groundnut, Sugarcane, bajra, onion, Bengal gram and Cotton. Medium farmers had grown Green gram and cotton. 3  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Vadagenhalu micro-watershed was found to be 53.72 per cent.  The results indicate that, 67.65 per cent of the households have bank account and 38.24 per cent of the households have savings.  The results indicate that, 70.59 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 41450. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 40733. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. -716.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.98.  The total cost of cultivation for Bengal gram was Rs. 87089.32. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55575. The net income from Bengal gram cultivation was Rs. -31514. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.64.  The total cost of cultivation for Bajra was Rs. 67802.49. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 34343.29. The net income from Bajra cultivation was Rs. - 33459.20. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.51.  The total cost of cultivation for Onion was Rs. 30630.91. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 59584.69. The net income from Onion cultivation was Rs. 28953.78. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.95.  The total cost of cultivation for Sugarcane was Rs. 71945.74. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 245039.68. The net income from Sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 173093.94. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 3.41.  The total cost of cultivation for Sorghum was Rs. 43867.63. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 32802.10. The net income from Sorghum cultivation was Rs. -11065.53. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.75.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 58160.87. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 94683.33. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 36522.46. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.63.  The total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 43882.38. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 44151.25. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 268.87. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.01.  The total cost of cultivation for Green gram was Rs. 91960.79. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 82832.51. The net income from Green gram cultivation was Rs. -9128.27. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.9.  The results indicate that, 23.53 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 11.76 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate of the households.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 34,600 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 50,906.00, for small farmers it was Rs. 109,850.83, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 81,025 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 80,000. 4  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 9,018.95. For landless households it was Rs. 2,600, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 2,697.78, for small farmers it was Rs. 13,000, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 15,111.11 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 20,000.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 38 coconut trees and 1 mango trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have planted 8 tamarind and banyan and 73 neem trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 2,411.76 for land development, Rs. 470.59 for Irrigation facility, Rs.794.12 for improved crop production and Rs. 132.35 for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 28.57 per cent for land development, 11.43 per cent for Irrigation facility, 14.29 per cent for improved crop production, for 5.71 per cent for improved livestock management and for 2.86 per cent for subsidiary enterprises.  The results indicated that, bajra was sold to the extent of 75.81 per cent, Bengal gram was sold to the extent of 60 per cent, cotton and sugarcane was sold to the extent of 100 per cent, green gram was sold to the extent of 52.38 per cent, sorghum was sold to the extent of 58.33 per cent, onion was sold to the extent of 98.95 per cent, maize was sold to the extent of 96.88 per cent and Groundnut was sold to the extent of 72.22 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 47.06 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants, 55.88 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to regulated market and 5.88 per cent of them sold their produce to agents/traders.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 79.41 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 67.65 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 97.06 per cent of the households used firewood and 2.94 per cent of the households used kerosene and LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 52.94 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 47.06 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, 47.06 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 97.06 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 2.94 per cent of the households possessed APL. 5  The results indicated that, 55.88 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 94.12 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 50 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 38.24 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 55.88 per cent, Milk was adequate for 47.06 per cent, fruits were adequate for 17.65 per cent, egg were adequate for 17.65 and meat were adequate for 11.76 per cent.  The results indicated that, Cereals were inadequate for 5.88 per cent, pulses were inadequate for 50.00 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 61.76 per cent and vegetables were inadequate for 44.12 per cent, Fruits were inadequate for 76.47 per cent, Milk were inadequate for 35.29 per cent, Egg were inadequate for 73.53 per cent and Meat were inadequate for 38.24 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 73.53 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (67.65 %), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (55.88%), inadequacy of irrigation water (8.82%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (67.65 %), high rate of interest on credit (32.35 %), lack of marketing facilities in the area (44.12 %), low price for the agricultural commodities (47.06 %), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (52.94 %), less rainfall (44.12 %) and Source of Agri-technology information (14.71 %).